Hypnosis is a natural, noninvasive therapy option that helps children manage physical and emotional issues. In a safe and supportive environment, children learn to harness the power of their minds to experience relief from symptoms and improve their well-being.
Ran D. Anbar, MD, FAAP, and the Center Point Medicine team in La Jolla, California, and Syracuse, New York, provide hypnosis therapy for children, adolescents, and young adults.
Hypnosis uses guided relaxation, intense concentration, and focused attention to achieve heightened awareness. Once in this state, children become more receptive to positive suggestions. Hypnosis can help overcome anxiety, stress, chronic pain, and behavioral problems. Children benefit from hypnosis techniques that are different from those used with adults. That’s why it’s important for them to work with therapists who specialize in working with children.
Dr. Anbar begins by guiding your child to focus their attention and then deepens that focus by describing a multisensory experience. When children achieve a state of intense focus, they become more receptive to suggestions and can train their brains to develop new pathways for learning new skills.
When your child is relaxed, we offer suggestions tailored to their specific needs and goals, setting positive expectations for the future. For instance, Dr. Anbar might help your child visualize successfully falling asleep independently, confronting a fear, or controlling anger.
This process rewires your child’s brain, enabling it to figure out how to achieve these goals.
While it often takes weeks or months of hypnotherapy sessions to enhance emotional and sensory regulation, sometimes, just a few sessions can make a significant difference.
For example, a child preparing for a potentially painful medical procedure can learn to reduce sensations in the affected area in a single session. Learning to respond differently to anxiety-inducing situations may require several sessions.
As children practice their new skills at home, they become more adept at managing their emotions and sensory experiences and apply these new skills to real-world situations.
The best part is that once your child masters these new skills through hypnosis, they can continue to use them wherever they go.
Many children and their parents seek hypnosis treatment for fears, insecurities, phobias, and anxieties. Hypnosis promotes relaxation, calmness, and a sense of safety. In this state, children can confront their fears in a secure environment and explore new ways of coping.
One of the primary benefits of pediatric hypnosis is its ability to alleviate anxiety and stress. Children today face numerous pressures, from academic performance to social interactions. Hypnosis provides them with tools to manage these stressors effectively.
Through visualization and relaxation techniques, children learn to calm their minds, reduce anxiety, and improve their overall mental health.
Chronic pain can significantly impact a child’s quality of life. Pediatric hypnosis is effective in reducing pain perception and improving coping strategies. By teaching children to focus on positive imagery and relaxation, hypnosis helps diminish the intensity of pain and provides a sense of control over their condition.
Sleep issues are common among children and can lead to various health problems if not addressed. Hypnosis can be an effective solution for improving sleep patterns. Hypnosis helps children fall asleep faster and enjoy more restful sleep by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. Better sleep contributes to improved mood, behavior, and overall health.
Hypnosis can also be beneficial in addressing behavioral issues such as bedwetting, thumb-sucking, and nail-biting. These behaviors often stem from underlying stress or anxiety. Hypnosis helps children understand and address the root causes of these behaviors, promoting healthier habits and self-esteem.
If your child struggles in school, hypnosis offers an escape from the frustration. It teaches kids to clarify their thoughts, prioritize tasks, and stay on target. Academic struggles often begin in the mind rather than the lesson plan.
Hypnosis tackles the root cause of distraction by teaching children mindfulness techniques and imaginative visualization. It also shows young learners how to zero in on their goals and celebrate real achievements.
Low self-esteem and lack of confidence can hinder a child's development and social interactions.
Through hypnosis, kids rediscover their talents and accomplishments, opening the door to a fresh perspective: they start believing in themselves. When children's self-assurance grows, they’re more likely to take risks, bounce back from setbacks, and form genuine connections with those around them.
Pediatric hypnosis can be used alongside traditional medical treatments to enhance their effectiveness. No matter what the condition — whether it's managing asthma, healing gut issues, or recuperating from cancer treatment — this tool rallies to provide adaptable support.
Instead of just tackling symptoms, Dr. Anbar and the team use hypnosis to help kids overcome obstacles and regain their health.
As a complementary therapy, hypnosis can enhance traditional treatments and improve a child's overall well-being. Learn more by calling the office or scheduling an appointment online today.
