Can You Do Hypnotherapy on a Child?
- Maddy Shine
- Oct 9
- 3 min read
It’s a question many parents ask when their child is struggling with anxiety, sleep, or confidence: Can you do hypnotherapy on a child? The answer is yes. With the right approach and a qualified, experienced hypnotherapist for children, hypnotherapy can be a gentle, effective way to help children manage emotions, build confidence, and develop lasting coping tools.
As a clinical hypnotherapist based in Solihull and London, I’ve supported hundreds of children and teenagers - both in person and through personalised recordings - to feel calmer, more confident, and more in control of their thoughts and emotions.
How does hypnotherapy work for children?
Children are often more open and imaginative than adults, which makes them naturally receptive to hypnotherapy. Sessions or recordings use guided relaxation, stories, and gentle suggestions to help children access their subconscious minds in a safe, positive way.
Rather than being “put under hypnosis” as some imagine, your child stays fully aware, relaxed, and in control at all times. Together, we use imagination and storytelling to explore emotions, reduce anxiety, and build resilience.
What can child hypnotherapy help with?
Child hypnotherapy can support a wide range of emotional and behavioural challenges, including:
Low self-esteem and confidence
Fears, phobias, or separation anxiety
Habit-breaking (such as nail-biting or thumb-sucking)
You can explore more about these topics in related posts such as Exam Anxiety: How Hypnotherapy Helps Children Stay Calm.
Is hypnotherapy safe for children?
Absolutely. Hypnotherapy for children is completely safe when delivered by a qualified clinical hypnotherapist who specialises in working with young people. Each session or personalised hypnotherapy recording is tailored to the child’s age, understanding, and comfort level.
For children under 12, I often create bespoke recordings that parents can play at home, helping to reinforce calm and confidence between sessions.
What to expect from a child hypnotherapy session
Before we begin, I always speak with the parent or guardian to understand your child’s personality, current challenges, and what you’d like to achieve. From there, each session includes:
Gentle relaxation to help your child feel calm and safe
Storytelling and visualisation suited to their age
Positive suggestions and coping tools they can use in daily life
Practical relaxation techniques for home or school
Many parents tell me how quickly they notice changes. As Rachael shared:
“I can’t recommend Angie enough. She completely reassured and put my daughter at ease, helping with her anxiety. Angie is so calm and patient, and taught some relaxing techniques that she will be able to use in the future.”
Can I try hypnotherapy for my child?
Yes. Whether you’re local to Solihull or based elsewhere in the world, I offer both in-person sessions and personalised recordings designed specifically for your child’s needs.
Every child is different, and so is every session. The focus is always on creating a safe, supportive environment where your child feels heard, valued, and empowered to make positive changes.
FAQs about Hypnotherapy for Children
At what age can a child start hypnotherapy?
Every child is different, but hypnotherapy can be suitable from around age six and upwards, depending on attention span and understanding. For younger children, I often recommend personalised hypnotherapy recordings that parents can play at home.
How many sessions will my child need?
Most children benefit from three to four sessions. This gives time to address the root of the issue, reinforce positive change, and practise relaxation and confidence-building techniques.
Do I need to be in the room during the session?
For younger children, parents usually stay in the room or nearby for reassurance. Older children and teenagers often prefer one-to-one sessions once they feel comfortable. I’ll always guide you on what feels best for your child.
Will my child remember the session?
Yes, absolutely. Your child remains fully aware during the session and will usually remember what was said. They often describe feeling calm, safe, and “lighter” afterwards.
Next steps
If you’re ready to explore whether hypnotherapy could help your child:
Comments