Therapy with Children, Psychotherapy, Hypnotherapy, Hypno-Counselling 

How does therapy work for older children? 7yrs upwards

It works in a similar way to the way it works with adults, however children are kind of in a hypnotic state very often every day, for example when they are engrossed in playing and using their imagination. At times it can even be easier to work with children using hypnosis. As they can use their minds to play out favourite characters quiet easily, the session will be very similar and each session will include very positive suggestions and confidence boosting anchors.

How does hypnosis work with young children? Under 7yrs

Basically in a similar way, however younger children don’t necessarily close their eyes as easily as the older kid’s will, this does not affect the session in any way. They will still relax and be able to use their imagination just as well as the others do. The process is more like engaging in active imagination games or scenario’s, which they can with the greatest of ease.

Sometimes visual aids may be used or games and child friendly task’s to help with the session. Children spend half their lives in their imaginations and we just get them to use it in a positive way for themselves to help overcome their challenges.

Can I come in to the session with them?

As per our code of Ethic’s we encourage parents or guardians to come and stay in with us especially for the first session, so your child will feel more at ease. It will also put your mind at ease to see the process we use is safe and positive.

Sometimes older children prefer to be on their own so they don’t have a sense of  My Parent is here I can’t say this or that or they expect me to say this or that. So we recommend you to have a chat with your child and go along with their preferences as even some younger children are quite happy on their own after a first or second session. Also remember that children mature quite differently and can often seem considerably older or younger than their current age, as with every child session there will be an update given to the parent or guardian but observing the Client Confidentiality act at the same time.

What happens in the session?

First of all we have a chat about the challenge they have come in for help with. We talk about how they may feel, or think, we talk about different ways the challenge affect’s them in their life and those around them and stuff like that. Above all we always focus on a solution that will help with the challenge.

We will talk directly to your child rather than you and direct questions to them, if needed we will ask them if it is ok to speak to You, if we need more information but in general we prefer if you let them answer themselves without jumping in to answer for them. If we do need to speak to you, we will ask them if it is ok if I ask mum or dad or whomever is relevant a question to see what they think; in this way they are reassured that they are the important person in the room and their opinion counts. I will often ask you to tell me some of the things you really like and value about them. This may be asked in front of them too, to reinforce confidence and self esteem.

Each child is unique & different just like all adults are different so we will use whatever techniques work best for your child, this includes how what words and language we use so we can make sure it is for their level of understanding. At the end of each session and during each session there will always be positive suggestions in some form and a boost to their confidence in addition to possibly some guided visualization, all which are for the benefit of overcoming their challenge.

Can you put them to sleep or take control of their mind ?

This is a common question, due to the impression that Stage / TV Hypnotist’s give us.

Hypnosis is not Sleeping, in brief it is a very calm and relaxed state where you are totally focused on what is going on in the session and what is going on for you.

So to answer the question, No they won’t be asleep and I can’t take control of anyone’s mind. We will however be giving control back to the child, something which the child may not realise they can do themselves. Most of the time, the session will consist of a nice, calm, relaxed and comfortable experience for the child. If there are any challenges that cause negative emotions we will deal with the in a way that will bring back calmness and relaxation so the child will feel good after the session.

It may be said, that on very rare occasion’s they may fall asleep too themselves for no particular reason other than their body needed to do this. If this happens we would just bring them back out of the sleepiness and conclude the session.

We would ask that if the child is not getting enough sleep or is not feeling well that you would reschedule your appointment at least 24hrs before so we can plan around the cancellation with our other clients.

What happens after the Session ends ?

After most sessions we may ask for some work to be done at home or before the next session and this could consist of listening to an Mp3 or doing some writing or drawing or some type of challenge to work on and bring back for the next session.

How many sessions will they need?

This will depend on the child and the challenge faced. Everyone is different and each of us take to the therapy in our own unique way. We here at API Clinic do not in any way ask or expect clients to come for any more than the required sessions that is necessary and we will discuss your child’s needs with you at the first session or at you enquiry. Our therapy is all about the individual and helping them overcome the challenge they face.

How do I go about making an appointment and how long do sessions last?

Use any of our contact’s to either call, email or message us and we will be only to glad to organise an appointment for you and your child. The first session last’s usually between 1hr and 1hr 30mins and each session after the first one last usually around 1hr. For younger children under 7 this will definitely vary between 40 mins – 1 hr

How do I know if this is what we need ?

We ask that you contact us to discuss the challenge and if we feel we are not the right choice we have not hesitation in recommending some other colleagues whom may be equipped for you specific requirements. It is our passion that we supply a very professional service at all times. And only assist those clients with whom our experience and training can benefit with changing their lives. As with any therapy that you may choose, please ensure that the therapist is a reputable one, fully trained and competent in their work and who also holds valid insurance.

Thank you for checking out API Clinic and if you feel we can be of service to you or anyone you know please do make contact with us, we are only too glad to be of assistance.