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Children & Hypnosis
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Use of Imaginative Scripts
A child doesn't always have to have traditional inductions used in order to be hypnotized. Besides the traditional positive suggestion approach, there is a wide variety of possibilities for effectively inducting a child and providing a proper "prescription" for healing or changing habits. Most children are in a sort of trance-like state already, or, at the very least, fuzzy about the line between the real and unreal. This makes it possible to create a trancelike state in some very simple ways. Some of these can include telling stories or creating a metaphors, using the child's favorite television program to spin a tale, creating an adventure a child can go on that leads to a solution to their problem, looking at a gyroscope or into a kaleidoscope, focusing on a dot on the guide's finger, coloring an optical illusion while the therapist talks to them, making use of a pendulum, hypnotizing a puppet in order to show a child how very simple it is, going on an amazing trip such as a rocket to Mars, or locating a magical kingdom where wonderful things can happen that change your life.
The Star/Tree/Garden script in GREAT ESCAPES, Volume I, is a good example of placing the child in a visual and safe setting. Blowing up balloons, receiving gifts from the sea, burning a ship of problems, changing labels and others provide settings that allow the child to be active in their changing. Another value of such methods is that they can be used for just about any age group. Being animals, meeting a magician who helps you change, greeting people on the other side of the rainbow, or going into a tough area with your favorite hero are fun for a child, and make use of their wonderful imagination.
Locating the Source
When a child is brought in for any serious issue, it should be assumed that there may be some deeper problem, for which this is just a symptom. In such cases, the problem-solution finding process script, in this volume, can be very helpful, especially for younger ages, or less articulate children. Regression is possible in a later session, if such a script or process hasn't been fully affective.
Value of Homework
Homework can be a helpful addition in supporting the work done in the office. It can serve as reinforcement for the child, and gives the parent some way to participate. Homework for the child also can serve as a sort of post-hypnotic suggestion, thus strengthening the session. Homework for a parent could range from creating a log or chart for a child's improvement, to using particular affirmations with the child, before bedtime.
What's Required?
A child, just like an adult, has to want to change and be willing to work with the therapist. A hypnotherapist who works with children must, obviously, like them. They need to be able to establish trust with both parents and child. They must treat a child's case with as much confidentiality as an adult's.
Some therapists, confident with adults, feel far more nervous working with children. They are afraid that they won't be able to transfer what they know to various age groups. They may not feel that they have enough training for it. Perhaps they make it more complicated than it need be. With adequate education and other training in dealing with children, they will find they are most capable with all ages.
Just remember that children will come to you because you can help them. They are open to your help, and, therefore, they'll be receptive to your suggestions for them, whether couched in traditional suggestions, in stories or play.
The best way to conquer the fear, at least enough to know whether this is a field that would appeal to you, is to DO IT! Practice on children as much as is possible. Encourage your friends to let you work with their children. A 15-minute session may be all that you need, at times, to do just the right thing for a child. It is their belief at work, just as it is with adults.
Del Morrill, a counseling hypnotherapist, is a Board Certified Hypnotherapist (BCH) through the National Guild of Hypnotists. She has been using hypnosis as a major counseling tool in her practice since 1986. She has been a counselor and active in personal and social development for over 40 years in Seattle, Japan, New York City, Chicago, and now in Tacoma, Washington.
Del's training includes:
- St. John's University
- Center for Ethical Hypnosis
- Kripalu Yoga & Health Center
- Institute of Cultural Affairs
- Ecumenical Institute
- Northwestern University
- University of Washington
Del's Professional Affiliations Include:
- Director of Child Development on the board of The National Board of Professional and Ethical Standards
- The American Board of Hypnotherapy
- The American Association of Professional Hypnotherapists
- The National Guild of Hypnotists
Del has a Master of Science degree in Clinical Hypnotherapy, and a Bachelor degree in Psychology. She is certified as a Clinical Hypnotherapist and a Hypnobirther by St. John's University, and is trained in Pediatrics Hypnosis.
Del was nominated "Woman of the Year" and "Hypnosis Woman of the Century" by the International Hypnosis Hall of Fame, and honored as a lifetime member of the National Registry of Who's Who.
In addition, Del is the author of the Great Escapes volumes of therapeutic scripts and the "New Beginnings" recordings featured on this site.
Copyright © 2002, by Del Hunter Morrill
(253) 383-5757; (888) 663-5757 (toll-free)
http://www.hypnocenter.com
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