Childhood can be a wonderful, joyful time, but it can also be filled with challenges that can seem insurmountable, especially for children struggling with mental health issues. In my role as a psychotherapist and hypnotherapist specialising in children aged six and up, I work with a broad range of emotional and behavioural concerns. These include anxiety, self-harm, body image issues, confidence and self-esteem, fears and phobias, fussy eating, and even the alarming rise in childhood suicidal ideation.
Children often don’t have the language or emotional tools to express their inner worlds, which is where therapy becomes essential. Let me take you through some of the areas I work with and the therapeutic approaches I use to help children regain control over their lives and build resilience.
Anxiety in Children
Anxiety in children can manifest in various ways—constant worry, difficulty sleeping, reluctance to attend school, or physical symptoms like stomach aches. My therapeutic approach to childhood anxiety includes a combination of
psychotherapy and hypnotherapy. Hypnosis can be incredibly effective in helping a child develop calming techniques and create a mental ‘safe space,’ while psychotherapy encourages them to express their fears, identify triggers, and learn coping mechanisms. Play therapy can be particularly helpful for teaching children that their worries can be managed and overcome.
Self-Harm and Suicidal Thoughts
The issue of self-harm and suicidal ideation among children is deeply concerning. It's vital to approach this from a place of empathy and care. Hypnotherapy can be a powerful tool here, allowing the child to access underlying emotions and release suppressed feelings safely. This is paired with psychotherapy that delves into understanding what might be driving these harmful behaviours. Whether it’s overwhelming emotions or a lack of coping mechanisms, my work focuses on offering children new ways to express their pain and teaching emotional regulation skills.
Safety planning, family therapy, and ongoing emotional support are integral parts of addressing childhood suicide and self-harm. Creating an environment where children feel understood and not judged is critical for their healing process.
Body Image Issues
In today’s media-saturated world, body image issues are starting earlier than ever, with children as young as six struggling with how they look. Low self-esteem and body image concerns can lead to disorders such as disordered eating or depression. Through hypnotherapy, I help children foster self-acceptance and build a positive relationship with their bodies. Visualisations and guided imagery can allow children to mentally shift how they perceive themselves.
Psychotherapy offers a space to explore where negative body image beliefs stem from, whether it's peer pressure, media influences, or family dynamics. Together, we work on re-framing negative thoughts and building self-compassion. My goal is to support children in recognising their worth beyond appearances.
Neurodiversity Support
Children with neurodivergent conditions like ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and sensory processing issues often face additional challenges. These children can struggle with emotional regulation, anxiety, and social skills. Hypnotherapy, when used appropriately, can help neurodivergent children manage overwhelm by teaching relaxation techniques and improving focus.
Play therapy and behavioural strategies are integral to understanding and accepting neurodiversity while supporting the child’s development in areas of social interaction, learning strategies, and managing sensory overload. I also work closely with parents to create environments that celebrate their child’s unique strengths.
Confidence and Self-Esteem Building
Low confidence can affect a child’s ability to try new things, build relationships, or feel secure in themselves. Through confidence-building exercises integrated into psychotherapy and hypnotherapy, I help children uncover their inner strengths. Guided imagery in hypnotherapy can assist children in visualising success in situations they find challenging—whether it’s speaking up in class, making new friends, or pursuing hobbies.
Positive affirmations, goal-setting, and recognising personal achievements are key elements in building a strong sense of self-worth. Play therapy can help younger children express and understand these feelings through a medium that feels comfortable to them.
Addressing Fears and Phobias
Fears and phobias are common in children but can sometimes grow to be paralysing. Whether it’s a fear of animals, heights, or the dark, these anxieties can impact a child’s daily life. Using desensitisation techniques in psychotherapy combined with hypnosis to create calm and control, children can gradually face and overcome their fears. I work through the emotional root of the phobia, teaching the child that fear doesn’t have to control them.
Fussy Eating
Picky eating can often be a sign of underlying anxiety or sensory sensitivities. Play therapy is useful here for younger children, helping them express their food-related anxieties in a creative and non-threatening way. Additionally, hypnotherapy can be employed to encourage a more positive relationship with food and alleviate anxieties about trying new foods. Together with the family, i develop strategies to make mealtime less stressful and more enjoyable.
A Holistic Approach to Therapy
In my practice, no issue is treated in isolation. Often, children’s challenges overlap—an anxious child may also struggle with self-esteem, a child with neurodiversity might experience heightened fears, and a child battling body image issues may also be fussy about food. By addressing the whole child, incorporating both the mind and body, my therapeutic approach is personalised to meet each child’s specific needs.
Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution. For some children, play therapy may unlock their ability to talk about their feelings. For others, hypnotherapy might be the key to overcoming deeply embedded fears. The important thing is providing a safe, non-judgmental space where children feel heard, understood, and empowered to heal.
If your child is struggling with anxiety, self-esteem issues, self-harm, or any of the challenges mentioned above, know that help is available. Through compassionate, tailored therapy, i can help children reclaim their joy, confidence, and the ability to live full and happy lives.
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