Can hypnotherapy help children with ADHD?

As a clinical hypnotherapist specialising in children's behaviours, I have observed a worrying trend: an increasing number of children are struggling with anxiety, particularly social anxiety, and are exhibiting symptoms of ADHD. Many of these children also face challenges with language development and communication. Through my work, I’ve noticed a common thread—a significant number of these children spend considerable time engaging with computer games, social media, and digital content. While these platforms have their merits, their pervasive influence is contributing to the mental and emotional challenges our children face today.

Growing up in the digital age

Children today are growing up in a digital age, where screens dominate much of their waking lives. Social media platforms create environments rife with comparison and judgement, leading to heightened social anxiety. Gaming, while offering entertainment and skill development, can sometimes foster hyperactivity, reduced attention spans, and difficulty transitioning between tasks. Moreover, the constant stimulation from digital content can overwork young brains, leaving them in a perpetual state of hyperarousal and emotional dysregulation.

Parents often share with me their frustration and concern as they watch their children struggle to cope with school, friendships, and family dynamics. The prevalence of ADHD-like behaviours—difficulty focusing, impulsivity, and restlessness—is alarming. While not every child immersed in digital media develops these issues, the correlation between screen time and the rise in behavioural challenges cannot be ignored.

How hypnotherapy helps calm the brain

Hypnotherapy offers a profound and gentle way to address these challenges. By calming the brain and mind, hypnotherapy creates space for new behaviours and healthier habit patterns to emerge. The process involves guiding children into a deeply relaxed state, often referred to as a trance. In this state, the brain transitions from the high-alert beta waves into the more restful and creative alpha and theta waves. This shift enables the mind to become more receptive to positive suggestions and therapeutic interventions.

For children experiencing anxiety or ADHD-like symptoms, hypnotherapy provides an opportunity to:

• Reduce overstimulation: Hypnosis induces a state of calm, counteracting the hyperarousal caused by constant digital engagement. This allows the child’s nervous system to reset and reduces the fight-or-flight response often seen in anxious or overstimulated children.
• Rewire negative thought patterns: Through tailored scripts and imagery, hypnotherapy helps children replace negative beliefs with empowering thoughts. For instance, a child struggling with social anxiety can learn to visualise themselves confidently engaging with peers, reinforcing self-assurance and ease in social situations.
• Improve focus and attention: By engaging the subconscious mind, hypnotherapy can strengthen focus and improve the ability to stay present. This is particularly helpful for children displaying ADHD-like behaviours, as it nurtures mindfulness and reduces impulsivity.
• Enhance emotional regulation: Hypnotherapy teaches children techniques to manage overwhelming emotions. Guided visualisations and breathing exercises provide them with tools to calm themselves in moments of distress.
  My Personal Approach to Child Hypnotherapy

When I'm working with children, I prioritise creating a safe and engaging environment where they feel understood and valued. Every child is unique, and I tailor each session to their specific needs, interests, and challenges. Incorporating elements of play, storytelling, and visualisation helps make the hypnotherapy process enjoyable and relatable for young minds.

For example, a child who loves video games might respond well to a session framed as a journey to unlock hidden treasures within their mind—such as confidence, focus, or calmness. For a child immersed in social media, we might explore a visualisation where they build a personal shield against negativity, fostering resilience and self-esteem.

The role of parents and guardians

Parental involvement is a cornerstone of successful hypnotherapy for children. Parents play a vital role in reinforcing the positive changes initiated during sessions. I often collaborate with parents to establish routines that support their child’s mental and emotional well-being. This includes setting boundaries around screen time, encouraging outdoor play, and promoting healthy sleep habits.

Parents frequently express relief and gratitude as they witness their children regain their sense of calm and confidence. One mother shared how her son, previously riddled with social anxiety, began approaching classmates with newfound courage after just a few sessions. Another family noticed a significant improvement in their daughter’s focus and ability to complete homework without meltdowns.

Long-term benefits of hypnotherapy

The beauty of hypnotherapy lies in its ability to create lasting change. By addressing issues at the subconscious level, hypnotherapy helps children internalise positive behaviours and coping strategies. These skills become ingrained, equipping them to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and adaptability.

Moreover, hypnotherapy fosters self-awareness and self-empowerment. Children learn that they have the tools within themselves to manage their emotions, overcome fears, and develop healthier habits. This sense of agency is transformative, paving the way for a brighter and more balanced future.

As a society, we must recognise the impact of the digital age on our children’s mental health and take proactive steps to mitigate its effects. While technology is here to stay, we can guide our children to use it mindfully and in moderation. Coupled with therapeutic interventions like hypnotherapy, we can help them find balance and thrive.

In my practice, I am continually inspired by the courage and potential of the children I work with. Each child’s journey is a testament to the power of the human mind to heal and grow. Through hypnotherapy, we can provide them with the tools they need to unlock their full potential and navigate life with confidence and joy.

Hypnotherapy is not just a remedy for behavioural challenges; it’s a pathway to empowerment and self-discovery. As more children face the pressures of modern life, let us embrace this gentle and effective approach to nurture their well-being and help them flourish in an ever-changing world.