Transforming a young life through hypnotherapy
A concerned set of parents reached out to me about their 10-year-old son, who had been expressing suicidal thoughts. Naturally, they were extremely anxious and distressed. They had already taken him to see their GP, who had referred him for further support, but due to long waiting lists, they were left in limbo, unsure of how to help their child. In their desperation, they searched online and found me, having read about my success in helping another young person overcome suicidal thoughts caused by bullying.

I agreed to see their son and began working on building rapport with him. I focused on understanding his world—his interests, his daily routine, and what brought him joy. As we spoke, I discovered that despite it being the school holidays, he was always tired and constantly exhausted. Digging deeper, I learned that he had a computer in his bedroom and was staying up until 4 a.m., communicating with people from all over the world.
This revelation gave me the answer I was looking for. The excessive exposure to blue light from his screen was disrupting his neuro pathways, affecting his sleep, mood, and overall well-being. I explained this to his parents and advised them to remove the computer from his bedroom at night or turn off the Wi-Fi completely. To their immense relief, once they implemented this change, their son’s suicidal thoughts disappeared.
To further support his well-being, I conducted a hypnotherapy session with him, anchoring feelings of calm and relaxation. This additional intervention helped reinforce a sense of peace and stability within him. As a result, he required no further treatment.
Hypnotherapy is a powerful tool that taps into the subconscious mind, allowing individuals to release stress, anxiety, and negative thought patterns. In this particular case, while the removal of the blue light exposure played a significant role, the hypnotherapy session helped solidify a newfound sense of calm within the child. By guiding him into a deeply relaxed state, I was able to introduce positive suggestions that nurtured feelings of safety, confidence, and tranquillity.
One of the most important aspects of my work is creating a safe space where children feel understood and heard. Often, young people struggle to articulate their emotions, and their distress manifests in ways that are difficult for parents to interpret. In this case, the parents were completely unaware that their son's late-night screen time was contributing to his distress. They were loving and attentive, but like many parents, they were unaware of the potential impact of technology on mental health.
Sleep deprivation in children is a significant issue that often goes unnoticed. Poor sleep affects emotional regulation, cognitive function, and overall well-being. When children do not get enough rest, their ability to cope with everyday challenges diminishes, making them more vulnerable to negative emotions. In this case, the constant exposure to blue light was suppressing the child’s natural production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep. This disruption in his sleep cycle likely led to emotional instability, increased anxiety, and ultimately, suicidal thoughts.
By recognising the root cause of the issue and addressing it holistically, we were able to bring about a transformation that was both immediate and lasting. The parents were incredibly grateful, not just because their son was no longer expressing suicidal thoughts, but because they now had a deeper understanding of how to support his well-being.
Beyond this specific case, the impact of blue light on sleep and mental health is a topic that warrants greater awareness. In today's digital age, many children and teenagers have unrestricted access to screens late at night, often engaging in social interactions with people across different time zones. While technology provides many benefits, it also presents challenges that require mindful management.
Parents can take proactive steps to ensure their children's technology use does not negatively impact their well-being. Some strategies include setting screen time limits, establishing a bedtime routine that promotes relaxation, and encouraging offline activities before bed. In some cases, using blue-light-blocking glasses or adjusting screen settings to reduce blue-light exposure can also be beneficial.
Another key takeaway from this case is the role of hypnotherapy in supporting mental and emotional well-being. Hypnotherapy is often misunderstood, with many people associating it with stage hypnosis or a loss of control. In reality, hypnotherapy is a gentle and highly effective therapeutic tool that allows individuals to access their subconscious mind and make positive changes at a deep level.
For children, hypnotherapy can be particularly effective because they have vivid imaginations and are naturally more receptive to positive suggestions. By using guided imagery, relaxation techniques, and positive affirmations, I was able to help this young boy develop a sense of inner calm that replaced his feelings of distress.
Furthermore, the rapport I built with him played a crucial role in his healing journey. Many children feel misunderstood or invalidated when they express their struggles. Creating a safe and non-judgmental space allowed him to open up and share his thoughts honestly. This, in turn, enabled me to guide him toward a resolution that worked specifically for him.
After the intervention, the parents reported that their son was not only happier and more energetic but also more engaged in family activities. His school performance improved, and he was able to enjoy his hobbies without the overwhelming exhaustion that had previously plagued him. The transformation was remarkable and reinforced the importance of addressing mental health concerns from multiple angles.
This case study is a testament to the power of holistic intervention. By identifying the underlying cause of the child's distress, making necessary lifestyle adjustments, and using hypnotherapy to anchor positive emotional states, we were able to achieve lasting results. It is a reminder that sometimes, the solutions to our biggest challenges are simpler than we expect—they just require awareness and the right approach.
As a hypnotherapist, my goal is to continue raising awareness about the impact of sleep, technology, and mental health. I hope that this case study serves as an inspiration for parents, educators, and professionals to explore alternative approaches to supporting children's well-being. Hypnotherapy is not a magic fix, but when used in conjunction with practical lifestyle changes, it can be a powerful tool for healing and transformation.
In conclusion, this young boy’s journey from distress to well-being highlights the profound impact that small changes can have. By removing the source of his distress and reinforcing positive emotional states through hypnotherapy, we were able to restore balance and joy in his life. His story serves as a beacon of hope for other families navigating similar challenges, reminding us all that with the right support, healing is always possible.
