We all know at least one person that is suffering with their mental health and the statistics show that it is more common in children than we think. In fact, 60% more young people have a probable mental health condition in 2021 compared to 2017 and the numbers will no doubt have continued to rise into 2022.
The underlying causes are complex, but increased recognition of mental health issues, social isolation and disruptions to home and school routines during the pandemic likely played a role. This has a detrimental effect on children's educational attainment, relationships and physical wellbeing. Without appropriate care, there is a greater risk that conditions continue into adulthood.
There is no openly available data on the number of young people waiting to be seen by mental health support services but NHS statistics show an increasing number of people that have been in contact with the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services (CYPMHS). Considering the large number of children and young people currently being referred, lack of staffing and funding will only see a small number of children getting access to help and support and those waiting to be seen are only growing in number.
One of the main reasons that I decided to retrain as a hypnotherapist came from seeing the struggles that children faced daily with their mental health and the lack of support that was available to them. As a teacher, I regularly spoke with parents and children about the issues they experienced yet very little could be done because of funding, time and the fact that well-being was low down on the list of priorities.
With the focus being on ‘catching up post-pandemic’ and exam grades, our current education system has no time for promoting and supporting mental health. Don’t get me wrong, there are some fantastic schools out there that are trying but unfortunately more needs to be done.
But I don’t want to go down that negative spiral as I could be here all day, and it would be quite hypocritical of me to do that as a big part of Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is focusing on the positives rather than the negatives!
Just as Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is great for adults with a wide range of issues, it is also a safe and effective way of supporting children and teenagers. It can help them to cope with school pressures and exams, adapt to changing hormones, manage their anxieties as well as a whole host of other symptoms.
Unlike other forms of therapy, Solution Focused Hypnotherapy does not focus on the problem, but instead on what the child’s present and preferred future is. It empowers them with the tools to identify small steps towards their desired goals. One of the reasons that Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is effective in supporting children deal with their anxieties and issues is that it makes use of their imagination. The children can be creative in the process of exploring their future, which uplifts and motivates them.
The whole process is underpinned by neuroscience and each session I will share snippets of information and facts with the child, which is adapted based on their individual needs. This is one of my favourite parts as I get to use my teaching experience to empower the child and build rapport with them. The neuroscience is equally powerful for parents to know too as knowledge of how the brain works means you can also understand how to respond when your child needs your help.
You can find more information about how the sessions are run here:
If you are interested in me working with your child, click the button below to book a free phone call to see if Hypnotherapy is right for your child.
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