Child Anxiety

Support for Child Anxiety

Recognising Anxiety in Children It can sometimes be difficult to recognise when a child’s behaviour is linked to anxiety. You might notice small changes first—worries about school, irritability at home, avoiding activities they used to enjoy, or tension over little things. Maybe it feels like you’re always talking to the teacher at the end of the day about “tricky moments,” or that sibling arguments never seem to end. These signs can feel overwhelming, but noticing them early is the first step toward helping your child feel calmer, more confident, and supported. It’s also important to know that many children have neurodiverse traits such as ADHD, ADD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, autism, or Asperger’s. Anxiety can appear on its own, or it can be made more intense by neurodiversity. Understanding this difference can help you see what your child is experiencing and how best to support them. With gentle guidance, children can learn to manage anxious feelings, develop positive habits, and feel more in control of their thoughts and emotions. Even small changes can make a big difference in their happiness and everyday life.

Do You Recognise These Behaviours?

Parents often notice: Avoiding school or activities Spending excessive time on screens Reactivity or outbursts Sibling arguments that seem endless Frequent discussions with teachers about “tricky days” While these behaviours can be frustrating, they are often the brain’s way of protecting a child when it feels unsure or threatened. What We Know About Anxiety and the Brain New experiences can be challenging for children, and the brain may respond with defence or panic. This is a normal, protective mechanism, but it isn’t always helpful long-term. Many habits and thought patterns are formed in childhood. The brain is highly adaptable, but to develop healthy neural pathways and responses, children often need gentle guidance. This helps them understand what is happening in their minds and learn new ways of thinking and behaving. Children in particular enjoy hypnotherapy, as it aligns with their natural familiarity with stories. The rhythm and messaging in trance are similar to storytime, making it engaging and enjoyable. How I Can Help I provide support for children with anxiety, focusing on positive development rather than treatment. Sessions: Last 1 hour Include talking therapy and trance/hypnotherapy Use talking therapy to highlight what is going well and explain, in a child-friendly way, how the brain reacts to anxiety Teach tools to help the child recognise calmness and control Use trance to relax and process what has been discussed through guided stories—children often find this fun and look forward to it each week I am enhanced DBS checked, and a member of the BPS, AFSH, and CNH, all of which follow strict rules for working safely with children.

How Sessions Work

Free 20-minute introductory call with a parent – Without the child present, this helps me understand your concerns and hopes. Initial consultation – I meet your child to understand how they feel, what they enjoy, and what triggers anxious behaviour. No trance is done in the first session, but your child receives a relaxation download to use at home, building familiarity and trust. Regular sessions – Typically just with the child, although sometimes a parent may be present initially to help them feel safe. While results cannot be guaranteed, parents often notice positive changes in their child’s confidence, mood, and enjoyment of daily life. The Role of Parents Parental support is vital. As your child begins to try new ways of thinking and using tools: Encourage short chats at home to reinforce positivity, e.g., “What’s been good at school today?” Ensure children get good sleep, allowing time to relax before bedtime Support them with small exercises provided each week It’s important to give children space to develop at their own pace. Long-lasting change happens when children rewire their brains naturally, in their own way. Other Challenges Children May Face Anxiety doesn’t always occur on its own. Many children have neurodiverse traits such as ADHD, ADD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, autism, or Asperger’s. Sometimes anxiety appears alongside these traits, which can make everyday life more challenging and intensify anxious feelings. Other times, anxiety occurs independently. For children navigating both anxiety and neurodiversity, it can be difficult to understand what is happening, why they feel this way, or how to cope. Hypnotherapy can support them in developing confidence, practical coping tools, and a sense of calm, helping them manage both anxiety and any additional challenges in their own way. Real-Life Example A child who came to me with anxiety was struggling to attend school, missing many days. After a few sessions, they stopped talking about not going, were attending school every day without anxiety, and were enthusiastic about going in. Small changes like these can make a lasting difference in their confidence and overall wellbeing.

How Hypnotherapy Helps

Helps children focus on the positive aspects of their life Teaches them to recognise calmness and control Supports children in rewiring their brains to positive thought patterns Provides a fun, story-like, enjoyable experience

FAQs

What age children do you work with?

Children over 7, as cooperation and understanding of their brain’s responses are important for this work.

No. The therapy is gentle, enjoyable, and entirely child-led.

No, but you are likely to notice positive changes in your child’s confidence, mood, and behaviour.

Yes. If anxiety is severe, speak to your GP. I can also provide guidance and signposting to other support if needed.

Clinical Hypnotherapist & Psychotherapist

Offering In person and online sessions in the UK & Internationally

Solution-focused hypnotherapy blending neuroscience and compassion to help you overcome challenges and achieve emotional well-being.

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