My journey into the world of hypnotherapy began a few years years ago when I decided to use guided imagery to help my child cope with severe and chronic pain. It was a distressing time for me as a mother because conventional medicine and NHS treatment was not proving to be effective, so I took the alternative route. I made up imagery that I knew my child would like and it proved helpful resulting in a state of relaxation and a decrease in pain. Realising that I had a natural talent in this area, I subsequently chose to do further research and eventually I decided to train as a clinical hypnotherapist.
Drawing upon my experience both as a parent of a teenager and as an SEN teacher and lecturer, I am accustomed to communicating with children and young people. My preference is in working with older children of 8 years upwards because personally I believe that children need to have reached a certain stage in their maturity and cognitive development in order to benefit from the solution focused approach. I explain how the brain works in a friendly and age appropriate manner and I provide age appropriate treatment by using the child’s own frame of reference in order to connect with his or her inner world.
Parents are welcome to attend the sessions but need to be aware that my focus is upon engaging the child in the treatment. The main relationship is between the therapist and the child. Therefore it is vitally important that the child is a willing participant in the treatment and is not being made to attend against his or her free will. It is also important that parents strongly encourage their child to listen daily to a free CD or MP3 download that I provide for the duration of the treatment. I always provide time for parents to ask questions and express any concerns.
This year I have helped a couple of secondary school pupils cope with stress in anticipation of taking their GCSE examinations. I also help children with performance related anxiety in the build up to important events such as competitions.
Furthermore I am experienced in supporting parents of children with Special Educational Needs. This was part of my work many years ago when I worked in Further Education and more recently when I started a Parent Support Group at a local school which is still running two years later. I hold an Enhanced DBS Certificate.
Hypnotherapy for children and young people may help with:
Separation anxiety
Relaxation for pain relief
Coping with stressful events including bullying
Shyness and lack of confidence
Nervous habits such as nail biting, hair pulling etc.
Performance anxiety including exam stress
Childhood eczema
Fears and phobias e.g. fear of the dark
A parent's testimonial
Having a child that was crying for 2 hours before bed, then 2 hours before school, I did not know what to do or where to turn!
Tracy has been a pivotal part in my daughter’s understanding & progression in dealing with her separation anxiety. We no longer have tears going to school and she has been taught various ways of dealing with her anxious thoughts and keeping calm.
I can't thank Tracy enough she has been brilliant in using her vast knowledge of mindfulness, hypnotherapy and counselling skills.