Hypnosis for ADHD in Children

Does your child have trouble concentrating at school, forgets his things, or constantly seems “up in the clouds”?

He/She has been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD – and may be on medication – and you want to give him/her additional tools?

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) affects many children and can make everyday life difficult for the whole family.

Did you know that hypnosis offers a gentle and effective approach to help children better manage their attention, impulsivity and stress?

What is ADHD in children?

The 3 Faces of ADHD
ADHD manifests itself in different ways depending on the child. There are generally three subtypes:

• Predominantly inattentive ADHD:
  The child has trouble concentrating, seems to daydream, forgets his tasks or his things.
• Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive ADHD:
  The child is agitated, talks a lot, has trouble waiting for turns, and acts without thinking.
• Mixed ADHD type:
  Combination of the previous two.

The challenges of everyday life
Children with ADHD may experience difficulties at school (learning difficulties, conflicts with teachers), at home (organizational problems, family tensions) and in their social relationships (difficulty respecting the rules of the game, misunderstandings with other children).
This can have a major impact on their self-esteem and they may feel that they are not “adapted” to the world around them.

A disorder, not a lack of willpower
ADHD is not caused by a lack of education or willpower, it is a disorder related to the functioning of the brain, especially neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine.
It is therefore essential not to make the child feel guilty, even if the daily life of the parents and educators around him is sometimes very tiring.

Hypnosis: a complementary solution for ADHD in Children

What is Therapeutic Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness, similar to the one we experience just before we fall asleep or when we are engrossed in a book or movie. Contrary to popular belief, hypnosis is not magical or mysterious: it is a recognized therapeutic tool, used to work with the subconscious.

Why are children particularly receptive to Hypnosis?

Children have fertile imaginations and a great ability to enter naturally altered states of consciousness. They love stories, role-playing, and visualizations, which makes hypnosis a particularly age-appropriate approach.

The benefits of Hypnosis for children with ADHD

Hypnotherapy can help children with ADHD on several levels:

• Improved Attention and Concentration:
  Through visualization and anchoring techniques, the child learns to focus his attention on a task, as if he were pressing a “concentration button”.
• Reduced Stress and Anxiety:
  Children with ADHD are often stressed by academic expectations or adult remarks. Hypnosis allows them to create and find a space of inner calm.
• Better Emotion Management:
  Impulsivity and mood swings are common in ADHD children. Hypnosis helps them develop strategies to better regulate their emotions.
• Stronger Self-Esteem:
  By working on positive beliefs (“I can do it”), the child gains confidence and motivation.
• Highlighting, channeling and valuing their strengths:
  ADHD can also be an advantage, as it comes with a set of skills that are actually strengths, which allow children with ADHD to do things that others cannot.
  The goal is to have children realize these strengths, so that they become an asset to them in their daily lives rather than perceiving ADHD as a “handicap”.

How does a Hypnosis session for an ADHD child work?

It is very important that your child is willing to undertake the process.
For example, you can show him the photo of the hypnotherapist you have chosen, show him their presentation video on our website.
If you can’t find a hypnotherapist for children in our team near you, we do video consultations, from 6 years old. It also works very well.

First, your hypnotherapist will take the time to discuss with your child to find out about his interests, his difficulties, and his goals. This step is crucial to adapt the techniques to the child’s personality.

Techniques used in Hypnosis for Children with ADHD

Hypnosis sessions with children are often very creative  and adapt to their inner world and interests.

The main techniques used are:

• Visualizations where the child is invited to imagine soothing or motivating scenes.
  Such as:
  “Imagine you’re a superhero and your power is to focus when you need to.”
  “Visualize yourself succeeding in your math exercise, step by step, with calm and confidence.”
• Anchors, i.e. a gesture or a word that will allow the child to find a state of calm or concentration. For example, gently squeezing their wrist or saying “I’m focused”, can become a calming reflex.
• Metaphors that will help the child understand and integrate abstract concepts. For example, comparing their brain to a remote control that it can set to “turn the volume down” of distractions. 

Are you worried about what is happening during the session with your child?
Do not hesitate to discuss this with your hypnotherapist.
Some of us offer parents a video monitor (without sound) to watch the session from the waiting room.

“My 8-year-old son can now sit during meals and in class for quite long periods of time using his ‘focus button’!”

Frequently Asked Questions about Hypnosis and ADHD (FAQ)

Is Hypnosis Safe for Children?
Yes, hypnosis is a gentle and non-invasive method. It is performed by trained professionals and poses no risk to the child.

Can Hypnosis replace medication?
Hypnosis does not replace medical treatment but is part of a global approach (medication, CBT, educational strategies).

From what age can I consult?
Children can benefit from hypnosis from the age of 5 or 6, provided that they are able to understand and follow simple instructions.

Duration and frequency of sessions
Sessions with children begin with a discussion with the parent(s) and then one-on-one with the child, unless he or she wishes the parent to be present.
The therapeutic hypnosis session generally lasts between 30 and 45 minutes depending on the age of the child.
A follow-up of 5 to 10 sessions is often recommended, spaced one to two weeks apart.

How much does a Hypnosis session for ADHD cost?
Rates vary depending on the practitioner. At Solutions Hypnosis, count about $130CAD / 80€ per session. We issue insurance receipts in Quebec, for other provinces or countries, please contact your health insurance to get information about their reimbursement policy.

Would you like to consult with your child in Hypnosis for ADHD?

Hypnosis for children with ADHD is a caring, playful and often very effective approach to help children live better with their differences.

In addition to medical follow-up or educational strategies, it helps to develop attention and focus, and strengthen concentration, self-confidence and serenity on a daily basis.

If you wish to explore this solution for your child, do not hesitate to contact a member of the Solutions Hypnosis team consulting with Children.

Together, let’s give your child the keys to develop fully!

See you soon.

The Solutions Hypnosis team

Hypnosis for ADHD in Children – ADD in Children – Attention Disorders in Children – Hyperactivity in Children – Hypnosis for Concentration – Hypnosis for Attention – Hypnotherapy for ADHD in Children