Hypnosis in children is not a new and shocking concept as it has been around since the 1700s. Some parents believe this can help with their children's physical ailment like stomach ache or asthma. The practice, however, has since taken on a new focus from physical cure to mental and social stimulation.
CBS Pittsburgh reports more and more parents are keen on subjecting their children to hypnosis. They put hope in hypnotism as a way to help with behavior or improve the child's school performance to get good grades.
For instance, Eric Ferrer-Alfaro, a 10-year-old with ADHD, has been regularly undergoing hypnosis sessions to help him cope in school. His mother Silvana Ferrer attests this has worked better than taking medication for his condition or doing meditations.
Eric's hypnotherapist Lisa Machenberg has many clients who are kids. She also hypnotizes her children to help them sleep better or improve their focus.
Dr. Sanam Hafeez, however, cautions parents not to perceive hypnosis in children as a replacement for good and effective parenting. Under the power of trance, the children's minds can be controlled by the adults but Hafeez said parents must instead help the kids learn to control their own mind.
According to the University of Michigan, this is the idea behind pediatric hypnotherapy. The children — under the guidance of licensed and trained doctors, therapist, psychologist and mental health practitioners — are taught to be in tune to their body signals and "program" their mind to address body ailments and emotional issues better.
A parent who might be interested in hypnosis for children can best get help from the American Society of Clinical Hynosis, which requires strict standards for practitioners. Parents should also be aware not all types of issues can be treated with hypnosis so it would be dangerous to rely on this alone. Seek help and advice from a doctor first before considering this for children.
