The relevance of being hypnotic in addressing trauma in children across settings

ABSTRACT

Clinical hypnosis has proven effective in the treatment of trauma, not just for adults but for children as well. Given the prevalence of children with trauma and the trauma-related dysregulation evident in school settings, promotion of emotional regulation skills and access to emotional management tools are necessary. Trauma-informed care is on the rise in both medical and academic settings. Some schools are even employing hypnotic-like methods such as meditation with substantial success to address symptoms of dysregulation. Given the suggestibility of children without formal inductions and the ease of which hypnotic-like interventions can be employed, this article will explore how the art of “being hypnotic” and the use of hypnotic language is, and can, be used in various settings, not to treat trauma, but to foster affect regulation, reduce observable distress, improve self-confidence, and promote resilience.

KEYWORDS:

• Affect regulation
• children
• hypnotic language
• trauma
• trauma-informed care