The “well-sibling” syndrome: hypnosis for the siblings of special needs children

ABSTRACT

Often overlooked by caregivers because of their ability to adapt to a challenging home life by making few demands themselves, the siblings of special needs children have unacknowledged needs of their own. They often are reluctant to participate in therapy because of their self-concept of having to be the “normal” or “perfect” child. Therapy with these children requires non-pathologizing and attuned rapport building focused on creative self-exploration without requests for change. Two composite case vignettes illustrate the power and versatility of clinical hypnosis to facilitate new learning about becoming visible in the therapeutic relationship and beyond.

KEYWORDS:

• Relational Hypnosis
• symbolic exploration
• “well” sibling

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).