Teens and young people

Mental health problems in teenagers and young people are on the increase and have worsened during the recent Covid pandemic. 1 in 6 children under the age of 16 in the UK have a diagnosable mental disorder and many more are experiencing psychological difficulties which are causing distress and having a negative impact on their lives and their families. Half of all mental health problems begin before the age of 15 and research shows positive effects for both hypnosis and CBT in paediatric care. CBT can equip children with the skills needed to understand and cope with their emotions: children and adolescents who can effectively manage their emotions are 60% less likely to develop mental disorders in later life (University of Cambridge, 2011).

There can be many challenging situations your teen may face whether at school, college, universities or new to the workplace. In particular education is increasingly a high-pressured environments for all students, the pressures of exams, coursework, can create enormous work/life challenges and overwhelming stress and anxiety. This can be exacerbated by existing conditions, response to life events such as bereavement, break ups, a search for identity or sexuality and made worse by the digital world we now live in. Getting the right treatment and building long-term resilience skills can make all the difference and ensure teenagers enjoy their time at school, college, university, work and into the future.

Whilst most of the hypnotherapy research has been on adult populations, there are now several studies demonstrating positive effects for the use of hypnosis in children and teenagers. Similarly CBT can equip children with the skills needed to understand and cope with their emotions: children and adolescents who can effectively manage their emotions are 60% less likely to develop mental disorders in later life (University of Cambridge, 2011).

I use an integrated approach incorporating traditional CBT and hypnotherapy methods with mindfulness, ACT, self compassion, relaxation techniques and coping skills training. Using an evidence based approach I can tailor an individual age appropriate treatment plan to suit the needs and abilities of your teen.

I can help with the following issues:

• School refusal

• Anxiety

• Sleep issues

• Friendship and social issues

• Phobias

• Changing unwanted habits

• Fear of flying

• Coping with change and transitions

• Exam and work pressures

• Eco-anxiety