Yes, in some cases. There’s more paperwork and it is 100% REQUIRED that a parent or guardian remain in the room at all times. You will be offered a comfy chair where you can listen and observe, but you will asked to remain completely quiet and to stay out of the line of sight of the subject.
Age and developmental level
Very young children (under ~6–7) may not benefit from formal hypnotherapy the same way older kids do because of limited attention span and abstract thinking.
School-age children (around 7–12) and adolescents (13–17) commonly respond well, especially when techniques are adapted to their developmental level (storytelling, guided imagery, play-based hypnosis).
Teenagers generally can engage in standard hypnotherapeutic approaches similar to adults, with appropriate consent and involvement of caregivers as needed.
Type of issue
Hypnotherapy is commonly used for: anxiety, phobias, test anxiety, sleep problems, night terrors (selected cases), chronic pain, functional abdominal pain, habit disorders (thumb-sucking, nail-biting), enuresis (bedwetting), and trauma-related symptoms (careful screening needed).
It can complement medical or psychological care (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy, medical treatment) but is not a replacement for urgent psychiatric treatment (suicidality, severe psychosis, active severe self-harm).
Therapist qualifications and experience
Look for a practitioner experienced specifically with children and adolescents. Pediatric training, certification in clinical hypnosis (from recognized organizations), or supervised experience with juveniles is important.
They should know child development, use age-appropriate language and techniques, and involve parents appropriately.
Consent and legal/ethical considerations
Parental/guardian consent is required. Most practitioners also seek assent from the child (age-appropriate agreement).
Confidentiality is adapted: parents may need to be informed about treatment progress, but the therapist should explain boundaries of confidentiality to parents and child upfront.
For minors, some jurisdictions have specific rules about consent—therapists follow local laws and professional guidelines.
Safety and contraindications
Screen for trauma history, dissociative disorders, severe psychiatric conditions; hypnotherapy may require integration with trauma-focused therapy or psychiatric care.
If the juvenile is on medications or has medical conditions, coordination with the child’s physician is advisable.
What to expect in a session
Sessions are shorter and more interactive than with adults (often 30–50 minutes).
Techniques are playful and concrete: metaphors, stories, guided imagery, breathing, relaxation, and behavioral suggestions tailored to goals.
Home practice (simple exercises, recordings) is often given for reinforcement.
How to find an appropriate hypnotherapist
Ask pediatricians, child psychologists/psychiatrists, school counselors for referrals.
Check credentials: professional organization membership (for example, national hypnotherapy or clinical hypnosis societies), formal clinical training (psychology, counseling, social work, medicine) plus hypnosis certification, and specific pediatric experience.
Ask potential therapists about experience with the child’s age, examples of similar cases, session structure, safety procedures, fees, and how they involve parents.