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Hello Welcome To This Week's Adam Up
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I am back in the fold again following on from my 9 day training course, and despite the Easter weekend fast approaching, things are getting back to some usual semblance of routine in my life.... Just! This week, I am really writing Adam Up for those of you who are trained in the field of hypnosis.
It is rare that I aim my ezine at exclusive groups of people, and we'll be back to other processes next week, but this week, I am showing those of you who have hypnosis training, how to teach children self-hypnosis.
Having explored, reviewed literature and discovered as much as I possibly could about the evidence for using hypnosis with children, and looking at studies focused around the subject of hypnotic responsiveness of children, I decided that this was a subject matter that I was giving myself a green light to push forward into.However, as I wrote about in my mini series a fortnight ago on my blog (which can be read by reading these 4 blog entries below there are already books doing a brilliant job on showing hypnosis professionals what to do and how to do it when it comes to specialist knowledge and using hypnosis with children.
1. My Journey Into Fatherhood and the Embryonic Stages Of 'Hypnosis For Children
2. What Is The Evidence For Using Hypnosis With Children?
3. Hypnosis For Children: The Evidence, Part Two
4. Hypnosis For Children: The Evidence, Final Part
As I have looked around a great deal more though, it has become apparent that there is not a great deal of literature out there that shows parents how to use hypnotic principles and techniques to help their own children with issues they may be facing. There is very little showing parents how to teach their children self-hypnosis skills too. I had a light bulb moment!That is what I have tasked myself with in the coming months; showing parents how to teach their children self-hypnosis and utilise hypnotic methods. A new blog and book filled with lessons on how to do this are in the process of being put together and will come together at the end of this year.
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Hypnosis For Running Book - CAN YOU HELP US and Get Some Free Audios? |
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Well all you marathon runners - here is an opportunity to get some audios for free that will help with the mental side of your running.
For a few weeks on our own website we have been selling Adam's new book 'Hypnosis For Running' along with some hypnosis audios which support the techniques outlined in the book.
ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS WRITE A REVIEW ON AMAZON TO GET THE AUDIOS WORTH £27.50 ABSOLUTELY FREE
Note the earlybird LOW price of the Kindle version!! We now have the Book and the Kindle version of the book available on Amazon and we need some product reviews. So if you have bought the book (or about to buy the book) we would love it if you would go to Amazon and search for the title 'Hypnosis For Running' and write a review.
When you have posted your review please send me an e-mail direct at keith@awake-media.com
and I will send you the audio downloads which you can check out in our online store - http://hypnosisfordownload.com
*Please note: You have to have bought something at some time on Amazon in order to post reviews.
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How Do Those Of Us With Hypnosis Skills Teach Self-Hypnosis To Children?
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Knowing that children are responsive and seeing the evidence for the use of hypnosis and self-hypnosis is one thing That knowledge may well help keep parents reassured about the application of this stuff, but how do us hypnosis professionals actually go about doing it?
How do those of us with existing hypnosis skills teach self-hypnosis to children?
That is what I want to show you today folks; how hypnosis professionals can teach children self-hypnosis in a relatively short period of time.
One of the first considerations that I state to fellow hypnotherapists when advising and teaching them how to work with children, is that they need to have a wide array of different induction techniques available to them, in order that they can offer the child what is best for them based on the kind of child they are, the kind of things the child likes and particular preferences.
In a professional practice, often the best hypnotic inductions are those that are based upon knowledge of the client's likes and dislikes, the kind of language they respond to with most favour, their own past experiences as well as the aspirations they have for themselves - the same can be said when working with children.
When showing parents how to do this stuff, this part is easier for them - parents know inherently those kinds of details and can thus make a decision about how to apply the induction in the best way for their child accordingly.
There may be initial resistance on the child's part when it comes to learning self-hypnosis. I mean, the child might be unwilling or unable to follow instructions you are giving due to them being at an age or developmental level or having emotional issues that make it problematic to learn or respond accordingly.
Also, the child may simply lack the motivation to make a particular change or overcome a particular issue. I once worked in my clinical practice with a child whose parents wanted him to stop sucking his thumb, but he did not really want to.
One of the main issues that I have encountered in my professional practice is when I have worked with a child and given them the task of practicing their self-hypnosis techniques in between sessions, I am often confronted with excuses. That is why the role of the parent is so important and useful. The parent can overtly or subtly motivate, encourage and support.
It is a topic for another day, but it is important for the parent and the child to understand hypnosis and have a good understanding of it - research shows that with children and adults using hypnosis, they benefit much more and the effectiveness is far greater when they understand that they are using hypnosis and what they are doing is framed as such. I.e. They do not just think they are using their imagination to think pleasant things. They know it is hypnosis that they are using.
There does tend to be some consensus among academics in the hypnosis field that contextual variables do indeed play some sort of role in the hypnotic responses that people have (Kirsch & Lynn, 1995). In fact, an increasing number of studies have found that simply relabeling a cognitive-behavioral intervention as hypnosis does increase its effectiveness (see Kirsch, Montgomery, & Sapirstein, 1995 for a meta-analysis of this).
When involving parents and making sure they have a good understanding of the subject, some authors recommend allowing them to experience hypnosis themselves to know and empathise with what the child's experience is when they use hypnosis.
Despite some authors
(LaBaw, Holton, Tewell, 1975) allowing parents to experience a hypnotic induction in the presence of their children, Gardner (1976) suggests that it may be best if the child is not present. In case there is any ab-reaction or problem with the parental experience that is best not witnessed by the child. Likewise, when educating the child (and parent) in order to advance hypnotic responsiveness, both parent and child should know that they can communicate with each other when the child is in hypnosis, in the event of an emergency.
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Back On Topic...
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As often is stated by adults too, there are children who respond well to hetero-hypnosis, but get concerned at their own ability to maintain focus and conclude a full self-hypnosis session without a hypnotist or guide being present. Likewise, I worked with a 13 year old girl who was sure of the hypnosis when I was working with her, but was not sure of it when doing it herself. This is a common concern or distraction. I showed her how to practice some of the classic Emile Coué convincers to show herself that she was self-hypnotising.
Other children may fall asleep when they practice, and some worry about possibly falling asleep. I tend to recommend that they sit upright when practicing, or even use an alarm clock to alert them that 10 minutes is up. Importantly, if there is resistance, it can usually be overcome with careful discussion and explanation as well as using strategies that will help deal with the objection.As well as actually achieving specific desired outcomes with each child, what we also really want to establish by teaching self-hypnosis to children, is that they can be in control of themselves and their own mind and their own well-being.This can potentially get hampered by parents if they are too pushy, too insistent or too authoritative when teaching their child self-hypnosis.
Kohen and Olness (2011) specifically suggest that parents do not keep on at their children telling them to engage in regular self-hypnosis practice. Even though we know that practice and repetition enhances self-efficacy and responsiveness (Spanos, 1986).Instead, it is suggested by the same authors (Kohen and Olness, 2011) that it will be more successful if the children are made aware at the very beginning that they are themselves responsible for solving their own problems. They state that if the child already feels helpless with regards to their problems, the involvement of parents may simply serve to create a passive, dependent position of the child.
Common sense tells us, as well as academic papers (i.e. Gardner, 1974) that beneficial and useful involvement by parents is simply not always possible.Gardner (1974), who is one of the most prolific academics and contributors to this field, suggests that most parents can help develop and encourage the child's use of self-hypnosis without being intrusive or undermining their level of personal control and belief in their own ability to solve their own problemsLikewise, just as some children require help getting onto their bicycle and help with being stable as they are learning, some children may prefer the input and support of a parent who can help to reassure them, encourage them and keep them on track with self-hypnosis.
I am also of the opinion that when a child and parent share all or part of the self-hypnosis experience, it can instill hope and reduce any sense of loneliness that some problems can bring.When I get started with my new blog and start putting my new book together, it is going to be aimed at parents, and so my own decision about whether to include parents in the process is made already.
Whether you hypnosis professionals want to involve the parents in depth or not, I'd consider each individual case in full prior to making any decisions. Most of the literature I have reviewed, read and explored suggests that parents should probably not be involved in cases where there is a seriously disturbed parent/child relationship or where the parent is particularly anxious regarding the child's problem. Parents will probably be helpful participants when they can maintain some degree of objectivity and are not caught up in issues of control or parent-child ego issues.
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How To Teach Children Self-Hypnosis
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This particular method I am sharing today is based upon a process I read in a 1981 academic paper entitled "Teaching Self-Hypnosis To Children" by Gail Gardner.
There are many other derivatives of it that I have encountered and there are many, many other processes that I plan to share and write about for the use of parents to use when helping their child use self-hypnosis. This is a very simple and easy process to follow to teach any child how to use self-hypnosis if you already are a trained hypnosis professional. This kind of process is best used with children of at least 5 years old.
I think before you start, it is important that you help to motivate and ensure the child is motivated to learn how to use self-hypnosis. I do all I can to frame it as a very cool skill, but also realise that trying to be 'down with the kids' can backfire!!Then, as previously stated, you want to make sure the child understands hypnosis in general and also understands that it will be of great benefit to practice self-hypnosis afterwards. Then you follow these simple steps:
Step One:
Knowing what you know of the child, you choose which hypnosis inductions you are going to use with the child. You'll want to have a few in mind in case one is not considered suitable or worthy of engaging with according to the child. However, you are going to use a handful of different techniques to begin with.Ideally, you'll want to have inductions methods in mind that include pleasant imagery pertaining to the likes of the child as well as ideomotor techniques such as arm catalepsy, arm lowering (heavy arm technique) or arm levitation. These are particularly useful as convincers of hypnosis and give some visible evidence that hypnosis is happening, which some children require.
You could use eye fixation, but also be prepared that children sometimes do not keep their eyes closed the entire time and they will shuffle around or even talk throughout. It does not mean that they are resisting or not being receptive, it is part of what we have to deal with when working with children. The child may be adapting and getting used to the process as well as simply engaging in their own way. It is best to go with it and not resist their behaviour or label what they do as wrong - that'll only create tension.Once you have carried out your range of inductions one after the other, then say something along the lines of:Well done...
You can easily carry on enjoying these good feelings while in hypnosis for a few more moments [specific parts of the inductions and imagery used may be referred to again here]. Then, in a few moments, I am going to teach you how to come out of hypnosis all by yourself. Then you can bring these great feelings with you and still have them afterwards. Which of those great feelings do you like the most? [Wait for the child's reply.] That's great. Continue to enjoy those for a minute or two. [Pause for 1-2 minutes. Though you may want to check in with the child at times to reassure them by stating "that's right" or similar]
Ok that was really well done, all you need do to leave hypnosis is count silently to yourself from one to five. With each number that you count, you allow yourself to come up and return, remembering being with me here in this room. When you count five, you open your eyes feeling great, fully alert again and feeling even more in control. So simply count to 5 and bring yourself up and out of hypnosis.
If the child comes up and out of hypnosis within a minute, say "Thank you. Well done" and proceed to encourage the child, ratify their experience and remind them of what they have done. Then ask the child how he/she feels before moving on to the next step. If the child still seems sleepy after a minute or has not opened their eyes, you can encourage them to come up and out again, you might repeat the count out process, you might even choose to count him/her out yourself, but first of all, remind them to count and open their eyes without you and tell them you are going to then teach the child some other great things. Then move on to the next step.On the rare occasions a child states that he/she wishes to stay in hypnosis and enjoy the imagination some more, I remind them that they can bring those great feelings with them and use them in other parts of his/her life too.
Step Two:
Once the child is fully emerged from hypnosis and reoriented, you say something along the lines of:
Well done See how easy it is to bring yourself out of hypnosis? [Sometimes it is worth nodding here to elicit agreement] You can always bring yourself up and out of hypnosis simply by counting from one to five silently in your mind. [It is sometimes worth adding some excitement or even a knowing smile for the next sentence] Want to know something really cool? If you ever want to bring yourself up and out of hypnosis in a hurry, especially if you have to go and do something very quickly or unexpectedly, then you don't even have to count to five! You can just choose to come out of hypnosis straight away, and when you then open your eyes, you are out of hypnosis and fully alert again, great eh?
Also, because you all the great feelings of hypnosis with you, you are able to go and do that thing even better than usual! At the times you do not need to come out really quickly, it is still best to count from 1 to 5 to come up gradually and properly, like when you awake from sleep in the morning, it takes a few moments to get fully alert, but anytime you want to or need to, you can just choose to come out and when you open your eyes, you have done it. Remember, you can choose and you are in control of it."
Now you have a good chat with the child about what they have learned. Importantly, you now tell the child that he/she has now easily learned how to do the thing that most people think is the hardest part of self-hypnosis - coming out. Also show how he/she is able to talk when using hypnosis and it does not disturb the hypnosis, it can actually sometimes make it more relaxing and better.Once you have given these instructions, ratified accordingly and made sure the child understands, then move on to step three.
Step Three:
Now you simply review what was done earlier in the session, remind the child of the induction methods you used and ask him/her which one he/she enjoyed the most and/or preferred.
Enquire with the child about what it was that he/she liked about it and then state something along these lines:
Thank you for sharing that with me, you were clearly paying attention and enjoying that part of the session. You have now helped me and you decide what is the best way for you to use self-hypnosis.
We are going to use the [Name the child's favourite induction, using his/her words and explanation of it].
To begin with, I am going to give you just a little bit of help while I show you how to go into hypnosis yourself. After that, I am going to show you how to use self-hypnosis by yourself and not even need me! You'll be able to do this great skill whenever you want and enjoy those great feelings anytime you choose!
Shall we get started and go back into hypnosis now? [Proceed with the child's agreement]
Great.
Now all you have to do is tell me again in detail the way you are going to go into hypnosis -just describe in as many of the things we did before that you enjoyed the most.
Remember all those great feelings you had when you were in hypnosis and as you tell me all about those things, notice all those same feelings start to happen again, really easily. That's it, just let those great feelings happen and notice those sensations happening that tell you that you are in hypnosis, just let it all happen again... Good.... [Give the child some space to do their own thing now. You may add some of the details they gave you previously at times if you feel it is necessary or if you think the child needs to be more specific.]As the child starts to show signs of being hypnotised, now state something along the lines of:That's really good.
Notice what is happening as you say that.
Continue to simply let it happen again.
When you have noticed all those same feelings of being hypnotised again, when you know that you are in hypnosis, just nod your head so that I can see that you are in hypnosis for sure.
[Wait quietly until the child nods, though you may encourage minimally at times.]
That's great, well done for getting into hypnosis again
Really good stuff.
[If the child seems to find it difficult or seems to be unsure, then help with some more details and instructions or ask them what they are experiencing and either build deeper into hypnosis from there, or respond accordingly to the issue they cite.]Once they have nodded the head and indicated they are in hypnosis, state something along the lines of:
You are doing really well, continue to enjoy these good feelings.
And, like we did earlier, take a minute or two to enjoy the wonderful hypnotic feelings, you might notice them getting even more enjoyable and remind yourself of how you are going to use self-hypnosis to deal with that issue
[Be specific about the child's issue and the way in which you plan for them to use self-hypnosis - using imagination, practicing certain skills or therapeutic interventions done in the session etc.].[Once 1-2 minutes have passed]
Well done, now count yourself up and out of hypnosis as you learned to do earlier.
[Pause for the child to come out of hypnosis and open his/her eyes] Great stuff, well done. Now, tell me how that was... [Ask about their experience, any problems, difficulties, and answer any questions the child has.]
Once you have had a chat and reflected, move on to step four.Step Four:
State something along the lines of:Having done so well up until now, I think you are ready to take yourself into hypnosis without me, aren't you?
[Wait for agreement from child.]
That's great.
So this time, you simply think those same things that you thought before and let all those same feelings happen again
[unless you have made tweaks or changes resulting from your previous discussion]
Just remember those details of how you went into hypnosis before, and go into hypnosis yourself.
Unless you want to, there is no need to tell me anything, just go ahead and do it for yourself in your own mind.
Choose to make it happen.
That's it, you know what to do, you can choose to simply let it happen again.
It only happens when you decide it can happen and when you make it happen, so you just have to focus your mind and remember those thoughts and great feelings and let them happen again.
Have some fun, go into hypnosis, nod to show me when you are there, enjoy all those great hypnosis feelings and when you are ready, bring yourself up and out of hypnosis in the way you know how and have done before.
Go for it.
Unless the child is clearly having difficulties or asks you a question or airs an issue (which you'll deal with and return to the earlier step if necessary), then you remain quiet throughout - though when the child nods, thank the child and acknowledge - maybe even encourage very briefly.
When the child has then brought himself up and out of hypnosis, congratulate the child, encourage the child and feedback to the child reminding them of how well he/she has done.If you have parents involved closely, it is beneficial for them and the child to know that the child can talk in hypnosis and also for them to show what they are achieving and learning.
Therefore, you might want to bring the parent/s into your consulting room at the end of a session and let the child demonstrate their self-hypnosis skills, and tell the parents when they are hypnotised and then come out.Ensure there is an appropriate amount of encouragement and positive reinforcement, dependent on the requirements of the specific child too.All that remains is to remind the child of making it a daily practice in between sessions and then send him/her off to do that. I love the idea of teaching children these amazing skills - skills that will help them massively as they develop.References:
Gardner, G. G. (1974). Parents: obstacles or allies in child hypnotherapy? American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 17, 44-49. Gardner, G. G. (1976). Childhood, death, and human dignity: Hypnotherapy for David. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 24, 122-139. Gardner, G. G. (1980). Hypnosis with children: selected readings. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 28, 289-293. Gardner, G. G. (1981). Teaching Self-Hypnosis To Children. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 29, 300-312. Gorassini, D. R., & Spanos, N.P. (1986). A social-cognitive skills approach to successful modification of hypnotic susceptibility. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 50, 1004-1012. Kirsch, I., Montgomery, G., & Sapirstein, G. (1995).
Hypnosis as an adjunct to cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy: A meta-analysis. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 63,214-220. Kirsch, I., & Lynn, S. J. (1995). The altered state of hypnosis: Changes in the theoretical landscape. American Psychologist, 50,846-858. Kohen, D. P., and Olness, K. (2011) Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy With Children (4th Ed) Routledge London. Labaw, W., Holton, C., Tewell, K. (1975) The use of self-hypnosis by children with cancer. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 17, 233-238. .
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Articles Of The Week
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Here are a selection of topical articles that I enjoyed reading this week related to the fields of hypnosis, hypnotherapy, psychotherapy and other forms of personal development. Some may have just amused me or made me smile. If you ever come across any related articles that you think may feature well, then get in touch with me and we can share them here:
The virtues of pessimism:
Four common obstacles that interfere with goal setting:
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New Audios and Videos For Download Now
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I am delighted to announce that we have released two new audio programmes. One is for runners wanting to develop and install supercharged mantras that they can use when running to elicit major responses and draw upon resources. The other which uses hypnosis and mindfulness to develop self-acceptance. If either of those pique your interest, please visit the store and grab them.
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Learning To Truly Accept Yourself - Self Hypnosis Audio Program.
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Some of us will have a negative perception of ourselves, even if only temporary as a result of an issue in life.
Some of us may have unwanted beliefs about ourselves and our lives, which are unduly critical.
Some of us may just have uncomfortable or unwanted feelings as a result of our ongoing experience of life.
This audio shows you how to accept yourself, how to accept your own feelings towards yourself and develop a thoroughly loving relationship with you. Enjoy it!
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Advancing Of The Runners Mantra Using Self-Hypnosis - Audio Program.
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Short extract from product information page
This audio session has two tracks - the first one shows you how to construct and create the most powerful mantras for yourself. The second track is a hypnosis session that installs and supercharges your mantras for use when you are actually out running. You'll end up with a number of very powerful, resourceful mantras that you simply say to yourself when running and they'll elicit wonderful responses within you when you need them. I consider my running mantras as essential as my running shoes and GPS watch these days - so if you are a runner, come and get your mantras organised and ramped up ready for use and advance your running performance as a result.
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Can You Write A Wittier Caption |
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Why not join us and add your pearls of wisdom?
Here are some of this week's postings. |
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-- Avoid Disappointment - Book Early
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Joke Of The Week
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Q: How many Hypnotherapists does it take to change a lightbulb A: One - but the lightbulb has got to WANT to change |
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Thanks to all of you who send the jokes in, I love getting them.
And those that get posted in the Hub, keep us all amused greatly.
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Charity Fundraising |
Please consider sponsoring my latest charity fundraising, multi-marathon running exploits. You can sponsor me here: Just Giving
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Please do come and join us in the new Hypnosis Hub, - if you are a professional in the field, you'll get more business using this forum,
- if you are curious the hypnosis field, you'll learn more,
- if you are student of hypnosis and hypnotherapy, you'll get support and resources...
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HYPNOTHERAPY DIPLOMA TRAINING |
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If you want to train to be a hypnotherapist, there has never been a better time, we are thriving in this economic climate! If you'd like to train, check out here for a course prospectus
, dates and application form for this year's diploma, fully approved and accredited in several countries... The spaces are going at some pace right now though... My training school is one of a few in the UK to currently offer the externally verified HPD (Hypnotherapy Practitioner Diploma) which matches government occupational standards and is the equivalent of National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) level 4
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Learn Self-Hypnosis!
We have new dates for my self-hypnosis one day seminar.
They also carry with them Continued Professional Development (CPD) credits with the GHR and NCH here in the UK if you are a member of either.
The seminars have been fully booked up this year and we are offering these extra dates in response to popular demand.
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NEW COURSE
FIVE DAY
Intensive Certification in
Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy in 2013
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Please remember to tell friends, family, colleagues and anyone else you know how they can receive Adam Up each week and let them know that they get a free hypnosis session, a five day personal development course and a 50,000 word eBook 'The Happy Brain Manual', when they register from my homepage. If you are on Twitter, I publish some absolute gold material if you are interested in the fields of hypnosis, hypnotherapy and self-hypnosis, do come and follow me: http://twitter.com/adameason
Do come and join us in the members area if you wish to learn more, I mean much more about the fields of hypnosis, hypnotherapy and self-hypnosis. There's over 60 hours of video footage, even more audio material, hundreds of articles to read, and lots of free eBooks too. You get massive savings on all my audio programmes in there too. Our Platinum Section is revamped and relaunched
and now has many hours of training and tuition video from my diploma course, go have a read about it.
I'll be back next week ...
In the meantime, enjoy Easter and enjoy teaching children self-hypnosis... I thank you for reading...
Goodbye for now.
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Karen Puttick
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KAREN PUTTICK - CHILTERN "It took me a long time to choose the hypnotherapy course I felt was right for me. From the moment I entered the classroom on the first day, I knew my decision to learn from
Adam was the right one.
Throughout the course, Adam's passion, knowledge and experience of evidence-based hypnotherapy made him the best tutor I have ever encountered.
Adam and his team of assistants also went out of their way to support all the students, even beyond the end of the course, to make the whole learning experience an absolute joy.
I would recommend Adam's course to anybody who wants to learn clinical hypnotherapy from a Master."
MORE TESTIMONIALS HERE
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Skype |
Another thing that we encourage is contacting us via Skype. Keith's Skype ID - keithaw2k1. For example if you would prefer to pay for products or services by using a debit or credit card then you can contact Keith to make your payment. |
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