Hypnotherapy for Children and Teenagers in Brisbane

Children are, in many ways, natural hypnotic subjects. They haven't yet aquired many of the filters that adults have, and they move easily between imagination and experience — which is precisely the quality that makes Ericksonian approaches to hypnotherapy so well-suited to working with young people.

Erickson himself was deeply interested in how children learn, adapt, and change. His methods — using metaphor, storytelling, and a child's own imaginative resources rather than direct instruction — reflect something that parents often recognise intuitively: children respond to being met where they are, not told where to go.

Free resource for parents

Helping Your Child with Anxiety: An Ericksonian Perspective for Parents

If your child is dealing with worry, fear, or anxiety that seems to be getting in the way of everyday life, this short guide is written for you. It draws on Ericksonian principles — the same approach that informs how skilled hypnotherapists work with children — and offers some practical ideas for how parents can support change at home.

Download the free guide: Helping Your Child with Anxiety — An Ericksonian Perspective for Parents (PDF)

Working with younger children: why we refer, and who we trust

Our practitioners work with people aged 16 and older. This isn't simply a matter of preference, it reflects our clinical position. Effective hypnotherapy with younger children sometimes requires specific training in developmental psychology, child-appropriate language, and therapeutic approaches that differ meaningfully from adult work. A practitioner who does this well has usually spent considerable time developing those skills specifically.

We take referrals seriously. When we recommend someone, it's because we're confident your child will be well looked after.

If your child is under 16, please get in touch. We'll take a little time to understand your situation and point you toward a practitioner we genuinely trust. Call us on 07 3354 4555 or contact us here.

  • Katina Gleeson — 0415 480 804 A trusted Brisbane-based colleague, with hypnotherapy and counselling qualifications, and mental health social work accreditation
  • Marie-France Laval — [email protected] Specialises in issues relating to eating and food. Melbourne-based but with online resources.

We update this list periodically. If you'd like a personal recommendation based on your child's specific situation, call us and we'll do our best to help.

Are you finding this hard too?

Parenting a child who is anxious, struggling at school, or dealing with fears that won't shift can be tiring and distressing. Many parents who contact us about their children end up working with us themselves — not because we redirect them, but because they recognise their own need for support in the process.

We work with adults navigating anxiety, stress, overwhelm, and the particular pressures that come with family life. If any of that sounds familiar, you're welcome to call and have a conversation. There's no obligation, and we won't push you toward booking.

Book a session or call us on 07 3354 4555.

Common questions from parents

My child is under 16 — can you help?
We don't work clinically with children under 16 ourselves, but we can point you toward practitioners we trust. Call us on 07 3354 4555 and we'll talk through your situation and make a personal recommendation.
What's the difference between a hypnotherapist and a psychologist for children?
These are distinctly different professions, with differing approaches. Both are evidence-based. Some children respond better to one than the other; some benefit from both. If you're unsure which direction to go, we're happy to talk it through with you.
How do I know if a practitioner is right for my child?
Ask about their specific training and experience with children — not just hypnotherapy in general. Ask how they structure a first session with a young client, and whether they involve parents. A practitioner who works well with children will welcome these questions and give clear answers. You should also feel comfortable speaking with them yourself before your child's first appointment.
My teenager is 15 — does your age limit apply?
Please give us a call or send an email. For a 15-year-old, we'd be happy to recommend someone appropriate.
Can parents sit in on sessions?
This varies by practitioner and by the child's age and preference. For younger children, some involvement from a parent is often part of the therapeutic approach. For teenagers, most practitioners give the young person some space. It's worth asking your practitioner directly, and a good practitioner will have a considered position on this.
My child is 16 or 17 — can they see you?
Yes. We work with young people from age 16. Our approach with older teenagers is thoughtful and age-appropriate, and we're experienced in anxiety, confidence, exam stress, sleep difficulties, help with vaping, and more.