pediatric hypnosis

[Moira]

A friend who is a nurse practitioner recently suggested Pediatric Hypnosis as something to look into for my son with sensory defensiveness. The University where I live has a program that is used for children with chronic pain - and she has heard they have good success in those cases.
My son's tactile defensiveness is pretty extreme, making any clothing touching his body a huge challenge to tolerate.
Has any one else looked into this?
Moira

[Jessica]

I read a few studies on this in graduate school, will try to get those to you, but in the meantime:

What is Pediatric Hypnotherapy?

As currently practiced, hypnotherapy most often involves teaching a child how to self-
hypnotize in order to control bad habits, physical symptoms, and other conditions. The child
learns to use relaxation techniques and mental images—similar to a daydream or fantasy—
to enter an “altered mental state” (in other words, to induce hypnosis).
Once in this altered state, the therapist makes suggestions aimed at producing the desired
change in behavior, anxiety level, or symptom intensity. These may range from recalling
times of feeling happy and well in a child with chronic pain, to thinking of the body as a
“computer” that the child can “program” with his or her mind.
The child may also receive specific teaching about their problem as a means of helping them
learn to exercise control over their body. For example, a child with nocturnal enuresis (bed-
wetting) may be taught the basic anatomy and function of the bladder. Ultimately, the child
is able to induce self-hypnosis when needed to achieve the desired changes.

What is the history of using hypnosis with children?
Hypnosis of children was first described in 1779 by Mesmer, who reportedly used
hypnotherapy to treat a child with visual problems. Historically, hypnotherapy was rarely
practiced with children, because people thought that children could not be hypnotized. In the
1970's, however, observations suggested that children were easier to hypnotize than adults,
and that hypnosis could be used in the treatment of behavioral and physical problems in
children

What are some uses of hypnotherapy in children?
Hypnotherapy has been used to treat hundreds of behavior disorders, chronic diseases, and
pain and discomfort. Here's a partial list:
Behavior problems

* Habit/tic disorders including thumb-sucking 2 , trichotillomania (hair-pulling)
Tourette's Syndrome. (Evidence is currently limited to several small studies and case
reports (reports of successful therapy in a few individuals, without comparison to
another therapy).
* Nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting). (Evidence includes case reports as well as one clinical
trial, in which hypnotherapy was shown to be more effective than medication.)
* Sleep terrors, nightmares, and other sleep disturbances. (Evidence is limited to case
reports.)
* Swallowing problems, food aversions, and choking (not related to anatomic problems or
disease. (Evidence is limited to case reports.)
* Anxiety and stress.

Chronic Conditions

* Asthma. (Case reports suggest that hypnotherapy may reduce episodes of wheezing or
shortness of breath, and may decrease reliance on asthma medications.)
* Cystic Fibrosis (CF. (A study in adults and children with CF suggests that
hypnotherapy can reduce symptoms of cough, shortness of breath, anxiety, and other
problems commonly faced by these patients.)
* Control of pain, treatment and medical procedure discomfort and other symptoms:
Chronic pain in cancer patients. (Initial results from small studies showing that
hypnotherapy can be used to manage chronic pain in children with cancer; larger studies
are likely underway.)

[Katherine Grey]

I have heard about this treatment for children with SPD but don't know anyone who has tried it. I would love to hear how it goes if you do in fact begin treatment.

[Moira]

Thanks for the replies. I am intending to look into this... it is hard to find balance with trying many things for my son.
We are currently doing Reflex Integration work which I am pretty excited about. I was fascinated to see the things our practitioner showed me with my son's body and how these were related to his reflexes - and supposedly ultimately his sensory perception. She also suggested cranial sacral therapy for him.
Best to all,
Moira

[Christy]

My daughter also has extreme tactile defensiveness. We have done just about everything. Interactive Metronome and NAET have seemed to help the most. We are still no where near where we want to be. I have been thinking about hypnosis in general. I'd be very interested to see if anyone else has any experience in this realm!

[Moira]

I just checked in with the Pediatrician here who specializes in Hypnotherapy. It did sound promising but his next opening is in two months! I am an eternal optimist and always hopeful when I hear about something new that could help my son. sigh.

My son could not get any clothing on today - so no school. It was so sad. I worry because when he gets really down he asks what life is supposed to be for and says he doesn't think it's worth living. He is really resilient though and has been content all day (although naked) reading and hanging out at home. He rode to and from school naked in the car so his sister could go to school. I never thought I'd be dealing with something like this - especially with a 90 pound 4th grader.

[Alicia M. Birong]

Moira, Where are you located?

[Alicia M. Birong]

Moira, I am a hypnotherapist who specializes in pediatric hypnosis for over 10 years. I have had great success in all the issues Jessica has talked about. I also train people to work in this area from across the country. I might know someone in your area.

[Christy]

I'm interested too. We live in Michigan. I'd love to hear more about your experience as a hypnotherapist in the area of SPD.

[Alicia M. Birong]

Christy, What I have found that working with these children in an alternate state (hypnosis) has brought significant result. It is easier for the kids then normal communications. I have seen kids go from not being able to eat wearing clothes and enjoying them or just handling it better and sometimes that is the success. The area of SPD is so new for doctors they also are in a trial period. I do believe that my clients have had a lot of success. they are able to make changes and live with them.

[Alicia M. Birong]

Moira , Please read Christy response. If I can help in any other way let me know.

[Moira]

Thanks, Christy.
We have 4 appointments set up now with the doctor at our University. They start in mid December.
My son really needs something that will give him relief.... I hope this will.

[Jessica]

Hey Christy,

I was wondering if you could let us know how the hypnotherapy is going for your son? We had some new inquiries from other parents and I would love to update them.

Thanks so much!

Jessica