School Refusal Therapy

A child refusing to go to school full-time or at all.  According to the latest government figures, school refusal has increased by 50% since COVID (DeE, 2023).   

Reasons for School Refusal

Unfortunately children who have ASD, ADHD, ADD or OCD suffer from higher anxiety levels. This can include social anxiety, fear of having a panic attack. It can even include fear of being sick (emetophobia). Some children may struggle with smells, noise and lights.

Refusing to go to school may start in year 11 or even in primary. They may have moved from a small school to a bigger school.  Unfortunately, it is common for puberty to start at this time too. Younger children may worry about getting lost or even making friends.

Can hypnotherapy help?

Children and young people may struggle to verbalise their difficulties. This is where hypnotherapy can help.  Solution-focused hypnotherapy is not a talking therapy, and the trained child therapist can ask appropriate questions that require only a nod or shake of the head in the pre-trance talk. This enables the hypnotherapist to prepare a bespoke session to increase confidence and reduce anxiety.

Hypnosis is a fantastic way to practice feeling and thinking confidently.   The benefits will be enhanced as the sessions are recorded for the child to listen to for several weeks. Hopefully leading to long-term change.

Research on hypnotherapy, anxiety and school refusal

Research