Hypnosis consultations for Children
Monsters under the bed, bedwetting that won't go away, bedtime that takes two hours, the stomachache every Sunday evening before school…
Children's difficulties are real, and their greatest strength for getting through them is their imagination.
Our pediatric hypnosis team supports children from age 4-5, across Quebec, in person or online : sessions that feel like story games where your child is the hero, with you, the parents, as partners from start to finish.
What does hypnosis look like for a child?
A hypnosis session for a child, concretely
It happens like a moment of play : no couch, no "sleep, I command you"!
A child's hypnotic state is one they already know : the absorption of a story, a drawing, a film…
The practitioner builds a custom story with the child, filled with their favourite characters, into which suggestions for change are woven : fear of the dark becomes a dragon to be tamed, a worry gets tucked into an imaginary box, the body discovers its superpowers. The child keeps their eyes open or closed, moves, draws, talks, and often leaves feeling proud of themselves.
To fully understand how hypnosis works for children, see our complete guide for parents.
What works: a willing child + partner parents

You don't "send" a child to hypnosis : their willingness is the key.
Our tried-and-true trick : show them the photo or introduction video of the practitioner on our pediatric hypnosis team, and let them decide whether they'd like to meet this person who tells slightly magical stories. Curiosity wins almost every time.
And you, the parents, are partners from start to finish : parental consent is always required, the first meeting happens together to set the goal, you're present during or near the session depending on age, and you're often given a role at home (bedtime rituals, reinforcement, small stories to repeat). There's never a secret between the practitioner and the child that's kept from the parents : your child has a respected space to talk, and you stay informed of everything that matters.
From what age?
At Solutions Hypnose, we generally work with children from age 4-5 (to confirm with each practitioner).
That's the age when language is rich enough to follow a story and play along with it. Before that age, the work tends to go through the parents instead (rituals, stories to tell).
And there's no upper limit : the approach simply evolves along with the child, up through the dedicated support we offer teens.
How hypnosis can help your child
Video transcript
Hello, I'm Charlotte de Joybert, a hypnotherapist and sophrologist. I have always been of service to others, putting people at the centre of my concerns. I support adults and children with issues such as managing anxiety or certain fears, changing behaviours such as eating habits or smoking, self-image and self-confidence. I also support women during pregnancy and the postpartum period, as well as through fertility treatment.
Sophrology and hypnosis are wonderful techniques that belong to the family of brief therapies, and they can help people feel better. These techniques can also support a child's development, from early childhood to adolescence. I see children of all ages, from five or six, depending on the child's maturity and the goal, up to seventeen or eighteen for teenagers.
Children often come for different issues depending on their age: it may be bedwetting, sleep problems, self-confidence issues, and also managing anxiety, which is a theme we find at every age. I remember an eight-year-old boy who was having difficulties with his new teacher, which caused him so much anxiety that he felt like throwing up, knowing that he was also emetophobic, that is, afraid of vomiting.
He had lost confidence in himself, and it was affecting him both at school and in his activities. He no longer wanted to go to school or to his training sessions. Over the sessions, things settled down: we found breathing exercises combined with movements to help him feel confident and protected. Then we changed his perception of school, and the urge to vomit gradually faded.
Indeed, the approach and techniques used are not the same whether the child is six, twelve or sixteen. For young children, the hypnotic state comes very easily; it can even be done with their eyes open while we keep talking: I enter their world, and parents are often amazed by the changes that take place. For a primary-school child, I do shorter sessions and use images and metaphors suited to their age.
Children of this age often have trouble managing their emotions, or an issue linked to a particular event that makes them seem to regress: for example, they no longer want to sleep in their own bed, they start bedwetting, or they behave differently at home or at school. The task is then to find out how they experience things, what reassures them and how to help them accept change.
I really favour guided imagery work that speaks to them. With a teenager, on the other hand, I focus more on building trust, and I help them put tools in place to improve their self-esteem, gain confidence and master their emotions, for example through visualisation, breathing and positive affirmations. And with teenagers or young adults, we can work at greater length on deep relaxation exercises, and on beliefs and behaviours.
So now you have a few tools for understanding hypnosis in light of your child's developmental needs. For more information about hypnosis and how it can help you, get in touch with me. And the whole Solutions Hypnose team is here to support you, in person or by video, which works very well too. Feel free to ask your questions and share your experience; we'll be happy to read them.
And if you liked this video, don't forget to like and subscribe for more tips. See you soon for a new video.
Hypnotherapy is a complementary form of support and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns about your health, please consult a physician first.
The difficulties we support most often
- Fears and nightmares. Fear of the dark, monsters, dogs, thunderstorms : when a fear settles in, the imagination that created it is also the one that can undo it (see our Fears & Phobias page).
- Bedwetting.
Common past age 5-6, and far heavier for a child to carry than one might think : shame, declined sleepovers… First step, always : a doctor's check-up, to rule out any physical cause (see one without delay if the urine has a strong odour or the child feels pain urinating). After that, hypnosis gets good results through age-appropriate control metaphors : through stories, the child learns to team up with their body, without ever feeling guilty. Our detailed article explains it all. - Sleep.
Endless time falling asleep, night wakings, bedtime rituals that never end : hypnosis installs falling-asleep rituals the child takes on almost like a game (see our Sleep page). - School and separation worries.
Tears at the daycare or kindergarten door, the knotted stomach every Sunday evening, worry over the school year starting : tools their own size (courage in a pocket, an invisible hug) give mornings back their lightness. If school is refused outright or the distress is significant, talk to the school and your doctor promptly. - Self-confidence and shyness.
The child who doesn't dare raise their hand, who compares themselves to others, who says "I'm no good" : confidence can be repaired, and the earlier it's addressed, the better (see our Self-Confidence page). - Anger and big emotions.
The storms that leave everyone exhausted : the child learns, through play and imagery, to recognize the rising wave and surf it. - Major upheavals.
A new baby, a move, parents separating : these are earthquakes at a child's scale, and stories help them get through and put them into words.
Our approach, and when to see a doctor or psychologist first
We offer helping-relationship and well-being support : we are not doctors, psychologists, or psychotherapists.
See a health professional as a priority if you notice in your child : a sudden, lasting change in behaviour, withdrawal that settles in, marked regression, persistent learning or language difficulties (a specialized assessment is needed), any unexplained physical symptom, or significant distress.
If a diagnosis is being considered or has been made, it falls to the doctor, psychologist, or neuropsychologist.
Our support can then, as a complement and with their agreement, help your child with stress, self-esteem, or sleep.
And if the difficulty plays out at school (bullying, conflict), the school needs to be involved : we support the child, but protection is the responsibility of the adults.
What our clients say
« Sandra is both very gentle and very reassuring. She did a session with my 8-year-old son about his fear of blood, and I felt that right after the session, my son already had a different openness toward various situations he encountered. I had some apprehensions about my child trying hypnosis, but Sandra made it a positive moment! :) »
Alexandra, client of Sandra Djina Ravalia
« Great service! My 8-year-old son loved his session, and in just one session the nightmare problem that had been going on for months/years already was resolved!! »
Fanny, client of Jean-Marie Balestrat
« Wow, my son used to have a meltdown every night, no rest at all, he wouldn't fall asleep alone, he needed my partner or me there. After only 2-3 sessions, he now sleeps alone, peacefully, and even closes his bedroom door to sleep. Thank you so much, thank you Sandra ❤️❤️ »
Alexandre, client of Sandra Djina Ravalia
« Thanks to Marjorie, who welcomed my son, his father and me with exceptional listening, gentleness and patience, we now see that light more easily in our conversations, exchanges and outlook. She knows how to connect with the energy of the person in front of her, respect their pace and bring the help that fits their needs. She is professional and shows great humility, openness and transparency. My son quickly felt at ease, and I could see the benefits of her approach on him over the sessions. She takes the time to build bridges between family members. With you, Marjorie, I feel supported and equipped as a parent, and I am more than happy to see my son blossom and gently become the person he wants to be. Thank you is such a small word, yet so full of gratitude. »
Cindy, client of Marjorie Gilbert
« My 6-year-old daughter had a problem that had lasted for years, and I tried this solution. Just one meeting was needed. A real miracle!! I'll always be grateful to Nassim for this. Thank you so much. »
Melissa, client of Nassim Zafar
« I loved the family, reassuring atmosphere. Everything is perfect. My daughter hasn't managed to sleep alone yet, but I found her much more at peace. »
Emmanuelle, client of Sabine Chapuis
« Wonderful meeting! Ms. Letarte is very professional and knows how to put the person she's working with at ease. My son loves her! After just one session, her valuable advice is already paying off for my son… Thank you! »
Natacha, client of Rachelle Letarte
« The appointment was for my son, we really loved Ms. Leblanc's approach, she was very attentive and the session met all our expectations. I highly recommend her. »
Aicha, client of Réjeanne LeBlanc
« My 10-year-old daughter has been seeing Sandra Djina since September 2023 for an anxiety disorder. She always looks forward to her appointments, and we really appreciate her gentle, caring approach. We're also seeing a decrease in her anxiety. We're very satisfied! »
Marie-Hélène, client of Sandra Djina Ravalia
« I'm not pretty, the others are going to make fun of me... Rediscovering the joy of dancing and preparing the show in front of the class, just for fun, and no longer being afraid of others' judgment… »
Rosalie
Consult a pediatric hypnosis practitioner near you
In Office or Online Across Canada
Offices in Montreal, Gatineau, Sherbrooke, Montérégie…
And if you live far away or elsewhere in the world, online sessions work very well. Evening slots available.
All areas
Annie Mayrand
Gatineau - Cumberland (ON)
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Christian Rocher
Beloeil
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David Veilleux
Montréal - Anjou
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Florence Aton
Sutton
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Jessica Reid
Sherbrooke
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Julie Rocque
Montréal - Jean-Talon
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Nuria Pérez de León
Montréal - Rosemont - Saint-Lambert
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Romain Rastoin
Bromont
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Réjeanne LeBlanc
La Prairie
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Frequently asked questions about hypnosis for children
In practice, from age 4-5, the age when language allows a child to follow and inhabit a story.
Before that, the work tends to go through the parents instead, with tales and rituals to share.
Children make excellent subjects : their imagination is their native language, and the process is often shorter than for adults.
First, with a doctor, to rule out any physical cause — that's the rule, and it protects your child.
After that, yes : at 8, bedwetting weighs heavily (shame, avoided sleepovers, dented confidence), and hypnosis gets good results through stories and control metaphors, without making the child feel guilty. A few sessions is often enough.
The first meeting always starts together, to set the goal and build trust. After that, it depends on the child's age and the topic : younger children are often accompanied, older ones sometimes appreciate a space of their own.
Parents are then in the next room and informed of everything that matters. There's never a secret kept from parents.
Some of our practitioners offer parents a silent video monitor to watch the session from the waiting room.
We never force it, and we bet on curiosity : show them the photo or introduction video of the practitioner, present the meeting for what it is (someone who tells stories and teaches superhero tricks), and let them decide.
Nine times out of ten, they're the one who'll remind you of the appointment.
As a complement only.
Diagnosis and follow-up belong to the doctor, psychologist, or neuropsychologist : that's their field, and it matters.
With their agreement, our support can help your child with what surrounds the difficulty : stress, self-esteem that's often taken a hit, sleep. We'll always refer you further if the situation calls for it.
It depends on your family plan. Our practitioners issue receipts (helping-relationship, naturopathy, or hypnotherapy, depending on their affiliation), but not every insurer accepts them : check your policy before the first session, specifying the type of receipt the chosen practitioner issues.
- Fears & Phobias — when a fear settles in.
- Sleep and Insomnia — for difficult nights.
- Self-Confidence — shyness, comparison, "I'm no good".
- Family & Life Transitions — our Family section's hub.
We are not doctors, psychologists, or psychotherapists. Our services belong to helping relationships and well-being: they do not constitute treatment or psychotherapy (a reserved act in Quebec), and do not replace medical or psychological care in any way. Any physical difficulty or marked distress in a child should be evaluated by a doctor first. Supporting a minor requires their parents' consent.
Page written by Charlotte de Joybert
hypnotherapist and sophrologist
partner at Solutions Hypnose.
English version reviewed by David Veilleux
Updated .