Resolve Separation Anxiety in Children

Understanding Separation Anxiety in Children: How Hypnotherapy Can Help

As a parent, you’ve likely experienced the emotional difficulty of saying goodbye to your child. Whether it’s dropping them off at school or trying to leave the room at bedtime, many children go through phases of separation anxiety during their early years. While this can be a normal part of development, there are times when separation anxiety can persist or intensify, affecting a child’s emotional well-being and day-to-day life.

What Is Separation Anxiety?

Separation anxiety is a common developmental phase that most children experience, typically between the ages of 18 months and 3 years. During this time, children may become anxious or upset when a parent leaves, whether for a short time or an extended period. This emotional response is completely normal and tends to subside as children grow older and become more confident in their independence.

However, for some children, separation anxiety doesn’t fade with age. In some cases, it can continue well into their school years—or even into adolescence—becoming a more persistent and disruptive issue.

When Is It More Than Just a Phase?

While many children experience mild separation anxiety, for others, the symptoms can be more intense and prolonged. When anxiety reaches a level that disrupts a child’s daily activities—like school, social relationships, or even their physical health—it may indicate a condition known as Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD).

Common signs of SAD include:

• Refusal to go to school or participate in other activities without a parent present.
• Excessive clinginess, such as a child who refuses to sleep alone or insists on being with a parent at all times.
• Sleep disturbances, including nightmares or difficulty falling asleep without parental presence.
• Physical symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, or nausea, especially when anticipating being separated from a parent.
• Problems with eating, either a lack of appetite or overeating as a comfort mechanism.

If your child is exhibiting these symptoms, it may be time to seek professional help to address their anxiety before it impacts their overall development and well-being.

How Hypnotherapy Can Help Treat Separation Anxiety in Children

Although separation anxiety is a natural developmental stage for many children, when it becomes a chronic issue, it can interfere with a child’s ability to thrive. Fortunately, separation anxiety disorder is treatable, and one effective treatment option is hypnotherapy.

Hypnotherapy works by accessing a child’s subconscious mind to address the root causes of anxiety. Through guided relaxation techniques, children can learn to manage their fears, reduce anxiety, and develop more positive coping mechanisms. With the help of a trained hypnotherapist, children can reframe their emotional responses to separation, replacing fear with a sense of security and confidence.

At Setanta Hypnotherapy Clinic in Peel, Isle of Man, we have helped many children overcome anxiety and thrive. Our experienced Hypno-Psychotherapist, Mary Nathan, uses a combination of relaxation techniques, positive suggestion, and age-appropriate approaches to ensure that each child’s therapy is both effective and comfortable.

Why Hypnotherapy Works

Hypnotherapy has proven to be highly effective for children with separation anxiety. Unlike other therapeutic approaches that may take a long time to show results, hypnotherapy can bring about significant changes relatively quickly. By helping children feel safe and secure in new situations, hypnotherapy can also empower them to face challenges with confidence—whether that’s attending school, sleeping in their own bed, or developing social relationships.

The Rise in Anxiety Post-Lockdown

Since the COVID-19 lockdowns, many children have experienced heightened anxiety, and parents are noticing their children’s clinginess or difficulty with separation becoming more pronounced. The disruption caused by lockdowns, isolation, and changes in daily routines has had a lasting impact on children’s emotional health.

This has led to an increase in parents seeking professional help for their children’s anxiety, and we at Setanta Hypnotherapy Clinic have seen firsthand how hypnotherapy can provide relief and restore balance to children’s lives.

Take the First Step Today

If you’ve noticed your child struggling with separation anxiety, or if their emotional distress is interfering with their daily life, it may be time to seek support. At Setanta Hypnotherapy Clinic, we offer a safe, compassionate, and proven approach to helping children overcome their anxiety.

To find out more about how hypnotherapy can help your child, contact us today for a free consultation. Hypno-Psychotherapist Mary Nathan will be happy to discuss your child’s needs and answer any questions you may have.

Visit www.SetantaHypnotherapy.com to book your consultation, or text us at +44 7624 326041 for more information.