The primary tasks for parents are to ask questions, understand, and then support the process. If your child can read, go over this information with him or her and write down your questions together. For younger children, instead of using the words hypnosis or hypnotherapy, you might say that “the doctor is going to help you pretend about your” tummy pain, asthma, headaches, etc.
The psychologist may also work with you on making changes to the environment at home or to your child’s daily routine. Sometimes, when children are allowed to stay home or avoid the stressors that are contributing to their pain, the pain actually gets stronger and harder to get rid of. Returning children to school and to activities they love is often the first step to breaking the cycle of pain. We will also need your help to understand:
- How the problem affects your child's life
- All that you have done so far to help
- Your own fears and worries about your child's problem - This is important because your anxiety and doubts are infectious. Your child feels them too.