Recognising When Additional Support is Needed

While personalised hypnosis sessions are highly effective for many childhood issues, there are times when additional professional support may be beneficial. Here’s how to recognise these situations.

Normal vs. Concerning Responses

Normal Responses to Sessions:

• Gradual, subtle improvements over several weeks
• Some resistance or inconsistency initially
• Periods of progress followed by temporary setbacks
• Different responses between siblings or compared to other children

When to Consider Additional Help:

• No improvement after 6-8 weeks of consistent use
• Worsening of symptoms during session period
• Your child becomes significantly distressed by the sessions
• Severe reactions or extreme resistance that doesn’t improve

Signs That May Indicate Need for Professional Support

Emotional and Behavioural Concerns:

• Severe anxiety that interferes with daily activities
• Persistent depression or withdrawal from family/friends
• Extreme behavioural changes or aggression
• Self-harm behaviours or expressions of wanting to hurt others

Sleep and Eating Issues:

• Severe sleep disturbances that don’t improve with sessions
• Significant changes in eating patterns or weight
• Persistent nightmares or night terrors
• Complete refusal to sleep alone or in their own bed

School and Social Difficulties:

• Complete school refusal or severe academic decline
• Social isolation or inability to maintain friendships
• Bullying situations that require intervention
• Learning difficulties that may need assessment

Physical Symptoms:

• Unexplained physical complaints that persist
• Frequent headaches, stomachaches, or other pain
• Regression in developmental milestones
• Physical symptoms that interfere with daily functioning

When Sessions Aren’t Working

After 4-6 Weeks:

• Review the listening environment and consistency
• Consider whether external stresses are interfering
• Ensure your child isn’t experiencing illness or major changes
• Check if the issue might need different professional approach

After 8+ Weeks:

• Contact our clinic for guidance and review
• Consider whether underlying issues need addressing first
• Discuss with your child’s GP about other factors
• Explore whether counselling or therapy might be beneficial

Types of Additional Support

Medical Consultation:

• GP assessment for physical symptoms
• Paediatrician evaluation for developmental concerns
• Sleep specialist for persistent sleep issues
• Nutritionist for eating-related problems

Mental Health Professionals:

• Child psychologist for behavioural or emotional issues
• Family therapist for relationship or communication problems
• School counsellor for academic or social difficulties
• Psychiatrist if medication might be considered

Educational Support:

• Learning support teacher for academic struggles
• Occupational therapist for sensory or motor issues
• Speech therapist for communication difficulties
• Educational psychologist for comprehensive assessment

How to Approach Getting Help

Talking to Your Child:

• Explain that getting help shows strength, not weakness
• Reassure them that they’re not “broken” or “wrong”
• Focus on the goal of feeling better and happier
• Let them know you’ll support them through the process

Choosing Professionals:

• Seek referrals from trusted sources (GP, school, friends)
• Look for professionals experienced with children
• Consider your child’s comfort level and preferences
• Ensure good communication and collaboration approach

Preparing for Appointments:

• Document specific behaviours, symptoms, or concerns
• Note what you’ve tried and how it worked
• Prepare questions about treatment options
• Bring your child’s medical and developmental history

Combining Approaches

Sessions Plus Professional Support:

• Many children benefit from multiple approaches
• Hypnosis sessions can complement other treatments
• Professional guidance can enhance session effectiveness
• Different approaches address different aspects of issues

Timing Considerations:

• Some professionals may suggest pausing sessions temporarily
• Others encourage continuing as part of comprehensive approach
• Follow professional recommendations about combining treatments
• Maintain open communication between all support providers

Supporting Your Child Through Additional Help

Maintaining Perspective:

• Getting extra help doesn’t mean you’ve failed as a parent
• Many children need multiple types of support
• Early intervention often leads to better outcomes
• Your advocacy for your child shows excellent parenting

Practical Support:

• Continue providing stable, loving home environment
• Maintain routines that support your child’s wellbeing
• Communicate regularly with professionals involved
• Take care of your own mental health during this process

When to Contact Norwest Wellbeing

For Session-Related Concerns:

• Your child is having unusual reactions to sessions
• You’re unsure if sessions are appropriate for your child’s issue
• You need guidance on modifying approach
• You want to discuss combining sessions with other treatments

For Professional Guidance:

• Paul and Rebecca Smith can provide recommendations for other professionals
• They can advise on timing of additional interventions
• They offer insight into when sessions might be resumed
• They provide ongoing support for families navigating multiple treatments

Emergency Situations

Seek Immediate Help If:

• Your child expresses thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• There are signs of abuse or trauma
• Severe behavioural changes pose safety risks
• Medical emergency or severe physical symptoms

Emergency Resources:

• Call 000 for immediate medical emergencies
• Contact your local hospital emergency department
• Reach out to Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
• Contact your GP or mental health crisis service

Remember, seeking additional help when needed is a sign of good parenting. Trust your instincts about your child’s wellbeing, and don’t hesitate to reach out for professional guidance when you have concerns.

The goal is always your child’s health, happiness, and development. Sometimes this requires a team approach, and that’s perfectly normal and healthy.