MAY 2008, VOLUME 36, NUMBER 1, Abstract 5
“I’ve Never Felt Like That Before” — Hypnosis for Sleep Problems and Depression in a 10-Year-Old Boy
Kathryn Tiffen, Clinical psychologist, Gosford, N.S.W.
This report describes a case of hypnosis used as an adjunt to psychotherapy for problems of poor sleep and low mood in a 10-year-old boy, here called AJ. The client first presented with issues of anger and self-harm and was brought to therapy by his mother. AJ responded well to individual counseling and to some suggested changes in family management. The hypnotherapy was designed to address AJ’s sleep disorder. At the end of therapy, AJ’s mood was within normal limits. Sleep questionnaires indicated that AJ’s arousal before sleep was also improved. The client expressed his appreciation for being given the opportunity to quickly learn a method to place himself in a pleasant trance state.