Nightmares in Children Hypnotherapy Brisbane

Personalised Support for Recurring Nightmares, Bedtime Anxiety, Fear of Sleep and Waking Distressed

A child may seem completely settled during the day and become frightened as bedtime approaches.

They may worry about:

• Having another nightmare

• seeing frightening images

• waking alone

• monsters

• someone entering the house

• something happening to their family

• being trapped in a dream

• not being able to wake up

• sleeping in the dark

• returning to sleep after waking

Nightmares may leave a child:

• Crying

• shaking

• calling for a parent

• unable to settle

• afraid to close their eyes

• unwilling to sleep alone

• exhausted the next day

• anxious before bedtime

• worried that the dream will come true

They may repeatedly say:

• “I do not want to go to sleep.”

• “What if I have the same dream?”

• “The dream felt real.”

• “I am scared to close my eyes.”

• “Please stay with me.”

• “I cannot sleep by myself.”

• “What if the monster comes back?”

• “What if something happens while I am asleep?”

• “I do not want to dream.”

• “I am scared it will happen again.”

Clive Westwood provides personalised hypnotherapy for nightmares in children in Brisbane. Sessions may help reduce bedtime anxiety, fear of recurring dreams, frightening mental imagery and emotional distress while supporting a calmer and safer relationship with sleep.

Appointments are available face-to-face at Clive’s Boondall hypnotherapy clinic on Brisbane’s northside and online throughout Australia where appropriate.

Hypnotherapy may complement support from parents, GPs, paediatricians, psychologists, school guidance staff, sleep professionals and other qualified healthcare providers.

It does not replace medical assessment, trauma treatment, sleep-disorder care or urgent mental-health support.

What Are Nightmares in Children?

Nightmares are distressing dreams that usually occur during sleep and may wake the child.

The child may remember:

• Frightening people

• monsters

• animals

• being chased

• falling

• being trapped

• family members being harmed

• school situations

• accidents

• death

• separation

• supernatural images

• scenes from films or online videos

Occasional nightmares can be part of childhood.

Additional support may be helpful when nightmares:

• Occur frequently

• cause significant bedtime fear

• affect school or behaviour

• prevent the child sleeping independently

• follow trauma

• cause repeated night waking

• lead to daytime anxiety

• significantly disrupt the family

Nightmares Are Different From Night Terrors

Nightmares and night terrors are not the same.

With a nightmare, a child may:

• Wake fully

• remember the dream

• seek comfort

• describe what happened

• remain afraid afterwards

With a night terror, a child may:

• Scream

• sit up

• appear terrified

• be difficult to wake

• seem confused

• have little or no memory the next day

Possible night terrors, sleepwalking, breathing problems or unusual night-time behaviour should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Signs Nightmares May Be Affecting Your Child

Your child may:

• Delay bedtime

• repeatedly leave their room

• ask a parent to stay

• refuse to sleep alone

• request lights to remain on

• avoid talking about the dream

• repeatedly describe the dream

• wake at the same time each night

• become irritable during the day

• struggle at school

• nap because of poor sleep

• fear particular rooms or objects

• become afraid of darkness

• avoid films, stories or places connected with the dream

• worry throughout the day about bedtime

The Childhood Nightmare Anxiety Cycle

A child has a frightening dream.

They wake distressed.

The next evening they begin thinking:

• “It will happen again.”

• “Sleep is not safe.”

• “I need Mum or Dad beside me.”

• “I must stay awake.”

• “Closing my eyes will bring the dream back.”

The child becomes more alert and anxious.

Bedtime takes longer.

Sleep may become unsettled.

Another vivid dream occurs.

The cycle becomes:

Nightmare → fear of another nightmare → bedtime anxiety → unsettled sleep → more dream awareness → stronger fear

Hypnotherapy may help reduce the fear attached to the cycle.

Recurring Nightmares

Some children experience the same or a similar dream repeatedly.

The dream may involve:

• Being chased

• falling

• being lost

• a monster entering the room

• family members disappearing

• being unable to escape

• school humiliation

• being trapped underwater

• an animal attack

• someone breaking into the house

The child may begin expecting the dream before going to bed.

Fear of the Same Nightmare Returning

A child may believe that thinking about the dream will make it happen.

They may try very hard not to think about it.

The effort to suppress the image may make it feel even more present.

Hypnotherapy may help the child relate to the memory differently.

Fear of Going to Sleep

The child may not fear sleep itself.

They may fear what could happen after they fall asleep.

They may:

• Stall

• ask for food or drinks

• repeatedly use the toilet

• request another story

• ask many questions

• become upset

• complain of physical symptoms

• try to sleep in another room

Fear of Sleeping Alone

The child may feel safe only when:

• A parent stays in the room

• they sleep in a parent’s bed

• a sibling is nearby

• the door remains open

• the light remains on

• they can hear adults talking

The child may believe they cannot handle waking from a nightmare without immediate reassurance.

Fear of Closing Their Eyes

Closing the eyes may trigger:

• Images from the nightmare

• expectation of another dream

• fear of losing awareness

• fear of darkness

• a sense of vulnerability

Fear of the Dark

Nightmares and fear of darkness may reinforce each other.

The child may imagine that darkness contains:

• Monsters

• intruders

• animals

• ghosts

• hidden danger

A night light may provide temporary comfort.

The deeper fear may still require support.

Fear of Monsters

Young children may experience imagination as vivid and emotionally real.

They may fear monsters:

• Under the bed

• inside a wardrobe

• behind curtains

• outside the window

• in the hallway

• inside the dream

Telling the child that they are being silly may increase shame without reducing the fear.

Fear of Someone Entering the House

Nightmares may involve:

• Burglars

• strangers

• attackers

• someone taking the child

• someone hurting the family

This may be influenced by:

• News

• films

• adult conversations

• a real event

• school discussions

• general anxiety

Reasonable home safety is important.

Constant checking or repeated reassurance may also strengthen anxiety.

Fear That the Dream Will Come True

Children may struggle to separate the emotional realism of a dream from real-world probability.

They may think:

• “I saw it, so it could happen.”

• “The dream was a warning.”

• “Something bad will happen to Mum.”

• “The monster knows where I live.”

Hypnotherapy may help strengthen the distinction between imagination and current reality.

Fear of Not Being Able to Wake Up

A child may worry that:

• They will become trapped in the dream

• nobody will hear them

• they will be unable to move

• the dream will continue forever

This may overlap with fear after sleep paralysis or unusual sleep experiences.

Possible sleep paralysis or other sleep concerns should be medically assessed where appropriate.

Fear of Returning to Sleep

After waking from a nightmare, the child may fear going back to sleep because:

• The dream may continue

• another nightmare may begin

• they may lose control again

• the room still feels frightening

They may remain awake for hours.

Nightmares After Watching Frightening Content

Nightmares may follow exposure to:

• Horror films

• violent videos

• frightening games

• disturbing social-media content

• news footage

• older siblings’ entertainment

• scary stories

Children may not fully process what they have seen.

Reducing inappropriate content may be necessary.

Hypnotherapy does not replace age-appropriate media boundaries.

Nightmares After News or Social Media

Children may become frightened by stories involving:

• War

• accidents

• natural disasters

• crime

• illness

• death

• missing children

Even brief exposure may create powerful imagery.

Nightmares After a Scary Story

A story may become more emotionally vivid at night.

The child may mentally continue the story or place themselves inside it.

Nightmares After Gaming

Games may contribute through:

• Frightening images

• intense stimulation

• competition

• violence

• playing late at night

• difficulty switching off

Screen routines and content should be age appropriate.

Nightmares and School Stress

A child’s nightmares may involve:

• Teachers

• being late

• forgetting work

• failing a test

• being unable to speak

• getting lost at school

• being laughed at

• being separated from parents

School-related anxiety may need direct support.

Nightmares and Bullying

Bullying may create dreams involving:

• Being chased

• humiliation

• attack

• exclusion

• being trapped

• nobody helping

Bullying must be addressed directly with the school and relevant professionals.

Hypnotherapy should not be the only response to an unsafe environment.

Nightmares and School Refusal

Nightmares may increase before school days.

The child may wake tired and fearful, making attendance more difficult.

School refusal requires coordinated family, school and professional support.

Nightmares and Separation Anxiety

A child may dream that:

• A parent disappears

• the family leaves them

• they become lost

• they cannot find home

• something happens to a loved one

The child may then become more clingy during the day and at bedtime.

Nightmares and Fear of Death

Children may develop fear of death after:

• A family loss

• illness

• a pet dying

• hearing adults speak

• seeing media

• learning about death at school

The fear may appear in dreams.

Age-appropriate grief or psychological support may be helpful.

Nightmares After Bereavement

Dreams after a death may involve:

• Seeing the person

• losing them again

• trying to find them

• fear that another family member will die

• frightening hospital images

Grief can affect sleep and dreams.

Hypnotherapy may complement bereavement support.

Nightmares After Illness or Hospitalisation

A child may have dreams involving:

• Needles

• doctors

• pain

• separation from parents

• hospital rooms

• machines

• losing control

Medical trauma may require specialised psychological care.

Nightmares After Surgery

Even when surgery was medically successful, the child may continue to experience:

• Fear

• vivid memories

• bad dreams

• fear of hospitals

• bedtime anxiety

Nightmares After an Accident

A child may repeatedly dream about:

• A car crash

• falling

• injury

• ambulance sirens

• seeing another person hurt

Trauma-focused care may be appropriate.

Nightmares After a Natural Disaster

Storms, floods, fires or other events may create dreams involving:

• Being trapped

• losing the home

• family separation

• loud noises

• evacuation

• danger returning

Practical safety and trauma support may both be needed.

Nightmares After Family Conflict

Children may hear or witness:

• Arguments

• shouting

• separation

• threats

• unpredictable behaviour

They may not understand the situation but continue processing it through dreams.

Nightmares After Parental Separation

A child may dream about:

• Losing one parent

• being forced to choose

• families disappearing

• moving homes

• being left behind

Support should focus on reassurance, stability and age-appropriate communication.

Nightmares and Trauma

Trauma-related nightmares may involve direct memories or symbolic themes.

Possible trauma may include:

• Abuse

• assault

• accidents

• medical events

• disasters

• violence

• bullying

• sudden loss

• frightening family events

Hypnotherapy should be used carefully and should not attempt to recover or confirm hidden memories.

Specialist trauma treatment may be necessary.

Nightmares and PTSD

A child with possible PTSD may experience:

• Repetitive nightmares

• flashbacks

• avoidance

• hypervigilance

• strong startle responses

• emotional withdrawal

• changes in behaviour

• sleep disturbance

PTSD requires assessment from an appropriately qualified mental-health professional.

Nightmares and Anxiety

Nightmares may occur alongside anxiety involving:

• School

• health

• family

• friendships

• separation

• storms

• death

• safety

• performance

The dream may reflect the child’s general sense of threat.

Nightmares and Generalised Anxiety

A child may worry about many different areas during the day.

At night, those concerns may combine into vivid dream imagery.

Nightmares and Panic

A child may wake with:

• Racing heart

• rapid breathing

• sweating

• shaking

• chest tightness

• confusion

• fear of dying

• fear that the dream is still happening

Nightmares and Autism

Autistic children may experience additional factors involving:

• Vivid imagery

• sensory sensitivity

• changes in routine

• difficulty separating thoughts from current events

• sleep disruption

• intense interests

• emotional processing

Hypnotherapy should be adapted respectfully.

The child’s communication style and sensory needs should be considered.

Nightmares and ADHD

ADHD may contribute through:

• Difficulty settling

• late-night stimulation

• emotional intensity

• inconsistent sleep routines

• impulsive media use

• racing thoughts

Hypnotherapy does not replace ADHD care.

Nightmares and Sensory Sensitivity

A child may become distressed by:

• Shadows

• noises

• fabric

• temperature

• doors moving

• sounds outside

• changes in lighting

These sensations may become incorporated into dreams.

Nightmares and Medication

Some medications may affect:

• Sleep

• dream intensity

• night waking

• restlessness

Concerns should be discussed with the prescribing professional.

Do not stop medication without medical advice.

Nightmares and Fever

Fever or illness may cause vivid dreams.

A child who appears medically unwell should receive appropriate medical assessment.

Nightmares and Poor Sleep Routine

Nightmares may feel more disruptive when the child has:

• Irregular bedtime

• insufficient sleep

• excessive evening screens

• late caffeine exposure

• overstimulation

• inconsistent routines

A predictable sleep routine may help.

Nightmares and Sleep Deprivation

Poor sleep may increase:

• Emotional reactivity

• anxiety

• vivid dreams

• difficulty coping

• daytime fatigue

Nightmares and Caffeine

Caffeine may affect sleep and anxiety.

Children should not rely on unqualified advice about caffeine or energy products.

Concerns should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Nightmares and Night-Time Eating

Heavy, irregular or distress-driven eating may affect sleep for some children.

Dietary concerns should be addressed with appropriate professionals.

Nightmares and Snoring

Persistent loud snoring, gasping, breathing pauses or extreme daytime tiredness require medical assessment.

Sleep-disordered breathing may contribute to disrupted sleep.

Nightmares and Sleepwalking

Sleepwalking is different from a nightmare.

Medical advice may be appropriate when sleepwalking is:

• Frequent

• dangerous

• associated with injury

• accompanied by other unusual symptoms

Nightmares and Bedwetting

Nightmares may occur alongside bedwetting.

Both may be affected by:

• Stress

• sleep disruption

• developmental factors

• medical conditions

Persistent bedwetting requires appropriate assessment.

Nightmares in Younger Children

Young children may have difficulty explaining the dream.

They may express fear through:

• Crying

• clinginess

• bedtime refusal

• irritability

• regression

• stomach complaints

• repeated questions

Nightmares in School-Aged Children

School-aged children may provide detailed descriptions and develop strong anticipatory fear.

They may avoid:

• Camps

• sleepovers

• sleeping alone

• discussing the dream

• particular school topics

• certain places

Nightmares in Teenagers

Teenagers may hide nightmares because they feel embarrassed.

They may:

• Stay awake using a phone

• sleep during the day

• avoid talking to parents

• use substances

• become irritable

• experience depression or anxiety

• fear trauma-related dreams

Teenagers with severe or persistent nightmares may require psychological or medical support.

Fear of Sleepovers

A child may avoid sleepovers because they fear:

• Crying at night

• waking others

• needing a parent

• having a nightmare

• being embarrassed

• not being able to return to sleep

Fear of School Camps

School camps may feel difficult because of:

• Shared rooms

• unfamiliar environments

• darkness

• separation from parents

• fear of nightmares

• concern about being teased

A private plan with trusted school staff may help.

Fear of Sleeping Away From Home

The child may manage at home and become more anxious in:

• Hotels

• relatives’ homes

• holiday accommodation

• camps

• hospitals

Dependence on a Parent at Bedtime

A parent may need to:

• Lie beside the child

• remain until the child sleeps

• return repeatedly during the night

• allow the child into their bed

This may become exhausting for the whole family.

The aim should be gradual confidence rather than sudden withdrawal of support.

Repeated Reassurance Seeking

The child may repeatedly ask:

• “Will I have a nightmare?”

• “Are monsters real?”

• “Are you going to stay?”

• “Will everyone be safe?”

• “What if I wake up?”

• “Can you check the room again?”

Reassurance may provide short-term relief.

The next question may quickly follow.

Checking the Room

A child may ask parents to check:

• Under the bed

• inside the wardrobe

• behind curtains

• windows

• doors

• the hallway

Repeated checking may unintentionally strengthen the belief that hidden danger is possible.

Keeping All Lights On

Lighting may provide comfort.

The family may gradually work towards a level of light that supports sleep while reducing fear.

Sleeping in the Parents’ Bed

This may provide immediate relief.

A gradual plan may be needed if the child and family want greater independence.

Avoiding Bedtime

The child may:

• Become energetic

• argue

• request food

• say they are not tired

• ask endless questions

• create delays

The behaviour may be driven by fear rather than defiance.

Talking About the Nightmare Repeatedly

Some discussion may help the child process the experience.

Repeatedly analysing every frightening detail before bed may increase the image’s emotional intensity.

Trying to Prove the Dream Was Not Real

Logical explanations may not immediately reduce emotional fear.

The child may understand the explanation while still feeling scared.

Why Telling a Child “It Was Only a Dream” May Not Be Enough

The dream may have felt completely real.

A more helpful response may acknowledge:

• The fear was real

• the dream has ended

• the child is safe now

• the body can settle

• the image does not control the present

Why Shame Does Not Help

Comments such as:

• “You are too old for this.”

• “Stop being a baby.”

• “There is nothing to be scared of.”

• “You are keeping everyone awake.”

may increase:

• Shame

• secrecy

• bedtime anxiety

• emotional distress

Supporting a Child After a Nightmare

A calm response may involve:

• Acknowledging the fear

• helping the child orient to the room

• reminding them the dream has ended

• using a consistent settling routine

• avoiding lengthy frightening discussion

• returning to sleep when possible

Building a Predictable Bedtime Routine

A routine may involve:

• Reducing stimulating content

• preparing for the next day

• a calm bath or shower

• reading

• quiet conversation

• dimmed lights

• a consistent bedtime

• a short relaxation exercise

Reducing Frightening Media

Parents may need to review:

• Videos

• games

• films

• social media

• news

• content viewed by older siblings

Creating a Calmer Sleep Environment

Helpful changes may involve:

• Comfortable temperature

• suitable lighting

• reduced noise

• predictable objects

• an agreed comfort item

• reducing clutter that creates shadows

Using a Comfort Object

A comfort toy or object may help the child feel settled.

It should support security rather than become something the child believes has magical responsibility for preventing danger.

Learning to Change the Ending of a Nightmare

Some children may benefit from imagining a new ending.

The child may imagine:

• Escaping safely

• receiving help

• becoming powerful

• making the frightening figure smaller

• turning the setting into something safe

• waking and feeling proud

This approach is sometimes called imagery rehearsal.

A psychologist or other qualified professional may also use structured nightmare-focused techniques.

Learning to Make the Image Less Frightening

The child may imagine changing:

• Size

• colour

• sound

• distance

• speed

• facial expression

The goal is not to deny the experience.

It is to reduce the image’s power.

Learning to Distinguish Dreams From Current Reality

The child may practise noticing:

• The room

• the bed

• familiar sounds

• the current time

• the people nearby

• the fact that the dream has ended

Learning to Feel Safe at Bedtime

Hypnotherapy may strengthen ideas such as:

• The bedroom is familiar

• the body can relax

• dreams are mental experiences

• the child can wake and settle

• frightening images can change

• sleep can become safe again

Learning to Return to Sleep

A child may mentally rehearse:

• Waking

• recognising a dream

• looking around the room

• using a calming thought

• settling the body

• returning to sleep

Learning to Reduce Fear of the Next Dream

The child may move from:

“I must stop every nightmare.”

towards:

“If I have a dream, I can wake and cope.”

This reduces pressure to control sleep perfectly.

Learning to Allow Sleep

Trying hard not to sleep may increase exhaustion and fear.

The child may learn that sleep can happen without constantly monitoring for dreams.

Learning to Build Confidence Gradually

Progress may include:

• Going to bed with less resistance

• falling asleep sooner

• waking less distressed

• returning to sleep more easily

• requiring less reassurance

• sleeping independently for part of the night

• discussing dreams with less fear

Learning to Recover After a Difficult Night

One nightmare does not mean:

• Treatment has failed

• the fear is returning permanently

• the child cannot improve

• every night will be difficult

How Hypnotherapy May Help Nightmares in Children

Hypnotherapy cannot guarantee that a child will never have another nightmare.

Personalised sessions may focus on helping the child:

• Reduce fear of nightmares

• reduce bedtime anxiety

• reduce frightening imagery

• feel safer sleeping alone

• reduce fear of darkness

• reduce fear of recurring dreams

• mentally rehearse a different dream ending

• improve confidence waking and resettling

• reduce repeated reassurance seeking

• build a calmer bedtime routine

• strengthen emotional resilience

• reduce stress-related dream patterns

• improve confidence around sleepovers and camps

The goal is not to control every dream.

The goal is to help the child feel safer, calmer and more capable when dreams occur.

Why Choose Clive Westwood for Children’s Nightmare Hypnotherapy in Brisbane?

Helping Clients Since 2013

Clive Westwood has been helping clients through hypnotherapy since 2013.

His experience includes supporting children, teenagers and adults with anxiety, sleep fears, phobias, confidence, trauma-related distress and automatic emotional responses.

Personalised Sessions

Nightmares may involve:

• Monsters

• school

• bullying

• family safety

• death

• separation

• illness

• hospitals

• accidents

• storms

• trauma

• frightening media

• sleeping alone

Sessions are adapted around the child’s age, development and individual fears.

A Child-Friendly and Non-Shaming Approach

The child is not treated as:

• Silly

• immature

• dramatic

• attention seeking

• weak

The fear is acknowledged while helping the child build confidence.

Guardian Involvement

A parent or legal guardian should be involved for minors.

The child should also be willing and able to participate.

No Forced Disclosure

The child will not be forced to:

• Describe every detail

• relive traumatic experiences

• reveal private information

• close their eyes

• sleep during the appointment

• continue while overwhelmed

No False Memory Claims

Hypnosis should not be used to prove that a dream, image or suggested memory represents a real event.

Dreams and imagery are not reliable evidence that something occurred.

Safety and Professional Care Are Respected

Clive does not diagnose:

• PTSD

• sleep disorders

• neurological conditions

• breathing disorders

• abuse

• medication effects

• medical causes of disturbed sleep

Appropriate professionals should assess these concerns.

Support Alongside Other Professional Care

Hypnotherapy may complement:

• GP care

• paediatrics

• psychology

• psychiatry

• trauma treatment

• school guidance

• sleep services

• autism or ADHD support

• family counselling

• bereavement care

No False Guarantees

Clive does not guarantee:

• Complete removal of nightmares

• perfect sleep

• immediate independent sleeping

• one-session success

• no future night waking

• an exact number of sessions

Brisbane Northside Clinic

Face-to-face appointments for nightmares in children are available at Clive’s Boondall hypnotherapy clinic on Brisbane’s northside.

Online appointments are also available throughout Australia where appropriate.

What Happens During a Children’s Nightmare Hypnotherapy Appointment?

The appointment begins with a calm, age-appropriate discussion.

Clive may ask:

• How often do the nightmares occur?

• Does the child remember them?

• Is the same dream recurring?

• Is bedtime anxiety present?

• Does the child sleep alone?

• Did the nightmares begin after an event?

• Are school stress or bullying involved?

• Has frightening content been viewed?

• Are night terrors, sleepwalking or bedwetting present?

• Does the child snore or gasp?

• Is medication involved?

• What would calmer sleep allow the child and family to experience?

The child is not pressured to give graphic detail.

Clive explains hypnosis in a simple and reassuring way.

The child remains aware and responsive.

They do not lose control.

A personalised session may include:

• Reduced bedtime fear

• calmer mental imagery

• increased confidence sleeping

• a changed nightmare ending

• a safe internal place

• confidence waking and resettling

• reduced fear of darkness

• reduced fear of recurring dreams

• positive rehearsal of bedtime

• increased confidence for sleepovers or camps

Can Hypnotherapy Help Nightmares in Children?

Hypnotherapy may help reduce the fear, anxiety and imagery connected with recurring nightmares.

Can Hypnotherapy Stop Nightmares Completely?

No result can be guaranteed.

The aim may be fewer nightmares, reduced distress or improved ability to return to sleep.

Can Hypnotherapy Help Recurring Nightmares?

It may help the child change the emotional response and mentally rehearse a safer ending.

Can Hypnotherapy Help Fear of Sleeping?

It may help reduce the association between sleep and danger.

Can Hypnotherapy Help a Child Sleep Alone?

It may support gradual confidence.

The process should remain appropriate for the child and family.

Can Hypnotherapy Help Fear of Monsters?

It may help reduce frightening imagery and strengthen a sense of safety.

Can Hypnotherapy Help Fear of the Dark?

It may help reduce the threat response connected with darkness.

Can Hypnotherapy Help After a Frightening Film?

It may help reduce the emotional impact of remembered images.

Parents should also review media access.

Can Hypnotherapy Help Trauma Nightmares?

It may complement trauma treatment when used carefully.

A qualified trauma professional may need to lead care.

Can Hypnotherapy Help Nightmares After Bullying?

It may support sleep anxiety.

Bullying must still be addressed directly.

Can Hypnotherapy Help Nightmares After Bereavement?

It may help reduce fear and distress.

Grief support may also be appropriate.

Can Hypnotherapy Help Night Terrors?

Night terrors are different from nightmares.

Medical or sleep assessment may be required.

Can Hypnotherapy Help Sleepwalking?

Sleepwalking may require medical and practical safety assessment.

Can Hypnotherapy Help Autistic Children?

It may be suitable when adapted respectfully.

Sensory needs, communication and predictability should be considered.

Can Hypnotherapy Help Children With ADHD?

It may support settling, anxiety and imagery.

It does not replace ADHD care.

Can Hypnotherapy Replace a Psychologist?

No.

Psychological care may be essential where trauma, severe anxiety or other mental-health concerns are present.

Can Hypnotherapy Replace a Sleep Specialist?

No.

Possible sleep disorders require professional assessment.

Will the Child Be Unconscious?

No.

The child remains aware and able to communicate.

Will the Child Lose Control?

No.

Hypnosis does not remove judgement, values or choice.

Will the Child Have to Close Their Eyes?

No.

They can engage in a way that feels comfortable.

How Many Sessions May Be Needed?

The number of sessions varies depending on:

• Age

• frequency of nightmares

• how long the pattern has been present

• trauma

• anxiety

• bullying

• bereavement

• fear of sleeping alone

• autism or ADHD

• medication

• sleep disorders

• family support

• current professional care

• individual responsiveness

Some children seek support after a short period of recurring nightmares.

Others require broader treatment involving trauma, anxiety, grief, school refusal or a sleep disorder.

No ethical practitioner can guarantee an exact outcome or number of sessions.

When Should Medical Assessment Be Prioritised?

Arrange medical assessment when nightmares or disturbed sleep involve:

• Loud snoring

• gasping or breathing pauses

• seizures

• loss of consciousness

• fever

• significant daytime sleepiness

• sleepwalking with safety risks

• repeated night terrors

• medication changes

• persistent headaches

• unusual neurological symptoms

• sudden major changes in behaviour

• symptoms that concern the parent

When Should Psychological Support Be Prioritised?

Arrange appropriate mental-health support when nightmares:

• Follow trauma

• involve abuse or violence

• are connected with bullying

• cause school refusal

• cause severe anxiety

• lead to depression

• involve self-harm themes

• include suicidal thoughts

• significantly change the child’s behaviour

• prevent normal daily functioning

When Should Urgent Help Be Sought?

Call Triple Zero on 000 when:

• The child or another person is in immediate danger

• there is risk of self-harm

• there is risk of harm to another person

• a serious medical emergency is occurring

• abuse or immediate safety concerns are present

For urgent support in Australia:

• Call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.

• Call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

• Call the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

• Attend the nearest hospital emergency department.

• Contact the child’s GP or treating mental-health professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Nightmares Normal in Children?

Occasional nightmares are common.

Support may help when they become frequent, distressing or disruptive.

Why Is My Child Suddenly Having Nightmares?

Possible contributors include:

• Stress

• frightening media

• illness

• school pressure

• bullying

• family change

• trauma

• medication

• disrupted sleep

Why Does My Child Remember Every Detail?

Nightmares may wake the child during a stage of sleep where dream recall is stronger.

Why Is My Child Afraid to Sleep?

The child may associate sleep with losing control and experiencing another frightening dream.

Should I Let My Child Sleep in My Bed?

That is a family decision.

Immediate comfort may help, but a gradual plan may be needed where the family wants independent sleep.

Should I Keep Checking for Monsters?

Repeated checking may unintentionally strengthen the belief that danger could be hidden.

A calm and consistent response is usually more helpful.

Should I Tell My Child the Dream Was Not Real?

It may help to say that the dream has ended while also acknowledging that the fear felt real.

Can Nightmares Cause Daytime Anxiety?

Yes.

A child may remain worried, tired or emotionally unsettled the next day.

Can School Stress Cause Nightmares?

It may contribute.

Can Bullying Cause Nightmares?

Yes.

Bullying requires direct intervention.

Can Frightening Videos Cause Nightmares?

Yes.

Children may continue processing vivid material during sleep.

Can Nightmares Be a Sign of Trauma?

They can be.

Nightmares alone do not prove trauma, but additional assessment may be needed.

Can Nightmares Be a Sign of Abuse?

Nightmares do not by themselves prove abuse.

Any disclosure or genuine safeguarding concern should be taken seriously and referred appropriately.

Can Nightmares Cause Bedwetting?

Nightmares and bedwetting may occur together, but other developmental or medical factors may be involved.

Can Nightmares Affect School Performance?

Poor sleep may affect concentration, mood, attendance and learning.

Can Hypnosis Make My Child Forget the Dream?

The goal is not to erase memory.

It may help reduce fear and change how the child responds to the image.

Can Hypnosis Create False Memories?

Suggestive questioning can affect memory.

Hypnotherapy should not be used to confirm whether a dream or image represents a real event.

Is Online Hypnotherapy Available for Children’s Nightmares?

Yes. Online appointments are available throughout Australia where appropriate.

Where Is Clive Westwood’s Brisbane Clinic?

Clive Westwood’s hypnotherapy clinic is located in Boondall on Brisbane’s northside.

Book Hypnotherapy for Nightmares in Children in Brisbane

Your child does not need to go to bed believing they must fight against sleep.

They do not need to feel ashamed because a dream frightened them.

They can learn that a nightmare has a beginning and an end.

They can wake, recognise the room and allow their body to settle.

They can imagine a different ending.

They can feel safer closing their eyes.

They can gradually sleep with less reassurance and greater confidence.

They can return to sleep without believing the frightening image controls the rest of the night.

The goal is not to guarantee that every dream will always be pleasant.

The goal is to help your child feel safer, calmer and more capable before, during and after sleep.

Clive Westwood provides personalised hypnotherapy for nightmares in children in Brisbane, supporting suitable children experiencing recurring nightmares, bedtime anxiety, fear of sleeping alone, frightening imagery and difficulty returning to sleep.

Appointments are available face-to-face at the Boondall clinic on Brisbane’s northside and online throughout Australia where appropriate.

Book a children’s nightmare hypnotherapy appointment with Clive Westwood today.