Children do not need to face every fear all at once. The most useful confidence-building happens when a child feels safe, supported and able to take one small step that is right for them.

Helping Kids Face Fears is a gentle hypnosis and guided-support resource for parents and carers looking for age-appropriate ways to help children cope with worries and anxiety.

Help your child take small brave steps

Fear can be a normal protective feeling. A child may be scared of sleeping alone, the dark, school, teachers, dogs, medical appointments, making mistakes, meeting new people or joining activities.

Rather than forcing a child into a frightening situation, it can help to break the challenge into smaller steps. For example, a child afraid of school might first talk about what worries them, practise calming breathing at home, visit the gate, walk in with support or spend a manageable amount of time in class.

The exact steps depend on the child, their age and what is contributing to the fear. Progress is often gradual, and it is okay for a child to need reassurance along the way.

A gentle role for hypnosis

Hypnosis for children is not about making a child do something against their will. It can use simple relaxation, imagination, stories and positive coping suggestions to help a child practise feeling calmer and more capable.

A child may imagine a safe place, learn a slow breathing exercise, picture themselves getting through a small challenge or choose a reassuring phrase to remember. These skills can be useful before school, bedtime, sport, social situations or a new experience.

No outcome can be guaranteed. Hypnosis is one possible complementary tool, alongside supportive parenting, practical planning and professional care where needed.

Listen first: fear can be trying to say something

Children may express anxiety through tears, tantrums, clinginess, avoidance, sore tummies, trouble sleeping, irritability or repeated questions. Staying calm and curious can help: “What feels hard about that?” “What would help you feel safer?” “Who could help us with this?”

Never encourage a child to ignore behaviour that feels unsafe, threatening, intimidating or inappropriate. If a child reports bullying, mistreatment, frightening behaviour or anything concerning, listen carefully and seek appropriate help from the school, childcare provider, GP or relevant safeguarding authority. If there is immediate danger, contact emergency services.

When professional support is important

Speak with a GP, child psychologist, paediatric professional, school counsellor or another qualified health professional if anxiety is severe, persistent, worsening or affecting school, sleep, eating, friendships, play or family life.

Hypnotherapy does not replace medical, psychological, psychiatric or safeguarding care.

Award-recognised children’s anxiety hypnotherapy in Brisbane

Clive Westwood has practised hypnotherapy since 2013 and is a Clinical Member of the Australian Hypnotherapy Association. He provides calm, private and non-judgmental one-to-one support for adults, teenagers and children where appropriate.

Sessions are tailored to the child’s goals, experiences and pace, with a parent or carer involved in deciding whether support is suitable. Clive has a special interest in anxiety, panic attacks, overthinking and phobias.

His work has been recognised by ThreeBestRated and Quality Business Awards, and he has been featured on Today Tonight, 9 News, ABC Radio and 2GB Radio. Parents can watch Clive Westwood on Today Tonight, view Google reviews and real client video testimonials, and access free hypnosis and guided-meditation resources online.

Brisbane clinic and online appointments

From 1 October 2026, in-person appointments are available at Room 9, Perfect Wellness, 148 Arthur Terrace, Red Hill QLD 4059. Online appointments may be available where suitable.

The Red Hill clinic is convenient for families near Ashgrove, Paddington, Bardon, Kelvin Grove, Newmarket, Petrie Terrace, Brisbane City, Spring Hill, Herston, Milton, Bowen Hills and Fortitude Valley.

Learn more about Clive Westwood Hypnotherapy or discuss an appointment with Clive Westwood.

Frequently asked questions

Should I make my child face their fear?

Do not force a child into something that overwhelms them. Gentle, safe and manageable steps are usually more helpful. Seek professional advice for severe or persistent fears.

Can hypnosis remove my child’s fear?

No result can be guaranteed. Hypnosis may help some children practise calmness and confidence, but each child’s progress is individual.

Can children listen to a hypnosis recording at home?

Only with parent or carer approval, while safely resting at home or another safe place. Never while walking, cycling, swimming, travelling near traffic or during school.

Individual results vary. Hypnotherapy is complementary support and is not a replacement for safeguarding, medical, psychological, psychiatric or emergency care.