Children often need a quiet moment to feel settled again. When worries feel big, a gentle guided hypnosis session can give them space to slow down, breathe and remember that they have support.

Guided Hypnosis for Kids: Feel Brave and Strong is designed for parents and carers who want to help children practise calmness, courage and confidence in an age-appropriate way.

A gentle guided session for children

This children’s hypnosis session uses simple words, peaceful imagery and slow breathing to encourage relaxation. A child may imagine a favourite safe place, notice their body becoming calmer and picture themselves taking a small brave step.

The purpose is not to make children ignore their feelings or force them to face a fear. It is to help them understand that nervous feelings can settle, and that they can ask for help and take things one step at a time.

Children may use a guided session before bedtime, after school or before a situation that makes them feel nervous, as long as a parent or carer decides it is suitable.

When children may need confidence support

A child may find it helpful to practise calm confidence around:

• school, homework or fear of teachers

• friendships, shyness or joining in

• sport, music, performances or presentations

• sleeping alone, the dark or nightmares

• separation from a parent or carer

• new activities, appointments or unfamiliar places

• worries about making mistakes or being judged

Each child’s experience is different. A guided recording can be one useful tool, alongside patient listening, steady routines and support from trusted adults.

Bravery means safe, supported action

A child can be brave and still feel scared. Bravery may look like telling a parent about a worry, trying again after a mistake, asking a teacher for help or taking a small step toward something that is safe but challenging.

Never tell a child to relax through behaviour or a situation that feels unsafe, threatening, intimidating or inappropriate. If a child talks about bullying, mistreatment, frightening behaviour or any other concern, listen carefully and take it seriously. Seek help from the school, childcare provider, GP or relevant safeguarding authority. If there is immediate danger, contact emergency services.

When to seek further support

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

Hypnosis is complementary support. It does not replace medical, psychological, psychiatric or safeguarding care.

Children’s 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, watch real client video testimonials and access extensive 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

Can guided hypnosis help my child feel brave and strong?

No outcome can be guaranteed. Guided hypnosis may help some children practise relaxation, calming self-talk and confidence skills. Progress is individual.

Is this recording right for all children?

A parent or carer should decide whether it is suitable. Every child has different needs, and professional assessment may be important when anxiety or distress is significant.

How should my child listen safely?

Children should listen only while resting safely at home or in another safe place, with parent or carer approval. Never while walking, cycling, swimming, travelling near traffic or during class.

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