Children & teenagers · Ages 10–16 · Swindon & UK online
A little more calm.
A lot more confidence.
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy and psychotherapy for children and young people aged 10 to 16.
Growing up can bring big feelings, new pressures and worries that are hard to put into words. I’m Gary Smith, a Swindon-based psychotherapist and clinical hypnotherapist. I offer a welcoming, age-appropriate space to help young people discover their strengths and explore positive ways forward.
Parents and carers welcome · In-person in Swindon · Suitable online appointments throughout the UK
01 / Growing up is a journey
Sometimes young people need a different kind of conversation.
A worry that looks small to an adult can feel enormous when you're ten, thirteen or sixteen.
Friendships change. School becomes more demanding. The world feels faster, louder and more complicated. A young person may become quieter, more irritable, less confident or simply less like themselves.
There does not always need to be a diagnosis or a crisis before it makes sense to talk. My approach begins by listening to the young person, taking their experiences seriously and looking for what they would like to be different.
Solution Focused psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can offer a structured, imaginative and practical space to discuss stress, strengthen confidence and explore preferred responses. We agree together what is suitable, without promises of a particular outcome.
02 / Areas families ask about
Many different worries. One individual young person.
The following are reasons to start a conversation about suitability — not a claim that every difficulty can be treated with hypnotherapy.
Worry, anxiety & overthinking
School mornings, what-if thoughts, separation worries, anxious anticipation, panic-like feelings and finding it hard to settle.
Exams, revision & school pressure
GCSE preparation, revision stress, tests, mock exams, fear of getting answers wrong, perfectionism and performance pressure.
Confidence, self-esteem & self-talk
Feeling not good enough, fear of mistakes, comparing themselves with others, self-consciousness and rebuilding a sense of capability.
Friendships, bullying & social situations
Feeling judged or left out, changing friendships, group conversations, speaking up, social worries and recovering confidence after bullying.
Sleep, bedtime worries & night fears
Racing thoughts, fear of the dark, difficulty winding down, school-night tension, unsettling dreams and bedtime routines.
Fears, phobias & specific situations
Worries about dogs, spiders, needles, flying, vomiting, public speaking, lifts or unfamiliar places; suitability assessed individually.
Anger, frustration & big feelings
Irritability, overwhelm, disappointment, emotional reactions, family arguments and finding language for uncomfortable feelings.
Family changes, bereavement & loss
Parental separation, illness in the family, new siblings, moving home or school, grief and changing relationships.
Social media, phones & online pressure
Comparison, fear of missing out, online conflict, group chats, gaming routines, digital stress and pressure to keep up.
Unwanted habits & repetitive behaviours
Nail biting, thumb sucking, checking, fidgeting and habit patterns; skin picking or hair pulling may need specialist assessment.
Motivation, focus & changes in routine
Feeling stuck, procrastination, organisation worries, stressful transitions and manageable steps towards personal goals.
Sport, hobbies & performance
Pre-match nerves, confidence in activities, auditions, music performances, competition pressure and fear of judgement.
Body-related worries & physical tension
Butterflies in the stomach, nervous tension, worry about symptoms and distress linked with stress; physical symptoms require appropriate medical attention.
Identity, belonging & self-acceptance
Feeling different, finding their voice, changing interests, self-image, peer pressure and wanting to feel accepted without judgement.
School attendance worries & transitions
Starting secondary school, moving year groups, feeling unsafe at school and difficulties attending; work collaboratively with school or specialist teams where needed.
Every child is more than a list of symptoms. We look at the young person's own experience, preferences and strengths. Some concerns need school support, medical assessment, specialist child mental health treatment or a combination of services.
03 / How I work
Solution Focused at heart. Hypnotherapy when appropriate.
Warm conversation, practical ideas and the young person's imagination can sit alongside each other.
Solution Focused psychotherapy
We notice what is already helping, talk about a preferred future and build small, practical steps. The young person has a genuine voice in the process.
Age-appropriate clinical hypnotherapy
Where suitable and agreed, calm imagery, focused attention, guided relaxation and rehearsal can offer a way of exploring confidence and helpful responses.
NLP-informed approaches
Gentle, collaboratively chosen techniques may help explore language, associations and different perspectives. We explain the technique before using it.
CBT-informed practical tools
We may explore links between thoughts, feelings and actions, with manageable coping ideas. This does not replace a specialist evidence-based CBT programme when indicated.
Hypnosis isn't about giving up control. It is an agreed experience of focused attention and relaxation. A young person can ask questions, speak, move, decline an exercise or stop a session. I don't promise quick fixes or insist on hypnosis if it is not right for them.
04 / What to expect
A thoughtful beginning, not a fixed programme.
The pace, techniques and number of appointments are guided by individual suitability and regular review.
A first conversation
A parent or carer can ask questions; we discuss the young person’s needs, wishes and whether my service is appropriate. There is no obligation to book.
Helping them feel comfortable
I explain the process in language that makes sense to their age and give the young person time to decide how they want to take part.
Agreeing a suitable approach
With consent and appropriate arrangements, we may use Solution Focused conversations, relaxation, hypnosis or other practical tools that feel right.
Reviewing and adapting
We check together what the young person finds useful, how parents or carers may support them, and whether another service would be more suitable.
A note for young people
You are allowed to ask questions, and you get a say.
Maybe you worry about school. Maybe something feels difficult and you don't really know why. You don't need to have the perfect words.
We'll talk about what matters to you and what you'd like life to feel more like. Nothing is a test, and you won't be expected to pretend you feel OK when you don't.
If we use relaxation or imagination, we'll explain it first and you can say no. Your safety, choices and privacy matter.
Growing and changing
Ten and sixteen are very different ages.
Shorter explanations, familiar imagery and more emphasis on feeling comfortable can help. We consider family routines, school and how adults can support without speaking for the child.
We make space for growing independence, friendships, social identity, revision pressure, privacy and the young person's own priorities. The approach is guided by maturity rather than age labels alone.
No two young people are the same. This is a flexible service, not an age-based formula.
05 / For parents and carers
Support your child without making them feel they are the problem.
The first step is often noticing, listening and finding the right support together.
You may have seen changes in sleep, behaviour, confidence, school attendance or the way your child responds to everyday situations. It can be hard to know what is typical development, what may pass, and when to ask for support.
We will discuss your observations while making sure the young person's own voice is heard. Depending on their needs, involvement from school, a GP or a child mental health specialist may be appropriate.
I won't ask a young person to keep safety information secret from those who need to protect them, nor promise parents access to every private detail discussed in a session.
06 / Consent, confidentiality & safeguarding
Safety and informed choice come first.
Working with 10–16-year-olds requires clear agreements, individual assessment and appropriate safeguards.
Consent and involvement
For children under 16, the ability to consent depends on their maturity and understanding; where they cannot consent independently, someone with parental responsibility normally provides consent. A young person aged 16 is generally presumed able to consent to their own treatment. We consider this individually and explain arrangements before any work begins.
Privacy with clear limits
Young people are entitled to appropriate confidentiality. Parents and carers are involved in a way that respects the young person's rights and safeguarding needs. If there is a serious safety concern, relevant information may need to be shared with appropriate people or services.
Parent/carer presence
We agree who attends each part of an appointment according to the young person's needs, consent, safety and the relevant professional arrangements. Parents are neither automatically excluded nor promised that they must be present throughout.
Online appointments
For suitable cases, we may work online throughout the UK. Before booking, we check privacy, a safe setting, available adult support when required and whether remote sessions are appropriate for the young person.
These principles reflect NHS guidance on consent. All treatment and information sharing must be considered in the context of the young person's circumstances and applicable safeguards.
07 / When another service is the right choice
The right help matters more than the name of the therapy.
Some difficulties require a GP, school team or specialist children and young people's mental health service.
Examples include self-harm or thoughts of suicide, suspected eating disorders, severe low mood, persistent OCD, complex trauma, harmful substance use, serious school avoidance, safeguarding concerns or experiences that suggest a significant mental health condition.
Autism, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental differences are not conditions I offer to ‘cure’. Where relevant, we can discuss co-occurring stress or confidence needs and signpost to appropriate neurodiversity-affirming support.
If a young person may need specialist CBT, family-based treatment, paediatric care or a formal assessment, we can discuss how to access those services rather than delaying appropriate care.
08 / Swindon and nationwide online
Local appointments. Thoughtful online support.
In-person sessions are based in Swindon, with suitable online appointments available throughout the United Kingdom.
In-person in Swindon
My practice is on Northbourne Road, Swindon. Families enquire from across Wiltshire and nearby communities within approximately 50 miles, including Cirencester, Marlborough, Chippenham, Royal Wootton Bassett, Devizes and surrounding areas.
Online across the UK
Remote appointments may be appropriate for some young people, depending on age, consent, privacy, the environment and available support. We will consider this during the free consultation.
09 / Meet the practitioner
Hello, I'm Gary.
Psychotherapist, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Lecturer and Clinical Supervisor.
I work in a warm, collaborative and forward-looking way. I believe children and teenagers deserve to feel heard and respected, not spoken about as though they were absent.
Before working with a young person, I want to understand their needs, explain the approach clearly and consider whether I am the right practitioner for the situation. My work draws on Solution Focused psychotherapy, clinical hypnotherapy and appropriate NLP and CBT-informed elements.
Professional registrations include MNCH (Reg.), AfSFH (Reg.) and CNHC (Reg.). We can discuss safeguarding arrangements, my experience and any further questions during the consultation.
11 / Frequently asked questions
Children's hypnotherapy: questions answered.
Useful answers for parents, carers and young people, with an emphasis on clear choices and appropriate support.
What ages do you work with on this page?
This service page is for young people aged 10 to 16. The initial conversation helps us consider suitability, development, consent and whether my approach is appropriate for their needs.
Can Solution Focused Hypnotherapy help a worried child?
Solution Focused conversations, relaxation and age-appropriate hypnotherapy may offer supportive ways to explore worries and preferred responses. The evidence and appropriate treatment vary by condition; no particular result is guaranteed.
What happens during the first consultation?
We talk about the young person’s experiences and wishes, explain the options, discuss consent and safeguarding, and assess whether my service is suitable. The initial consultation is free and without obligation.
Will my child have to talk about upsetting things?
No one is expected to disclose more than they are comfortable discussing. We listen, identify goals and consider safety. If trauma or other specialist needs are present, we can discuss appropriate services.
Does my child have to be hypnotised?
No. Hypnotherapy is optional and always discussed in advance. Solution Focused conversations and practical coping ideas can form part of support, with appropriate consent and choice.
Will my child lose control during hypnosis?
No. Hypnosis is an agreed experience involving focused attention, imagery or relaxation, not unconsciousness or loss of control. The young person can speak, ask questions or stop at any time.
Can hypnotherapy help with exam nerves?
Sessions may explore confidence, preparation routines, relaxation and helpful responses to pressure. Hypnotherapy does not replace revision, school support or formal exam access arrangements.
Can you help with fears such as dogs, needles or vomiting?
We can discuss specific fears and whether Solution Focused Hypnotherapy or NLP-informed work is suitable. Some phobias need specialist assessment or evidence-based treatment; options are considered individually.
Can you help with bullying and friendship problems?
We can explore confidence, worries and preferred coping responses. Bullying or unsafe school situations also need appropriate action from school and safeguarding adults; therapy should not replace protection.
Can you help a young person who struggles to sleep?
Relaxation and conversations about stress may be useful where appropriate. Persistent insomnia, significant daytime sleepiness or possible sleep disorders should be assessed by a GP.
Can you support children with ADHD or autism?
Autism and ADHD are not problems to be cured. Where appropriate, we may discuss associated stress or confidence needs in a neurodiversity-affirming way while recommending specialist support when indicated.
What about OCD, eating disorders or self-harm?
These concerns may require specialist children and young people’s mental health assessment and evidence-based treatment. I would not present hypnotherapy alone as a replacement for those services. Seek urgent help if there is immediate risk.
Will the parent stay in the room?
Arrangements depend on the young person’s needs, consent, maturity, confidentiality and safeguarding. We discuss parent or carer involvement in advance instead of applying one blanket rule.
Can a young person aged 15 consent independently?
Under 16, capacity to consent depends on the individual’s understanding and maturity, sometimes called Gillick competence. Where that does not apply, consent from someone with parental responsibility is normally needed.
What changes when a young person turns 16?
In the UK, a 16-year-old is generally presumed able to consent to their own treatment, unless there is significant evidence otherwise. We discuss the details and safeguarding considerations with the young person.
Will everything my teenager says be shared with me?
No. Young people have rights to appropriate confidentiality. We explain how progress can be discussed while respecting privacy, and when information may need to be shared for safeguarding or legal reasons.
How many sessions will my child need?
There is no reliable fixed number for everyone. We agree a suitable approach, review progress together and consider alternatives if the support is not meeting their needs.
Can sessions take place online outside Wiltshire?
Potentially, yes. Suitable online appointments are available throughout the UK, provided the setting, consent, privacy and safeguarding arrangements make remote working appropriate.
Are you based in Swindon or Cirencester?
The in-person practice is in Swindon on Northbourne Road, SN25 4YE. Families from Cirencester and the surrounding 50-mile enquiry area are welcome. There is not a separate Cirencester clinic advertised here.
How much does the service cost?
The initial consultation is free. The published concessionary session rate is £65 for clients under 16, subject to current fees and eligibility. At age 16 the standard £75 rate may apply unless another concession is available. Check the current fees page.
How long is an appointment?
A standard appointment is generally around 50–55 minutes, with a maximum of 60. We can discuss an age-appropriate structure and practical arrangements before booking.
Can you liaise with my child’s school or GP?
Where appropriate and with the necessary consent or other valid basis, we may discuss communication with relevant professionals. Confidentiality and information-sharing arrangements are considered case by case.
Is this an emergency or crisis service?
No. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999 or attend A&E. For urgent mental health help that is not an emergency, contact NHS 111 and select the mental health option.
How do I book a first conversation?
Use the booking link or contact Best Mind Therapy to arrange a free initial consultation. We can discuss the young person’s age, suitability, parental involvement and any safeguarding questions first.
12 / A comfortable first step
Let's talk about what might help your young person.
A free first conversation is an opportunity to ask questions and decide whether this approach is appropriate.
There is no pressure to commit to a programme. We can discuss age, consent, parental involvement, goals and any referrals that may be more suitable.
Telephone 07359 071210