Hypnotic intervention with "school phobic" children.

Abstract

Abstract Case studies are used to illustrate the use of hypnosis in working with children who exhibit symptoms of “school phobia.” Responses obtained during and after hypnosis are utilized to uncover underlying conflicts and fears. The literature (Ansbacher, 1956; Friedman, 1959; Johnson, 1957; Johnson, Palstein, Szurek, & Svendsen, 1941; Kessler, 1966; Waldfogel & Garnder, 1961) confirms the findings that a child through his symptoms has fears which he is unable to bring to consciousness and talk about. Typical are fears of abandonment by parents; fears of disaster befalling parents, especially the mother; fears based on destructive wishes toward siblings due to severe rivalry for the mother's love and attention; fears that exhibiting angry feelings will be punished by the parents; and fears of annihilation and starvation. Hypnosis has aided in restoring these children to a school environment more quickly than more traditional methods. One case is reported with excerpts from a session. The perceptions un...