School Refusal

Published on 24th September 2019
Therapy for School Refusal

Twenty families are considering taking legal action against the Government because their children are being treated as truants when they are actually missing school due to mental health conditions. Thousands of families face fines or prosecution for their child’s absences but parents say the real reasons such as anxiety, ADHD, Autism, depression, bullying, trauma and other conditions are not being taken into account.

Children who are diagnosed with Social Anxiety Disorder, General Anxiety Disorder and many other conditions may rarely go to school because they feel sick, get headaches, migraines, feel dizzy, have panic attacks or become challenging at home attacking parents and siblings because they simply can’t cope with school.

Parents are being labelled as bad, being reported to Social Services, being fined and are even being prosecuted for neglecting their children’s education. Their children with mental health problems are being put on child protection plans for neglect because their parents are accused of depriving them of a good education. Children can feel unsupported, isolated which can make anxiety, depression and other conditions worse which may lead to self-harm, suicidal thoughts and other negative behaviors. Often absences are marked as other, unauthorized or unknown triggering truancy procedures.

The charity “Mind” believes that many children who experience School Refusal due to their mental health issues are labelled as problem children and are being treated as truants.

The Department for Education told the BBC:
“Parents have a legal duty to ensure their child of school age attends school regularly. Schools should authorize absences due to illness, related to both physical and mental health.”

Because schools are very focused on the academic curriculum and testing students who have poor concentration or are absent often are treated as a problem or difficult. Often absences are marked as other, unauthorized or unknown triggering truancy procedures. Schools can refer pupils to CAMS who have long waiting lists. School budget cuts means support staff that would help support children has been reduced, the system is not working

As a private Hypnotherapist and Mindfulness-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapist MCBT I am finding I am working with more and more clients from 10 years old to 18 years old who are school refusing, have anxiety, depression, phobias, self-harming and self-medicating

We must do more

Stop Smoking with Hypnotherapy in Surrey and London

Why I Am Passionate About Smoking Cessation Hypnotherapy (Even
If Other Therapists Think It’s “Boring”)

When I tell fellow hypnotherapists that a large part of my practice is dedicated to helping people quit smoking, I often get a surprising reaction. Some are shocked.

They tell me it must be “boring” or “same old, same old.”

But to me, there is nothing boring about supporting and witnessing clients make life long changes in their lives .

Every time a client walks out of my clinic as a non-smoker, their health, well-being and future instantly change. Knowing that my work might give someone years of extra life with their loved ones makes this one of the most rewarding jobs in the world.

My Personal Journey: 30+ Years Smoke-Free

My passion for this work isn’t just professional—it’s deeply personal. Over 30 years ago, I sat in a hypnotherapist’s chair as a smoker. In just a single session, I stopped smoking completely.

That pivotal moment was my introduction to the incredible power of hypnotherapy, and it is the exact reason I eventually trained to become a qualified hypnotherapist myself back in September 2007. I know first-hand that it works because I lived it.

Hypnotherapy: What Actually Happens?

Many people are hesitant and scared to try hypnosis because of how it is portrayed on television. I always take the time to explain exactly how the process works to my clients so they feel completely safe and comfortable.

  • You remain in control: You are always awake, alert of your surroundings, and aware of my suggestions. You cannot be made to do anything against your will.
  • Accessing the unconscious mind: By guiding you into a light, relaxing hypnotic state, we can bypass the conscious critical mind.
  • Rewriting the habit: Once we access the sub-conscious mind, we can work to completely remove the smoking habit-behaviour.

During the session, your mind absorbs the powerful suggestions to “become a non-smoker now and forever, and to never smoke again.”

Real Results: From Heavy Smoker to Cravings-Free

If you are wondering if it can work for you, take comfort in the experiences of those who have been in your shoes. One of my recent clients shared this about their session:

“I have been smoke-free for over two months and haven’t experienced any cravings at all, despite having been a heavy smoker throughout my adult life. Adrian is highly competent and skilled… I felt completely comfortable discussing my triggers and always felt listened to, understood, and supported throughout the process.” A client that was seen 2026

Take Your First Step To Becoming a Non-Smoker

Quitting smoking is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your health, your family, and your wallet. If you are ready to break free from the habit for good, let’s work together to make it happen.

If you would like some more information about Stopping Smoking with Hypnotherapy, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Adrian Sonnex

Hypnotherapist since September 2007

Written by Adrian Sonnex

I own and run wellbeinghypnotherapy.org.uk. I am a Mindfulness-based Teacher / Therapist & Hypnotherapist covering London & Surrey.

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