Meet the Tools: Hypnosis, Brain Gym, and Mindset Coaching for Kids

Hypnosis for Kids: Rewiring the Brain for Confidence & Calm

Many people think hypnosis is about being asleep or losing control, but it’s actually a deep state of focus and relaxation—perfect for kids who struggle with anxiety, focus, and self-belief. And- most kids

Why it works:

✔ Helps kids calm their nervous system and feel safe

✔ Strengthens focus, memory, and confidence through guided visualization

✔ Makes new habits and coping strategies stick at a subconscious level

How we use it in The Happy Core:

• Confidence-boosting scripts to replace negative self-talk

• Relaxation-based hypnosis to reduce overwhelm and emotional outbursts

• Self-hypnosis techniques so kids can use calming strategies whenever they need them

Example: A child struggling with anxiety before tests learns a self-hypnosis script to replace fear with confidence, improving both their emotions and performance.

Brain Gym: Activating the Body-Mind Connection

Brain Gym exercises use movement-based activities to stimulate brain function, improve focus, and regulate emotions. Since neurodivergent kids often struggle with executive functioning, coordination, and self-regulation, movement is an incredibly effective learning tool.

Why it works:

✔ Encourages cross-brain connections to strengthen focus and memory

✔ Helps with emotional regulation by activating the brain’s calm center

✔ Improves fine and gross motor coordination, making learning easier

How we use it in The Happy Core:

• Cross-crawl exercises to boost focus and cognitive flexibility

• Lazy 8s (infinity tracing) to improve reading and writing skills

• Dot Eye/Dot Nose exercises to enhance visual tracking

Example: A child struggling with reading difficulties and concentration starts using Lazy 8 tracing before homework, leading to better focus and smoother reading flow.

Children are running and jumping around, performing cross-body movements to stimulate focus and cognitive development. The background is dynamic and colorful, symbolizing the connection between movement and brain function. The image conveys energy, coordination, and the power of physical activity in enhancing learning and self-regulation.

Growth Mindset Coaching: Shifting “I Can’t” to “I Can Learn”

A child’s self-talk, mindset, and beliefs about themselves shape how they handle challenges. Neurodivergent kids often focus on what they can’t do rather than their strengths, leading to low self-esteem, frustration, and fear of failure.

Why it works:

✔ Teaches kids to reframe mistakes as learning opportunities

✔ Strengthens resilience and problem-solving skills

✔ Builds confidence through small wins and self-recognition

How we use it in The Happy Core:

• Reframing negative thoughts into empowering ones (“I can’t do this” → “I’m learning this”)

• The Superpower Jar to celebrate wins, big and small

• Role-playing & visualization to help kids see themselves as capable and strong

Example: A child who says “I’m bad at math” learns to reframe it into “Math is hard for me right now, but I can improve with practice.” Over time, their confidence grows, and frustration decreases.

Tapping (EFT): A Fast, Fun Way to Reduce Anxiety

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), or tapping, is a simple acupressure-based method that helps kids release stress and anxiety quickly.

Why it works:

✔ Lowers stress by calming the nervous system

✔ Helps kids process overwhelming emotions in real-time

✔ Strengthens mind-body awareness and emotional control

How we use it in The Happy Core:

• Tapping for test anxiety to help kids feel calm before big events

• Tapping for emotional regulation when feeling overwhelmed

• Tapping to reinforce confidence before social situations

Example: A child who feels nervous speaking in front of the class learns to tap on key points while saying, “Even though I feel nervous, I am safe and capable.” Over time, their fear decreases.

A child using EFT tapping, with subtle waves of energy flowing around them, representing emotional release and stress relief. The background radiates positivity and mindfulness.

Role-Playing Social Situations: Building Social Confidence

Social struggles are common for neurodivergent kids, whether it’s interrupting conversations, missing social cues, or struggling with personal space. Role-playing helps them practice real-life scenarios in a safe, low-pressure way.

Why it works:

✔ Helps kids develop awareness of social cues

✔ Teaches appropriate responses for tricky situations

✔ Builds confidence through practice and positive reinforcement

How we use it in The Happy Core:

• Personal space practice using “bubble space” activities

• Turn-taking games to build patience and awareness

• Real-life scenario practice (e.g., handling conflicts, asking for help)

Example: A child who struggles with personal space learns to recognize how close is too close using fun movement-based activities.

NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming): Rewiring Thought Patterns

NLP is a powerful method that helps kids reshape the way they think, feel, and react to situations. It focuses on language, mindset, and subconscious associations.

Why it works:

✔ Helps kids reframe negative experiences into positive ones

✔ Strengthens confidence through mental rehearsal and positive visualization

✔ Uses language patterns to shift limiting beliefs

How we use it in The Happy Core:

• Anchoring positive emotions using specific words or movements

• Mental rehearsal for success before difficult tasks

• Teaching empowering language to replace self-doubt

👉 Example: A child who fears reading aloud practices an NLP technique where they visualize themselves reading confidently while associating it with a calming anchor (e.g., pressing their fingers together).

Art Therapy: Expressing Emotions Without Words

Children joyfully painting on a large canvas with bright, expressive colors, fully immersed in creative expression. Surrounding them are various art supplies, including brushes and palettes, symbolizing the therapeutic power of creativity. The warm, inviting background radiates emotional growth, self-expression, and inner healing through art.

Some kids struggle to verbalize their emotions, and that’s where art therapy comes in—it provides a non-verbal, creative outlet to process thoughts and feelings.

Why it works:

✔ Helps kids express emotions safely without pressure

✔ Builds confidence by creating something meaningful

✔ Strengthens self-awareness and emotional intelligence

How we use it in The Happy Core:

• The Superpower Canvas – Kids visually represent what they’ve learned in the program

• Doodle Journaling – A way to express thoughts when words are too hard

• Color-Based Emotion Tracking – Helping kids identify feelings through art

Example: A child who struggles to talk about anxiety creates a drawing that represents what anxiety feels like, helping them process and understand their emotions better.

Bringing It All Together: A Holistic Path to Confidence & Growth

At The Happy Core, we believe that kids thrive when their emotional, cognitive, and physical needs are addressed together. By combining hypnosis, Brain Gym, tapping, NLP, art therapy, and more, we help kids:

• Manage emotions and build resilience

• Develop confidence and self-esteem

• Strengthen focus, learning skills, and social awareness

• Create positive lifelong habits

Joyful children laughing together, surrounded by colorful toys and enjoying their playful moments.

Find out more about The Happy Core and how we help kids grow: https://www.transformationtothecore.com/thehappycore

Which of these tools do you think your child would benefit from the most?

Love always,

Kristin

The Happy Core