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Hypnosis with Children: “The Bunny Talk”
Kids feel big feelings—sometimes bigger than their words. “The Bunny Talk” is a playful, gentle hypnotic process I use to help children explore emotions they can’t yet express—or are expressing in unhelpful ways. Developed by British-American hypnotherapist Claudia Rickard, this approach gives kids a safe, imaginative space to name feelings, practice calm, and learn new ways to handle everyday challenges. Ideal for ages 5–12 (and honestly, teens—and even adults—love it, too!).
What is the Bunny Talk Process?
The Bunny Talk Process is a gentle, imaginative way to help children explore and express their emotions through play.
Using a comforting symbol - a bunny - children are invited into a safe, nurturing environment where they can talk, draw, and imagine their feelings in ways that feel natural and fun.
Rather than pushing kids to "talk about what's wrong", The Bunny Talk Process helps them discover what they are feeling - and gives them tools to express, release, and understand those emotions.
It's not therapy - it's connection. It's communication in a child's language: imagination, story and play.
Anxiety and Stress:
* Help children calm anxiety, sleep better and feel better!
Trauma:
* Sometimes kids can't create the words and turn to acting out their feelings in unhealthy ways. This can be a big help in overcoming past traumas and fears.
Habit and Behavior Change:
* Kids develop habits in response to emotions, and the Bunny talk Process can help them change their habits!
Behavior Management:
* See rapid behavioral change, improved relationships with parents, family and friends and put a smile on their face!
I’ve had the privilege of witnessing how deeply hypnosis can impact children who come to me with a variety of challenges. Regardless of where you’re starting, I’m committed to tailoring my approach to your child's unique needs and circumstances.
How It Originated
The Bunny Talk Process was created out of a desire to help children who were struggling but couldn't always find the words.
It began with a simple idea - that children open up more easily when they feel safe, supported, and can express themselves through play.
The bunny became a symbol of gentleness, curiosity, and safety - a trusted "friend" who helps children share what's really going on inside.
Over time, this process evolved into a structured yet flexible way to guide children toward emotional understanding and self-healing.
Claudia Rickard spent many a morning in bed with her daughter, exploring different adventures with animal shadow puppets. The bunny became their favorite of all the shadow puppets they played with.
Claudia only came to know how important this was after her older teenage daughter came sobbing into her room at 3:00 am New Year's Eve. Her daughter was inconsolable and wouldn't talk.
In desperation to find out what was going on with her daughter, she pulled out Mummy Bunny and asked her "do you want to tell me?"
Her teenage daughter proceeded to pull out her Baby Bunny, ears down, and proceeded to tell Mummy Bunny the problem.
Her daughter was able to tell her through Bunny Talk about a major issue that she was going through. She knew that Mummy Bunny only offered unconditional love and support.
There is actually neuroscience behind this strategy. When we offer unconditional love and acceptance through this play, it lays down brain synapses that allow the child to dissociate from the adult and allow them to open up without fear of judgment or reprimand.
How It Works
Emotional Vocabulary
: noticing “butterflies,” tight tummies, wiggly legs—and what those signals mean. Coping Skills
: practicing encouraging inner words to replace negative loops.
Problem-SolvingEmotional Vocabulary: turning “I don’t know” into words like worried, left-out, frustrated, or proud.
Benefits for Children
uNDERSTAND AND EXPRESS FEELINGS IN HEALTHY WAYS
REDUCE ANXIETY, FEAR AND EMOTIONAL OUTBURSTS
bUILD CONFIDENCE AND INNER CALM
HEAL FROM EARLY TRAUMA OR STRESSFUL EXPERIENCES
Improve and strengthen communication and relationships at home and school
Adults Can Benefit Too!
Reconnecting with their inner child
* many adults discover that reconnecting with their inner child - the playful, imaginative part of themselves - brings deep healing and joy.
release stored emotions
* we spend much of our adulthood focused on doing, achieving, and holding it all together. But we forget to play. This process allows us to release stored emotions, rediscover lightness, and find new ways to process old experiences with kindness and humor.
live more fully in the present
* reconnecting with yourself helps you live more fully in the present - with compassion, creativity, and peace.
When we give ourselves permission to play, we give ourselves permission to heal!
What a session looks like
Every session is unique - because every child is.
A typical session begins with gentle grounding and conversation. The child may choose a bunny (real or symbolic), draw, or play out a story with guidance. Through these moments, emotions are explored in a way that feels safe and natural.
There's laughter, creativity, and sometimes quiet reflection. The focus is always on understanding - not fixing.
Sessions are relaxed, compassionate, and child-led. The goal is to help children feel heard, seen, and emotionally lighter.
Sessions can be done in person at my office or online via Zoom! Both are just as effective.
Ready to Begin?
Sessions available for children, teens and adults.
Let's help your child - or your inner child - find calm, clarity, and confidence!
I offer a free 30-minute discovery call to answer all your questions and help you determine if this is the right fit for what you need.
Natural Elements Wellness Centre
204-573-3726
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