Exam season can feel like a tidal wave of stress, can’t it? If you’re lying awake at night worrying about results, or your mind goes blank the second you sit down to revise, this is for you. As a **child therapist** in **Hertfordshire**, I’ve helped countless students tackle exam anxiety through **child therapy** techniques – including **hypnotherapy for children** – and there are practical ways to make it feel far less overwhelming.

First, let’s normalise this: stress about exams is completely understandable. Your brain might be screaming that your whole future depends on these results, but that’s simply not true. Exams matter, yes, but they’re not the only path to success. Many brilliant, successful people have faced setbacks during their academic journeys. **NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming)** techniques can help here – like visualising yourself walking into the exam room feeling calm and prepared, rather than imagining disaster. This positive mental rehearsal can reduce anxiety and boost performance 🧠📘.

Here’s what often works for the young people I see in my **child therapy** clinic in **North London**, **St Albans**, and **Hemel Hempstead**: break everything down. Facing a mountain of revision? Start with 25-minute focused sessions, followed by a short break. It’s called the Pomodoro technique, and it helps maintain concentration while making large tasks feel more manageable. And don’t skip sleep – cramming all night usually backfires. Your brain needs sleep to consolidate memory, so prioritise rest 💤.

If anxiety’s really kicking in, try this: name what you’re feeling. “I’m noticing my heart racing and thoughts about failing.” Just labelling it can help dial down the panic. In **child therapy**, especially when using **hypnotherapy for children**, we often teach mindfulness-based tools such as deep breathing, visualisations, and body scans. These tools can help regulate emotions, calm the nervous system, and restore a sense of balance during stressful times.

Parents and teachers usually mean well, but their “just do your best” advice can sometimes fall flat when you’re overwhelmed. If the adults around you don’t quite understand what you’re going through, that’s okay – and you don’t have to handle it alone. A free initial consultation with a **child therapist** in **Hertfordshire** or **online via Zoom** could help you feel more supported and heard 💬.

In addition to mindset tools, your physical health matters too. Regular exercise – even a short daily walk – can release endorphins and improve your focus. Likewise, eating nutritious foods and staying hydrated can boost brain function and keep your mood steady. Fuel your body to fuel your mind 🍎🚶‍♀️.

Exams are just one chapter in your story – not the whole book. However they go, your potential isn’t limited to grades on a piece of paper. You are capable of so much more than any test can measure. And if you’re struggling? Reaching out for help isn’t a weakness – it’s one of the strongest things you can do.

You’ve got this. And we’re here to help.

By Gemma Bailey

Therapy for Children & Teens