People often inquire whether NRT can be helpful for the children or others in their family. This is especially so when a child has troubling symptoms such as nightmares, sudden fears and phobias, changes in behavior, or acute or chronic physical symptoms.

Children younger than later adolescence are not treated directly with NRT. Instead there is available a technique known as remote surrogate work that requires two therapists specially trained and skillful, one of whom acts in place of the child.

The surrogate technique is also useful for adults; for example, when the person is too debilitated by a mental illness or dementia to participate actively in the therapy.

It is also sometimes requested when a person, for personal reasons discussed in the therapy, does not feel they want to do particular work directly, but instead expresses a preference for a surrogate to take their place. The healing is as effective as though done personally.