IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS)
IBS is a common gut disorder that can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms including diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, and abdominal pain. When you live with IBS, your digestive system is more sensitive and reactive, which can make flare-ups harder to manage. While diet plays a role, other factors such as stress and anxiety are also well-known triggers.
The good news is that research has shown hypnotherapy to be highly effective in managing IBS symptoms – particularly pain. In fact, NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence), which provides guidance for doctors and healthcare professionals, recognises hypnotherapy as a treatment option for IBS.
What is Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy (GDH)?
Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy is a specialised, evidence-based approach that was originally developed in the 1980s by Professor Peter Whorwell in Manchester. It has since been extensively studied and consistently proven to reduce symptoms of IBS and other functional gut disorders.
GDH works by calming the gut–brain axis – the communication system between the gut and the brain. Using guided imagery, therapeutic metaphors, and focused suggestions, it helps reduce the gut’s oversensitivity and restore balance to digestive processes.
What the Research Shows
Over several decades, clinical trials have found that 70–80% of people with IBS experience significant and lasting improvements in their symptoms with gut-directed hypnotherapy. These results are backed by a strong body of scientific evidence, which is why GDH is now recommended by NICE.
What You Can Expect
A typical programme of Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy includes:
• Relaxation and calming visualisations (e.g. imagining the gut as a gently flowing river) combined with positive therapeutic suggestions
• A structured series of 6–12 sessions, tailored to your needs
• Self-hypnosis recordings to use between sessions for continued support
• Practical techniques for relaxation, pain control, and symptom management
• A personalised “IBS toolkit” to help you feel more in control of your symptoms in daily life
Most clients notice improvements within 4–6 sessions, and benefits often continue to build with practice.
My Approach
I have undertaken additional, specialist training in evidence-based Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy so that I can offer you the most effective support in managing IBS. Together, we’ll focus on reducing the frequency and intensity of flare-ups, helping you to feel calmer, more in control, and more confident in managing your digestive health.
You may find the following article, published in The Guardian, about Dr Monty Lyman's own personal experience of having hypnotherapy for his IBS interesting:
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/feb/01/doctor-hypnotherapy-ibs-changed-belief-pain
If you’d like to find out how gut-directed hypnotherapy could help you manage IBS please get in touch.
IBS is a common gut disorder that can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms including diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, and abdominal pain. When you live with IBS, your digestive system is more sensitive and reactive, which can make flare-ups harder to manage. While diet plays a role, other factors such as stress and anxiety are also well-known triggers.
The good news is that research has shown hypnotherapy to be highly effective in managing IBS symptoms – particularly pain. In fact, NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence), which provides guidance for doctors and healthcare professionals, recognises hypnotherapy as a treatment option for IBS.
What is Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy (GDH)?
Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy is a specialised, evidence-based approach that was originally developed in the 1980s by Professor Peter Whorwell in Manchester. It has since been extensively studied and consistently proven to reduce symptoms of IBS and other functional gut disorders.
GDH works by calming the gut–brain axis – the communication system between the gut and the brain. Using guided imagery, therapeutic metaphors, and focused suggestions, it helps reduce the gut’s oversensitivity and restore balance to digestive processes.
What the Research Shows
Over several decades, clinical trials have found that 70–80% of people with IBS experience significant and lasting improvements in their symptoms with gut-directed hypnotherapy. These results are backed by a strong body of scientific evidence, which is why GDH is now recommended by NICE.
What You Can Expect
A typical programme of Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy includes:
• Relaxation and calming visualisations (e.g. imagining the gut as a gently flowing river) combined with positive therapeutic suggestions
• A structured series of 6–12 sessions, tailored to your needs
• Self-hypnosis recordings to use between sessions for continued support
• Practical techniques for relaxation, pain control, and symptom management
• A personalised “IBS toolkit” to help you feel more in control of your symptoms in daily life
Most clients notice improvements within 4–6 sessions, and benefits often continue to build with practice.
My Approach
I have undertaken additional, specialist training in evidence-based Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy so that I can offer you the most effective support in managing IBS. Together, we’ll focus on reducing the frequency and intensity of flare-ups, helping you to feel calmer, more in control, and more confident in managing your digestive health.
You may find the following article, published in The Guardian, about Dr Monty Lyman's own personal experience of having hypnotherapy for his IBS interesting:
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/feb/01/doctor-hypnotherapy-ibs-changed-belief-pain
If you’d like to find out how gut-directed hypnotherapy could help you manage IBS please get in touch.