Support for IBS That Eases Body, Mind, and Gut

Living with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) brings unpredictability, discomfort, and emotional stress. When pain, bloating, constipation or diarrhoea start to dictate your life, it can feel frustrating and isolating. Gut-directed hypnotherapy offers a gentle, two way mind-body treatment that can break this cycle and restore a stronger sense of wellbeing.

What is Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy?

Also known as IBS hypnotherapy, this evidence-based treatment targets the gut-brain axis - the communication network between your digestive system and brain. In people with IBS, the brain tends to misinterpret signals from the gut, leading to pain, urgency, and distress.

During gut directed hypnotherapy, you’re guided into a relaxed state often using visualisation and suggestion to:

  • Decrease the brain’s sensitivity to gut signals

  • Reframe gut sensations so they feel less threatening

  • Calm the nervous system to reduce stress-related symptoms

  • Encourage more comfortable and regular digestion

The Science Behind the Approach

Large-scale studies consistently show:

  • 71–80% of participants experience significant symptom relief after a standard treatment course

  • Many people enjoy long-term benefits lasting 4-5 years or more, even up to 7 years in some cases

Hypnotherapy is recognised by major medical organisations including the British Society of Gastroenterology, NICE (UK), the American Gastroenterological Association, and others worldwide.

Typical Course & What to Expect

Treatment plans vary depending on the individual however a typical plan may include 5–10 weekly sessions, guided by a specialist trained in gut directed and IBS hypnotherapy.

  • Session 1 focuses on building rapport, gathering medical history, understanding your IBS triggers and goals and an initial guided relaxation.

  • Sessions 2-10 involve guided relaxation, reframing, imagery, and positive suggestions tailored to your experience of gut sensations. You will learn to visualise the gut softening, moving with ease, and responding calmly under stress.

  • Between sessions, home practice tools or recordings help reinforce the shifts in how your gut and brain communicate.

In some cases, a broader assessment such as exploring stress, anxiety, pain regulation, addressing food fears maybe included in the above sessions.

A Holistic, Person-Centred Approach

At Brighter Life Therapy, gut-directed hypnotherapy is integrated with warmth, empathy, and collaboration:

  • Holistic support: Address stress, sleep, mindset and lifestyle in addition to gut sensations

  • Flexible delivery options: Sessions available in person or via virtual consultation, both equally effective and convenient

  • Empowerment through self-care: Techniques to help you feel in control rather than reactive

Who Can Benefit from IBS Hypnotherapy?

Gut-directed hypnotherapy is well-suited for individuals who:

  • Continue to experience symptoms despite dietary and medical approaches

  • Notice that stress or emotions amplify their IBS

  • Feel anxiety or loss of confidence around gut unpredictability

  • Are looking for a drug-free, mind-body focused path to sustained relief

Ready to Start Your IBS Support Journey?

If IBS is impacting your day-to-day comfort and emotional wellbeing, gut-directed hypnotherapy offers an effective, evidence-based way forward. At Brighter Life Therapy, I’ll provide compassionate, personalised care to support your gut–brain healing.

After more information on how this works or what to expect? Our FAQs include helpful info about hypnotherapy and support for IBS.

Ready to Begin? Book Your Free Consultation

References

Citation: Chiarioni G, Palsson OS, Whitehead WE. Hypnosis and upper digestive function and disease. World J Gastroenterol 2008; 14(41): 6276-6284 URL: https://www.wjgnet.com/1007-9327/full/v14/i41/6276.htm

Gonsalkorale, WM, Miller, V, Afzal, A & Whorwell, PJ 2003, 'Long term benefits of hypnotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome', Gut, vol. 52, no. 11, pp. 1623-1629. https://doi.org/10.1136/gut.52.11.1623

Peters, SL, Muir, JG & Gibson, PR 2015, 'Review article: Gut-directed hypnotherapy in the management of irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease', Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, vol. 41, no. 11, pp. 1104-1115. https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13202

Flik, CE, Laan, W, Zuithoff, NPA, van Rood, YR, Smout, AJPM, Weusten, BLAM, Whorwell, PJ & de Wit, NJ 2019, 'Efficacy of individual and group hypnotherapy in irritable bowel syndrome (IMAGINE): a multicentre randomised controlled trial', The lancet. Gastroenterology & hepatology, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 20-31. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2468-1253(18)30310-8