Hypnotherapy for IBS
IBS (or Irritable Bowel Syndrome) is believed to affect one third of the UK population at some point and to some extent, and 10% of the population will go and visit their GP because of it.
Symptoms and causes of IBS
IBS is therefore a very common digestive disorder but, unfortunately, drugs often only improve the symptoms slightly. Symptoms are varied and include: diarrhea, constipation or a combination of both, abdominal pain and cramping, gas, bloating, indigestion etc. Their severity ranges from uncomfortable to actually debilitating.
IBS often starts after a stressful event or an infection. However, the exact causes of IBS are not known. There are no physical abnormalities in the colon, but it seems to become super sensitive and responds to triggers such as stress or some specific foods by cramping.
Treatment of IBS
A lot of people who go to see their GP will receive drugs to relieve partially some of their symptoms: anti-spasmodics, anti-diarrheals, laxatives etc. However, this will not cure IBS, although it can make it more manageable.
Various alternative therapies have been shown to help people with IBS but hypnotherapy has been proved to be the most effective. It has the advantage as well as working both on one of the main triggers (stress) and directly on the brain-gut connection. Stress is programmed to start the "fight or flight" response in our bodies, which shuts down a lot of organs, including the gut. The brain and the body need to be re-educated and hypnosis is the perfect therapy to operate such a change.
Hypnosis for IBS
There are different approaches to hypnosis for IBS. One of the main IBS specialist is Michael Mahoney, who developed an audio program called IBS Audio Program 100 that sufferers can listen too at home over a period of 100 days. It has been quite effective for a lot of people but requires a lot of dedication.
Another technique was developed by another expert, Dr Peter Whorwell, and focuses on visualising your gut as a stream or river and taking care of that stream. A study conducted over 6 years on over 200 patients showed that 71% of the patients showed improvement using hypnotherapy and that among these, 81% were still improved years later. The general quality of life and depression scores were also significantly improved. *
You too can start improving your quality of life with hypnotherapy! You will a recording of the first session in order to reinforce the message between sessions.
Contact me for a free initial consultation on the phone or in my practice in Guildford, Surrey!FAQs
What
are hypnotherapy and NLP?
NLP,
or Neuro-Linguistic programming is 'the science that teaches how to use
the neurological and linguistic resources in order to follow the
program of self preservation, health and happiness in union with other
people and nature' (Luis Jorge Gonzales). In other words, NLP is about
learning to think differently in order to feel or act differently and
enjoy life more fully by using language and visualisation.
Hypnotherapy,
also called hypnosis,
which can include the use of NLP, is not to be confused with stage
hypnosis. You will never be made to do anything you don't want to do.
During a cession of hypnotherapy, the therapist will talk to the
individual in order to relax them and to induce a hypnotic trance,
which is a little like day-dreaming. The individual usually remains
conscious of everything that is happening around them. During the
hypnotic trance, the therapist will use language and visualisation in
order to change the individual's perception of these issues. The use of
the hypnotic trance makes it easier for the human brain to accept
positive suggestions and therefore helps to obtain quicker and
longer-lasting results compared to visualisation in a fully awaken
state.
What
happens during a typical session?
Before starting the actual work, a consultation (either in person on
over the phone) will enable the therapist and the client to get to know
each other and discuss the challenges and how to approach them. After
that, at the start of each session, after a shorter consultation, the
client will lie down on a comfortable reclining chair and relax while
the therapist talks to them and some soft music plays in the
background. After the first session, a personalised CD will be created
for the client to listen at home.
Where
do you work?
I am based in Guildford, Surrey, but if needed I can travel to your
home if you live around Guildford, Woking, Farnham, Farnborough,
Dorking or Cranleigh.
Are
you properly qualified and insured?
Yes. I have a Diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy, NLP, Coaching with CBT
from Motivation
Training, accredited by The
General Hypnotherapy Register, The Hypnotherapy Society, The General
Hypnotherapy Standards Council, The British Institute of
Hypnotherapy-NLP, The Hypnotherapy Association, and the British Board
of NLP.
I am a member of the General
Hypnotherapy Register
(GHR) and am insured with Holistic
Insurance Services.
How
much does it cost?
The initial consultation, whether in person or on the phone, is free of
charge and gives you a chance to decide whether you want us to work
together. The first session costs £50 and includes a
personalised CD, and the following sessions cost £45, with discounts
available for students, people with low income, or for payment in
advance of several sessions. I will charge a little extra for home
visits, depending on the distance. Please contact me
to arrange an initial consultation or discuss anything at all.
* Gonsalkorale
WM, Miller V, Afzal
A, Whorwell PJ. Long term
benefits of hypnotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome. Gut. 2003
Nov;52(11):1623-9.