Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy (GDH) for IBS
One in five Australians experience the debilitating symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) at some point in their lives. Living with IBS is more than just a physical discomfort. It’s the constant worry, the interrupted plans, and the feeling that your life is dictated by your symptoms. You've likely tried diets and medications with limited success. But what if you could calm your gut by harnessing the power of your own mind?
Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy (GDH) is a revolutionary approach that targets the communication breakdown between your brain and your gut, offering significant, long-lasting relief from the debilitating symptoms of IBS.
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This therapy is ideal for individuals who:
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Have a formal diagnosis of IBS from a medical doctor.
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Continue to suffer from symptoms despite trying first-line treatments like diet and medication.
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Are ready to take an active, empowered role in their health.
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Are looking for a safe, drug-free, and long-term solution.
The Science Speaks for Itself
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Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy is now recognised globally as a leading treatment for IBS. A substantial body of research, including numerous clinical trials and meta-analyses, has established gut-directed hypnotherapy (GDH) as a highly effective and durable treatment for IBS [1,2]. Statistics from these studies reveal significant improvements in symptoms for a large majority of patients, with benefits often lasting for years.
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Remarkably High Success Rates: Clinical trials, including major studies from Monash University, consistently show that 70-80% of IBS patients experience a significant improvement in their symptoms. This includes relief from abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea, and constipation [3,4].
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As Effective as the Low FODMAP Diet: In a landmark study, GDH was proven to be just as effective as the strict low FODMAP diet. 7 out of 10 participants in both groups achieved lasting symptom control, but hypnotherapy works without the stress of restrictive eating [3].
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Durable, Long-Term Relief: This is not a temporary fix. The benefits of GDH are built to last. One major study found that over 80% of people who responded to the therapy maintained their relief for up to six years. Imagine years of freedom, not just a few good weeks [5].
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Reduced Anxiety and Improved Well-being: GDH doesn't just calm your gut; it calms your mind. The therapy is proven to significantly reduce the anxiety and depression often associated with chronic illness, improving your overall quality of life [6,7].
Sources
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[1] Markin, K. V., Temniy, A. V., & Dnov, K. V. (2022). Efficacy of hypnotherapy in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. A systematic review with meta-analysis. Neurology Bulletin, (2), 44-55. doi: 10.17816/nb107881
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[2] Lee, H. H., Choi, Y. Y., & Choi, M. G. (2014). The Efficacy of Hypnotherapy in the Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Journal of neurogastroenterology and motility, 20(2), 152–162. https://doi.org/10.5056/jnm.2014.20.2.152
[3] Peters, S. L., Yao, C. K., Philpott, H., Yelland, G. W., Muir, J. G., & Gibson, P. R. (2016). Randomised clinical trial: the efficacy of gut-directed hypnotherapy is similar to that of the low FODMAP diet for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 44(5), 447–459. https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13706
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[4] Whorwell, P. J., Prior, A., & Faragher, E. B. (1984). Controlled trial of hypnotherapy in the treatment of severe refractory irritable-bowel syndrome. The Lancet, 324(8414), 1232–1234. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(84)92793-4
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[5] Gonsalkorale, W. M., Miller, V., Afzal, A., & Whorwell, P. J. (2003). Long term benefits of hypnotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome. Gut, 52(11), 1623–1629. https://doi.org/10.1136/gut.52.11.1623​
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[6] Hasan, S. S., Whorwell, P. J., Miller, V., Morris, J., and Vasant, D. H. (2021). Six vs 12 sessions of gut-focused hypnotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized trial. Gastroenterology 160, 2605–2607.e3. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2021.02.058
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[7] Häuser, W. (2024). Gut-directed hypnosis and hypnotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome: a mini-review. Frontiers in psychology, 15, 1389911.
The Gut-Brain Axis
IBS is now understood as a disorder of the "gut-brain axis" – the constant two-way communication highway between your brain and your digestive system. In IBS, this communication becomes disrupted and dysfunctional. Stress and anxiety can trigger gut symptoms, and gut symptoms can, in turn, create more stress and anxiety.
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Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy works directly on this axis. It helps to retrain the subconscious mind to change the way it interprets signals from the gut, reducing hypersensitivity and restoring a state of balance and calm. You learn to turn down the "volume" on pain signals and regain control over gut function.
The Process
This complete Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy program is a structured, science based, supportive, and empowering program designed to give you the tools for lasting change. It consists of 6 sessions, scheduled weekly or fortnightly.
What does a session involve?
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Each session is a deeply relaxing and comfortable experience. You will simply sit back in a comfortable recliner while guided into a relaxed state of hypnosis. In this state, your mind is more receptive to positive suggestions aimed at:
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Calming the sensitivity of your gut nerves.
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Restoring normal, rhythmic gut motility.
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Strengthening the gut-brain connection for better control.
Empowerment for the Future: Your Self-Hypnosis Recordings
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A crucial part of this program is empowering you to continue the work at home. In the course of the program, you will receive self-hypnosis audio recordings to listen to between appointments. This reinforces the therapeutic suggestions, deepens the positive changes, and teaches you the lifelong skill of self-hypnosis to manage your own well-being long after the program ends.