IBS is a disorder of the gut-brain interaction; somewhere along the line the gut and the brain stopped communicating effectively, signals started getting misinterpreted, the gut lining started becoming more sensitive and more reactive, making things move along too fast or too slow, creating pain, bloating, diarrhoea, constipation as well as a range of other symptoms.

Gut directed hypnotherapy works by restoring this miscommunication between gut and brain, helping the gut become less sensitive, less reactive, and alleviating symptoms; physical, mental and emotional.

Stress and anxiety often come hand in hand with IBS; stress, anxiety, catastrophic thinking and worry can actually bring on or worsen a flare-up, creating the worst kind of vicious cycle to be stuck in.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a therapy that helps to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours in order to reduce the impact of stress and improve mental health.

Gut directed hypnotherapy and CBT are both evidence based treatments for IBS, that’s why using them together we can get the best outcomes and alleviate symptoms.

No, absolutely not. The term “disorder of the gut-brain interaction” recognises the complex connection between the gut and the brain, and the importance of that connection. It doesn’t imply that symptoms are imagined or solely psychological.

Just because IBS doesn’t come up as such in any tests does not mean it isn’t real, it just means we don’t have the right tests yet. And it certainly doesn’t mean the pain isn’t real.

Instead, it highlights how the gut and brain communicate like a two-way street, where emotional and psychological factors can influence the gut and vice versa.

The goal in gut directed hypnotherapy and CBT is to teach you how to use your mind to control your gut rather than your gut controlling you.

I get it. Many people, myself included, try changing their diet, using medication, supplements, and anything else that promises relief. But in the long term, it often doesn’t work, or it becomes unsustainable.

That’s often because these approaches focus mainly on the physical symptoms, without addressing the gut-brain connection that plays a key role in IBS. Gut-directed hypnotherapy works by calming this communication and helping the gut become less sensitive and reactive, which is why many people experience more lasting, more sustainable relief.

Yes, absolutely. First of all, I will never recommend any changes to prescribed medication. That is something to discuss with your GP or healthcare provider, not me.

Whatever your current diet, the foods you avoid, or the medications you use – whether over the counter (OTC) or prescribed, we can still work together to help you regain freedom from the symptoms that continue to bother you.

Many people find that as their symptoms improve, they naturally feel more comfortable reintroducing certain foods or relying less on OTC medications, but any changes are always made gradually and in a way that feels safe for you.

No referral is needed, but it is essential that you have seen your GP or doctor about your symptoms before we work together – including any new or changing symptoms. This means having the relevant initial tests done, such as blood tests and stool tests, and a colonoscopy if your doctor has recommended one.

This is important because some symptoms that overlap with IBS can be signs of a structural condition, such as IBD, coeliac disease, or something else that needs medical attention.

I will not work with anyone who has not had these things investigated first, because in those cases, symptoms need to be diagnosed and managed medically, not approached in the same way as IBS.

If you’re not sure what tests you need, or how to get an IBS diagnosis? I’ve written a guide that walks you through the process: How to get an IBS diagnosis →

The initial discovery call is free and lasts ~30 minutes. Individual sessions are £75 each. For those committing to a full course of treatment, a six-session pack is available at £415. If you have any questions about pricing or your specific situation, feel free to get in touch.

Some people start noticing improvements within a few sessions, particularly in how their body respond to symptoms and stress. More meaningful and lasting change typically builds over time, and comes with consistent practice, which is why I usually work over a course of 6 to 8 sessions.

Yes, and research shows that both hypnotherapy and CBT are just as effective online as in person. Hypnosis isn’t something done to you; it’s something you do yourself, guided by a therapist’s voice. Whether we’re in the same room or on a video call, the process is exactly the same. All you need is a reliable internet connection, a laptop or tablet, and a quiet comfortable space where you won’t be disturbed.

Yes, very much so. Anxiety and IBS often go hand in hand, with each influencing the other. Gut-directed hypnotherapy, especially when combined with CBT, can help reduce anxiety, improve stress management, break the stress-symptom cycle, and improve your overall sense of control. Spillover effects onto other areas of life are often noticed, improved stress management helps more than just IBS!

If you have been diagnosed with IBS by your GP/primary care physician, you are suffering with debilitating and painful symptoms and/or are struggling to control your bowel, then gut-directed hypnotherapy is a safe and effective approach for you.