Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy - a different approach to IBS

I guess you've seen your doctor a hundred times, cut out dairy, gluten, spices, and the rest.
You’ve added prebiotics, probiotics, taken supplements and medications.
You’ve read every book on gut health.
You’ve tried it ALL and nothing has worked.
Life is still ruled by your tummy.
You’re fed up with IBS flare-ups and putting life on hold.

I get it, I understand the struggle, the anxiety, the limited support you have and just
how hard it is to cope each day.

Starting with countless trips to the bathroom so you can feel safe that you’re “empty”,
avoiding public transport or long car journeys because you’re worried about the
‘what if’s,’ you dread meetings at work, find the seat at the end of the row or nearest
the door, and skip meals ‘just in case’.

I’m so glad you’re here, because I want you to know it doesn’t have to be this way.

as seen in

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I’m Helen and can I help you find relief from IBS symptoms and say goodbye to bowel urgency through my effective evidence-based approach.

The Gut Brain Connection Method ™

Through my virtual clinic and online programme my team and I offer a high level of specialised support to clients all around the world. With the right knowledge and support, you really can transform your IBS symptoms and take life off hold.

I see first hand the impact of living with IBS. It's not just the physical discomfort it causes, there’s an emotional toll too - feeling guilty because simple things like eating out, day trips or holidays with the family are just too difficult. Feeling bad for backing out of plans with friends last minute. There's no doubt that living with IBS can be frustrating and lonely and all too often people are told to simply ‘live with it’ yet it really shouldn’t be that way.

I’m so glad you’re here because I want you to know it doesn’t have to be this way.

My mission is to provide you with the highest level of support through my online programme. Myself and my team of warm and friendly professionals are here to guide you through the step by step process that takes you from being controlled by your gut to being in control of your life.

If what you’ve been doing hasn’t brought relief then it's time to do something different.

But first of all you need to understand what the problem is so that you have clarity on how you can fix it.
My guess is you’ve been focused on finding what foods your gut is reacting to, but that's only got you so far, here’s why..

The problem is…

IBS is a disorder of the gut-brain interaction - a DGBI.

in simple terms this means the messages between the brain and gut are disrupted, this creates hypersensitivity and hyper reactivity within the digestive tract and leads to pain, bloating, excess gas and bowel changes - causing the gut to be more sensitive to certain foods and also psychological stress. Living with these symptoms often causes some level of stress and anxiety which further intensifies and prolongs the problem.

The solution?

Address the root cause of the problem;
the miscommunication between the gut and the brain.

This is the key to finding relief from your IBS symptoms. You may be surprised to discover that one of the most effective ways to target this miscommunication and reduce IBS symptoms is a specific type of treatment called gut-directed or gut-focused hypnotherapy sometimes referred to as IBS hypnotherapy.

Clinical Research has shown that a course of Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy (GDH) is effective in more than 80% of patients (Palsson, O.S. 2006)

A study in 2003 found that 81% of patients who responded to hypnotherapy for IBS were still improved 5 years later without further treatment. (Whorwell, et al 2003)

Gut Directed Hypnotherapy is not weird or whacky and is world’s apart from stage hypnosis. Using hypnotherapy does not mean IBS is all in your head - far from it. IBS hypnotherapy is an effective way of restoring regular gut brain communication to resolve the dysfunction in the gut brain interaction and bring relief.

Want to find out how I can help.

How I work

“I have experienced improvements in my IBS I didn’t previously think were possible”

I had tried different things before working with Helen (e.g. dietary changes, probiotics, lifestyle changes etc), and was despairing wondering if I could ever find something that would help. I am so grateful that I got to work with Helen. I have experienced improvements in my IBS I didn’t previously think were possible.
Working with Helen has been a life changing experience.

Caitlin Thorpe

About Me

I am Helen Brooks, founder of The Tummy Whisperer, an award-winning Clinical Hypnotherapist and IBS Transformation Coach.

I specialise in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome through an evidence-based approach combining gut-directed hypnotherapy, applied psychology and wellness coaching.

I live in Brighton on the south coast of England with my husband, two kids and dog, oh and a rescue mouse called Norris. I must admit - you will never see me in a pink suit. I’m really a jeans and T-shirt kind of person and I love a great pair of slippers.

Frequently Asked

Questions

Can hypnotherapy help IBS?

Yes absolutely. gut directed hypnotherapy has been shown in controlled clinical studies to be an effective treatment for IBS. Studies show between 70-95% of those who complete a course of gut directed hypnotherapy benefit from a dramatic reduction in all IBS symptoms. Further research has shown these results are long term, patients were followed for 5 years and symptom relief remained consistent. A study by Monash University found a course of hypnotherapy to be as effective as The Low Fodmap diet.

Is hypnotherapy safe?

Hypnotherapy is very safe. It is approved by the British Medical Association. There are no side effects and it cannot make your IBS worse. However it is important to ensure you see a fully qualified Hypnotherapist who is a member of a professional body like the General Hypnotherapy Register and who has specific experience in how to treat IBS through gut directed hypnotherapy.

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence recommends hypnotherapy for people with IBS who do not respond to pharmacological treatments after 12 months.

What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a state of focused awareness and narrowed attention combined with relaxation that is often referred to as a trance state. In this state the subconscious mind becomes more receptive to suggestions. These suggestions create changes to how you think, feel or behave and are used to create physical changes such as reducing bloating, pain and bowel changes. Imagery is a powerful way to communicate with the subconscious mind so various metaphors and visualisations are used in sessions.

What if I can’t be hypnotised?

Anyone can be guided into a state of trance if they are willing, trance is really just a state of deep relaxation and focused awareness. It is a natural state we all go into at some point during the day such as daydreaming or dropping off to sleep. You don't have to believe in it for it to work and most people I work with tell me they were sceptical to begin with.

What happens in a hypnotherapy session?

During a hypnotherapy session you will be guided into a state of relaxation and then into hypnosis. You are fully in control and aware of your surroundings – you are not asleep, or put “under” as many people wrongly believe. Some people will feel in an altered state during hypnosis, maybe noticing changes in bodily sensations, however others will hardly notice the shift and it will feel similar to daydreaming. How you experience trance will vary from session to session and also vary with the type of therapeutic work we are doing, some sessions may need an alert awareness yet others may benefit from a deeper more relaxed state of trance. Once in trance the therapeutic work begins; post hypnotic suggestions are used to alter gut function and metaphor and imagery address and change specific symptoms. I use whatever techniques I feel are best suited to you and your goals. Having a wide range of skills and in-depth knowledge across the broad field of clinical hypnotherapy allows me to tailor sessions to your unique requirements to give you the best results.

Does hypnotherapy work over Zoom or online?

Hypnotherapy is effective using Zoom or Skype as long as you have a space where you have a good WIFI connection and will be uninterrupted. Many people prefer being in their own space. It certainly has its advantages, there is no need to travel and you can access care from a specialist in the comfort of your own home, no longer restricting you to local practitioners who may not have the expertise you require.

What is gut directed hypnotherapy and how does it work?

Gut directed hypnotherapy is hypnotherapy that is focused on changing the function of the gut. IBS is a disorder of the gut brain axis (the communication centre between the brain and gut) In those with IBS the communication is out of whack creating a hyper sensitivity and hyper reactivity that causes bloating, pain, changes in bowel movements either diarrhoea, constipation or a combination of both and a feeling of incomplete evacuation. Hypnotherapy works by utilising the subconscious mind to restore normal communication between the brain and the gut and in turn alleviates symptoms.

Are you saying IBS is all in my head or a psychological problem?

No not at all. It is not in your head or a psychological problem. I am saying that the subconscious mind which is the part of your mind that controls the automatic functions you don't consciously think about such as breathing, heart rate, pain response, body temperature and digestion can alter these functions. You are teaching your mind to control your gut rather than your gut controlling you.

I’m still unsure if it’s going to work for me. I’ve literally tried it all and nothing has helped so far. I’m not sure what to do

I hear you. I understand, in fact most of my clients have said the same. The majority of people I work with have tried changing their diet countless times without success and worked with a number of different professionals and still not seen results. It can be draining and distressing when things don’t work.

The reason you have not found relief is because you are focusing on the gut alone. You have been changing your diet, looking for intolerances, eliminating certain foods and adding probiotics and supplements. You have not been taking into consideration the gut brain connection. This is where the problem lies; it causes hypersensitivity that leads to bloating, pain and bowel changes. Many with IBS will not experience a reduction in symptoms until the miscommunication between the gut and brain is corrected. Hypnotherapy corrects communication and is a beacon of hope for those who have failed to respond to other treatments.

What's unique about The Tummy Whisperer?

I specialise in the treatment of IBS by restoring the gut brain connection. Along with gut directed hypnotherapy there are a number of other useful techniques and strategies that I bring to my work to enhance results. My approach is grounded in science, infused with empathy and guided by 18 years experience. The Tummy Whisperer’s unique approach; works on your body, conscious mind and subconscious mind to transform your IBS, leaving you feeling calm, confident and in control.

The combination of an evidence based approach combining gut directed hypnotherapy, positive psychology and wellness coaching creates unrivalled support to give you the best possible outcomes. I’m confident you won’t find this level of support elsewhere. As well as our one to one sessions you also have access to my online programme The Connection Method with audios, videos and written information delivered in easily digested modules enabling you to transform your IBS.

I recommend a free consultation and I will only work with you if I feel confident you will see the outcomes you want to achieve.

Can I just do a couple of sessions and see how I get on?

No, I don’t recommend this. It takes time and commitment to create significant lasting changes to your IBS. Just doing a couple of sessions will likely be a waste of money and time leaving you feeling more disheartened. The duration of the programme, frequency of sessions and level of support have been carefully considered to achieve the best results.

I have anxiety and know this affects my IBS. Should I seek help elsewhere with that before working with you?

No not all at all. I am fully qualified to help with a wide range of issues including anxiety, low self esteem, self confidence, stress, fears and phobias and more. Although I specialise in IBS I have many years of experience in all areas of Clinical Hypnotherapy. All of these factors have an impact on your IBS and that is the beauty of working in a holistic way. I treat you as a whole person and see the big picture. IBS is not just about your gut.

I’ve had hypnotherapy for IBS and it didn't work, would working with you be any different?

I would need to discuss this with you so I can give you an informed opinion. It depends on things like how many sessions you had? Whether it was specific gut directed hypnotherapy with a qualified professional? Did you listen to hypnotherapy recordings between sessions? etc

I have worked with clients who had previously had hypnotherapy that was unsuccessful and go on to achieve great results with them. My Connection Method incorporates applied psychology, wellness coaching and gut directed hypnotherapy with one to one sessions and an online programme. It’s much more than hypnotherapy alone.

English isn't my first language, will this still work for me?

As long as you are fairly fluent in English this will work for you. I have successfully worked with many clients for whom English is a second language. If you are unsure lets’ chat.

Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy - a different approach to IBS

I’m so glad you’re here, because I want you to know it doesn’t have to be this way.