Cognitive Hypnotherapy for IBS

IBS symptoms don’t start in your head—but your mind can play a powerful role in relief.

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) isn’t just uncomfortable—it can dominate your day-to-day life. The unpredictability of symptoms like cramping, bloating, diarrhoea, or constipation can lead to constant anxiety about where the nearest loo is, what food to avoid, or how to explain it to others. It can impact work, relationships, travel, and confidence in your own body. The cycle of physical symptoms and emotional stress can become a closed loop—each one feeding the other, leaving you feeling drained and stuck.
Reasons Why You Might Have This Problem: IBS is often influenced by the gut-brain axis, where stress, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm can trigger or worsen symptoms. Past trauma, food sensitivities, or prolonged high-stress periods can all play a part in how your digestive system responds. Sometimes, the original cause isn’t clear—but your nervous system has learned to associate certain experiences, foods, or situations with danger. Once this happens, your gut can start reacting even in the absence of a clear trigger.
Reasons You Might Resist Getting Treatment: You may have already been told “it’s just stress,” which can feel dismissive. Or perhaps you’ve tried restrictive diets, supplements, or medications without lasting relief. Some people feel embarrassed discussing their symptoms, or fear being told it’s all in their head. It’s also common to believe that nothing will help—and to simply learn to manage or avoid rather than resolve.
Why Cognitive Hypnotherapy Can Help: Cognitive Hypnotherapy works with the connection between your mind and your gut—not by ignoring the physical symptoms, but by helping your body return to a calmer baseline. We use techniques to reduce overall stress, calm your nervous system, and gently retrain your body’s response patterns. It’s about giving your digestive system permission to relax, and helping your unconscious mind feel safe again. Many clients find that this approach offers not just symptom relief—but a renewed sense of control, calm, and trust in their own body.

What happens in a Cognitive Hypnotherapy session?

Sessions are personalised to your needs and designed to be collaborative and gentle. You’ll remain in control the whole time—we work together using tailored language, visualisation, and practical tools to help shift patterns at both the conscious and unconscious level.

Will I be made to relive difficult memories or face my fear directly?

No. This isn’t exposure therapy. We work at your pace, focusing on what’s safe and appropriate for you. There’s no need to revisit trauma in detail unless that feels useful—and even then, it’s done with care.

How many sessions will I need?

That varies from person to person. Some clients find relief in just a few sessions, while others benefit from ongoing support. We’ll review progress regularly and adjust as needed.

What if I don’t think I can be hypnotised?

Most people can access a heightened state of awareness state, which simply feels like focused attention or daydreaming. You’ll be fully aware and in control throughout. Hypnotherapy isn’t about “going under”—it’s about engaging your mind in a different way.

Is everything confidential?

Absolutely. Your privacy is respected at all times, and your information will be treated with complete confidentiality.