Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

The impact of IBS often goes far beyond the physical. Many people find themselves avoiding social plans, worrying about where the nearest toilet is, or feeling anxious about flare-ups. Over time, this can lead to isolation and low confidence.

The gut and the mind are closely connected, so stress and anxiety can often make IBS feel worse, and IBS can in turn increase stress.

How therapy can help

Therapy focuses on the stress and worry that so often go hand in hand with IBS. Together, we can help calm that cycle, and support you to feel more confident getting on with your life.

Hypnotherapy for IBS is recognised in the NICE guidelines, which recommend considering psychological therapies, including hypnotherapy, for people whose IBS hasn’t improved after 12 months of medical treatment. Some NHS hospitals offer gut-focused hypnotherapy for this reason.

If you haven’t already, please speak to your GP to confirm a diagnosis and rule out other causes. Therapy works alongside your medical care, not instead of it.

Choosing how we work

There are three ways we can work together. You choose whichever feels right, and you can change your mind at any point: integrative work is flexible and built around your needs and wishes.

Counselling on its own. Space to talk about how IBS affects your life, your relationships and how you feel about yourself, with mindfulness practices to help settle stress if they feel useful.
Hypnotherapy on its own. Solution Focused Hypnotherapy combines Solution-Focused Brief Therapy with guided relaxation in hypnosis, using positive suggestions to help reduce stress and anxiety. Many people find this supportive alongside their usual IBS care.
A mixture of both. For example, talking things through in counselling, with hypnotherapy sessions alongside or later on.

Not sure which to choose? We can talk it through on your free call.

Taking the first step

If you’d like to talk, we can start with a free 20-minute phone call. It’s a chance to ask any questions and see whether working together feels right for you.