Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy

Through Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy, this small group intends to target/treat brain-gut dysregulation contributing to digestive health concerns. This could include IBS, Crohn’s Disease, IBD, or other digestive issues.

The brain and gut are constantly participating in two-way communication. The goal is to help the brain re-learn how to interpret signals that come from the digestive tract. This allows the brain to correct any faulty signals that it may be sending to the gut. When you correct that faulty communication, you may begin to see improvements in your anxiety and overall mood.

How does hypnosis work?

Unlike the media-hyped displays that we often see on television programs or movies, hypnosis is not a “mind-control” method. There is no unsuspecting volunteer who clucks like a chicken at the whim of a performing hypnotist. Quite the contrary! The most important factor in clinical hypnosis is cooperation and trust formed between the client and the hypnotherapist.

Before answering the question of how hypnosis works, let’s first clarify what we mean by hypnosis vs hypnotherapy. Hypnosis is the practice of guiding someone into a “trance” state. In the simplest of terms, this works by engaging and guiding the subconscious mind while it’s under a state of deeply focused relaxation.

Hypnotherapy is what we refer to as the way that hypnosis is applied. Think of it as a tool. Your hypnotherapist can help connect your mind and body in a way that’s normally inaccessible to you. Your hypnotherapist will use suggestions meant to elicit thoughts about changes you are looking to make. By doing so, your hypnotherapist will help you tap into a well of ideas that can benefit your life.

Depending on your goals, hypnotherapy can be used on its own or in combination with other methods. Before attempting hypnosis, your therapist should provide you with enough education/knowledge to leave you feeling at ease with the process. At the very minimum, you should have a clear understanding of what hypnosis is. You should also have answers to any questions or concerns that you may have. When attempting to find a hypnotherapist, always make sure to ask about training/education that qualifies them to use hypnotherapy.

Am I good candidate for hypnotherapy?

Not everyone will be a good hypnotherapy candidate. In order to assess this, an informational consultation will be necessary. Here, we will provide you with information, and assess your needs. Your digestive medical history and other daily life stressors may be compounding factors to your symptoms. For these reasons, an initial intake is necessary. Kindly note that an initial intake will not guarantee enrollment. Certain conditions do not make you an appropriate candidate for hypnotherapy.

Will this cure my IBS, IBD, or Crohn’s Disease?

A substantial amount of past and ongoing studies show the efficacy of Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy in helping to relieve brain-gut communication problems that may cause or worsen symptoms related to IBS, IBD, and Crohn’s. However, there are a number of other factors that may contribute to ongoing symptoms.

Nutrition, chronic stress, inappropriately-treated anxiety, and unprocessed trauma can continue to affect your digestive health and overall health. Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy will not address any of those factors. Other types of therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Brainspotting, will.

No treatment can guarantee a “cure”. But, your active participation between sessions will make you more likely to see better outcomes.

Some other commonly asked questions:

How Long Will This Treatment Take?
This group is an eight-session treatment. You will attend an initial private introduction/intake session and then meet up for seven group hypnotherapy sessions. The group meets every other week until the seven sessions are completed.

When and Where Does the Group Meet?
The group will meet every other Wednesday at 5:00 PM until the seven-session hypnotherapy protocol has been completed. The introduction/intake sessions will take place individually.

How Many People Will be in This Group?
There will be no more than five group members at one time. A minimum of two people is required in order for the group to take place. If you prefer to have individual sessions, it may be possible to have this arranged, depending on availability.