Research

💡 Why Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy Works

Gut-directed hypnotherapy is more than just a relaxing experience - it’s a clinically supported treatment with lasting results. Over the past two decades, research has consistently shown that this approach can significantly reduce the symptoms of IBS, often improving quality of life when nothing else has helped.

It’s recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the UK - the same organisation that guides NHS treatment - and has been shown to help with:

Abdominal pain
Bloating and gas
Altered bowel habits (constipation, diarrhoea, or both)
Nausea and food-related anxiety

Studies show that up to 70–80% of people with IBS experience long-term improvement after a course of gut-directed hypnotherapy - even when medication or dietary changes haven’t helped.

This approach helps you reconnect with your body’s natural rhythm, calming the nervous system and rebalancing the communication between your gut and brain. It’s a gentle, natural, and empowering way to take back control of your health.

“It’s a privilege to support clients as they begin to rebuild trust in their bodies - especially after long periods of discomfort or frustration. With the right support, meaningful shifts can happen.”
- Sarah Reeves, Clinical Hypnotherapist

Research & Evidence Supporting Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy for IBS

My approach is informed by the the latest clinical research and trusted guidelines. Below is a selection of key studies and official recommendations that support the use of gut-directed hypnotherapy as an effective approach to managing IBS and digestive health.

1. NICE Guidelines for IBS (CG61)

Irritable bowel syndrome in adults: diagnosis and management
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
These official UK guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for diagnosing and managing IBS. They include advice on using psychological therapies like gut-directed hypnotherapy as part of a holistic approach to care.
Read the full guideline

2. Gut‑Directed Hypnotherapy for IBS: A Systematic Review and Meta‑Analysis

Miller V, Whorwell PJ — Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 2009
Summary: This review combined data from 12 studies involving over 1,150 IBS patients and found that gut‑directed hypnotherapy consistently outperformed controls, significantly improving global IBS symptoms and pain, particularly when delivered with higher session volume or in groups

Link: View full study on PubMed

3. Gut‑Focused Hypnotherapy Improves Long-Term Outcomes in IBS (Audit of 1,000 Patients)

Miller V, Carruthers HR, Morris J, Hasan SS, Archbold S, Whorwell PJ — Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 2015
Summary: An audit of 1,000 IBS patients treated with 12 sessions of gut‑focused hypnotherapy; 76% achieved clinically significant symptom improvement, with sustained benefits in quality of life, reduced pain, and fewer anxiety/depression symptoms.
Link: Read audit on Wiley Online Library

4. Hypnotherapy for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: A Review

Miller V, Whorwell PJ — International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 2009
Summary: This comprehensive review of research shows that hypnotherapy not only relieves IBS symptoms but also helps restore brain-gut physiology. The authors call for integration with regular medical care due to its consistent benefits
Link: Access review via Europe PMC

5. Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy vs Low FODMAP Diet: Clinical Trial

Palsson OS et al. — Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 2016
Summary: In a randomized study comparing gut-directed hypnotherapy with a low FODMAP diet, both approaches led to similar improvements in IBS symptoms at 6 weeks and maintained at 6 months. Notably, hypnotherapy showed superior reductions in anxiety and depression measures.
Link: Read trial details on PubMed