UNCOVER
the power of Gut Directed Hypnotherapy
IBS is a common chronic condition that can affect daily life. The Gut-Brain Connection Program provides a structured approach to support you in managing these challenges.
You will learn to understand the gut–brain connection and develop skills to support a calmer digestive system.
The program provides practical tools designed to help you navigate stress, manage internal reactivity, and move through daily life with more steadiness, confidence, and ease.
Nice to meet you
Tony Yuile - helping People With IBS Build Mind–Body Skills for a Calmer Digestive System
Hi, I’m Tony Yuile — a clinical hypnotherapist and mind-body wellbeing coach. I support people living with IBS, and similar functional gastrointestinal disorders, in managing symptoms and improving their daily wellbeing through evidence-informed gut-directed hypnotherapy (GDH).
Note: Hypnotherapy is a complementary support; a medical diagnosis of IBS from your doctor is required before starting my Gut-Brain Connection Program.
My path to supporting people living with IBS
For over a decade, I specialised in helping clients manage stress, anxiety, and trauma. My focus shifted when I reviewed clinical research into Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy (GDH). Clinical research (e.g., Peter et al., 2015) has shown that 70–80% of participants in trials observed positive outcomes in managing their symptoms through GDH. Seeing the impact of this evidence-informed approach prompted me to integrate it deeply into my practice to support those with persistent gut-brain connection challenges.
What I found was eye-opening
The statistics are significant: IBS is a common chronic condition affecting an estimated 12% of the global population. For those living with moderate to severe symptoms, the condition can profoundly impact daily life—not only through physical challenges but also by affecting social activities, emotional wellbeing, and overall quality of life.
As a clinical hypnotherapist, I also noted that despite the strength of the clinical evidence, access to Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy (GDH) remains relatively limited for many who could benefit from this supportive approach.
Those discoveries changed the direction of my work
I chose to specialise in GDH to help address the limited access to this modality in New Zealand. I believe people living with IBS deserve a comprehensive approach to symptom management, one that focuses on achieving meaningful improvement and a better quality of life.
The Rome Foundationsays “Gut-directed hypnotherapy is one of the most effective brain-gut behavior therapies available for patients with Disorders of Gut-Brain Interactions.”
Many of my clients come to me to explore the gut-brain component of their condition alongside their existing dietary or medical management plans. GDH offers a different, evidence-informed path: it provides a way to support the regulation of the communication loop between the brain and the gut, known as the gut–brain axis. By focusing on this connection, we can help calm the signals that contribute to IBS symptoms, creating the conditions to support ongoing digestive wellbeing and daily comfort.
My Passion
My passion is supporting people living with IBS and other functional gut challenges in their journey toward meaningful, long-term symptom management through my comprehensive IBS Gut-Brain Connection Program.
I work with individuals who are looking to explore the mind-body connection as a specialised part of their health journey. GDH offers an evidence-informed approach: a way to support the regulation of the communication loop between the brain and the gut, known as the gut–brain axis.
This axis plays a key role in how IBS symptoms are experienced. By focusing on the regulation of this communication system, the program aims to create the conditions for improved daily comfort and a better quality of life.
What Does IBS Really Feel Like?
IBS is often more than just one symptom; it is an experience of physical discomfort that can affect daily routines. From altered bowel habits and abdominal discomfort to bloating and associated stress, these challenges can impact your overall quality of life.
Some of the common challenges associated with IBS are shown below. Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy is an evidence-informed approach designed to support the long-term management of these symptoms by focusing on the vital gut–brain connection.
Altered Bowel Habits
Abdominal Pain and Cramps
Bloating
IBS Related Anxiety
The Gut-Brain Connection Program
Why Choose Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy for IBS Management?
My Gut-Brain Connection Program is a multimodal approach designed to support the communication between your gut and brain - a key area of focus for those living with IBS.
At the heart of the protocol is Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy (GDH), an evidence-informed intervention. Clinical research (e.g., Peter et al., 2015) has shown that 70–80% of participants in trials observed positive outcomes in managing their symptoms through GDH. (Note: While these trial results are encouraging, individual results will vary.)
To provide a comprehensive experience, the protocol also integrates:
Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy
Integral Eye Movement Therapy (IEMT)
Metaphors of Movement and Psychosensory Techniques
This integrative approach focuses on the gut-brain axis, helping to address the impact of chronic stress and nervous system sensitivity on your digestive wellbeing.
If you have already explored diets, medications, or supplements, and are looking for a complementary mind-body approach, this program provides tools to support your progress.
Take your next step towards integrated symptom management. Book your discovery call today to see if the program is the right fit for your journey.
“Having worked with many individuals living with the daily challenges of IBS, I felt motivated to provide a program that focuses on the vital gut-brain connection. The Gut-Brain Connection Program is designed to support you in managing your symptoms and focuses on the quality of daily life that you experience.”~ Tony
Clinical Case Studies: Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy (GDH)
Clinical Process Overview: The following case studies are provided for educational purposes to illustrate the structure of the Gut-Brain Connection Program and the clinical techniques used. These summaries are based on common clinical presentations and are intended to show how gut-directed hypnotherapy (GDH) is applied in practice. They do not represent a guarantee of individual outcomes, as results in clinical hypnotherapy will vary.
Case Study 1: Managing Long-Term Professional & Personal Impact
The Challenge: A client presented with a 2.5-year history of persistent IBS symptoms that interfered with their professional routine and daily activities. Previous management strategies had not addressed the mind-body component of their condition.
The Approach: The 5-session Gut-Brain Connection program protocol was implemented. This focused on psychoeducation regarding the gut-brain axis and the application of clinical hypnosis to address nervous system hyperarousal.
The Result: The client completed the full protocol, successfully identifying their specific physiological triggers. They integrated daily gut-directed self-regulation techniques into their routine to support the ongoing, long-term management of their digestive health.
Case Study 2: Restoring Agency Through Mind-Body Management
The Challenge: A client sought support for functional gut symptoms that were impacting their sense of predictability regarding their digestive health. The unpredictability of these symptoms had led to a significant change in their daily social and professional confidence.
The Approach: We utilised GDH alongside Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy techniques. The focus was on identifying and addressing the "threat response" (the gut-brain alarm system) and retraining the nervous system's reaction to digestive sensations.
The Result: Upon completion of the program, the client demonstrated a consistent ability to utilise cognitive and hypnotic "calming" tools. They reported shifting from a reactive approach to a proactive management strategy, allowing them to engage more consistently in their usual daily activities.
Case Study 3: Complementary Support After Standard Protocols
The Challenge: A client sought to add a mind-body component to their existing management plan. They had already implemented standard protocols, including dietary adjustments and lifestyle changes, and were looking for a complementary approach to address the gut-brain connection.
The Approach: We applied the Gut-Brain Connection program protocol as a supportive modality to help regulate the communication loop between the enteric and central nervous systems. This was designed to work in conjunction with the client’s ongoing medical and dietary strategies.
The Result: The client integrated gut-directed hypnotic techniques into their daily routine. By the end of the program, they reported a more structured approach to managing their digestive wellbeing and expressed confidence in using these mind-body tools as part of their long-term health toolkit.
Why work with me?
Clinical Hypnotherapist specialising in Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy
I have completed advanced training in Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy with several internationally recognised trainers. I am a member of the National Council for Hypnotherapy (UK) and hold their Hypnotherapy Practitioner Diploma (HPD), widely regarded as the gold standard for the profession.
In 2025, I had the privilege of presenting my IBS Gut-Brain Connection Protocol to fellow practitioners at the New Zealand Association of Professional Hypnotherapists (NZAPH) conference.
Experienced Clinical Hypnotherapist and Life Coach
With over 15 years of experience as a Clinical Hypnotherapist and Life Coach, I have a long-standing history of supporting clients in working toward their wellbeing goals.
In addition to my clinical practice, I am a tutor at the NZ School of Professional Hypnotherapy, where I help train the next generation of practitioners. This role ensures I remain up-to-date with the latest developments in clinical hypnotherapy and mind-body research.
Focused on Stress and Anxiety Management
Stress and anxiety can often influence and contribute to the persistence of IBS symptoms. Before dedicating my practice to supporting those living with IBS, I spent fifteen years focusing on these areas.
I am also the author of the book 7 Ways to Reduce Anxiety in 7 Minutes or Less, which offers practical tools for nervous system regulation and accessible techniques designed to support stress reduction.