What is a disorder of the gut-brain interaction (DGBI)?

Gastrointestinal conditions that do not have an identifiable structural cause are classified as DGBI. In these conditions, the brain and the gut are experiencing communication difficulties that manifest as worsened physical symptoms. This includes conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, functional abdominal pain, and functional dyspepsia, among others. Four out of 10 adults will experience a DGBI at some point during their lifetime, and about 25% of children will experience a DGBI.

What is the gut-brain connection?

Your brain and gut are intricately linked through a complex system of nerves and chemical signals, enabling constant, bidirectional communication. They communicate through our central nervous system, which includes the brain and the spinal cord, and our enteric nervous system, which includes the gut. This communication channel is called the ‘gut-brain axis (GBA).’ The GBA can occasionally experience disruptions typically in response to triggering events such as stressors or infection. If you have IBS, it means your brain and gut are no longer ‘’talking’’ to each other as they should. The brain becomes more reactive to normal signals in the gut, which can result in increased physical symptoms such as pain and altered bowel movements. This is called visceral hypersensitivity. In response to this visceral hypersensitivity, hypervigilance can develop, where our brain is constantly scanning for gut related issues. This results in a vicious cycle of worry, anxiety and more physical symptoms.

How are disorders of the gut-brain interaction (DGBI) treated?

The two main psychological treatments for DGBIs are gut directed hypnotherapy (GDH) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Clinical hypnosis and CBT have been studied for the treatment of GI conditions for decades. A study, published by Miller and colleagues in 2015, demonstrated that 76% of patients treated with hypnosis demonstrate a reduction in physical symptoms and improvements in quality of life. A study published by Lackner and colleagues in 2008 demonstrated that 61 to 72% of individuals with IBS reported adequate relief from pain and bowel symptoms after four to 10 weeks of CBT. These are just two of many different examples from a much larger body of research that shows just how effective these treatments are. Additionally, the combination of GDH and CBT is powerful, with a study published in 2020 demonstrating the addition of hypnosis to CBT can further enhance treatment outcomes.

What is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a specialised communication process, between a hypnotist and a subject, that has the goal of guiding the subject into a natural, inward-focused state of attention — one you likely already experience daily - that’s often referred to as an ‘everyday trance.’

Think of those moments when you’re completely absorbed in a good book, or so deep in thought during a drive that you miss a turn. That’s a form of everyday trance.

In a therapeutic setting, we use this focused state purposefully. Hypnotic trance becomes a tool — not a trick — to help the brain and body communicate in more helpful ways.

In gut-directed hypnotherapy, for example, we use carefully crafted suggestions and imagery to support healthy gut function. These suggestions are like mental rehearsals — invitations for your brain to send new, calming signals to your digestive system.

For instance, you might be invited to imagine a flowing river as a metaphor for smooth digestive rhythm. This isn’t “pretending” — it’s tapping into the brain’s powerful ability to influence body processes through imagination and belief.

What does hypnosis feel like?

Most people describe hypnosis as a state of calm focus and deep relaxation — not sleep, and definitely not mind control.

During a hypnosis session, you’re not unconscious or under anyone’s control. You’re alert and actively participating. You remain fully aware of where you are and what’s happening. In fact, around 90% of people report feeling present throughout the session, able to hear everything that’s said while feeling pleasantly detached from distractions.

The experience is personal — some feel light and spacious, others grounded and still. What’s consistent is a quieting of the usual mental noise, making room for helpful suggestions and images to take root.

The more often you engage in this state, the more familiar and effortless it becomes. Over time, you may notice that suggestions feel more natural, and visual imagery becomes more vivid — signs your brain is becoming more responsive and flexible.

Hypnosis is not about zoning out — it’s about tuning in.

Is hypnosis safe?

Yes — when practiced professionally and ethically, hypnosis is extremely safe.

You’re never unconscious or out of control. In fact, hypnosis is simply a focused, absorbed state — like being deeply engaged in a good book or lost in thought during a drive. You can always choose to stop or open your eyes at any time.

That said, there are a few medical and psychological conditions where hypnosis may not be appropriate.

Out of care and caution, I don’t offer hypnotherapy to individuals who have been diagnosed with:

• Schizophrenia or dissociative identity disorder (DID)

• Severe depressive or psychotic disorders

• Uncontrolled epilepsy or narcolepsy

• Active substance-induced psychosis

• Dementia or major neurocognitive disorders

• Serious heart conditions

• First-trimester pregnancy

If you’re unsure whether hypnosis is a fit for your personal situation, we can talk it through together. Your safety, autonomy, and wellbeing always come first.

Why use hypnotherapy for IBS relief?

Hypnotherapy for IBS can help you ‘’fix’’ the miscommunication between your gut and brain. Studies have shown that this approach can reduce gut symptoms such as abdominal pain, irregular bowel habits, bloating, and gas, decrease anxiety and depression, and improve the quality of your life. This means you can get back to doing what you love and living your life again on your terms – not your bowels.

How is Gut Directed Hypnotherapy different from other IBS treatments I've tried?

Unlike diet-focused approaches, GDH targets the gut-brain communication that actually controls your symptoms. It's the missing piece that most treatment protocols overlook.

How do online hypnotherapy sessions work?

Once your eyes are closed, your brain doesn’t know whether I’m sitting beside you or speaking through your headphones. That’s the beauty of how your mind works — and how hypnosis works.

Hypnosis is a goal-directed communication process, and the effectiveness of that process doesn’t depend on us sharing the same physical space. In fact, for many clients, being in their own familiar environment makes it easier to relax and get the most out of the session.

Whether you’re sitting in your living room or a quiet corner of your office, all you need is:

• A stable internet connection

• A device with Zoom

• A private space where you won’t be disturbed

From there, I guide you — through voice and suggestion — into a focused, receptive state. This allows us to engage the gut–brain axis and begin the process of calming the survival system that’s been keeping symptoms stuck.

Many people find online sessions just as effective — if not more so — than in-person work. You’re not commuting. You’re not rushing. And you’re fully in control of your space.

If you’ve struggled to access the relaxed, inward-focused state of hypnosis before, you may find online work gives you the best possible chance to settle into the experience.

How do I prepare for my on-line session?

Online hypnotherapy sessions have some real advantages — no commuting, more flexibility, and the comfort of your own space. But to get the most out of your session, a little preparation goes a long way.

Here are a few simple tips to help you set yourself up for success:

1. Check your connection
   A stable internet connection is essential. If the audio or video drops out, it can interrupt your focus — and the flow of the session. Before we begin, double-check your Wi-Fi or switch to a hotspot if needed.

2. Choose a calm, private space
   Pick a spot where you won’t be disturbed. It doesn’t need to be fancy — just quiet, comfortable, and somewhere your brain can start to associate with feeling safe and settled. Consider dimming the lights or using a soft throw to make it feel distinct from work mode.

3. Prop up your device
   Ideally, use a laptop or desktop. If you’re on your phone, have it propped at eye level and make sure I can see you from the shoulders up. That way, you can stay hands-free and fully focused on the session.

4. Wear headphones
   This isn’t essential, but using headphones can really help. They improve sound quality, block out distractions, and make the experience feel more immersive and private.

Final note: You don’t need a perfect setup. Just a few tweaks to your space can make a big difference in helping you feel grounded, safe, and ready to engage.

What should I expect during my sessions?

The first of the five sessions is 90 minutes, the following four sessions each last 60 minutes. Each session consists of a short check-in, gut-directed hypnotherapy, and may also include experiencing one or more mind-body techniques.

What if I can’t be hypnotised?

It’s a common worry — but the truth is, most people can enter a hypnotic trance state if they’re willing to engage with the process.

Hypnosis isn’t something I “do” to you. It’s a natural state your brain already knows how to access — like when you’re lost in a good film or absorbed in a task (everyday trance). In fact, research suggests that around 90–95% of people are capable of experiencing hypnosis if they choose to and engage fully in the process.

You don’t need to “go deep,” feel zoned out, or “switch off” to benefit. You just need to be:

• Willing to follow simple instructions

• Open to using your imagination

And like any skill, it gets easier with practice. If it feels unfamiliar at first, that’s okay — I guide you gently through the process at your pace.

In my sessions, I often remind clients: You’re not trying to “do it right.” You’re just learning how to tune in — and that’s something we build together.

How many sessions will I need?

The Freedom From IBS program has five face to face sessions. If additional sessions are required these can be added.

How quickly will I notice results?

Results vary for everyone, so it is difficult to give you an exact answer as to when you'll start noticing a difference. While some people experience fast results, most people take 4-8 weeks to experience improvements.

How long do the results of gut-directed hypnotherapy last?

A study followed patients treated with gut-directed hypnotherapy up to six years following their treatment, and they found that out of 71% of patients who had initially responded to hypnotherapy, 81% maintained their improvement over time while the majority of the remaining 19% claimed that the deterioration of their symptoms had only been slight.

Can I continue working with my existing health care team?

Yes. It is a great complement to existing treatments which you may be receiving through your medical doctor or other specialist(s). You may also want to let them know you are embarking on the Freedom From IBS program.

What does the Freedom From IBS program cost?

Your investment in the program is NZ $1,497.

What’s included in the Freedom From IBS program?

The structure of the program can be found here.

Is the program more than just hypnotherapy?

Yes. I integrate elements of other therapies to create a powerful change program. For example to help:

• calm the nervous system, I include some mindfulness techniques.

• reduce anxiety, I include some cognitive behavioural techniques.

• reduce chronic stress, I include some techniques from Integral Eye Movement Therapy and Neurolinguistic Programming, and the Human Givens Institute’s Emotional Needs Model.

Is this really for me?

Yes — if you're done living around gut symptoms and ready to try something different.

If you're willing to show up for yourself with small, simple steps over 10 weeks.

It's not right if you're looking for a quick “fix” or a passive “just fix me” solution.

Will the Freedom from IBS Program help me, if I've had IBS for years?

Yes, because it works on the factors that are maintaining the condition, not just symptoms. Many people notice shifts even after long symptom histories.