Hypnosis for IBS, Crohn's, & Ulcerative Colitis
(available both online and in-office)
Hypnosis is a natural, safe, and effective tool that gives patients the power to reduce their unwanted symptoms naturally. I use Palsson's 7-session protocol to help IBS sufferers, and Palsson & Keefer's 7-session protocol to help those with UC and Crohn's. Read more to find out if this approach is right for you!
The standard medical approach to IBS, UC, and Crohn's treatment is unsatisfactory for many
For many who suffer from these complex conditions, medical treatments can be disappointing and may only provide limited relief. Patients may continue to struggle with physical symptoms and emotional issues that interfere with their daily activities, and their comfort and wellbeing. Often dietary modifications are helpful, but they may not bring enough relief alone.
Research shows hypnosis is very effective for digestive disorders
According to prominent researcher Olafur Palsson, Psy.D., "The response rate to treatment is 80% and better in most published studies."
If you want to consider a different approach to treating your illness, you owe it to yourself to consider hypnosis. This safe, effective, and comfortable approach uses the power of suggestion, and the principles of medical hypnosis, to help patients take charge of their bodies and reduce - or even reverse - the gastrointestinal symptoms.
What does the hypnosis entail?
You and I will meet every 2 weeks for a total of 7 sessions. Each session presents a different hypnotic approach with various imagery to help you achieve a state of deep relaxation and receptivity to suggestions. All sessions prompt you to access your own healing abilities for soothing your gastrointestinal tract. Audio recordings are used at home between sessions for reinforcement and deeper integration of the hypnotic suggestions. The home practice is a key component of the intervention.
What's the best timing for hypnosis?
This is a matter of personal choice. Once you have a diagnosis of IBS or IBD, you can overlap the hypnosis intervention with your medical/ nutritional treatment. Or, you can pursue these interventions one a time, in any order.
Studies demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach
The Palsson protocol I use for IBS patients was evaluated over two studies: "Patients with severe IBS received seven biweekly hypnosis sessions and used hypnosis audiotapes at home. All central IBS symptoms improved substantially from treatment in both studies." See Dig Dis Sci. 2002 Nov;47(11):2605-14 on PubMed.
For patients with Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis, I use Keefer and Palsson's 6-sesson protocol. In this study, 68% of patients who received the hypnotherapy protocol reported remission at 1 year, in contrast with 40% of the control patients.
Other research can be found here.
The mind-body connection
If you have a chronic gastrointestinal illness, you have probably noticed that stress and other mental, situational, and behavioral factors play a role, and can worsen or improve your symptoms. Some even argue that digestive disorders are largely created or maintained by chronic or intense stress, patterns of emotional suppression, and other psychological factors.
Therefore, hypnosis is exquisitely suited for these conditions. Not only are the specific physiological symptoms targeted, but patients also benefit from the relaxation training aspect of hypnosis that is so effective... not to mention, so pleasant! My clients often tell me hypnosis is so relaxing that it's like taking a nap. Ahhh.
Are you wondering if you have a gastrointestinal disorder?
If so, you need to see your doctor for an assessment. I'm happy to provide recommendations for both allopathic and Naturopathic doctors (and nutritionists) who specialize in digestive disorders.
Read more here about the process of getting evaluated for IBS. It’s a good idea to start keeping a daily symptom log today so you will have detailed information to share with your provider at your first appointment. I recommend the Cara app. For a pen and paper symptom log, look here.
For many who suffer from these complex conditions, medical treatments can be disappointing and may only provide limited relief. Patients may continue to struggle with physical symptoms and emotional issues that interfere with their daily activities, and their comfort and wellbeing. Often dietary modifications are helpful, but they may not bring enough relief alone.
Research shows hypnosis is very effective for digestive disorders
According to prominent researcher Olafur Palsson, Psy.D., "The response rate to treatment is 80% and better in most published studies."
If you want to consider a different approach to treating your illness, you owe it to yourself to consider hypnosis. This safe, effective, and comfortable approach uses the power of suggestion, and the principles of medical hypnosis, to help patients take charge of their bodies and reduce - or even reverse - the gastrointestinal symptoms.
What does the hypnosis entail?
You and I will meet every 2 weeks for a total of 7 sessions. Each session presents a different hypnotic approach with various imagery to help you achieve a state of deep relaxation and receptivity to suggestions. All sessions prompt you to access your own healing abilities for soothing your gastrointestinal tract. Audio recordings are used at home between sessions for reinforcement and deeper integration of the hypnotic suggestions. The home practice is a key component of the intervention.
What's the best timing for hypnosis?
This is a matter of personal choice. Once you have a diagnosis of IBS or IBD, you can overlap the hypnosis intervention with your medical/ nutritional treatment. Or, you can pursue these interventions one a time, in any order.
Studies demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach
The Palsson protocol I use for IBS patients was evaluated over two studies: "Patients with severe IBS received seven biweekly hypnosis sessions and used hypnosis audiotapes at home. All central IBS symptoms improved substantially from treatment in both studies." See Dig Dis Sci. 2002 Nov;47(11):2605-14 on PubMed.
For patients with Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis, I use Keefer and Palsson's 6-sesson protocol. In this study, 68% of patients who received the hypnotherapy protocol reported remission at 1 year, in contrast with 40% of the control patients.
Other research can be found here.
The mind-body connection
If you have a chronic gastrointestinal illness, you have probably noticed that stress and other mental, situational, and behavioral factors play a role, and can worsen or improve your symptoms. Some even argue that digestive disorders are largely created or maintained by chronic or intense stress, patterns of emotional suppression, and other psychological factors.
Therefore, hypnosis is exquisitely suited for these conditions. Not only are the specific physiological symptoms targeted, but patients also benefit from the relaxation training aspect of hypnosis that is so effective... not to mention, so pleasant! My clients often tell me hypnosis is so relaxing that it's like taking a nap. Ahhh.
Are you wondering if you have a gastrointestinal disorder?
If so, you need to see your doctor for an assessment. I'm happy to provide recommendations for both allopathic and Naturopathic doctors (and nutritionists) who specialize in digestive disorders.
Read more here about the process of getting evaluated for IBS. It’s a good idea to start keeping a daily symptom log today so you will have detailed information to share with your provider at your first appointment. I recommend the Cara app. For a pen and paper symptom log, look here.
For an excellent overview of IBS and its treatment (+ related GI conditions), I recommend visiting the website of Clinical Nutritionists Sara Kahn and Stacy Roy, here.
Contact me today and empower yourself to take charge of your body for lasting relief!!