Gut Directed Hypnosis.

  Note:

This excerpt is taken from information given by the Register of Approved Gastrointestinal Psychotherapists and Hypnotherapists. (R.A.G.P.H.)

Fraser White is on the Register of Approved Gastrointestinal Psychotherapists & Hypnotherapists. (R.A.G.P.H.)

The register was founded in 1993 for the purpose of bringing together practitioners trained in Gut Directed Hypnotherapy, to enable sufferers from IBS and other gut disorders easier access to treatment and to increase the availability of Hypnotherapy within the NHS.

The register has the backing of 8 leading consultants.

Gut directed hypnosis is hypnosis targeted towards the gut. It was first developed by Dr. P.J. Whorwell at the University Hospital of South Manchester in 1984 for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). His department has both clinical evidence and many years of practical experience to show that the symptoms of IBS can be eliminated or substantially reduced by the use of this method. Eight out of ten patients readily admit to feeling 80% better following a course of treatment.

After induction of hypnosis the client is asked to place his/her hand on the tummy and generate feelings of warmth and comfort in this area, which is a simple procedure in an altered state of consciousness. This is followed by suggestions of symptom reduction and personal control over gut function. Emphasis is placed on determination and a positive attitude on the part of the client. A tape for daily auto hypnosis is used for reinforcement and sessions are concluded with ego strengthening suggestions. Most importantly improvement is maintained following discharge with any minor lapses quickly overcome by using the tape. Approximately twelve sessions are needed for a successful outcome.

It must be stressed that this type of treatment cannot cure this condition. Nevertheless it gives the client the wherewithal to control the disorder by relaxing the muscles of the gut, thus reducing or eliminating the symptoms (pain, bloating, bowel habit disturbance, wind, nausea etc) by preventing the bowel going into spasm. As the client has the ability to control any recurrence of abnormal spasm in the bowel, the condition is no longer a problem. The client’s motivation to help him/her self is the determining factor for a successful outcome.

Gut directed hypnotherapy has also been found to be clinically effective in reducing the symptoms of ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, peptic ulcer, non-ulcer dyspepsia and oesophageal problems. Suggestions are adapted to each particular disorder and to the needs of the client.

Gut directed hypnotherapy alone is effective in the majority of cases, however it is sometimes necessary to use psychotherapy and / or analytical hypnotherapy as well. Most of us have had traumatic experiences in our lives which can be deeply embedded within our mind. This can have a distorting effect on reality resulting in unwanted psychological and / or physical symptoms. Working with an altered state of awareness, repressed emotions that are having a harmful effect, can be accessed and eliminated. Clients can draw on their inner imaginative courses and be open to suggestions that encourage more helpful and realistic attitudes. After ‘spring cleaning’ the mind, the client then has more room to accept gut directed suggestions and treatment is usually effective.

Note:

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term used to encompass ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. These are organic diseases, medically controlled and not normally life threatening. IBD should not be confused with the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) which is a functional disorder affecting the movement of the gut. IBS although distressing, does not lead to anything more serious.

The Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

IBS is hard to cure ailment which troubles tens of thousands of people in Britain. IBS has been proved to respond well to Gut Directed Hypnotherapy. Treatment is available privately and increasingly within the NHS.

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