Combining CBT and Hypnotherapy to help manage IBS.
I use hypnotherapy for IBS alongside Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), particularly where anxiety and stress are adding to the difficulties caused by the condition.
IBS can be exhausting and disruptive, with symptoms that may include pain, bloating, changes in bowel habits and other physical discomforts.
Anxiety about when symptoms may occur, and whether you’ll be able to manage them away from home, can add another layer of difficulty. That anxiety can itself influence how you feel and how confidently you approach everyday situations.
“Thanks for seeing me so quickly Paul – and I am so relieved that you understood this really embarrassing problem with such consideration and kindness. I’m feeling so much better after our last session that I had to just write this email to let you know.
My approach to helping manage IBS.
IBS is a physical condition, and anyone experiencing persistent or unexplained bowel symptoms should seek appropriate medical advice.
Where anxiety, stress or behavioural responses are contributing to the way IBS affects your life, therapy may also have a useful role. My aim is to help you reduce the distress associated with symptoms and develop a greater sense of confidence in managing them.
Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy can be used to help reduce anxiety and promote a state of relaxation while working with some of the thoughts and responses associated with IBS.
For people with persistent IBS, gut-directed hypnotherapy is one of the psychological interventions recognised in NICE guidance.
CBT
CBT can help us identify and challenge patterns of thought and behaviour that may have developed around IBS.
These can include “safety behaviours”, such as avoiding journeys, social situations or leaving home until you feel completely certain that symptoms will not occur.
The aim is to help you respond more flexibly and confidently rather than allowing anxiety about symptoms to dictate what you do.
Mindfulness
I have been helping clients manage the psychological and behavioural effects associated with IBS for many years.
I came to train as a therapist in mid-life following a long and often stressful career in business. Today, I practise Hypnotherapy and CBT and also make use of Mindfulness, drawing on these approaches where they may be useful alongside appropriate medical care.
Paul Levrant. Hypnotherapy, CBT and Mindfulness for help in dealing with IBS.
I came to train as a therapist in mid-life following a long and often stressful career in business. I practise Hypnotherapy and CBT and also make use of Mindfulness, drawing on these approaches where they may be useful alongside appropriate medical care. IBS is an extremely common condition, and I have been helping clients manage it for many years.
Help with the impact of IBS
I see clients at my consulting rooms in Highgate, North London and Radlett, Hertfordshire.
If IBS is affecting your confidence, daily routines or ability to do the things you want to do, we can discuss what you are experiencing and whether my approach may be appropriate for you.
Book a FREE Initial Consultation
I’d be pleased to arrange an initial telephone consultation with you. This will help me to understand your particular situation, and will help you to decide if you’d like to see me for therapy.
This initial consultation is completely free of charge, and without any obligation to proceed.