FAQs

Hypnosis

– Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a natural state of focused attention and deep relaxation, a bit like when you’re completely absorbed in a book, a film, or even your own daydreams. In this state, your mind becomes more open to positive suggestions, while your body is calm and relaxed.

Contrary to popular myths, hypnosis isn’t mind control or magic, although some people describe the effects as almost magical. That’s because it can help the mind and body work together in ways that feel effortless, yet lead to real, lasting change, whether that’s reducing stress, creating healthier habits or managing physical symptoms. Most people find it deeply calming, empowering, and often enjoyable.

Will I be in control during hypnosis?

Yes, 100%. When most people hear the word hypnosis, they picture stage shows where volunteers cluck like chickens or forget their own names. While it can be entertaining, it is not therapy.

Stage hypnosis is designed purely for performance. The goal of the hypnotist is to entertain the audience and create dramatic, often funny reactions. Therapeutic hypnotherapy is completely different. It’s a gentle, professional process that helps you tap into your inner resources to support real, lasting change - physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Stage hypnosis is about performance. Therapeutic hypnotherapy is about transformation.

This confusion is one of the biggest myths about hypnosis. In reality, hypnotherapy is simply a state of focused relaxation - like being absorbed in a book or daydreaming. You’re always in control, aware of what’s happening, and able to come out of the state at any time.

Most people find it deeply calming, empowering, and even enjoyable - a chance to finally let their mind and body work together toward healing.

What if I can’t be hypnotised?

The short answer to this is that almost everyone can experience hypnosis. It isn’t about being gullible, weak-willed, or easy to influence; in fact, it’s quite the opposite. Hypnosis is simply a state of focused relaxation where your mind becomes calm and open to helpful suggestions.

If you’ve ever been so absorbed in a book, a movie, or a daydream that you “tuned out” the world for a moment, you’ve already experienced a mild form of hypnosis. Therapeutic hypnotherapy just helps you enter that state intentionally. 

During your sessions, you’ll never lose control or “go under.” You remain aware and in charge the whole time, able to speak, move, or stop if you wish. If your mind wanders or you’re not sure you’re “doing it right,” that’s fine too - the process still works, often more subtly than you realise. 

Some people can take a little longer to relax into it, especially if they’re used to being on high alert (which is very common when suffering from IBS or chronic stress). That’s where gentle guidance and practice come in. With each session, you’ll learn to relax more easily.

You don’t have to believe in hypnosis for it to work; just be open and willing to give yourself the space to relax. Because hypnotherapy isn’t about losing control - it’s about reclaiming it.

Is hypnotherapy safe? 

Absolutely. Hypnotherapy is a safe, natural, and non-invasive treatment, so it is suitable for most people when conducted by a trained and qualified professional. It’s a natural, evidence-based method that helps calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and support positive change in both mind and body.

A Note of Caution - While hypnotherapy is safe for the vast majority of people, it may not be suitable for individuals with severe mental health conditions such as psychosis, unstable bipolar disorder, or untreated trauma that could make deep relaxation feel unsafe. A qualified therapist will always discuss your health history before starting, to ensure the approach is right for you.

Will I remember what’s said during hypnosis?

Most people remember all or most of what is said during the session. You’re never unconscious, just deeply relaxed and focused. You may find your mind drifts at times, but the therapeutic suggestions are still effective, whether or not you recall every word.

Does it matter if I don’t believe in hypnosis?

You don’t need to “believe” in hypnosis for it to work; you just need to be open to giving it a fair chance. Hypnotherapy is based on how the mind and body respond to guided focus and suggestion, not on a belief. Even people who come into their first session feeling sceptical often find that, once they relax and follow along, they can experience noticeable benefits. The mind doesn’t have to “believe” in hypnosis - it just needs the opportunity to slow down and respond.

What is a session like? 

If you’ve never experienced hypnotherapy before, it’s natural to feel a little unsure about what to expect. Many people imagine something mysterious or out of their control - but in reality, each session is calm, collaborative, and entirely centred around you.

We’ll talk through what’s been happening for you - your symptoms, goals, and how you’ve been feeling lately. This helps me tailor the session to your needs that day. When you’re ready, I’ll guide you into a gentle state of relaxation. As we’ll be meeting online, you’ll simply sit or lie somewhere comfortable where you won’t be disturbed. You might want to use headphones for clearer sound and to create a sense of focus.

As you relax, I’ll use soothing, therapeutic language to help your mind and body communicate more effectively - especially along the gut–brain axis if we’re working with IBS. You’ll remain completely aware and in control the whole time. Most people describe the experience as deeply peaceful, like drifting into a daydream or a quiet meditative state.

When we finish, you may feel calm, refreshed, or even a little sleepy (just like after a good yoga class or massage). Many clients notice positive shifts in their digestion, stress levels, and sleep within a few sessions.

Because we’re meeting online, you have the added benefit of being able to relax in your own environment, with no need to be concerned about travelling or locating the nearest toilets, just a calm and private space where you can focus on yourself.

Gut-directed Hypnotherapy

– Frequently Asked Questions

What is gut-directed hypnotherapy and how does it work?

GDH is a science-backed approach designed to help calm the connection between your brain and your gut. When you're living with IBS, your digestive system can become overly sensitive to stress and everyday triggers. Hypnotherapy works by guiding you into a deeply relaxed state, where specific therapeutic suggestions help re-train your body’s response to those triggers, and restore balance to the way your brain and gut communicate.

During the sessions, you’ll be guided into a deeply relaxed state, rather like a guided meditation with a therapeutic purpose. Whilst in that state, your gut becomes more responsive to calming, healing suggestions that help train your gut to respond differently to stress, sensitivity, and discomfort.

Is gut-directed hypnotherapy different from regular hypnotherapy?

Yes. Gut-directed hypnotherapy (GDH) is a highly specialised form of hypnotherapy that focuses specifically on the gut–brain connection. While general hypnotherapy can support relaxation and anxiety, GDH uses targeted suggestions and imagery designed to regulate digestive function and calm the nervous system. It’s tailored for IBS and based on decades of clinical research.

Is hypnotherapy for IBS scientifically proven?

Yes, there is strong scientific support for gut-directed hypnotherapy as an effective treatment for IBS. In fact, it’s been researched for over 30 years and is recommended by many gastroenterologists for patients who don’t respond to medication alone. Studies show that around 70 – 80% of people with IBS experience significant improvements in symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, and bowel habit issues.

What symptoms of IBS can hypnotherapy help with?

Hypnotherapy can help reduce a wide range of IBS symptoms, including:

• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Bloating 
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Urgency
• Anxiety or embarrassment linked to symptoms

By addressing the root cause of the gut-brain miscommunication, many people find relief that goes beyond physical symptoms, supporting both emotional well-being and digestive comfort. 

When you live with IBS, your body often sits in a state of alertness, which may mean you go to bed feeling tense, leaving your mind racing, or your gut unsettled. This constant “switched-on” state is part of what keeps the gut–brain axis sensitive and reactive. Hypnotherapy helps calm that system down, so you may experience the following side effects!

• Falling asleep more easily
• Waking up less often during the night
• Feeling more rested in the morning
• Fewer nighttime gut symptoms

How many sessions will I need?

The RESETT programme is based on 6 sessions, typically spaced weekly or fortnightly, but this can be tailored to suit you. Some begin noticing changes within the first few sessions, while others see more gradual improvements over time. It’s important to remember that everyone is different, and your experience is personal, but generally hypnosis tends to have a cumulative effect, with the benefits building with each session.

Can hypnotherapy help if I’ve had IBS for years or if other treatments haven’t worked?

Yes, many people come to hypnotherapy after years of trying different treatments with limited success. Living with IBS can be incredibly frustrating. For many, it’s a lifelong condition with no known “cure,” and medical science still doesn’t fully understand what triggers it.

However, one thing is clear - stress and anxiety can make symptoms worse, and at the same time, IBS itself can create its own anxiety. You might find yourself worrying about going out in case a flare hits, checking if toilets are available, avoiding certain places, or even skipping meals just to stay symptom-free when you’re out and about. Over time, this can place real limits on your life and make everyday activities feel stressful or restrictive.

Conventional approaches (like medications, dietary changes, and education) can be helpful, but sometimes, they don’t fully relieve the symptoms or ease the anxiety that comes along with them. 

That’s where hypnotherapy comes into its own, as it focuses on calming the body from the inside out. Even long-term or complex cases often respond well, but because individuals respond differently, it’s important to point out that success cannot be guaranteed.

Will I need to talk about my past or personal life?

Only if it’s relevant and you feel comfortable. Hypnotherapy for IBS focuses mainly on calming the nervous system and regulating digestive responses, rather than exploring deep personal history. That said, if stress, anxiety, or unresolved experiences are contributing to your symptoms, we may gently explore them to support the process.

Can hypnotherapy help with the anxiety that comes with IBS?

Definitely. Anxiety and IBS often go hand in hand, creating a cycle where stress worsens symptoms and symptoms increase stress. Hypnotherapy helps calm the mind as well as the gut. By working on both ends of the gut-brain axis, clients often feel less anxious, more confident, and better able to manage their daily lives.

I’ve tried everything, why would hypnotherapy help when nothing else has?

Many clients feel the same way when they come across hypnotherapy. What makes gut-directed hypnotherapy different is that it targets the communication between your brain and your gut, something medications and diet changes alone often don’t address. It’s a whole-body approach that brings relief by working from the inside out.

Will I need to change my diet during the programme?

Not necessarily. Hypnotherapy doesn’t require dietary changes to be effective, though some clients choose to combine it with other supportive strategies like nutrition advice or low FODMAP guidance. If you’re already following a special diet, that’s fine too - we’ll work with your current routine and preferences.