Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy for IBS

Ad: This post includes references to a gifted service I received in 2020 in return for my feedback and an honest review. Edit Nov 2021: Some of my latest posts and videos are kindly sponsored by Nerva.

Jump to:

• What is gut-directed hypnotherapy?
• Can anyone be hypnotised?
• Will hypnotherapy work for IBS?
• How does gut-directed hypnotherapy work?
• Is hypnotherapy for IBS safe?
• I don't have access to a hypnotherapist
• What is Nerva for IBS?
• Did Nerva work for your IBS?
• Can anyone use Nerva for IBS?
• How much does the Nerva app cost?
• Get started today with 10% discount
• References and further reading
• Comments

Thankfully, times are changing, and the face, or rather the interface of hypnotherapy is changing too. This is where our friends at Nerva come in. Nerva IBS is a 6-week gut-directed hypnotherapy therapy program for IBS, available as an app on your smartphone. (Affiliate link). Yes, you read that right. No commuting, no office hours and no white coat anxiety. The program is delivered in daily sessions in the comfort of your own home, so no bra required either, double YAY!

Now if you know me at all, you know that anything that can be done (braless) without venturing into the outside world gets my full attention. So when the opportunity to try out the Nerva app came up I was only too happy to give it a go.

Geek that I am, I've been following the launch of Nerva for some time. It's been on the old to-do list for a while, but between low FODMAP and, well life really, I kept finding better things to do. Netflix, I'm looking at you. So, with it being firmly on my radar I was more than a little surprised when I started waffling about it on Instagram (@theirritablevegan) only to discover that 85% of the people who replied to my irritating questions, had never heard of it.

So, my non-nerdy friends, this post is for you. Today we'll go into a bit more detail about gut-directed hypnotherapy and the Nerva app. Then, over the coming weeks, I'll be posting a little update about my progress and sharing sneak peeks into the sessions.

If you like what you're seeing, (spoiler alert, I'm already loving week 1) then I've managed to wrangle you a cheeky little 10% discount. More about that later, for now, grab yourself a cuppa and let's get into it.

5.4.3.2.1. And you're back in the room.

What is gut-directed hypnotherapy?

Gut-directed hypnotherapy specifically targets the gut to try to create improvements in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Patients are guided into a relaxed but highly attentive, subconscious state. Once in this state of relaxation (hypnosis) the brain takes a time out from its usual constant sensory overload and becomes more receptive to new ideas and positive suggestions.

If you've never experienced hypnosis before then it might help to think of it as being similar to getting absorbed in a good book, focused on a yoga flow or engrossed in a mundane task.

The main difference between experiencing these other things is that you are doing them in a conscious, rather than a subconscious state. During a gut-directed hypnotherapy session, very specific suggestions and metaphors are spoken aloud to help control IBS symptoms, normalise the function of the gut, improve the patient's perception of their condition and bring about positive change and associations.

Can anyone be hypnotised?

Based on the theatrical, stage show impression that many people have regarding hypnotism, it's a common misconception that only certain people are receptive to being hypnotised. The majority of people can enter a relaxed, focused state and sustain it for short periods.

The chances are that you've experienced a state of light hypnosis without realising it. How many times have you gone into automatic pilot on the drive home from work? When was the last time you caught yourself languishing in a daydream? Ever find yourself staring blankly at the TV, not seeing what's on-screen? These are all examples of being in a waking trance and most people are susceptible to it.

Many people worry that hypnotherapy won't work on them and this can cause a sense of performance anxiety as they stress about doing it right. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of hypnotherapy:

• do your research to find a likeable, trustworthy, credible therapist or service that you feel comfortable with
• ask as many questions as you need to be informed and happy to proceed with the session
• be open to the idea of receiving professional help for a specific condition
• have realistic expectations of the outcome
• make or find the time to fully dedicate to the session without interruptions
• acknowledge that there is no specific way that you need to look, act, breathe, sit or perform during a session
• don't worry too much if you can't recall the whole session, your ability to recollect everything that was said does not impact the effectiveness of hypnotherapy
• try to let go of your to-do list, what's for tea and the million other things that usually take up space in your head, they will all be there, waiting for you once the session is over
• it's perfectly natural for your mind to wander. Whenever you notice this has happened just let the thought go without judgment and refocus your attention

Will hypnotherapy work for IBS?

The creator of the program delivered by the Nerva app is Dr Simone Peters, founder of the Mind + Gut clinic, in Australia. Dr Peters works as part of the Monash University FODMAP research team and specialises in the impact of psychological therapies on gut disorders and symptoms.

Whilst there has been previous research into the effects of hypnotherapy on IBS, Dr Peters' trial specifically focused on comparing gut-directed hypnotherapy to a low FODMAP diet, and the results surprised the whole team.

In randomised clinical trials, gut-directed hypnotherapy was shown to be as effective as a low FODMAP diet for the treatment of IBS. In all groups, approximately 70% of patients reported improvements in overall symptoms. Interestingly, the patients in the gut-directed hypnotherapy group showed continued long-term improvement in anxiety and depression. Hypnotherapy outperformed a combination of both therapies or a low FODMAP diet alone, at the 6-month follow-up. Even more encouraging is that the positive physical effects, such as a reduction in pain, bloating, wind and nausea, were also sustained for 6 months following the course of treatment. [1]

This research is not isolated, several other studies into the use of hypnotherapy for IBS have shown equally promising results.

• Controlled trial of hypnotherapy in the treatment of severe refractory irritable bowel syndrome [2]
• Hypnosis home treatment for irritable bowel syndrome: a pilot study. [3]
• Gut‐directed hypnotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome: piloting a primary care‐based randomised controlled trial. [4]
• Effects of gut‐directed hypnotherapy on IBS in different clinical settings - results from two randomized, controlled trials [5]
• Hypnotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome: an audit of one thousand adult patients [6]

How does gut-directed hypnotherapy work?

Precisely how gut-directed hypnotherapy works to relieve the symptoms of IBS is not fully understood. This is partly because the specific causes of IBS are varied and still not completely defined and agreed upon by the medical community. There needs to be much more research into IBS and the effects of gut-directed hypnotherapy. Despite not knowing exactly how it works, we do know, from existing research, that it does work.

The general idea is that by focusing the subconscious on a specific positive outcome we can train ourselves to apply the power of the mind towards a particular goal. Our gut and brain are constantly communicating with one another through a complicated network of nerves, signals and hormones. The more we learn about this fascinating relationship, the more we discover that the gut and brain are intricately linked and that the influence of one organ over the other runs both ways.

Hypnotherapy may help to improve these messages between the gut and brain and act by:

• reducing the signals of pain in receptors in the gut
• relaxing the intestine
• suppressing sensory overstimulation
• decreasing the tendency for anxiety to negatively influence our perception of pain and create physical responses to stress
• promoting overall relaxation and stress management techniques

Is hypnotherapy for IBS safe?

Hypnotherapy is a safe and effective treatment when performed by a qualified, experienced therapist. The biggest danger to most people seeking gut-directed hypnotherapy for IBS is self-diagnosis. This is because many symptoms of IBS can overlap with those caused by more serious diseases or conditions. Self-diagnosing IBS and managing your symptoms without medical advice may potentially mean that a more serious, life-threatening condition is missed or masked by the use of self-directed treatments.

Gut-directed hypnotherapy may be a useful alternative therapy for those patients not currently suited to a low FODMAP diet or those for whom a low FODMAP diet did not work.

Certain conditions are typically contraindicated for hypnotherapy. These include:

• Schizophrenia
• Pathological personality disorder
• Dissociative identity disorder
• Major depressive disorder
• Suicidal behaviour disorder
• Bipolar disorder
• Alcohol or drug psychosis
• Dementia
• Inability to remain still, attentive, focused and communicative during a session
• Narcolepsy
• Epilepsy (at the discretion of an experienced therapist in conjunction with a doctor's approval)
• Major heart conditions (at the discretion of an experienced therapist in conjunction with a doctor's approval)
• Pregnancy during the first trimester (at the discretion of an experienced therapist in conjunction with a doctor's approval)

These contraindications are usually ruled out during consultation for in-person hypnotherapy sessions. These contraindications are not listed for using the Nerva app. If any of these apply to you then I advise that you contact your doctor and the people at Nerva to see if the program would be suitable for you.

Generally, most people feel positive, relaxed, refreshed and alert after a clinical hypnotherapy session. Rare side effects include:

• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Increased anxiety

The extreme reactions that are sometimes heard of are almost always in cases of stage hypnotherapy, performed for the entertainment of an audience. This is often done with little regard for the safety of the subject, without proper consultation and by a performer working beyond the scope of their training, experience or expertise. This type of hypnotherapy is worlds away from receiving positive, structured guidance from a dedicated therapist.

Finding a qualified hypnotherapist, preferably recommended by a health professional, is essential. Unfortunately, hypnotherapy is an unlicensed profession in many places including the UK, EUR, US, CAN, AUS and NZ. Although insurance is available through various professional organisations (which require strict codes of practice) and public registers exist, these are largely voluntary.

I don't have access to a hypnotherapist

It's reasonable to assume that the majority of us will not have convenient access to a specialised gut-directed hypnotherapist in our local area. Even for those who do, investing in private hypnotherapy sessions is out of the budget of most people.

Gut-directed hypnotherapy typically requires 6 sessions to take full effect. With individual sessions ranging vastly in price from £50 to £1,000, you can see how the costs would soon add up.

Currently, NHS referral for gut-related hypnotherapy is rare. For people outside the UK, the cost of hypnotherapy sessions is often not fully covered by insurance or included as standard by healthcare providers. This means the majority of hypnotherapy sessions are privately funded by the patient.

As with anything, visiting a trained, experienced professional is always going to give you the best chance of success and access to continued, valuable feedback. I also think that being mindful of the therapist's time helps keep you on track and accountable in a way that self-directed therapies may not. Often, sessions will be booked and paid for in advance of treatment. This investment helps to create a sense of professional commitment in which the patient views the sessions as part of a recognised course of treatment and therefore non-negotiable.

It also appears that the majority of current research into the effects of gut-directed hypnotherapy for IBS has been conducted based on in-person sessions with a hypnotherapist. For those who do have the financial means to see a therapist, doing your research to find the right one for you is an absolute must.

Thanks to the innovation of the team behind Nerva, for the majority of us with no feasible access to a private therapist, there is now another way to take advantage of this effective, clinically proven treatment for IBS.

What is Nerva for IBS?

Nerva is a unique way to experience the benefits of hypnotherapy, without the cost or logistics of visiting a therapist in person. Through the use of a smartphone-based app, you have access to a gut-directed hypnotherapy program, delivered in short daily sessions.

This is a complete, stand-alone program and you're not required to see a hypnotherapist or receive any prior training or coaching before you begin. In addition to the hypnosis audios, the program includes deep breathing techniques and informative articles about IBS, hypnotherapy and the gut-brain connection.

After the 6-week program, there is an optional maintenance program for anyone who wants to continue using the app for long-term management or general relaxation.

Did Nerva work for your IBS?

I've written detailed weekly reviews about my experience with the Nerva app. Check out the blog posts below to see what I thought and how it worked for me.

• Week 1 - Mind-gut medicine review
• Week 2 - Inner river review
• Week 3 - Comforting hands review
• Week 4 - Adjust your dials review
• Week 5 - Calming swing review
• Week 6 - Healing water review
• Complete review of the Nerva app for gut-directed hypnotherapy
• Nerva app or low FODMAP diet, which is best for IBS?
• How to get out of your IBS comfort zone

Watch the video below where I give my opinion and chat about my experiences of Nerva versus FODMAPs. Whilst this video collaboration is kindly sponsored by Nerva, all opinions and words are my own.

https://youtu.be/CfGibCxSk94

Can anyone use Nerva for IBS?

As discussed above, the main criteria for using the Nerva program is that you have been diagnosed with IBS by a medical professional before using the app to control your symptoms.

If you're experiencing frequent bouts of bloating, abdominal cramps, wind, diarrhoea, constipation, pain, changes to the frequency or consistency of your bowel habits or blood in your stool then it's time to see your doctor. If you're at the stage where you're considering using the low FODMAP diet or gut-directed hypnotherapy to relieve your symptoms then it's time to speak to a professional.

Being realistic about the time you have to commit to the Nerva app is also a very important factor. As effective as the app may be, it's not magic. It works on consistent, repetitive daily effort over 6 weeks. Although the act of listening to the daily audio doesn't require a lot of time or effort it does need you to show up, be fully present and take this time for yourself.

Other than that you need to avoid using the app at times when you need to be fully alert. Do not listen to the audio whilst driving, cooking, operating machinery or taking sole care of children or vulnerable people.

Some people may suffer from psychological conditions that are not compatible with hypnotherapy. Always speak to your doctor or medical specialist before starting any self-help treatment program.

How much does the Nerva app cost?

The current full price of the program is:

• £77 GBP + optional £3.99 per month from week 8 - £149 GBP full access per year
• $97 USD + optional $4.99 per month from week 8 - $199 USD full access per year
• $137 AUD + optional $5.99 per month from week 8 - $249 AUD full access per year

Edit: June 2024. The app is now an annual recurring plan. This includes the initial 6 week guided program and continued, full access to all of the sessions and the flare-up toolkit. These prices and changes are subject to change without notice.

Depnding on what's available in your local area this is roughly the equivalent of one or two in-person sessions with a hypnotherapist.

Although this is significantly cheaper than a course of in-person hypnotherapy sessions the app will not be affordable for everyone. The great news is that Nerva offers a free 7-day trial to give you a feel for it. In addition to this, they offer a solid money-back guarantee. If you have not experienced noticeable improvements in your IBS after consistently using the app for 4 weeks you can request a full refund. However, there is an important clause to this guarantee, which I'll speak about in the next section.

For anyone with the budget for it, the money-back guarantee makes investing in the app a risk-free option. This type of offer would never be offered or honoured on in-person sessions with a professional therapist, regardless of how effective you found the treatment.

Get started today with 10% discount

If you've been here for a while you'll know I like to keep things real, I mean you've likely heard all the details of my colonoscopy by now, so we officially have no secrets! But just to help me sleep at night I think it's only fair to tell you that after signing up for the free trial and providing honest feedback to the lovely people at Nerva I was gifted free, full access to the app by their community manager.

References and further reading

[1] S. L. Peters et al. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics 2016; 44 (5): Pages 447-459. 'Randomised clinical trial: The efficacy of gut‐directed hypnotherapy is similar to that of the low FODMAP diet for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome:' https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/apt.13706

[2] Whorwell P, Prior A, Faragher E. Lancet 1984; 324: 1232- 4. 'Controlled trial of hypnotherapy in the treatment of severe refractory irritable‐bowel syndrome.' https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(84)92793-4

[3] Palsson OS, Turner MJ, Whitehead WE. Int J Clin Exp Hyp 2006; 54: 85- 99.  'Hypnosis home treatment for irritable bowel syndrome: a pilot study.' https://doi.org/10.1080/00207140500328666

[4] Roberts L, Wilson S, Singh S, Roalfe A, Greenfield S. Brit J Gen Pract 2006; 56: 115- 21. 'Gut‐directed hypnotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome: piloting a primary care‐based randomised controlled trial.' https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16464325/

[5] Lindfors P, Unge P, Arvidsson P, et al. Am J Gastroenterol 2011; 107: 276- 85. 'Effects of gut‐directed hypnotherapy on IBS in different clinical settings - results from two randomized, controlled trials'.' https://doi.org/10.1038/ajg.2011.340

[6] Miller V, et al. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2015 May; 41(9) :844-55. 'Hypnotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome: an audit of one thousand adult patients.' https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13145