Henced. Imagine living with the constant discomfort of gastrointestinal issues for 22 long years. Indeed, a retired manager named Louise knows this all too well, battling with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) while trying to juggle a busy career and motherhood. Her story, just like many others, is a testament to the struggles that IBS can bring into one’s life. Therefore, as we delve into Louise’s journey, you’ll discover a powerful ally in hypnotherapy, offering newfound hope for a life without the burden of IBS. Dr. Gabe of Act Right Now Counseling Services has more to say below.
The IBS-Stress Connection
Louise’s encounter with IBS traces back to the birth of her son 22 years ago. The stress and erratic eating habits that came with her role as a manager of an important export company only aggravated her gut issues. Hence, stress became a silent companion during her 50- to 60-hour workweeks, managing many traders and constantly travelling. The pressure was relentless, but she adapted, learning to conceal her anxiety beneath a composed facade. Additionally, she turned to quick fixes like Buscopan and Imodium to get through the day, unaware that her body was gradually becoming a battleground of stress and IBS.
The Quest for Relief
Desperate for answers, Louise consulted her doctor, who prescribed anti-anxiety medication. While it provided some relief from anxiety, it seemed to worsen her IBS symptoms. A visit to a gastroenterologist only left her disheartened. A colonoscopy revealed no significant issues, and the advice she received was standard for IBS-affected people: “Learn to live with it.”
Ten years ago, she turned to a naturopath, uncovering autoimmune issues related to her thyroid. The connection between her gut issues and autoimmune problems left her questioning what had triggered what. The daily grind of IBS brought on urgency, bloating, and heartburn. Louise also battled gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which caused acid reflux and added to her discomfort. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) joined the fray, leading to abdominal bloating, gas, and constipation.
A Life in Disarray
Louise’s life became a whirlwind of trial and error as she explored various treatments with her naturopath, from magnesium to elemental diets. Her IBS held her hostage, preventing her from embracing social opportunities, leaving her in a constant state of discomfort, and draining her spirits. At its worst, she rated her quality of life as a mere three out of ten, a situation that couldn’t continue.
The Hypnotherapy Solution
Now, let’s fast forward to the solution that transformed Louise’s life and could do the same for you. Dr Gabe and Act Right Now Counselling Services offer counselling therapy, including hypnotherapy with IFS (Internal Family System). If you’ve been grappling with IBS, you understand that it’s not just a physical ailment; it’s also about anxiety, stress, and feeling trapped. Hypnotherapy, together with IFS (Internal Family System Therapy, a parts acknowledging therapy), addresses all these aspects comprehensively.
Understanding the Multidimensional IBS
Living with IBS isn’t just about dealing with physical symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel movements. It’s about managing the emotional and mental toll it takes on your life. The mind-body connection plays a pivotal role in IBS, and this is where hypnotherapy comes into play.
Hypnotherapy, combined with an awareness of one’s brain unconsciousness processes, isn’t a mere mystical cure; it’s rooted in science and targets the mind-body connection. By delving into your subconscious mind, it helps identify and modify negative thought patterns, emotions, and behaviours linked to IBS. Through visualization, metaphors, and guided journeys, hypnotherapy can reframe negative associations, reduce gut hypersensitivity, and promote gut health and balance.
Benefits of Hypnotherapy with IFS for IBS
1. Symptom Management: Hypnotherapy aids in regulating bowel function, reducing abdominal pain, relieving bloating, and establishing healthier digestion patterns.
2. Stress Reduction: It equips you with stress management techniques to minimize flare-ups and improve emotional well-being.
3. Gut-Brain Harmony: By addressing the gut-brain connection and the unconscious parts that control it, hypnotherapy with IFS can help reduce psychological and emotional factors contributing to IBS.
4. Empowerment and Emotional Well-Being: It empowers you to overcome negative beliefs and develop coping strategies, increasing self-confidence and a positive self-image.
The Road to Freedom
IBS no longer needs to control your life. Hypnotherapy with IFS offers a holistic and empowering solution to help you improve your IBS. While IBS may have left you feeling stuck, remember some alternatives can bring lasting relief to your life.
If you want to know more about Hypnotherapy with IFS for IBS or other chronic conditions, contact Dr Gabe for a free consultation.
