Gut-directed Hypnotherapy

The gut and the brain originate from the same tissue in the embryo. As the embryo
evolves, the brain and the gut get moved in opposite directions while staying
connected via the Vagus nerve.

The brain and the gut constantly communicate with each other by sending each other neurotransmitters via the Vagus nerve.

The brain sends signals to the gut which tell the stomach when to produce acid, when to churn food and when to rest. Movements in the intestines are also helped by similar signals. The gut responds by sending neurotransmitters to the brain, creating different sensations, including hunger, fullness, nausea, and the urge to empty the bowels.

It is important to mention that 95% of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the human body is found in the digestive tract.

It is an essential component of communication between the brain and the gut. It also seems to play a part in the motility, sensitivity, and secretion of fluids. It is also the ‘feel good’ hormone that helps to explain the correlation between anxiety/depression/mood and functional gut problems.

So, how does Gut-directed Hypnotherapy actually work?

During a session of gut-directed hypnotherapy, the therapist provides suggestions for the control and normalization of gastrointestinal function to the subconscious part of the mind.

Multiple well-controlled studies, including the studies undertaken at Monash University, have shown that gut-directed hypnotherapy is completely safe and improves gastrointestinal symptoms in people with IBS by 70-80%. These improvements are maintained in the long term.

Gut-directed hypnotherapy has been shown to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms by improving motility (i.e. the speed of transit of food through the digestive tract) and reducing sensitivity. It has also been shown to improve psychological functioning by reducing levels of stress, anxiety, and depression and enhancing the overall quality of life.

Another interesting finding from the studies is that gut-directed hypnotherapy is superior to the low FODMAP diet in improving gastrointestinal symptoms.

This combined evidence suggests that gut-directed hypnotherapy is suitable as the primary therapy for people with functional gut disorders.

What you can expect during your gut-directed hypnotherapy treatment with us

• Sviatlana Starr, unlike other providers, won’t charge you for your first consultation. During your first free consultation, you’ll be able to discuss your issues, your goals for the treatment, available rebates and get clarity about your individual gut-directed hypnotherapy program.

• It takes usually 4-6 sessions of gut-directed hypnotherapy after your initial consultation to feel the full benefits of the treatment.

• Hypnotic recordings tailored to your specific needs will be given to you free of charge for you to listen to at home. Their purpose is to reinforce the positive changes that you achieve during your hypnotherapy sessions and to teach you self-hypnosis skills.

• You will be treated with respect at all times and receive a competent and professional service from a qualified gut-directed hypnotherapist who has years of experience both at her private clinic and also at the Alfred Hospital at the Functional Gut Disorders Unit.

• Sviatlana Starr holds a Diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy from the Nationally Accredited Academy of Hypnotic Science. It sets her aside from many other providers, where gut-directed hypnotherapists don’t hold any qualification in clinical hypnotherapy. Due to the lack of proper training and qualification in clinical hypnotherapy, these gut-directed hypnotherapists don’t have the skills to tailor the hypnosis part of the treatment to a particular patient in front of them. They simply read the same scripts to all the patients, applying a ‘one size fits all’ strategy. It might be useful to some patients who happen to ‘fit into this size’, but can be of little use to others. With Sviatlana you can rest assured that your hypnotherapy program will be specifically tailored to your individual needs and requirements.