I was delighted to discover that gut directed hypnotherapy is part of the gastrointestinal treatment programs at the following American hospitals - Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York, the Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago and at the University of Michigan. This reflects the fact that the field of gastroenterology is learning more and more about the powerful connection between the brain and the gut.

At the Northwestern Memorial Hospital (https://bit.ly/3pUDYzw) all of the GI therapists are trained in hypnosis and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Hypnosis and (CBT) have proven efficacy in a number of well-controlled clinical trials and are widely accepted as the most effective psychological interventions for GI conditions.

Megan Riehl, PsyD, a gastrointestinal health psychologist says, “Gastrointestinal disorders are complex, and the causes are different for every patient. But we do know that visceral hypersensitivity, sensitive nerve endings, in the gut cause patients with GI conditions to experience more pain and motility problems. Gut-directed hypnosis addresses this “miscommunication” between the brain and gut. There is significant research that shows gut-directed hypnotherapy is effective and results are long lasting.”

Northwestern Memorial Hospital describes gut-directed hypnotherapy is a time-limited treatment, and most people can expect to see significant symptom improvement by the end of the course of treatment, which is typically four to seven sessions, with one session every other week.