Your questions about hypnosis — answered
Common Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy FAQs
Everything you want to know before getting started — from what hypnosis really feels like, to how it works, to whether it's right for you.
About hypnosis
New to hypnosis? These are the questions almost everyone asks first.
Hypnosis is best described as a naturally focused and absorbed state — something you move in and out of every day. It’s a completely normal experience, similar to being deeply engaged in a book, a film, or your thoughts.
In this state, your mind becomes more receptive to helpful suggestions, allowing you to rehearse new patterns, shift habits, and respond differently to thoughts, sensations, and behaviours.
In gut-directed hypnotherapy, these suggestions are used to support the gut-brain connection — helping your digestive system return to a calmer, more comfortable rhythm.
Each person experiences hypnosis a little differently, but most describe it as deeply relaxing, with a pleasant sense of inner calm. You remain aware of your surroundings — it’s not sleep or unconsciousness.
It’s more like allowing your mind to settle and become absorbed. As you continue with sessions, many people notice the experience becoming deeper and more natural over time.
No — and this is a common misconception. You are always in control during hypnosis. You cannot be made to think, say, or do anything against your will.
Hypnotherapy is a collaborative process. You are actively involved, choosing to engage with suggestions that feel helpful and relevant to you.
Many people are surprised to learn that hypnosis is something you are doing, not something being done to you.
Yes — most people can be hypnotised. It doesn’t require any special ability or prior experience.
The key factors are your willingness to engage and your ability to follow simple guidance.
If you can focus your attention or use your imagination, you can experience hypnosis.
While the idea of effortless sleep learning is appealing, you do need to be awake for hypnotherapy to be effective — the process depends on actively engaging with the suggestions you’re given.
If you find yourself drifting off, try listening at a time of day when you’re more alert, or sitting upright rather than lying down. It’s usually a simple environmental adjustment rather than a sign that hypnosis won’t work for you.
About gut-directed hypnotherapy for IBS
How this specific approach works — and what the research says about results.
Gut-directed hypnotherapy is a specific type of hypnotherapy used to reduce IBS symptoms. It uses the hypnotic state to deliver suggestions targeted directly at gut function — helping to calm the gut, improve bowel movement, and reduce visceral sensitivity.
It has been used in clinical practice since the early 1980s and is now recognised by both NICE (as a treatment for IBS) and the American Gastroenterological Association, which recommends it within the course of symptom management — not as a last resort.
IBS is classified as a disorder of gut-brain interaction — meaning the two-way communication between your gut and brain has become disrupted. This can cause the bowel to become overly sensitive to normal sensations, leading to symptoms such as pain, bloating, urgency, and irregular movement.
Gut-directed hypnotherapy works by directly influencing the nervous system — using the hypnotic state to calm visceral hypersensitivity, regulate bowel motility, and strengthen the gut-brain connection. It also helps regulate the stress response, which is one of the main drivers of IBS flare-ups.
It works with your body's own systems — no restrictive diets, no medication. Your nervous system learning to communicate more effectively.
This varies from person to person, but most clinical programs of gut-directed hypnotherapy run over several weeks, with people typically beginning to notice changes within a few sessions. Consistency matters — regular practice tends to produce better results than occasional listening.
The encouraging news is that the results are often long-lasting. The longest current study shows improvements maintained for up to five years after completing a program.
Yes — it has one of the strongest evidence bases of any psychological intervention for IBS. Clinical research consistently shows significant improvements in gut symptoms, quality of life, and associated anxiety. Key findings include:
70-80% symptom reduction across multiple trials
72% reduction in pain, bloating & nausea (Monash University)
5 years longest recorded lasting improvement
Multiple reviews have found hypnotherapy produces results comparable to the low FODMAP diet — at the same level of symptom control, but without dietary restriction.
Safety & suitability
Hypnotherapy is exceptionally safe — but it isn't right for everyone. Here's what to know.
Yes — hypnotherapy is considered a very safe practice when used appropriately and professionally. You remain in control throughout the session and can return to full awareness at any time.
While hypnotherapy is safe for the vast majority of people, it may not be appropriate for those with certain conditions. Hypnotherapy is generally not recommended for people with:
- Schizophrenia
- Dissociative identity disorder
- Suicidal behaviour disorder
- Alcohol or drug psychosis
- Narcolepsy
- Major heart conditions
- Pathological personality disorder
- Major depressive disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Dementia
- Epilepsy
- First trimester of pregnancy
If any of the above apply to you, please speak with your GP before beginning. If you're unsure whether hypnotherapy is appropriate for your situation, you're always welcome to get in touch.
- Have tried dietary approaches (such as low FODMAP) without lasting relief
- Notice that stress or anxiety tends to trigger or worsen symptoms
- Experience both gut symptoms and associated anxiety, low mood, or fatigue
- Want a long-term approach rather than ongoing symptom management
I strongly recommend a confirmed IBS diagnosis from your GP or gastroenterologist before starting, since other conditions can present with similar symptoms but have different underlying causes.
The Calm Gut App is available to download for anyone, however Jayne's 1:1 program is open to adults only — she does not currently offer sessions for children or teenagers.
If you are a young person under 18 looking for 1:1 support with IBS, we'd recommend speaking with your GP who can refer you to appropriate services for your age group.
Getting started
Practical answers to help you find the right way in.
Because all hypnosis is ultimately self-hypnosis, a therapist’s physical presence isn’t required for it to be effective. What matters most is your engagement with the session and the quality of the therapeutic content — both of which work just as well online or through an app.
Being in a familiar, comfortable environment can actually make it easier to relax — particularly if clinical settings have felt difficult in the past. Once your eyes are closed, it makes no difference whether the therapist is across town or in your headphones.
- Check your internet connection — a weak signal is the most common cause of a disrupted session
- Find a dedicated spot — somewhere distinct from your work or leisure space, with lower lighting if possible
- Use a computer where you can — better sound and connection quality than a phone; if using a phone, prop it so your face and shoulders are visible
- Wear headphones — improves both sound quality and privacy, which matters when settling into a relaxed, focused state
Both use the same evidence-based gut-directed hypnotherapy approach — the difference lies in the level of support, structure, and pace.
Self-guided, accessible anytime
Structured gut-directed hypnotherapy programs, CBT tools, and mindfulness exercises you can work through at your own pace. Ideal if you'd like to get started independently or build a daily practice. Free 7-day trial included.
The Calm Gut App
Personalised, therapist-led
A tailored program working directly with Jayne, with sessions designed around your specific symptoms, history, and goals. Open to adults (18+) only. Places are limited.
The Calm Gut 1:1 Program
Two ways to get started today
Ready when you are
try the app free for 7 days
work with me 1:1
Still have questions? Get in touch with Jayne →
Whether you'd like a fully guided experience with Jayne, or want to begin in your own time — there's a route that fits.
The Calm Gut® app:
calm your gut, ease anxiety and restore your gut-brain connection
Discover an evidence-based way to calm your gut and mind. The Calm Gut App® helps reduce IBS symptoms by restoring healthy communication between your brain and digestive system. Access 250+ gut-directed hypnotherapy sessions, CBT tools, mindfulness exercises, and structured programs—anytime you need relief.
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