Our treatments

The Mind + Gut™ Clinic focuses on psychological and dietary treatments for conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. The two psychological treatments with the greatest evidence of effectiveness include gut-directed hypnotherapy and cognitive behavioural therapy. It is understood that these treatments are effective due to the bidirectional flow of information between the brain and the gut. Dietary therapies are also commonly applied.

The brain-gut axis

The brain-gut axis refers to the bidirectional flow of information between the brain (central nervous system) and the gastrointestinal tract. Gastrointestinal symptoms occur as a result of information originating in the brain and/or the gut. Psychological factors such as stress, anxiety and depression have been shown to affect the gut. Similarly abnormalities in gut function (including motility and sensitivity) can contribute to gastrointestinal symptoms. Gut-directed hypnotherapy and cognitive behavioural therapy treatments aim to enhance brain-gut communication.

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Gut-directed hypnotherapy

Gut-directed hypnotherapy is a type of hypnotherapy specifically targeted to disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. It is entirely safe and has been shown to be incredibly efficacious. Sessions are conducted while patients are in a light and relaxed subconscious state. Once in this state suggestions for the control and normalisation of gastrointestinal function are made. Metaphors for bringing about change are also used. This type of therapy differs from other forms of psychological treatment where therapy is done with the patient in a conscious state. Gut-directed hypnotherapy can be used in both adults and children.

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Cognitive behavioural therapy

Cognitive behavioural therapy is short-term, structured and goal orientated. It is used to help patients identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviours and to reduce physical symptoms. Cognitive behavioural therapy is also used to teach practical self-help strategies so that patients are able to evaluate and view their symptoms in ways that are more positive. Patients can expect to be taught about the nature of their condition, the effect of psychological states such as stress, anxiety and depression on their gastrointestinal symptoms and various relaxation and stress management techniques. Cognitive behavioural therapy can be used in both adults and children.

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Dietary therapies

Dietary therapies are commonly applied in patients with conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. Diet may be used for disease prevention, as a primary therapy to treat disease or targeted to treat the symptoms of gastrointestinal conditions. Dietary needs and treatments will differ according to individual patients, but may include the manipulation of wheat and gluten, fructose, lactose, FODMAPs, fibre or food chemicals. Nutritional adequacy is assessed in every patient. Patients will be taught the mechanistic action of food in the gastrointestinal tract so that they are better able to identify which foods trigger their symptoms. This will generally be done through a withdrawal and reintroduction process. Our dietitian will also make longer-term dietary recommendations.

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Frequently asked questions

Here you will find answers to our most commonly asked questions.
If you don’t find the answer you are looking for, please contact the clinic using the methods on our Contact page.

How does gut-directed hypnotherapy work?
Is gut-directed hypnotherapy safe?
Can everyone be hypnotised?
How many sessions are needed?
Timing of gut-directed hypnotherapy relative to other treatments
What is the purpose of the psychological interventional sessions?
How many sessions are needed?
What psychological interventions are used?
What kind of dietary advice can I expect to be given
How many sessions are needed?
What is the main difference between a dietician and a nutritionist

Research

We love research at Mind + Gut™ and believe that it’s pivotal to the improvement and development of new methods for treating conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. The following articles support the services we provide at our clinic and may be of interest to you, GPs and referring Specialists.

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We can help with disorders including irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, coeliac disease, GORD and many others.

Our team of specialist gut-directed hypnotherapists, psychologists and dieticians are highly skilled and specific in their management approach.

We use evidence-based techniques that have been proven to improve long-term gastrointestinal symptoms. We see both adults and children. No referral is required to make an appointment with us.

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