Australian Hypnotherapists' Association

Press Information

Press Release

4th February 2008 For Immediate Release

Hypnotherapy and IBS

Good News for the 15% to 20% of Sufferers of Irritable Bowel Syndrome who can Now Find a Proven Method of Assistance that Helps

A large-scale UK study of 250 people suffering from acute long term Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) participated in 12 sessions of hypnotherapy that clearly demonstrated that hypnotherapy significantly reduced their symptoms and improved their quality of life.  There were also the additional benefits, for most participants, in that they experienced a noticeable reduction in feelings of anxiety and depression.    

In Melbourne in February 2005 and in Sydney in July 2005 the Australian Hypnotherapists’ Association (AHA) with permission from Dr Wendy M Gonsalkorale PhD, ran IBS workshops demonstrating the benefits of hypnotherapy for the reduction of IBS symptoms for sufferers of acute IBS.  The workshops were based on the research and treatment undertaken by Wendy M Gonsalkorale, Lesley A Houghton and Peter J Whorwell at the Dept. of Medicine, University Hospital of South Manchester, in the United Kingdom.  This new treatment approaches the problem from a  ‘physical’ perspective, i.e. helping patients to develop mental skills and techniques to control physiological mechanisms not normally under conscious control.

These workshops were the result of a talk Ms Bruni Brewin, President of the AHA, gave at the GESA Symposium held in Brisbane in October 2004.  As a result of that talk, Ms Brewin met with Gastroenterologist delegates.  It was during their discussion that it came to light that they had been unable to find any Clinical Hypnotherapist’s specifically trained to deal with ‘Gastro’ work.  

So Ms Brewin asked Professor Peter Gibson if he would join her in presenting at an IBS workshop in Melbourne that would teach Victorian Clinical Hypnotherapist’s about the workings of the Gut.  He agreed and so together with Sue Shepherd, a Dietician and author of two IBS cookbooks, the workshop teaching the findings of the Manchester University Hospital’s study was set up.  This was then followed by a second workshop in Sydney and a third workshop has now been planned for Brisbane on the 23^rd October 2005. 

To date there are now 26 Clinical Hypnotherapist’s in Victoria, and 43 Clinical Hypnotherapist’s in New South Wales that have undergone training in the Manchester University Hospital’s treatment methods.

About the Australian Hypnotherapists’ Association:

The Australian Hypnotherapists’ Association (The AHA) was founded in 1949.  It was the first Australian organization of its kind; and it is still, by far, the most respected Professional Association currently serving the needs of Clinical Hypnotherapists through out Australia. 

Contact:

Bruni Brewin, President
The Australian Hypnotherapists’ Association
02 9755 5512
The AHA Free Advisory Line 1800 067 557
http://www.ahahypnotherapy.org.au

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