At its worst irritable bowel syndrome can make for a very lonely existence.

Many suffer in silence because of embarrassment and fear of what people will think. The social taboo that stops us talking about bowel movements means we’re likely to bottle up our worries. In this sense IBS doesn't just affect your body – it causes severe anxiety too. Worrying about IBS can be as strenuous as the physical symptoms themselves.

                                                                                                        But this stress and anxiety is part and parcel of what makes IBS tick – and is one of the reasons prescription medicines have such limited success in fighting it. Research shows that IBS is a self-perpetuating condition, with psychosomatic traits – meaning that your state of mind is influencing the state of your body. As your anxiety increases so do the symptoms. This creates a vicious circle that’s difficult to break without the right support.

                                                                                                            My approach, both at my IBS Treatment Centre and in the Journey To Health self help package, has helped hundreds of IBS sufferers over the years. It combines gut-directed hypnotherapy, relaxation techniques and stress management, as well as a cognitive behavioural element.

                                                                                                            In short, it's about uncovering the sources of stress in your life and creating an action plan to reduce and manage them. As your stress levels begin to fall so should the severity of your IBS. Experts have consistently concluded that this approach can bring significant relief for 70-80% of sufferers.

                                                                                                    Ready to help yourself? Learn more about the Journey To Health package.