Irritable Bowel Syndrome Self-Hypnosis at Home

The IBS method of self-hypnosis pioneered by Mahoney in the IBS Audio Program 100 allows the patient to continue to progress throughout the entire course of treatment, and beyond. As patients learn new ways of thinking, they have more internal resources available to use in overwriting their previous negative beliefs. This then leads to further progress, more free mental resources, more progress, and the resultant reduction of Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms including pain, diarrhea, constipation, gas, and bloating.

Hypnotherapy works on the basis that everyone is continuously developing in one way or another, as every day involves learning, making decisions, experiencing emotions, etc. The IBS method of treatment takes advantage of this development and encourages it by changing the sessions and mental suggestions in ways that help carry the patient continuously forward.

This approach is based on the belief that everyone throughout their lives has to keep looking for ways of moving forward, and that continuous personal development should be second nature to us all. As change is a natural part of life, we should view it as an opportunity and not a threat. The IBS method reduces the subconscious negative perceptions of change, allowing the embrace of new thoughts and beliefs, with the resultant improvement in Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms. Typically patients begin to feel much better as a result of changes in the way they think, their outlook on life, and its events, though rarely can someone pinpoint the precise moment improvements begin. These results stem from the subconscious mind, which controls the digestive system, very gently beginning to realize that the thought patterns of IBS (spastic colon) are no longer needed. The subconscious reminds the individual as a whole that they existed very well, thank you, without IBS, and can do so again.

The IBS Audio Program 100™ is complex in its make up, but quite seamless and simple for the patient as the learning process is made easy through the use of enjoyable imagery and suggestions. The therapy itself allows changes, both physical and emotional, to occur without difficulty. Mahoney believes that just dealing with the symptoms of IBS is not enough, that the individual must learn to rebuild internal energy. Many people with IBS feel drained emotionally by the stress of living with the disorder, and the resultant crises and responsibilities in their lives continually deplete their inner emotional strength and reserves, often leading to anxiety or even depression. Before a patient can begin the process of working through their IBS, they frequently need an emotional "top-up" of these inner reserves.

In essence, they need their emotional batteries charged, as they have likely endured years of unstoppable pain and discomfort, of being told by various medical professionals that there is nothing that can be done, and intrusive or painful examinations and tests. In addition, family and work relationships may have been strained or eroded by living with an incurable illness, social and love lives may have dwindled to non-existence, and confidence and self-esteem may be at low ebb. With all of these additional stress factors the ability to put IBS in perspective is drastically reduced. If a patient begins therapy at this point, they will be completely unprepared for the process and unable to act upon the instructions, and failure is likely if not certain. Mahoney's program takes these IBS-specific circumstances into account, and tailors the hypnotherapy tapes to increase confidence and self-esteem first, in order to allow the patient to begin a journey of physical and emotional improvement and management. Then begins the change in their thoughts, the exchange of negative beliefs and feelings for positive ones, and the ability to move away from the symptoms and thoughts of IBS and forward towards a life without the disorder. Mahoney believes that this IBS-specific method of hypnotherapy is the best, and his patient trial results support this.

The IBS Audio Program 100™ itself is structured over a 100 day period, with a listening schedule for each day (including 20 days off). The program consists of 3 CDs (plus a companion CD for friends and family of IBS sufferers), which contain an introduction and five different hypnotherapy sessions, each building on the preceding one. Sessions vary in duration but average 25-35 minutes. The program also includes a progress log/symptom check list. All that is required for participation is to find a set time each day when you can listen quietly and be undisturbed. Simply fit your listening time into your daily schedule at your own convenience.

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