Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Have you tried conventional methods of working with IBS and you’re still having problems?  Are you missing work because you just don’t feel good?  Can’t travel anymore because you are afraid of not making it to a bathroom on time?  Are you tired of having IBS run your life?  Well, there is good news.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is not actually a disease but a group of symptoms that affect the gut causing cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea and /or constipation.  It is a functional disorder, meaning that normal bowel function is disrupted but no structural or physical cause can be identified.  We are not sure exactly what causes IBS, but there does seem to be a direct link between the gut and stress.  Medical treatments involve change in diet, medications, and stress management.

Research has identified hypnosis to be an effective way to treat IBS with success rates between 70% and 100% ( Whorwell et al. 1987, Vidakovic 1999, Gonsalkoreale et al. 2003).   Many studies have shown lasting effects including one that found hypnotherapy related benefits lasting at least 5 years (Gonsalkorale et al. 2006).   Hypnosis has also been found to be helpful in treating cases that have not responded to traditional methods (Miller & Whorwell 2009).   For more IBS information check out www.ibshypnosis.com or the IBS section on my Research Page.

One of the best studied hypnosis protocols for treatment of IBS is Olafur S. Palsson’s IBS Hypnotic Protocol which consists of seven (7) one-hour sessions, scheduled every other week over a 14 week period.  After the second session, a take-home CD is provided to enhance and reinforce the sessions.  Palsson’s protocol can only be used by approved, licensed health care providers (US Clinicians) and currently, Debbie is the only approved provider in Vancouver, Washington.

Debbie's approach to treating IBS is to utilize the most current evidence-based hypnosis techniques coupled with consultation on lifestyle habits and stress management.  In addition to the seven-session Palsson IBS Hypnotic Protocol, she offers stress management therapies including cognitive hypnotherapy, biofeedback, Emotional Freedom Technique, and SoulCollage®.

First Session - What to Expect

The first session allows Debbie to gather a thorough health history.  She reviews the IBS symptoms, triggers, and stress coping style.  She also takes time to find out what has worked or not worked in treating the IBS.  Once the assessment is complete, Debbie explains how hypnosis affects the gut, discusses treatment options, and works with the client to create an individualized treatment plan.  Palsson's IBS protocol can be initiated the very first session.

Important Message: Before being seen, clients need to have a note from their health care provider stating they have been seen for IBS and it is okay to proceed with hypnosis for treating their condition.  Hypnosis is a powerful tool and it should be used only after the IBS has been evaluated and treated by a licensed health care provider in order to rule out other GI problems.

Payment Options

Accepted methods of payment are Cash, Check, Visa, and Mastercard.  Debbie does not accept insurance.  However, as a Washington State licensed Nurse Practitioner she can provide clients with receipts that they can turn into their insurance company for possible reimbursement. In appreciation for all that they do, US active and retired military personnel receive a $25 discount off their first session with Debbie.  Thanks to those who serve!

“Learn from the past, set vivid, detailed goals for the future, and live in the only moment of time over which you have any control: now.” Denis Waitley