How Jason built confidence and calm with hypnotherapy for anxiety and IBS

Hypnotherapy helped Jason ease anxiety and IBS through positive mindset shifts

When Jason (not his real name) first started hypnotherapy with me, his main struggles were anxiety and the physical discomfort of IBS. By the time we reached our fourth session, the changes were already beginning to show. He described feeling less anxious during situations that previously would have felt overwhelming, and even those around him noticed he seemed more at ease.

Early Signs of Progress in Hypnotherapy for Anxiety and IBS

Jason had just returned from a work trip away from home. For someone who previously found socialising in new settings nerve-racking, spending two nights away with colleagues and handling work interviews was no small achievement. He admitted he still felt a little nervous in the interview room itself, but compared to how he might have felt before, the difference was striking. He was proud he’d managed it without letting his nerves take over. We talked about how anxiety isn’t caused by the events themselves, but by our thoughts about them. Jason could see how his progress was already helping him face new challenges with more composure.

Building Confidence at Work and in Daily Life

Outside of work, Jason was enjoying more balance. He’d spent some time relaxing at home, binge-watching a favourite series, and reconnecting with old school friends over football. His girlfriend Kerry had noticed improvements in his physical health too, which reassured him that the work we were doing was making a difference both mentally and physically. When I asked him to rate his wellbeing, he stayed at an eight out of ten, but this time with a more confident sense that he was genuinely doing well.

By the fifth session, Jason’s optimism had grown further. He spoke about seeing a film with Kerry and catching up with an old friend, enjoying life in ways that once felt overshadowed by worry. He admitted he’d had the occasional rough night’s sleep but was sleeping better overall. His IBS symptoms hadn’t vanished, but he described feeling less sluggish and more able to cope. He rated himself at an 8.5 on the wellbeing scale, up from earlier sessions. This subtle but steady upward shift showed how his mindset was changing.

We also explored how Jason sometimes held back from things, like making work calls, because of underlying anxiety. Together we looked at how his improved confidence could help him take these steps more easily. He found the idea of waking up calmer and more focused appealing, especially in relation to speaking up in team calls. He admitted he’d been putting off one particular call, which might have been affecting his sleep. Talking it through gave him clarity and reassurance. His honesty and openness allowed us to make direct links between his thought patterns and the practical impact on his daily life.

Discovering Relaxation and Coping Strategies Through Hypnosis

Jason responded particularly well to hypnosis and he liked the straightforwardness of direct suggestions. He found this approach more engaging than purely visual scenes. By this point, it was clear he was gaining both enjoyment and benefit from our sessions, and he looked forward to continuing.

In our sixth session, Jason was in good spirits. He’d celebrated Kerry’s birthday with a pamper break away, enjoyed football with friends, and successfully led a work call for the first time. These might sound like everyday achievements, but for Jason, they represented real growth. He was becoming more comfortable in himself and more resilient in situations that once triggered anxiety.

When I asked him to rate his wellbeing again, he placed himself at an 8.5, steady but consistent. He described feeling in a good place and confident that things would keep improving. We explored what it would mean to reach 9.5. He said he’d like to feel less nervous about new situations, such as work events, and we talked about how aiming to be relaxed—rather than needing to feel “in control”—could actually help him more. Jason found this idea freeing, and he could see how relaxation would help him think more clearly and manage both his anxiety and IBS.

In hypnosis, I introduced a new story, a tropical island visualisation. Jason welcomed the change, and this time, for the first time ever, he actually fell asleep during hypnosis. When he woke, he laughed about it, but I reassured him that this level of relaxation was a positive sign. It showed that he trusted the process enough to let go fully. Afterwards, he described feeling refreshed, calm, and ready to carry on with his day.

From Worry to Resilience: Jason’s Continuing Journey

Reflecting on Jason’s sessions so far, what stands out most is his growing ability to trust himself and relax into situations that once filled him with tension. He has shifted from being someone who worried constantly about what might go wrong, to someone who recognises he can manage whatever comes up. His IBS symptoms remain, but they no longer dominate his life in the same way. He has more energy for the things he enjoys, more self-awareness to challenge unhelpful thoughts, and more resilience when stress does appear.

Hypnotherapy hasn’t been a magic cure for Jason, but it has given him tools and confidence to make real changes. He’s learning to build on small wins, value his progress, and take steps that support his wellbeing. His story doesn’t end here. I’ll be sharing more about Jason's progress in future blogs, so check back soon if you’d like to follow how things continue to develop.

Curious about hypnotherapy?

If Jason’s experience strikes a chord, know that you don’t have to keep struggling alone. Hypnotherapy for anxiety and IBS can offer calm, confidence, and a fresh way forward. I currently offer a free initial consultation, which you can book at the bottom of this page. It’s a chance to talk openly and see whether this approach feels right for you.

Note on confidentiality: Jason’s name has been changed, and certain details have been adjusted to preserve anonymity and ensure full confidentiality. Every client’s experience is unique, and while Jason made real progress, results vary for each individual.