Jason’s Story: Hypnotherapy for Anxiety and IBS

Hypnotherapy helped Jason ease anxiety and IBS through positive mindset shifts

When Jason (not his real name) first came to see me, anxiety and the physical discomfort of IBS were ruling his days. He told me how much both issues were affecting his mood, his energy levels, and his confidence. He had already tried to push through with exercise and healthy eating, but often felt stuck in a cycle of worry, negative thoughts, and physical symptoms.

Everyday life under pressure

In our early conversations, Jason spoke about his love of football, the buzz of live matches, and time spent with family and friends. These were the things that lifted him. But he noticed how stress—whether from a tense football game or a long day at work—could quickly trigger discomfort in his body. At one point he joked, “football probably isn’t very good for me,” which gave us both a laugh, but it also showed how sensitive his stress responses had become.

First steps in hypnotherapy

The “stress bucket” explained

In our first session, we explored how the brain processes stress and why it sometimes reacts as though we’re facing danger, even when the trigger is only our own thoughts. I explained the idea of the “stress bucket”: how negative thoughts and unhelpful patterns can build up until there’s no space left for calmness and resilience. Jason quickly recognised himself in this and said he found the explanation “really interesting.” It reassured him to know there was a practical way forward and reminded him of how much influence he had over his own responses.

The role of sleep

We also discussed sleep and how it clears stress hormones and helps regulate mood. Jason admitted he often stayed up late or felt restless, but he began using an MP3 I gave him at night. Even on the evenings he didn’t consciously remember listening, he still felt calmer and noticed his sleep improving.

Early progress and growing awareness

By the second session, Jason was already reporting small but meaningful changes. He had enjoyed a meal out, was sleeping better, and was looking forward to a concert. He placed himself at 7 out of 10 on a coping scale and said he wanted to move towards an eight by strengthening his positive mindset. He was beginning to see how his thoughts directly shaped how he felt, both physically and emotionally.

Linking anxiety to physical symptoms

Together, we looked at the science of anxiety: how negative thinking can trigger cortisol and adrenaline, which in turn aggravate IBS symptoms. For Jason, this made sense of his body’s reactions. He felt reassured knowing that his physical symptoms weren’t random, but linked to his stress responses.

Building resilience with the three P’s

We also explored what I call the “three P’s”: positive activities, positive interactions, and positive thoughts. These all encourage the brain to produce serotonin and other feel-good chemicals. Jason didn’t just accept this as theory—he was already noticing the difference in his mood and resilience.

Session three – building confidence

By the third session, Jason’s self-awareness had grown even more. He described how he sometimes caught himself saying “I can’t be bothered,” then realised how unhelpful that mindset was. His wellbeing remained at a 7–8 out of 10, but he reported feeling more content and more alert to the small shifts he was making.

Reframing the gym experience

Jason admitted he often felt self-conscious when returning to the gym after a break, which led to worry and avoidance. We unpacked how his physical reactions—racing heart, butterflies in the stomach—were his body’s primal stress responses, even though there was no real threat. Linking this back to his IBS helped him understand the connection between mind and body.

Visualising a stronger future

When I asked Jason what a 9 out of 10 might look like, he described starting his days with positivity, walking into the gym without overthinking, and focusing on the satisfaction of a good workout. We agreed on a simple action step: to go to the gym at lunchtime the next day and complete a specific workout. Jason said this would make him feel good about himself and would be noticed by his partner too.

Relaxation and resilience through hypnotherapy

During hypnotherapy, Jason responded well to techniques that encouraged relaxation while reinforcing themes of resilience, empowerment, and perspective. He particularly connected with metaphors that contained direct suggestions, finding them more powerful than purely visual scenarios. After each session, he left with a sense of calm and progress.

The bigger picture

Looking back over these sessions, Jason’s most significant shift was his ability to notice unhelpful thought patterns and redirect them before they spiralled into anxiety or physical symptoms. His IBS hadn’t vanished, but he was managing it better by tackling the underlying stress. Alongside this, he was making positive lifestyle changes—improving his sleep, re-engaging with the gym, and planning enjoyable activities with his partner—that supported both his mental and physical wellbeing.

No magic wand – just steady change

I often remind clients that hypnotherapy isn’t about waving a magic wand. It’s about building awareness, practising new responses, and noticing gradual positive change. Jason’s story shows how understanding the brain and learning to influence thought patterns can restore a sense of control and optimism.

What’s next for Jason’s journey

Jason’s story doesn’t end here. I’ll be sharing more about his 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.