The Use of Telehealth-Delivered Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy for Managing Gastrointestinal Health

Study description/explanation of participation:

This study is testing how well Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy and General Hypnotherapy for Relaxation can help with stomach and digestion problems through telehealth group sessions. The study lasts 4 weeks and includes 8 hypnotherapy sessions, each lasting about 1.5 hours. Participants will complete surveys before and after the study, and after each session. In addition, there will be a 20-30 minute online follow-up 3 months after completion of the study to see if the effects were maintained.

Description of treatment or intervention (mechanism of action): 

Background:

Gut-directed hypnotherapy (GDH) was developed in the 1980s by Dr. Peter J. Whorwell, a gastroenterologist in England. He used hypnotherapy to help people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) when traditional treatments like special diets, laxatives, and medications weren’t working. Dr. Whorwell believed that hypnotherapy could help calm the brain-gut connection, and early studies showed that hypnosis could improve pain, gut motility, and responses to food.

The goal of GDH is to help patients enter a relaxed, focused state, similar to a trance, where they are more open to suggestions that may improve both mental and physical health.

What’s Missing in Current Research:

Gut-directed hypnotherapy has shown promising results for treating Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction, which include stomach and gut problems like IBS. However, there are still some important questions that haven’t been fully answered. One such question is whether GDH works well when done in a group format or over telehealth (online). Some early studies suggest it might, but we need more research to be sure. 

Another question is whether GDH is better than other types of hypnotherapy. We don’t know for sure if the gut-focused part of GDH makes it more effective, or if the benefits come mostly from relaxation that general hypnotherapy provides. This study will help us learn whether GDH works better than general relaxation hypnotherapy.

Early Results from Other Studies:

Early research gives us a good reason to be hopeful about gut-directed hypnotherapy. A review of 12 studies shows strong support for doing more research in this area. 

In one study with people who have Crohn’s disease, 79% of participants said they had a positive experience with GDH over telehealth (Lores et al., 2023). Another study included adults with IBS who used a 42-day digital GDH program called Nerva. In that group, 71% reported their pain decreased by 30%, while only 35% of participants in a control group reported the same. People using GDH also said their quality of life improved more than those who did not use it (Anderson, 2024).

These results suggest that GDH delivered online could be helpful, but we still need more studies to understand how well it works in group formats and how it compared to general hypnotherapy.

Patient Participation Requirements:

Participants will need access to a laptop, headphones, a reliable internet connection, and a quiet, private space to join Zoom sessions. They must also be available on weekday evenings. Participants will complete several surveys: one before the study, one after the study, and one three months later (each taking about 20–30 minutes). After each hypnotherapy session, they will also complete a short survey lasting 5–10 minutes.

Possible risks and side effects:

This study is considered very safe and has very few risks, but you might feel a little uncomfortable at times.

Emotional risks:

Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy (GDH) is designed to help you relax, but some people may feel frustrated or uncomfortable if they have trouble relaxing. These feelings usually go away quickly. You can stop participating in the study at any time if you feel too uncomfortable.

Feeling sleepy or unusual:

Some people may feel sleepy or experience a brief change in awareness during or after hypnosis. This usually fades within minutes. You’ll be reminded to make sure you feel fully alert before driving or doing anything that requires focus.

Changes in symptoms:

GDH has helped many people with gut-related symptoms, but it may not work the same for everyone. You might feel better, stay the same, or notice some ups and downs during the study.

Physical risks:

There are no serious physical risks, but each session lasts about 1.5 hours. Sitting for that long could be a little uncomfortable, especially if you have back or joint pain.

Privacy and technology risks:

Sessions will be held over Zoom using a secure, HIPAA compliant platform. The hypnotherapist will take steps to keep your information private. However, since you're participating from home, it’s your responsibility to join from a quiet and private space where others can’t hear you. If your internet cuts out during a session, the team may not be able to help right away due to the group format. If you can, you’ll be allowed to rejoin the session.

Group sessions and confidentiality:

Because this is a group-based study, there’s a small chance that another participant may share something from the session outside of the group. Everyone will be asked and reminded to keep things private, but the research team cannot guarantee that others will do so.

There are no legal or financial risks. Participation is free, completely voluntary, and non-invasive. Any small risks, such as feeling sleepy, are expected to be short-term and mild.