Digestive symptoms can lead to a lot of searching, and similar names can make the information confusing. Before considering hypnotherapy, it helps to be clear about which condition is being discussed.
IBS and IBD are different
Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, can involve abdominal discomfort, bloating and changes in bowel habits. Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. These are different conditions, and advice about one should not be assumed to apply to the other. Healthdirect — Irritable bowel syndrome.
If you have new or persistent bowel symptoms, see your GP for assessment rather than diagnosing IBS yourself. Healthdirect — Irritable bowel syndrome.
Where might hypnotherapy fit?
Healthdirect includes psychological therapies among possible IBS care options. It also identifies gut-directed hypnotherapy as an option that may help some causes of bloating. This is a discussion about suitability, not a guarantee of relief or a reason to stop prescribed care. Healthdirect — Irritable bowel syndrome; Healthdirect — Bloating.
Melbourne Wellness does not currently offer gut-directed hypnotherapy.
Questions for your GP
- Has my diagnosis been established?
- Is this approach relevant to my symptoms?
- Who has appropriate training and experience?
- What would sessions involve, and how would we review progress?
- How would it fit with my existing care?
Seek medical advice promptly for blood in your stool, unexplained weight loss, fever or severe or ongoing symptoms. Healthdirect — Irritable bowel syndrome.
For a separate introduction to food and routine questions, see let's talk about gut health.
Sources
Read 15 October 2026. Sources support the adjacent general information; clinic links verify appointment descriptions only.
- Healthdirect — Irritable bowel syndrome — Australian public-health guidance; accessed 2026-10-15.
- Healthdirect — Bloating — Australian public-health guidance; accessed 2026-10-15.
