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Why Hypnotherapy is the Secret to Navigating Stress in 2026: A London Expert’s Guide

January 12, 2026

In the hustle of Central London, from the crowded platforms of the Underground to the high-pressure boardrooms of the City, stress has become an accepted part of life. But as we move through 2026, more people are realizing that “managing” stress isn’t enough—we need to rewire how our brains respond to it.

Whether you are looking for hypnotherapy in London or seeking an online hypnotherapist from anywhere in the world, understanding how the subconscious mind works is the first step toward lasting change.

How Hypnotherapy Works: Beyond the Myths

Many people still associate hypnosis with stage shows and loss of control. In reality, clinical hypnotherapy is a state of focused attention and heightened suggestibility. It allows us to bypass the “critical factor” of the conscious mind to reach the subconscious, where our deepest habits and anxieties live.

By accessing this state, we can replace outdated “survival” scripts (like panic or procrastination) with modern, empowering beliefs.

The London Advantage: World-Class Therapy in the Heart of the UK

London has long been a global hub for psychological excellence. Choosing a London-based hypnotherapist means you are working with practitioners who operate in one of the world’s most rigorously regulated and competitive wellness environments.

For my local clients, my clinic offers a sanctuary from the city’s pace. For my global clients, I bring that same “London Standard” of clinical expertise to our online hypnosis sessions via Teams.

Why Online Hypnotherapy is Taking Over in 2026

You no longer need to live in the UK to benefit from a London specialist. In fact, research shows that virtual hypnotherapy can be even more effective for many clients because:

  • Environmental Comfort: You are in your own space, allowing your nervous system to relax faster.
  • No Commute Stress: You don’t have to fight traffic or the Tube immediately after a deep session.
  • Global Access: Whether you are in New York, Dubai, or Singapore, you can access elite care at a time that suits your time zone.

What Can Hypnotherapy Help With?

My practice focuses on the most pressing issues facing high-performers and busy individuals today:

  1. Anxiety & Burnout: Calming the “always-on” nervous system.
  2. Public Speaking: Transforming “stage fright” into presence and authority.
  3. Sleep Optimization: Using hypnotic suggestion to reset your circadian rhythm.
  4. Habit Breaking: From smoking cessation to sugar cravings.

Ready to Reclaim Your Calm?

Visibility is about more than just being seen—it’s about being understood. If you’re ready to see how a blend of traditional hypnosis and modern cognitive techniques can help you thrive, let’s connect.

Book your free 15-minute discovery call today. Whether you want to visit me in my London clinic or meet virtually from anywhere in the world, your journey to a calmer mind starts here.

by Antonios Koletsas
Woman having online hypnotherapy
Health

Beyond the Flare: The Science and Success of Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy for IBD

January 2, 2026

For those living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), life is often measured in “good days” and “bad days.” Whether you are navigating the complexities of Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis, the symptoms, abdominal pain, urgency, and extreme fatigue, are only half the battle. The other half is the psychological toll: the constant “hyper-vigilance” that comes with living in a body that feels unpredictable.

While biological therapies and dietary adjustments are vital, many patients find themselves searching for a missing piece of the puzzle. In my practice here in London, I specialize in that missing piece: Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy (GDH).

The Connection: The Vagus Nerve and the Brain-Gut Axis

To understand why hypnotherapy is effective for a physical condition like IBD, we must look at the Brain-Gut Axis. Your gut contains the “enteric nervous system,” often called your “second brain.” This system is connected to your head via the vagus nerve, a two-way superhighway for signals.

In IBD, this highway is often congested with “noise.” Stress, even in small amounts, sends signals down the vagus nerve that can increase intestinal permeability (leaky gut) and heighten the sensation of pain.

How Hypnotherapy Rewires the Connection

Gut-directed hypnotherapy doesn’t just “relax” you; it uses specific, targeted suggestions to retrain how your brain interprets signals from your digestive tract.

  1. Lowering the Pain Threshold: By entering a state of focused trance, we can suggest that the brain “filter out” the chronic background noise of intestinal discomfort.
  2. Smoothing Motility: Visualizations are used to regulate the rhythmic contractions of the gut, helping to reduce the “urgency” that many IBD sufferers fear.
  3. Reducing the “Flare Response”: By calming the sympathetic nervous system, we reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines that are often triggered by psychological stress.

What the Research Says

It is important to note that hypnotherapy for IBD is backed by clinical evidence. Studies, including notable research from Gastroenterology journals, have shown that patients who utilize GDH alongside their standard medical care experience:

  • Longer periods of remission between flares.
  • Significant reduction in anxiety and depression related to their condition.
  • Improved sleep quality, which is essential for the body to repair inflamed tissue.

As a specialist in gut-directed hypnotherapy in London, I work as a complement to your gastroenterologist’s care, ensuring a truly multi-disciplinary approach to your health.

What to Expect from a Session at London Hypnotics

If you’ve never experienced clinical hypnotherapy, you might be surprised by how grounded the process is. There are no swinging watches; instead, it is a deeply relaxing, therapeutic experience.

  • Assessment: We discuss your specific triggers, is it a morning commute on the Tube? Or a high-pressure meeting at work?
  • The Induction: I lead you into a state of relaxed focus where your subconscious mind is most receptive.
  • Gut-Specific Imagery: We use metaphors tailored to your symptoms. For some, this is visualizing a cooling, blue mist calming an inflamed colon; for others, it is imagining the digestive system as a smooth-flowing river.
  • Empowerment: I provide you with “self-hypnosis” tools you can use the moment you feel a flare or a wave of anxiety beginning.

Reclaiming Control in London

Living in a fast-paced city like London can be particularly challenging for IBD patients. The stress of travel and the “always-on” culture can exacerbate symptoms. By integrating gut-directed hypnotherapy, you aren’t just treating the symptoms; you are changing your relationship with your body.

You don’t have to be a passenger to your condition. You can take the wheel again.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hypnotherapy for IBD

1. Can hypnotherapy actually cure Crohn’s or Colitis?

While there is currently no known “cure” for IBD, hypnotherapy is a powerful complementary treatment. It focuses on symptom management, reducing the frequency of flares, and improving the psychological impact of the disease. By calming the “brain-gut axis,” many patients find they can achieve longer periods of remission and a higher quality of life.

2. Is gut-directed hypnotherapy the same as “stage hypnosis”?

Not at all. Clinical hypnotherapy is a professional therapeutic process. You remain in complete control at all times; you aren’t “asleep” or under a spell. Instead, you are in a state of focused relaxation, similar to being “lost” in a good book, where your subconscious mind is more open to positive, gut-specific suggestions.

3. How many sessions will I need?

Every individual is different, but for chronic conditions like IBD, most clients see the best results from a protocol of 6 to 12 sessions. This allows us to address the immediate physical symptoms first, followed by the underlying stress triggers that may be contributing to your flares.

4. Does IBD hypnotherapy work if I’m a “skeptic”?

You don’t need to “believe” in hypnosis for it to work. The process relies on the biological connection between your nervous system and your digestive tract. As long as you are willing to participate in the relaxation and visualization exercises, your body can benefit from the shift in your autonomic nervous system.

5. Can I have sessions online or at your London clinic?

Yes, I offer both. Many clients find that having sessions in the comfort of their own home—where they feel closest to their own bathroom facilities, actually helps them relax more deeply. However, for those who prefer an in-person experience, my London-based clinic provides a dedicated, calm space for your recovery.

6. Will this replace my current medication?

No. Gut-directed hypnotherapy should be used as part of a multi-disciplinary approach. You should always follow the advice of your gastroenterologist and continue your prescribed medication. Our goal is to work alongside your medical team to give you the most comprehensive care possible.

About the Author: Antonios Koletsas

Specialist in Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy

Based in the heart of London, I am a clinical hypnotherapist specializing in the powerful intersection of the mind and the digestive system. My practice, London Hypnotics, was founded on the belief that nobody should have to manage the debilitating symptoms of IBD, IBS, or chronic gut distress alone.

With a formal specialization in Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy (GDH), I utilize evidence-based protocols to help clients re-calibrate their brain-gut axis. My approach is compassionate, science-led, and tailored to the unique challenges of living with IBD in a fast-paced urban environment. I work closely with clients to help them move from a state of “flare-up hyper-vigilance” to a state of calm, empowered control.

When I’m not working with clients at my London clinic or via global online sessions, I am dedicated to raising awareness about the efficacy of hypnotherapy in modern gastroenterology.

Clinical References & Further Reading

  • Keefer, L., et al. (2013). Gut-directed hypnotherapy significantly augments clinical remission in quiescent ulcerative colitis. Published in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics.Key Finding: This study demonstrated that 68% of patients using hypnotherapy maintained clinical remission for a full year, compared to 40% in the control group.
  • Mawdsley, J. E., et al. (2008). The effect of hypnosis on systemic and rectal mucosal measures of inflammation in ulcerative colitis. Published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology.Key Finding: This research showed that a single session of gut-focused hypnosis significantly reduced serum IL-6 (a marker of systemic inflammation) and rectal mucosal inflammatory markers.
  • Szigethy, E. (2015). Hypnotherapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Across the Lifespan. Published in the American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis.Key Finding: A comprehensive review showing that hypnotherapy reduces IBD-related inflammation and improves health-related quality of life for both adolescents and adults.
  • British Society of Gastroenterology (2025). BSG Guidelines on the Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Adults. Read the 2025 Guidelines here.Note: These updated UK guidelines highlight the necessity of a multidisciplinary team (MDT), including psychologists and specialists focused on the mind-gut connection.
  • Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. How Gut-Directed Hypnosis Helps IBS and IBD. Resource Link.
by Antonios Koletsas
Lifestyle

Beyond Willpower: Why Your 2026 Resolutions Need the Subconscious Mind

December 15, 2025

Why do 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by the second week of February?

We all know the pattern. The festive season in London ends, the decorations come down, and we are left with a surge of motivation. We buy the gym membership, we download the meditation app, and we promise ourselves that this year, we will finally get a handle on our stress or diet.

But fast forward to mid-February, and life gets in the way. The grey skies and the busy commute chip away at our energy, and old habits creep back in. We often blame ourselves, thinking we just didn’t have enough discipline.

As a hypnotherapist, I am here to tell you: It is not your fault, and it is not a lack of willpower. It is simply a conflict between your conscious desires and your subconscious programming.

The Iceberg Effect: Understanding Your Mind

To understand why resolutions fail, you have to look at how the mind operates. Think of your mind like an iceberg floating in the ocean.

  • The Tip (10% – The Conscious Mind): This is the part of you reading this blog. It is logical, analytical, and sets goals like “I want to stop snacking on sugar” or “I want to be more confident at work.”
  • The Hidden Mass (90% – The Subconscious Mind): This is where your automatic behaviours, emotional memories, and self-protection mechanisms live. It is the autopilot that drives your life.

When you use willpower, you are using the 10% to fight the 90%. If your subconscious believes that “sugar equals comfort” or “worrying keeps me safe,” it will eventually overpower your conscious logic. This is why “cold turkey” changes rarely last.

How Hypnotherapy Bridges the Gap

Hypnotherapy is the key to accessing that submerged 90%. It allows us to bypass the “Critical Faculty”, the guard at the gate of your mind, and speak directly to the subconscious.

Instead of fighting your instincts, we update them. We use deep relaxation and targeted suggestion to align your deep-seated beliefs with your new goals. When your subconscious wants the same thing as your conscious mind, the struggle disappears. Healthy choices start to feel natural rather than forced.

A Special Note on “Gut Feelings” and Health Goals

One of the most common resolutions I see is the desire to “get healthy” or “fix my digestion” after the indulgences of December. This is close to my heart, as I specialize in gut-directed hypnotherapy.

If you suffer from IBS or digestive issues, you likely know that stress is a major trigger. No amount of strict dieting will fix a sensitive gut if your nervous system is constantly in “fight or flight” mode.

  • The Resolution: “I will go on a strict diet.”
  • The Reality: The stress of the strict diet triggers the gut, causing more bloating and discomfort.
  • The Hypnotherapy Approach: We teach the gut-brain axis to relax. We visualize the digestive system functioning smoothly. By lowering the internal stress response, we often see a significant reduction in physical symptoms, allowing you to enjoy food without fear in 2026.

3 Ways to Prime Your Mind for Success

You don’t have to wait for your first session to start shifting your mindset. Here are three techniques to help your resolutions stick:

  1. Focus on the “Why,” Not the “What”: Don’t just write down “Lose weight.” Close your eyes and visualize how you will feel when you achieve it. Imagine the energy you’ll have walking through the park, or how your clothes will fit. The subconscious speaks the language of images and feelings, not words.
  2. Phrase Goals in the Present Tense: Avoid saying “I will be calm.” This puts the goal in the future, just out of reach. Instead, tell yourself, “I am becoming calmer every day.” This trains the brain to accept this as your current reality.
  3. Start Before January 1st: There is no magic in the date. By starting to visualize your success now, you remove the pressure of the “big day” and start the year with momentum.

Make 2026 Your Year of Lasting Change

If you are based in London and are tired of the annual cycle of setting goals and abandoning them, let’s try a different approach.

At London Hypnotics, I help clients rewire the habits that hold them back, whether that’s soothing a troubled gut, managing anxiety, or building confidence. Let’s work together to make your 2026 resolutions the ones that finally stick.

by Antonios Koletsas
Public Speaking Hypnotherapy
Lifestyle

Hypnotherapy for Public Speaking Fear: The Art of Becoming Comfortable with the Uncomfortable

November 14, 2025

The Whisper of Fear: Why Trying to Be Confident Fails

If the thought of standing up to speak sends a jolt of ice water through your stomach, you are not alone. That familiar racing heart, the dry mouth, the sudden, overwhelming urge to retreat, it’s a powerful, primal fear.

Many people try to conquer this anxiety by sheer willpower. They tell themselves, “I must be confident! Stop shaking!” But the conscious command often meets resistance, and the inner critic only shouts louder. The direct command, “Don’t panic!” paradoxically makes the body focus entirely on the panic it’s supposed to avoid.

Public Speaking Hypnotherapy
Image by Freepik

The Ericksonian Difference: We Don’t Fight the Fear, We Listen to It

As a specialist in Ericksonian hypnotherapy here in London, I know that true, lasting confidence isn’t forced; it’s discovered. Dr. Milton Erickson understood that the unconscious mind is inherently resourceful. When we try to command ourselves, we engage the critical, conscious mind. But when we offer a gentle, indirect suggestion, a story, a metaphor, a permission to be imperfect—we bypass the internal censor and allow the unconscious to reveal the solution it already holds.

You don’t have to defeat the fear; you simply need to realize you have the resources to be comfortable, even when feeling a bit of that familiar energy.

The Trap of Direct Suggestion

Imagine trying to steer a ship by yelling instructions at the sails. They might flap, but the rudder, the true source of direction remains untouched. Direct suggestions like, “You are calm now,” often feel inauthentic to the part of you that is genuinely scared. This leads to a disconnect, where the mind rejects the suggestion because it feels like a lie.

This is why, in effective hypnotherapy for public speaking anxiety, we use the elegant power of indirect suggestions. We don’t push a locked door; we open a nearby window instead.

The Gentle Invitation to Change

Indirect suggestions use permissive language and embedded commands that allow your mind to accept the change on its own terms. Instead of demanding calm, we might suggest:

“…and as you listen, you might begin to notice a deep, comfortable feeling of knowing exactly where you are and where you are going, just like the feeling you have when you are completely absorbed in something you love…”

This language gently invites the unconscious to link the feeling of focus and comfort (a known resource) to the act of speaking.

The Art of Becoming Comfortable with the Uncomfortable

The most successful speakers rarely feel zero nerves. Instead, they’ve simply reframed that nervous energy. That rapid heartbeat isn’t a sign of danger; it’s energy being pumped, readying you for peak performance.

Hypnotherapy for confident speaking helps you reclaim that energy. Through subtle reframing, we shift the meaning of the physical symptoms. A quickened breath isn’t panic; it’s anticipation. Sweaty palms aren’t a sign of failure; they’re a sign your body is focused and engaged.

The Climber’s Story: Finding Your Center on Unstable Ground

The therapeutic power of storytelling allows your mind to practice a new perspective in a safe, metaphorical space.

I remember reading about a seasoned mountain climber who was asked what the most important skill was on a sheer rock face. They didn’t say strength or gear; they said it was knowing how to shift their weight when the path felt unstable.

They explained that the instability wasn’t a warning sign to stop, but a prompt to find a deeper, more centered way forward. The moment they accepted the feeling of instability as information—a nudge to adjust—they became incredibly effective. And that ability to find a deeper center, to adjust with flexibility when things feel unsteady, well, that’s what truly got them to the top.

Your unconscious mind effortlessly absorbs this story, recognizing the metaphor: the ‘unstable path’ is the nervous energy before a talk. The indirect suggestion is that you already have the ability to find your deep, inner center and adjust, continuing forward successfully.

Take the Next Step to Unconscious Confidence in London

As a hypnotherapist specializing in this gentle, narrative-driven approach, I help busy London professionals, just like you, unlock their inherent resources. We won’t try to force your nerves away; we will simply allow your unconscious mind to craft a better, more resourceful response.

If you are ready to stop fighting your nerves and start speaking with the authentic, grounded confidence that is already waiting for you, I invite you to explore this truly transformative path.

Ready to let your unconscious mind lead you toward comfortable, confident public speaking? Book a discovery call with me today.

by Antonios Koletsas
Health

Sleep Better, Stress Less: How Hypnotherapy Can Help You Rebalance This Autumn

October 6, 2025

As October unfolds and autumn fully settles over London, the change in season affects more than just the colour of the leaves. It influences our mood, energy, and overall well-being.

Many of my clients at London Hypnotics notice that as the days shorten and daylight fades earlier, they begin to feel their motivation drop, their sleep patterns shift, and their minds become busier at night. Some experience increased anxiety, lower mood, or that familiar sense of fatigue that often comes with autumn.

You are not alone. The seasonal transition from summer to autumn is a natural time of adjustment, both physically and mentally. This is also the ideal moment to restore balance and calm. Hypnotherapy provides a powerful and effective way to achieve that.

Why Autumn Can Leave You Feeling Drained or Anxious

Seasonal changes trigger a series of physical and psychological shifts. Reduced sunlight exposure lowers serotonin, the neurotransmitter that supports mood and motivation, and disrupts melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. As a result, you may feel sluggish, restless, or emotionally off-balance.

October can also bring new pressures, such as end-of-year work demands, financial concerns, or the mental strain of shorter and colder days. The body’s natural stress response often heightens feelings of fatigue, irritability, and difficulty sleeping.

Some people experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression linked to reduced sunlight. Others may notice milder changes in energy or mood, sometimes described as an “autumn dip.” Hypnotherapy can help to restore balance during this seasonal transition.

The Mind-Body Connection: Understanding Your Inner Response

The subconscious mind plays a crucial role in the way we think, feel, and respond to life. Stress, anxiety, or fatigue do not just influence our thoughts; they also impact digestion, immunity, hormone balance, and sleep quality. You might feel this as tightness in the chest, a knot in the stomach, or constant racing thoughts.

Hypnotherapy works directly with this mind-body link. By guiding you into a deeply relaxed yet focused state, it allows your subconscious to release built-up tension and reprogram unhelpful patterns. Whether you struggle with overthinking, insomnia, or ongoing stress, hypnotherapy helps create calm and clarity from within.

How Hypnotherapy Improves Sleep

Sleep difficulties are among the most common reasons people seek hypnotherapy, and they often become worse in autumn. You might fall asleep easily but wake in the night, or you may struggle to quiet your mind before bed.

Hypnotherapy helps by teaching the mind to switch off from excessive thinking and associate bedtime with relaxation. During a session, we use guided relaxation and visualization to calm the nervous system, while positive suggestions help to reframe thoughts such as “I can’t sleep” into more empowering beliefs.

Many clients benefit from a personalized sleep hypnosis recording to use at home. Listening regularly reinforces new subconscious associations, helping the mind and body to settle into a natural rhythm of rest.

Relieving Anxiety and Seasonal Stress

Autumn can increase anxiety levels for many people, especially when juggling work, family, or personal challenges. Hypnotherapy addresses anxiety at its source by retraining the subconscious mind to respond calmly to triggers that once felt overwhelming.

Through gentle relaxation and focused suggestion, hypnotherapy helps you let go of unnecessary worry, replace anxious thought patterns, and regain control over your emotional state. It supports the body’s natural relaxation response, helping reduce cortisol levels and promoting lasting calm.

This process is not about losing control. It is about learning to regain control of your internal responses, so that peace and clarity become your new default state.

Rebuilding Motivation and Energy for the Months Ahead

As autumn progresses, it is common to experience a drop in motivation. Darker mornings can make it harder to start the day, and cooler evenings can encourage us to withdraw. Over time, these patterns can affect confidence and focus.

Hypnotherapy helps reignite your sense of purpose by reinforcing positive self-talk, dissolving subconscious resistance to change, and strengthening your inner motivation. Using mental rehearsal techniques, you learn to visualize success, energy, and achievement until they become natural states of being.

Once the subconscious is aligned with your conscious goals, change feels effortless. This is why hypnotherapy is so powerful for helping people move forward with energy and clarity.

The Science Behind Hypnosis and the Brain

Modern neuroscience has helped to explain how hypnosis affects the brain. During hypnosis, brain imaging shows reduced activity in the amygdala, the area responsible for fear and stress, and increased activity in the prefrontal cortex, which governs focus and decision-making.

This means hypnosis is not a form of sleep or loss of control, but a state of heightened focus and receptivity. The brain becomes more integrated, calm, and open to positive suggestion.

Clinical studies demonstrate that hypnosis can improve sleep onset and quality, lower stress hormones, reduce pain perception, and enhance emotional regulation. It provides a natural and holistic way to restore balance between mind and body.

Practical Steps to Support Your Autumn Wellbeing

Hypnotherapy works best when combined with healthy daily habits. You can enhance your results with these simple adjustments:

  1. Get morning light exposure to stabilise your body clock and mood.
  2. Maintain a consistent sleep routine by going to bed and waking at the same time each day.
  3. Avoid screens before bed and use this time for relaxation or listening to your hypnosis recording.
  4. Eat nourishing, grounding foods such as whole grains, leafy greens, and seasonal produce.
  5. Practice mindful breathing or meditation to calm the nervous system.
  6. Learn self-hypnosis techniques to manage stress and improve focus throughout the day.

These small, consistent changes create a foundation of stability and resilience, which hypnotherapy can then strengthen at a deeper level.

Your Autumn Reset with London Hypnotics

This season, give yourself permission to pause and realign. If you have been struggling with poor sleep, low mood, or chronic stress, hypnotherapy can help you find relief and restore your natural sense of balance.

At London Hypnotics, I offer a tailored Autumn Reset Programme designed to support your mind and body through this transitional period. It includes three personalised hypnotherapy sessions, a custom relaxation recording to use at home, and a wellbeing plan to maintain your progress.

Sessions are available both in person at 364 City Road, London, and online. Together, we can create lasting change from within, so you can feel calmer, stronger, and more focused as the year moves forward.

October is not just the beginning of darker days; it is an invitation to turn inward and nurture your mental and emotional well-being. By working with the natural rhythm of the season, you can transform autumn into a period of renewal and clarity.

At London Hypnotics, I have seen clients move from sleeplessness to deep rest, from anxiety to calm, and from exhaustion to renewed motivation. Hypnotherapy allows you to reconnect with your body’s innate wisdom and find peace that lasts.

Take this opportunity to reset and rebalance. Visit london-hypnotics.co.uk or book your Hypnotherapy session here.

References

  • NHS UK (2024). Overview: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
  • Hammond, D. C. (2010). Handbook of Hypnotic Suggestions and Metaphors.
  • Rossi, E. L. (2002). The Psychobiology of Mind-Body Healing.
  • American Psychological Association (2023). Seasonal Mood and Circadian Rhythms Research Review.
  • Kirsch, I. (1999). Hypnosis and the Altered State Debate: The Evidence from Neuroimaging Studies.
by Antonios Koletsas
Health

Chronic Pain and Hypnotherapy: Finding Relief Through Hypnosis

September 8, 2025

Chronic pain is one of the most challenging conditions people live with. Unlike acute pain, which signals injury and usually subsides as healing occurs, chronic pain persists long after the body has healed, or sometimes exists without any obvious cause. It can affect every part of a person’s life, from sleep and mobility to relationships, mood, and overall well-being.

What makes chronic pain especially difficult is that it is not only physical. Research consistently shows that pain has both a biological and psychological dimension. This is where hypnotherapy has emerged as an effective, evidence-based approach that helps people regain control over their lives.

Freepik

The Brain–Body Connection in Pain

The brain plays a central role in how we experience pain. Pain signals travel through the nervous system, but how the brain interprets these signals determines the intensity, persistence, and emotional impact. Stress, anxiety, and past experiences can amplify pain, while relaxation, focus, and positive suggestion can reduce it.

Hypnosis works directly with this brain–body connection. Under hypnosis, clients enter a deeply relaxed and focused state that allows the subconscious mind to become more open to positive suggestions and new ways of processing pain.

How Hypnosis Helps with Chronic Pain

Reducing the Sensation of Pain
Studies have shown that hypnosis can alter activity in the brain regions associated with pain perception. This does not mean people stop feeling completely, but rather that the intensity, frequency, or quality of pain can be modified. Clients often report their pain feeling dimmer, further away, or even replaced by a sensation of warmth or numbness.

Releasing Tension and Stress
Chronic pain is often worsened by muscle tension and the stress cycle. Hypnosis induces deep relaxation, which lowers stress hormones, eases tension in the body, and helps break the cycle where stress worsens pain and pain increases stress.

Changing Emotional Responses
Living with pain can cause feelings of frustration, anxiety, and depression. Hypnotherapy helps clients reframe their relationship with pain. By shifting focus away from helplessness and towards empowerment, people often regain a sense of control and improve their emotional wellbeing.

Enhancing Coping Strategies
Hypnotherapy equips clients with tools they can use daily, such as self-hypnosis, visualisation, and relaxation techniques. These methods improve sleep, reduce flare-ups, and create a healthier relationship with the body.

Clinical Evidence for Hypnosis and Pain

Hypnosis for pain management has been studied for decades, and it is now recognised as a valid complementary treatment.

The American Psychological Association lists hypnosis as effective for pain control. A 2016 meta-analysis in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews found that hypnosis significantly reduces both clinical and experimental pain. Hypnosis has also been successfully used in medical settings, including dental procedures, burn treatment, and even surgery, as a way to reduce pain and anxiety.

Taking Back Control

If you are living with chronic pain, you may feel at the mercy of your body. Hypnotherapy offers a safe and natural way to change how your brain and body process pain. At London Hypnotics, I work with clients to reduce pain perception, lower stress, and improve quality of life, helping people experience freedom again, even when pain has been part of their lives for years.

Pain is real. But it is not fixed. The mind has powerful resources to reduce, reshape, and even transform the experience of chronic pain. Through hypnotherapy, you can access these resources, reduce suffering, and rediscover what life feels like beyond the limits of pain.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you have been living with chronic pain and are searching for relief, hypnotherapy may be the missing piece you have not yet tried. At London Hypnotics, I offer one-to-one sessions designed to help you reduce pain, release stress, and regain control over your life.

Book a Hypnotherapy consultation today and discover how hypnosis can help you experience freedom beyond pain.

References

Jensen, M. P., & Patterson, D. R. (2014). Hypnotic approaches for chronic pain management: Clinical implications of recent research findings. American Psychologist, 69(2), 167–177.
Milling, L. S., Finn, E. H., & Khan, S. (2021). Hypnosis and pain: Mechanisms, applications, and efficacy. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 123, 120–132.
American Psychological Association. (2019). Hypnosis for the relief and control of pain. APA Division 30, Psychological Hypnosis.

by Antonios Koletsas
Health

Why Your IBS Isn’t Just in Your Gut: The Surprising Role of the Mind

September 1, 2025

For many people living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), the condition feels like an endless cycle of discomfort, bloating, and unpredictable flare-ups. Traditional treatments such as diet changes, medication, or supplements often bring only partial relief. But what if your gut symptoms weren’t just about what you eat, but also about what you think and feel?

Courtesy of Freepik

Recent research shows that IBS is not purely a digestive problem. Instead, it is a disorder of the gut-brain axis, the two-way communication system between your digestive system and your nervous system. Understanding this connection can transform how you manage your symptoms, and hypnotherapy may play a unique role in breaking the cycle.

The Gut-Brain Connection

Your gut is sometimes called your “second brain.” It has its own nervous system, called the enteric nervous system, which communicates with the brain through the vagus nerve. This means your digestive health is strongly influenced by your emotional state.

When you feel stressed or anxious, your body goes into “fight or flight” mode. Blood flow shifts away from digestion, gut motility changes, and inflammation can increase. All of this can worsen IBS symptoms.

The Vicious Cycle of IBS and Anxiety

Here’s the problem: not only does stress worsen IBS, but IBS itself increases stress. Many clients describe a constant worry about flare-ups when leaving the house, at work, or during social events. This creates a feedback loop:

Stress and anxious thoughts amplify gut sensitivity.
Gut symptoms trigger more stress and anxiety.

Breaking this cycle requires more than diet or medication alone. It means addressing both the mind and the body.

How Hypnotherapy Can Help

Hypnotherapy works by guiding you into a relaxed state where your subconscious mind is more open to positive suggestions. With gut-directed hypnotherapy, we can:

Calm the nervous system, reducing the overactive stress response that worsens IBS.
Retrain subconscious patterns, breaking the association between stress and gut symptoms.
Promote healthy gut function, by visualising smooth digestion and reduced sensitivity.

Clinical studies have shown that gut-focused hypnotherapy can lead to long-term improvement in IBS symptoms for many patients who did not respond to conventional treatment.

A Client Story (Anonymised)

A client came to me after years of trying strict diets and medications for IBS. She felt trapped, avoiding social situations and constantly anxious about flare-ups. After a tailored hypnotherapy programme, she noticed not only a reduction in gut pain and bloating but also a greater sense of control and calmness in daily life. For her, hypnosis became the missing piece, addressing the mind as well as the body.

Moving Beyond “Coping”

If you’ve been told to “just manage stress” without real tools, you may feel frustrated. Hypnotherapy offers more than relaxation — it helps you change the way your mind and body interact, reducing symptoms and restoring confidence in daily life.

At London Hypnotics, based in 364 City Road, London, I specialise in gut-directed hypnotherapy, combining the latest science with a compassionate, personalised approach.

Frequently Asked Questions about IBS and Hypnotherapy

Can stress really cause IBS symptoms?
Yes. Stress does not cause IBS on its own, but it can make symptoms worse. The gut and brain are connected through the gut-brain axis, so anxiety and stress can directly influence digestion and trigger flare-ups.

Does hypnotherapy actually work for IBS?
Research shows that gut-directed hypnotherapy can reduce pain, bloating, and bowel issues in many IBS patients. It helps calm the nervous system and retrain the subconscious response between the mind and the gut.

How long does hypnotherapy take to help IBS?
Most people notice improvement within 4 to 6 sessions. Some may feel relief sooner, while others with more severe symptoms may benefit from longer-term treatment.

Is hypnotherapy safe for IBS?
Yes. Hypnotherapy is a safe and drug-free approach. It involves deep relaxation and guided visualisation, and you remain fully in control throughout the session.

Can hypnotherapy help if nothing else has worked for my IBS?
Many people turn to hypnotherapy after years of trying diets, medication, and other therapies with little success. Clinical trials suggest it can be effective even when other treatments have failed.

Final Thoughts

IBS is not “all in your head.” It is a real, complex condition influenced by the powerful connection between your gut and your mind. By working with this connection, instead of fighting against it, you can unlock new ways of finding relief.

If you’re ready to explore how hypnotherapy can help you manage IBS and reclaim your quality of life, you can learn more or book a session at: London Hypnotics

References

  1. Mayer, E. A. (2011). Gut feelings: the emerging biology of gut–brain communication. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 12(8), 453–466.
  2. Whorwell, P. J., Prior, A., & Faragher, E. B. (1984). Controlled trial of hypnotherapy in the treatment of severe refractory irritable-bowel syndrome. The Lancet, 324(8414), 1232–1234.
  3. Vasant, D. H., Paine, P. A., Black, C. J., Houghton, L. A., & Ford, A. C. (2021). British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines on the management of irritable bowel syndrome. Gut, 70(7), 1214–1240.
by Antonios Koletsas
anxious woman
Health

Finding Calm: How Hypnotherapy in London Can Help with Anxiety

August 20, 2025

Anxiety is something most of us experience at some point in our lives. For some, it’s occasional nerves before a big event. For others, it can feel like a constant companion — racing thoughts, tightness in the chest, difficulty sleeping, and a sense of dread that just won’t go away.

Traditional approaches like therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes are well-known options. But more people are now asking: can hypnotherapy help with anxiety?

The answer is yes — and research is increasingly supporting it. In this guide, we’ll explore what hypnotherapy really is, how it works for anxiety, what science says, and what you can expect if you decide to try it.

Image by Freepik

Understanding Anxiety

Anxiety isn’t “just in your head.” It’s a whole-body experience. When your brain perceives a threat — whether real or imagined — your nervous system reacts by flooding your body with stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.

That’s why anxiety feels so physical:

  • Your heart races.
  • Your muscles tense.
  • Your breathing becomes shallow.
  • Your mind loops through “what ifs.”

Over time, your body can get stuck in this cycle, reacting with stress even when no danger is present.

What Hypnotherapy Really Is (and Isn’t)

When people hear the word hypnosis, they often picture stage acts with people clucking like chickens. That’s entertainment — not therapy.

Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic process that uses hypnosis to create a state of deep relaxation and focused attention. In this state, your subconscious mind becomes more open to positive change.

Important to know:

  • You are always in control.
  • You cannot be made to do anything against your will.
  • Most people describe the experience as calming and refreshing.

Think of it as a powerful tool to reset your mental patterns and reduce the intensity of anxious responses.

How Hypnotherapy Works for Anxiety

Anxiety often lives in the subconscious mind — the place where habits, beliefs, and automatic reactions are stored. Hypnotherapy helps by addressing anxiety at this deeper level.

Here’s how:

  1. Relaxation: Hypnotherapy calms the nervous system, reducing the body’s fight-or-flight response.
  2. Reframing thoughts: Through guided suggestions, anxious patterns of thinking can be softened and replaced with calmer, more balanced ones.
  3. Building confidence: Hypnotherapy can boost self-belief in situations that previously triggered fear.
  4. Developing coping tools: Many clients learn self-hypnosis techniques they can use outside of sessions to stay grounded.

What the Research Says

Scientific studies support hypnotherapy as an effective approach for reducing anxiety:

  • A 2016 meta-analysis found that hypnosis produced significant reductions in anxiety across different groups of people.
  • Hypnotherapy has been shown to help with generalized anxiety disorder, test and performance anxiety, medical anxiety (such as before surgery), and even public speaking fears.
  • Brain imaging studies suggest that hypnosis can actually change how the brain processes stress and fear.

While more research is always needed, the evidence so far is promising — and it matches what many clients report in practice.

A Client Story: From Overwhelm to Calm

One client of mine (let’s call her Sarah) had been living with anxiety for years. She described lying awake at night with her heart racing, her mind running through worst-case scenarios.

After just a few hypnotherapy sessions, she noticed a shift. “It’s like I finally have a pause button for my thoughts,” she said. “The same situations come up, but I don’t spiral the way I used to. I feel calmer and more in control.”

Sarah’s experience isn’t unusual — many people find hypnotherapy gives them tools they can carry into daily life.

What to Expect in a Hypnotherapy Session

If you’re new to hypnotherapy, here’s what a typical session might look like:

  1. Initial conversation – We’ll talk about your goals, challenges, and any questions you have.
  2. Guided relaxation – I’ll help you enter a calm, focused state — similar to a daydream.
  3. Therapeutic suggestions – While in this relaxed state, I’ll guide you with imagery and positive suggestions aimed at reducing anxiety.
  4. Reflection and tools – After the session, we’ll talk about your experience and I’ll give you strategies you can use between sessions.

Sessions are always tailored to your unique needs.

FAQs About Hypnotherapy for Anxiety

Is hypnotherapy safe?
Yes. It’s non-invasive, drug-free, and considered very safe when practiced by a trained professional.

Will I lose control?
No. You remain fully aware and in control at all times. Hypnosis is simply a state of focused relaxation.

How many sessions will I need?
That depends on the individual. Some people notice changes after just one or two sessions, while others benefit from several over a few months.

Can hypnotherapy replace therapy or medication?
Hypnotherapy is often most effective as a complementary approach. It can work alongside counseling, medical care, or lifestyle changes.

Is Hypnotherapy Right for You?

If anxiety has been holding you back, hypnotherapy may be worth exploring. It’s gentle, natural, and focused entirely on helping you feel calmer and more confident.

While it’s not a magic cure, many people find it brings lasting relief — and gives them practical tools to manage life’s challenges.

How to book?

Anxiety doesn’t have to control your life. With the right support, it’s possible to break free from the constant cycle of worry and find peace of mind.

Hypnotherapy is one of the most powerful tools for achieving that calm — backed by research, rooted in safety, and tailored to you.

If you’re curious about how it could help you, I invite you to book your hypnotherapy consultation with me. It may be the first step toward a calmer, more balanced life.

by Antonios Koletsas
Lifestyle

The August Blues – Why They Happen and How Hypnotherapy in London Can Help

August 11, 2025

At first glance, August should be the happiest month of the year. London parks are full of life, holiday plans are in full swing, and the evenings are still warm and light. Yet, for many people, August brings an unexpected emotional dip known as the August Blues.

Instead of feeling energised, they report sadness, irritability, lack of motivation, or a vague sense of emptiness. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and there’s a reason it happens.

As a hypnotherapist in London who works with clients facing anxiety, stress, and seasonal mood changes, I see the August Blues as a perfect example of how the brain and body connection influences emotional health.

Picture by Freepik

Why Do People in London Experience the August Blues?

1. The Transition Effect

August is a bridge between two worlds: the relaxed flow of summer and the structured pace of autumn. Even without a school timetable, the “back to school” mentality is deeply rooted in our culture. In a busy city like London—where September often means faster commutes, packed schedules, and rising workloads—this shift can trigger a subtle stress response.

2. End-of-Summer Reflection

London summers often come with a list of hopes: more time outdoors, weekend trips, and social gatherings. When August arrives, we may realise we haven’t ticked off everything, leading to disappointment or self-criticism.

3. Social Comparison Pressure

Scrolling through Instagram in August can feel like watching everyone else enjoy dream holidays in Greece or Spain while you’re stuck in the office. Even when we know these are curated snapshots, our subconscious still compares—and often leaves us feeling left out.

4. Physiological Shifts

Although August days are still long, the evenings are subtly shorter. This shift affects your body’s circadian rhythm, which in turn influences mood-regulating chemicals like serotonin and melatonin. For some, this is enough to trigger low mood, especially if combined with disrupted sleep from hot nights.

5. Emotional Fatigue

Many Londoners have been running on adrenaline for months—juggling work, commuting, social events, and family life. By August, the body may finally be signalling that it’s time to slow down. This can feel like exhaustion, demotivation, or mild burnout.

The Mind-Body Connection in Seasonal Mood Changes

What we think affects how we feel physically, and how our body feels influences our thoughts. Low mood affects posture, breathing, and muscle tension, which then feed back into emotional heaviness.

Hypnotherapy is particularly effective here because it works at the level of the subconscious mind—calming the nervous system, breaking unhelpful thought patterns, and reintroducing positive emotional states that feel authentic.

How Hypnotherapy in London Can Help with the August Blues

At London Hypnotics, I use clinical hypnotherapy to help clients shift their mindset, release anxiety, and reconnect with motivation. For the August Blues, hypnotherapy can:

  • Reduce anxiety about change – Turning seasonal transitions into opportunities instead of threats.
  • Reframe negative thinking – Focusing on what’s been achieved rather than what hasn’t.
  • Boost emotional energy – Reigniting motivation for the months ahead.
  • Restore work-life balance – Helping you feel productive without burning out.
  • Increase seasonal resilience – So that mood remains stable year-round.

A Simple Self-Hypnosis Technique You Can Try at Home

If you’re feeling the August Blues, try this short exercise:

  1. Find a quiet space and sit comfortably.
  2. Close your eyes and take three slow, deep breaths.
  3. Visualise a calming late-summer scene—perhaps a London park at sunset, with golden light through the trees.
  4. Breathe in the colours, sounds, and feelings of this scene, letting them spread through your body.
  5. Repeat silently: “I am calm, energised, and ready for the next chapter.”
  6. Open your eyes slowly and return to the present moment.

This is just a small taste—working with a trained hypnotherapist can help you anchor these feelings deeply, so they become part of your natural emotional state.

At a glance

The August Blues are not a personal failing—they’re a natural response to change, reflection, and the shifting rhythms of the year. With the right tools, they can be transformed into a period of renewal and motivation.

If you’re experiencing low mood, anxiety, or stress this August, hypnotherapy at London Hypnotics, 364 City Road, London, could help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

References:

  • Lam, R. W., Levitt, A. J., & Levitan, R. D. (2006). The August Blues and Seasonal Changes in Mood. Journal of Affective Disorders, 94(1–3), 85–90.
  • Thompson, R., & Bishop, S. (2012). Seasonal affective changes and their psychosocial impact. British Journal of Psychology, 103(1), 27–45.
  • Spiegel, H., & Spiegel, D. (2004). Trance and Treatment: Clinical Uses of Hypnosis. American Psychiatric Publishing.
  • Davidson, R. J., & McEwen, B. S. (2012). Social influences on neuroplasticity: Stress and interventions to promote well-being. Nature Neuroscience, 15(5), 689–695.
by Antonios Koletsas
Health

Hypnosis for Chronic Pain: Why It Works and How It Changes Lives

July 23, 2025

Chronic pain is a silent epidemic. Unlike acute pain, which signals an injury or short-term condition, chronic pain lingers for weeks, months, or even years—long after the original cause has healed. For many of my clients at London Hypnotics, it’s not just the physical discomfort that’s exhausting, but the emotional toll, frustration, and impact on daily life.

And yet, in this often overwhelming journey, hypnosis offers hope—real, evidence-based hope.

Image by Freepik

Understanding Chronic Pain

Pain is a signal generated by the brain—not just a response to physical injury. This means that while the origin of the pain might be in the body, the experience of pain is constructed in the mind. Neuroscience has shown that emotional states like anxiety, fear, and even expectation can amplify the perception of pain. In chronic pain, the nervous system can get stuck in a feedback loop, where pain becomes the default setting—even if there is no ongoing tissue damage.

This is where hypnotherapy becomes powerful.

Why Hypnosis Works for Chronic Pain

Hypnosis allows us to bypass the critical, analytical part of the mind and speak directly to the subconscious, where patterns of pain perception are often embedded. During trance, the brain enters a highly focused, relaxed state in which it’s more receptive to suggestion and neural rewiring. This enables us to:

  • Retrain the brain’s response to pain
  • Break the emotional associations that amplify pain (such as fear or helplessness)
  • Promote relaxation and reduce inflammation
  • Shift the client’s attention away from pain to comfort or neutrality

In simple terms, hypnotherapy helps to turn the volume down on pain.

Scientific Support

Studies show promising results. One landmark review published in The International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis found that hypnosis can reduce chronic pain by up to 30-50% in many individuals (Jensen & Patterson, 2014). MRI scans even reveal that during hypnosis, the brain’s pain centers show reduced activity.

Conditions like fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), back pain, migraines, and even phantom limb pain have all responded well to hypnotic intervention.

Examples of Techniques I Use

At London Hypnotics, I tailor each session to the individual’s needs. Some of the tools I incorporate include:

  • Glove Anesthesia: Creating numbness in one hand and transferring it to a painful area.
  • Time Distortion: Helping clients perceive pain episodes as shorter or less frequent.
  • Parts Therapy: Speaking directly to the part of the mind that holds on to pain for protective reasons and helping it find a new, healthier role.
  • Imagery and Visualization: Guiding clients to visualise the pain dissolving or being turned down like a volume dial.

A Client Success Story: Meet Emma

Emma, a 42-year-old yoga teacher, came to me after suffering from chronic lower back pain for over five years. She had tried everything—physiotherapy, acupuncture, strong painkillers. Nothing offered lasting relief. The constant pain was draining her energy and joy.

In our first session, we identified that the pain often flared up during times of stress. Using a blend of hypnotic techniques and mind-body awareness, I helped Emma reconnect to a sense of safety in her body. Over six sessions, we worked on reducing her pain, calming her nervous system, and building new subconscious pathways.

Two months later, Emma returned saying, “It’s like I’ve got my life back. The pain is still there sometimes, but I’m no longer afraid of it—and most days, it’s barely noticeable.”

She now uses self-hypnosis regularly and has resumed teaching yoga with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can hypnosis cure chronic pain?

Hypnosis is not a cure for all chronic pain, but it can dramatically reduce the intensity, frequency, and emotional impact of pain. For many clients, this leads to a significant improvement in quality of life and sometimes complete remission of symptoms.

2. How many sessions will I need?

This depends on the nature and duration of the pain, as well as individual responsiveness. Most clients begin noticing changes within 3 to 6 sessions, though some benefit from ongoing support or learning self-hypnosis techniques.

3. Will I be unconscious or lose control during hypnosis?

Not at all. Hypnosis is a natural, relaxed state of focused awareness. You remain conscious and in control throughout the session—just like daydreaming or getting lost in a good book.

4. Is there scientific evidence behind this?

Yes. Hypnosis has been extensively studied for pain relief, with consistent results showing it can reduce pain perception, anxiety, and medication use. Neuroimaging studies even show changes in how the brain processes pain during hypnosis.

5. Can I learn self-hypnosis for long-term relief?

Absolutely. Teaching self-hypnosis is a key part of my approach at London Hypnotics. It empowers you to take control of your healing process and manage your symptoms independently.

Final Thoughts

If you or someone you know is living with chronic pain, know this: your brain is not broken, and your body is not betraying you. It’s trying to protect you. With the right guidance, you can retrain your brain to perceive the world—and your body—differently.

At London Hypnotics, I’ve had the privilege of helping many individuals reclaim their lives from pain. If you’re curious about how hypnosis can help, feel free to get in touch.

Let’s explore what’s possible—together.

References:

  • Jensen, M. P., & Patterson, D. R. (2014). Hypnotic approaches for chronic pain management: Clinical implications of recent research findings. American Psychologist, 69(2), 167–177.
  • Montgomery, G. H., DuHamel, K. N., & Redd, W. H. (2000). A meta-analysis of hypnotically induced analgesia: How effective is hypnosis? International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 48(2), 138-153.
  • Derbyshire, S. W. G., Whalley, M. G., & Oakley, D. A. (2009). Fibromyalgia pain and its modulation by hypnotic and non-hypnotic suggestion: An fMRI analysis. European Journal of Pain, 13(5), 542–550.
by Antonios Koletsas
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