Michael Mahoney: IBS Hypnosis treatment specialist
Michael Mahoney is the Founder of the IBS Register and is also the developer and author of this site. He is recognised as one of the United Kingdom's leading clinical Hypnotherapist in this field. He has been in professional practice since 1986. He is based in an NHS medical practice in Warrington, Cheshire England. His services are regularly used by gastroenterologists, doctors and other medical professionals. Over the years he has taught hundreds of hypnotherapists in his OPSIM approach to IBS.
Michael is an associate member of the Primary Care Society for Gastroenterology, and holds membership in other professional organisations.
Hypnosis has been proven highly effective in alleviating IBS symptoms. With over 25 years of solid scientific research to demonstrate hypnotherapy as an effective, safe and inexpensive choice for long term IBS symptom alleviation. Hypnotherapy routinely produces positive results in over 80% of the people who use it as a treatment for IBS.
It has been so overwhelmingly successful for IBS symptom alleviation that Adriane Fugh-Berman, MD, chair of the National Women's Health Network in Washington, DC, says that hypnosis should be the treatment of choice for IBS cases which have not responded to conventional therapy.
Michael is also the author of numerous articles for various publications, including The Journal of the Complementary Medical Association, CAM: Magazine for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Professionals, European Cancer Education Magazine, The Journal for Clinical Hypnotherapists in Practice, Gastroenterology in Primary Care, Positive Health Magazine, Amoena Life Magazine, and EndoNurse Magazine, among others, as well as his monthly column entitled Hypnotes. His work is featured in 7 books including First Year IBS and IBS for Dummies.
Michael has been a guest on radio shows including London Radio: LBC Health Program with Dr. Pam on the topic of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Clinical Hypnotherapy.
Over the years Michael has helped literally thousands of IBS sufferers both in his practice and through his IBS Audio Program 100 for adults (click image for more information) a CD set including 3 CDs, An introduction explaining the emotional impact of IBS, and 5 structered interlinked sessions, each one building on the proceeding one.
With an accompanying booklet which includes a listening schedule, progress log, symptom check list and other information relevant to the IBS sufferer. And of course the free IBS companion CD.
IBS Audio Program 60 for children (click picture) developped specifically for IBS in children. Multiple CDs, multiple sessions, booklet and parental CD too. Both availalbe on CD set or download.
Michael also developed the IBS Companion for none IBS sufferers who want to know more about IBS. This is also a valuable resource for IBS sufferers who are weary of explaining IBS to family, friends, co-workers and others. And it is included free in the IBS Audio Program 100 CD set. Available on CD or MP3 download.
Additionally he has helped scores of Hypnotherapists with additional training in his methods to help their patients alleviate the symptoms of this most troublesome condition.
Selection of Publications
Michael Mahoney, MDHthp. Hypnotherapy: An Unexpected Help: The Use of Hypnotherapy in Alleviation of Patient Discomfort and Fear for Diagnostic GI Procedures, and IBS. EndoNurse Magazine April/May 2007
http://www.endonurse.com/articles/07junscope.html June 1, 2007
Michael Mahoney, MDHthp. The Use of Clinical Hypnotherapy in the Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Stress. CAM: Magazine for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Professionals February 2007, Vol. 6 No.7 pp.28-32.
Mind and Body: The Power Within. Amoena Life Magazine, Spring/Summer 2006. p. 33. Emotional Rollercoaster: Has breast cancer turned your life upside down? Emotional Recovery from Breast Cancer featuring Michael Mahoney’s work in this field.
European Cancer Education Magazine, March 2005, Emotional Recovery from Breast Cancer: Abstract of clinical trials for CHT Program developed by Michael Mahoney, MDHthp.
New Developments from Michael Mahoney, Emotional Recovery from Breast Cancer Program, The Journal for Clinical Hypnotherapists in Practice. September 2005, Vol. 7 No. 3 pp.4 -5.
Michael Mahoney, MDHthp. Self-Harming Patient: An Unusual Case. The Journal for Clinical Hypnotherapists in Practice. September 2005, Vol. 7 No. 3 pp. 10 – 11, 14.
Michael Mahoney, MDHthp. Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Emotional and Physical. The Journal for Clinical Hypnotherapists in Practice. March 2003, Vol. 5 No. 1 pp.10-11.
Michael Mahoney, MDHthp. Clinical Hypnotherapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Positive Health Magazine. May 2002, pp. 28-30.
Michael Mahoney, UK Register of IBS Therapists. Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Hypnotherapy. Gastroenterology in Primary Care, publication of the Primary Care Society for Gastroenterology. © PCSG 2002
Featured Profile in Complementary Medicine Success Stories – CMA Member: Michael Mahoney, The Journal of the Complementary Medical Association, Spring 2004, p. 8.
Featured in the professional publication, Hypnotherapist Magazine, June 2004, p.12, “Review” by David Slater, contributor to Radio Gloucestershire, “IBS Audio Programme 100 by Michael Mahoney”.
The Top Brass: The 10 leading hypnotherapists in Britain: Michael Mahoney, first. Compiled by Kate Hilpern assisted by the Hypnotherapy Association. The Independent, UK Sunday Edition, 23 March 2003.
Relieving pain around the world. Warrington Guardian News. 28 November 2002
Books citing the work Michael Mahoney
First Year IBS: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed
Heather Van Vorous, Marlowe & Company, 2001
ISBN: 1-56924-547-9 pp. 97 - 113
First Year IBS - British Edition
Heather Van Vorous – British Edits by Michael Mahoney
Endorsed by the UK Register of IBS Therapists – Mahoney – Founder
Constable & Robinson Ltd. 2001-2004
ISBN: 1-84119-805-6 pp. 106-127, 216, 259
IBS for Dummies
Carolyn Dean, MD, ND, L. Christine Wheeler, MA, Wiley Publishers, November 2005
ISBN: 0-7645-9814-7 p.334, p. 117, pp. 230-232
Eyes Without Sparkle: A Journey Through Post-Natal Illness
Elaine A. Hanzak, Published by Radcliffe Medical, Jan 30, 2005 ISBN 185775655x
Learning from Wonderful Lives: Lessons from the Study of Well-Being
Nick Baylis, PhD, Cambridge University Psychologist and Times Columnist
Cambridge Well-Being Books Ltd. August 2005 ISBN: 0-9550503-0-8
Eating for IBS
Heather Van Vorous, Marlowe & Company, 2000
ISBN: 1-56924-600-9 p. 270 – Directory of Resources
IBS Chat
Barbara Bolen, PhD. and Jeffrey Roberts, iUniverse Publishers, 2007 ISBN: 0-595-39827-8 pp. 468-476 are dedicated to Hypnotherapy and the IBS Audio Program 100.
Professional Comments regarding Michael’s work with Irritable Bowel Syndrome:
“I have listened to Michael Mahoney's excellent IBS Audio Programme 100® and I can thoroughly recommend it. Based on Mr. Mahoney's extensive experience in helping people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, it provides a comprehensive educational package on IBS and a series of hypnotherapy sessions, each building on the previous one to produce a 100-day course on managing your IBS. Many of my patients have found it to be the answer for their IBS. So do try it. This could be the best money you could spend.”
Dr. Nick Read, MD, BChir, MB, FRCP, MA
Gastroenterologist and Psychotherapist - Sheffield England
“Research has proven 'gut related' hypnotherapy to be the most effective therapy in reducing the symptoms of IBS. The conventional biomedical or pharmaceutical approach is frequently ineffective with the chronic and more severe IBS sufferers. I am a firm believer in a complementary approach. I have referred many patients to Michael with beneficial results. His impact considers the holistic nature needed for the management of IBS. I believe clinical hypnotherapy can advance the current management of IBS as part of a multidisciplinary approach to the disorder.” - Karen Gowland RGN BA (Hons), Gastroenterology Specialist Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Rep Colo-Proctology Group The Royal Liverpool University Hospital Trust, England
“I recommend all my IBS patients to consider Michael’s hypnotherapy as a complementary therapy, since we have had such a good success record.” - Dr. Ian Wilson, MB.ChB. D.R.C.O.G. Senior Partner, Guardian Medical Centre - Cheshire England
“Michael Mahoney has provided an excellent service, not only to our own patients, but to all the population of Warrington and beyond, and especially for patients with IBS.” - Dr. Graham D. Smith, Senior Partner, Retired November 2002, Guardian Medical Centre, Cheshire, England
“I can personally endorse the IBS Audio Program 100® because I believe it has been credibly established as genuinely helpful for people with IBS.” - Heather Van Vorous, author of the book:
The First Year IBS: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed - Seattle, Washington
“The IBS Audio Program 100® is a beneficial tool in addressing IBS symptoms and I would recommend it for my patients. Though I do not have IBS personally, I listen to the program regularly for relaxation and stress reduction.” - Martha (Marcie) Bordelon, CNP, Certified Nurse Practitioner, Rochester, Minnesota
"We are still having success with your IBS Audio Program 100® for managing IBS. I appreciate your generosity in allowing us to introduce this modality to our patients… The more tools …for managing this condition, the better chance of alleviating/controlling the symptoms." - Jerri Pawson, MA CCRC, West Hills Gastroenterology Assoc., P.C. Oregon
“Michael Mahoney’s strong, assuring spirit guides the listener into a future of hope and healing. These sessions gentle down the body, mind and spirit, and build on the individual’s inner ability and power to heal. Positive! Sound! Compassionate!” - Deedee Van Dyke, Chaplain - Provena Mercy Center Hospital, Aurora, Illinois
Professional Comments regarding Michael’s work with breast cancer emotional recovery:
“As an oncologist, I am very aware that we in the medical profession so often solely focus on the physical recovery of our cancer patients. Often we feel unequipped or unable to deal with their emotional recovery, which is a vital aspect of their healing process. In this day and age, many of us have lost contact with our inner selves as we endeavour to continue our busy and hectic lives. After meeting Michael in a weeklong cancer education programme in England late 2004, it soon became apparent that his motivation, knowledge and determination had led to an exciting conclusion in his field of interest.
Having listened to the recording developed by Michael Mahoney, I find this CD a very thoughtful and useful aid to help patients realise it is essential to stop, spend quality time with themselves, relax, rest and re-learn the link between mind and body, and thereby helping themselves in their emotional recovery from cancer.
In a disease that often takes away the patients’ control over their lives, this audio CD recording is a very empowering tool, which I believe will help many patients that listen to it. I would not hesitate to recommend this to my patients, and I wish Michael luck in this and his future plans. It is in short, a thoughtful piece of work, which will bring to the patient a much-needed emotional boost, and for the medical profession, another avenue of much needed resource in this vital area” - Sandra de Canha (MB.Ch.B, MMed) Oncologist, South Africa
“Having listened to Michael’s CD, An Aid To Emotional Recovery After Breast Cancer©, I am sure it will be very helpful for those patients at that stage in their recovery process. It was really good listening.” Kay Fisher, Chairperson of Warrington Breast Cancer Support Group, Registered Nurse, and former Breast Care Nurse at Warrington Hospital.
“I think what’s happening is fantastic, this is an excellent example of how the work at Bristol Cancer Help Centre can ripple out into uniquely successful projects.” - Pat Turton, former Director of Education at the internationally acclaimed Bristol Cancer Help Centre , now currently Principal Lecturer in Cancer Care at the University of the West of England and one of Mahoney’s tutors who played a key part in encouraging Mahoney in his work.
"Mike has been working at a high standard in complementary therapy for many years and this is a further extension of his excellent work. He continues to push the boundaries of care to a higher level." - Dr. Ian Wilson MB.ChB D.R.C.O.G Senior Partner Guardian Medical Centre.
"I truly believe Mike has provided a needed service for women who are emotionally recovering from breast cancer. This CD addresses integral concerns of women - who often are criticized for being "too emotional" or for women who may have expectations that they should be "fine” after they are in recovery. It is especially important that within this program, women are given permission to acknowledge the emotional stress and strain they are dealing with, and through gentle relaxation and imagery they are provided the tools for regaining and replenishing their emotional energies. Mike's CD is an affirming, empowering, gentle encouragement to women recovering from breast cancer as well as for improving the quality of life!" - Marcie (Martha) Bordelon, CNP, Certified Nurse Practitioner, Rochester, Minnesota, USA