Before we dive into the specifics of how the program works, it’s important to understand what’s actually happening with IBS and why our approach is effective.
IBS isn’t just a digestive problem—it’s a gut-brain communication problem. Your child’s digestive system is structurally normal (there’s nothing physically damaged or diseased), but the signals between their brain and gut aren’t working properly.
Think of it like a smartphone with a software glitch. The hardware is fine, but the programming needs an update. Traditional treatments focus on managing the symptoms (like restarting your phone over and over). Our approach fixes the actual software problem.
The Gut-Brian Axis
Your child’s digestive system and brain are in constant communication through a complex network of nerves, hormones, and neurotransmitters. This is called the gut-brain axis.
When this communication works properly:
In IBS, this communication system is disrupted:
You’ve probably noticed that your child’s symptoms flare during stressful times—before tests, during social challenges, or when there’s tension at home. This isn’t coincidental.
When your child experiences stress or anxiety, their nervous system goes into “fight or flight” mode. In this state:
For most people, this settles down quickly when stress passes. But in IBS, the system stays stuck in high-alert mode, continuing to overreact even to minor stressors.
The Subconscious Control
Here’s the key insight: Your child isn’t consciously controlling their digestion. They’re not thinking “Contract, intestines!” or “Be less sensitive!”
Digestion is controlled entirely by the subconscious mind—the part of the brain that manages automatic functions like breathing and heart rate.
In IBS, the subconscious mind has learned a dysfunctional pattern. But just as it learned this pattern, it can learn a new, healthier one.
That’s exactly what our program teaches.
Did the word “hypnosis” make you skeptically raise your eyebrows? You’re not alone. Most people think of a stage performance with a swinging a pocket watch in front of someone and then they cluck like a chicken.
That is NOT what this is.
Medical hypnosis is a focused state of relaxation where the mind becomes more receptive to positive suggestions and new learning. This isn’t stage hypnosis or mind control—it’s a well-researched therapeutic technique recognized by major medical organizations.
How it works for IBS: During hypnosis sessions, your child:
What the research shows:
In our program:
Your child will listen to professionally recorded hypnosis sessions designed specifically for young people with IBS. These aren’t generic relaxation recordings—they’re targeted sessions that address the specific mechanisms of IBS.
The sessions use:
Your child can listen to these sessions on any device, at any time. Many kids prefer listening before bed, though morning or afternoon works too. The more consistently they practice, the faster they see results.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been well-recognized as the best treatment for people with anxiety. It is a practical, skills-based approach that helps people change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. It’s one of the most researched and effective psychological treatments available.
How CBT works for IBS: The relationship between thoughts, emotions, and physical symptoms creates a cycle:
CBT breaks this cycle by helping your child:
In Our Program: Your child will learn specific CBT techniques.
These aren’t abstract concepts. They’re concrete, practical tools your child can use immediately and will have for life.
Motivation might seem like a “soft” factor, but research consistently shows it’s crucial for successful health outcomes.
Kids who feel hopeful, engaged, and empowered heal faster and more completely than those who feel helpless or passive.
Traditional motivational interviewing is effective but time-consuming. We’ve incorporated more efficient, elegant motivational strategies that work quickly and powerfully.
The comprehensive Controlling Your Gut Feelings® IBS natural treatment program will help you & your child turn goals into reality.
The program consists of 8 video lessons, which are simple, short, and digestible and range from 5 to 20 minutes in length. You (your child) can work through the lessons at his own pace as Dr. Lazarus directs him step by step.
No matter how you (your child) prefers to learn–computer, tablet, or phone–we have you covered with a program formatted for all your devices.
Fun and easy-to-understand and -complete homework assignments help reinforce the skills you (your child) learned from Dr. Lazarus and allows her to track the progress and celebrate the wins.
Controlling Your Gut Feelings® is the IBS natural treatment solution to your child’s gut issues that provides quick, lasting relief.
