Product Review: IBS Audio Program 100

The IBS Audio Program 100 consists of a set of three CDS containing gut-directed hypnotherapy for home listening. A bonus CD offering an explanation of IBS is included for use by friends and family members. This home-based hypnotherapy option, commonly known as "Mike's Tapes" provides a nice alternative for those who are looking to try hypnotherapy for IBS based on research support for its effectiveness in reducing IBS symptoms.

Hypnotherapy on the IBS Audio Program 100 CDs is provided by Michael Mahoney. According to the Healthy Audio web site, Mr. Mahoney practices hypnotherapy in England in clinical settings as well as through his own private practice. He is a member of several hypnotherapy professional organizations and has conducted research on the benefits of hypnotherapy for IBS. Mr. Mahoney has produced other hypnotherapy audio programs addressing a variety of health issues, including pain, anxiety, and breast cancer emotional recovery, as well as the IBS Audio Program 60 for use with children.

• The most obvious advantage of the IBS Audio Program 100 is that it offers a home-based IBS treatment option. This makes it ideal for IBS patients whose symptoms make it difficult for them to commit to attending treatment appointments outside of the home. The Audio Program also fills in the gap for individuals who live in areas in which no qualified hypnotherapists are available.


• The CDs are professionally produced with excellent sound quality.


• Mr. Mahoney's voice is soothing and comforting -- a pleasure to listen to.


• The program includes an excellent and comprehensive discussion of IBS as a disorder, with a well-laid rationale for the use and benefits of hypnotherapy for IBS. The bonus CD is a nice add-on offering IBS education to non-sufferers.


• Time commitment to the program is manageable, with most sessions taking 30 to 45 (relaxing) minutes per day.

• The cost of the program might be prohibitive for those on limited budgets.


• This home-based hypnotherapy program may not fully replace the experience of working one-on-one with a clinician. It would be nice to see some research comparing the effectiveness of audio programs versus live clinical sessions.

I was extremely impressed with the quality of the IBS Audio 100 program. Overall, the program provides a deeply relaxing experience that aims to modify unhealthy habitual ways of thinking about the disorder -- something that most IBS sufferers could benefit from. I do wish there was some research specifically focused on the effectiveness of the IBS Audio Program 100 for IBS, although if you surf the Internet, you will find a lot of anecdotal support. If the price is not an issue for you, the IBS Audio Program definitely seems to be a good option for those seeking relief of IBS symptoms.