Stress, Immune Health and Chronic Inflammation in Ireland: How Therapy, Nutrition, Clinical Hypnotherapy and RTT® Can Help You Feel More Regulated

Summary

Chronic stress can affect far more than your mood. It may influence sleep, digestion, immune function, inflammation, cravings, pain, hormones, energy, skin, mental health and flare patterns in some autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.

I am Claire Russell, Registered Nutritionist, Clinical Medical Hypnotherapist, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Counsellor, Psychotherapist, Advanced RTT® practitioner and Advanced Rapid Transformational Therapist with over 20 years of clinical experience across Ireland, the UK, Europe, the UAE and worldwide. I work with adults, teenagers, and children online across Ireland and internationally, and in person in Adare, Newcastle West, Limerick, Abbeyfeale, Charleville, Kanturk, Midleton, Youghal, Lismore Cork, Dungarvan and Dublin.

This article/resource explains how stress can affect the immune system, why symptoms often overlap across gut health, hormones, anxiety, trauma, addictions, sleep and chronic inflammation, and how an integrated approach using Counselling, Psychotherapy, Registered Nutritionist Services, Clinical Medical Hypnotherapy, Clinical Hypnotherapy, Hypnotherapy, Hypnosis and Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT®) may help you understand the patterns behind your symptoms.

What Is Chronic Stress?

Stress is the body’s response to pressure, threat, demand or overload. Short bursts of stress can be useful. They can help you react quickly, focus, protect yourself and meet a deadline.

Chronic stress is different. It means the body and mind stay under pressure for too long, too often, or without enough recovery. You may look as though you are coping. You may still be working, caring for others, parenting, studying, running a business or managing family responsibilities. Yet inside, your nervous system may be working overtime.

For many people, stress does not feel like one clear emotion. It can show up as:

  1. Anxiety, panic, constant worry or racing thoughts
  2. Low mood, depression, tearfulness or emotional numbness
  3. Irritability, anger, resentment or feeling easily triggered
  4. Poor sleep, early waking, vivid dreams or waking exhausted
  5. Gut symptoms such as bloating, reflux, irritable bowel symptoms, diarrhoea, constipation or stomach pain
  6. Food cravings, sugar addiction patterns, comfort eating or loss of appetite
  7. Fatigue, brain fog, headaches, muscle tension or chronic pain
  8. Skin flare-ups such as acne, eczema, psoriasis or stress-related itching
  9. Hormonal symptoms such as premenstrual syndrome, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, perimenopause symptoms, menopause symptoms, thyroid changes or polycystic ovary syndrome patterns
  10. Addictive patterns with alcohol, vaping, smoking, drugs, gambling, pornography, sex, food or sugar
  11. Relationship conflict, withdrawal, mistrust, grief, betrayal, separation stress or communication breakdown
  12. Flare patterns in inflammatory or autoimmune symptoms such as coeliac disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease or psoriasis

The important point is this: stress is not “just in your head”. It can influence the body through hormones, immune signalling, digestion, blood sugar, sleep chemistry and nervous system regulation.

How Stress Can Affect the Immune System

Your immune system is your body’s defence and repair network. It helps protect you from infections, responds to injury, clears damaged cells and coordinates inflammatory responses.

When you are under stress, the body activates several systems, including the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis. This is the communication pathway between the brain and adrenal glands that influences cortisol, a hormone involved in energy, inflammation, blood sugar and alertness.

In short-term stress, cortisol and adrenaline can help you mobilise energy. In long-term stress, the pattern can become less helpful. The body may become more inflamed, more reactive, less rested and less able to return to balance.

This may affect:

  1. Cytokines, which are immune signalling proteins involved in inflammation
  2. Cortisol rhythm, which can affect morning energy and night-time sleep
  3. Gut barrier function, which can influence bloating, food sensitivity patterns and immune activity
  4. Blood sugar regulation, which can affect cravings, mood, energy crashes and weight
  5. Pain sensitivity, which can make muscle tension, headaches and chronic pain feel worse
  6. Sleep quality, which is essential for immune regulation and emotional processing
  7. Skin and autoimmune flare patterns in susceptible people

This does not mean stress is the only cause of autoimmune disease, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, gut disorders or mental health issues. These conditions are multifactorial, meaning many factors may be involved, including genetics, infections, environment, nutrition, trauma history, sleep, hormones, medications, life events and social circumstances.

It does mean stress is often worth addressing seriously, especially when symptoms keep recurring.

Stress and Autoimmune Conditions

Autoimmune conditions occur when the immune system mistakenly targets the body’s own tissues. Examples include rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, coeliac disease, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis and some systemic rheumatic conditions.

Research has linked stress-related disorders and traumatic stress exposure with increased autoimmune risk in some populations. Other studies have explored links between adverse childhood experiences, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and psoriasis. These findings do not prove that stress alone causes autoimmune illness, but they do suggest a meaningful connection between long-term stress biology, immune function and inflammation.

Many clients describe a pattern such as:

“I was under huge pressure for years, then my body seemed to crash.”

Or:

“My symptoms flare when I am overwhelmed, grieving, anxious or not sleeping.”

Or:

“I can manage my food and medication, but stress still seems to trigger my gut, skin, pain or fatigue.”

This is where a joined-up clinical approach can be helpful. It allows you to look at the person, not just the symptom.

The Gut Brain Immune Connection

The gut brain axis is the two-way communication system between the digestive tract and the brain. It involves nerves, immune signals, hormones, gut microbes and inflammatory pathways.

This is why stress can affect digestion, and digestion can affect mood.

You may notice:

  1. Reflux during pressure or conflict
  2. Bloating after stressful days, even with the same food
  3. Irritable bowel symptoms before work, school, travel or social events
  4. Cravings when you are tired, lonely, angry or overstretched
  5. Loose stools or constipation when anxious
  6. Nausea, appetite changes or stomach tightness
  7. Food fear after repeated digestive discomfort

Digestive symptoms such as irritable bowel syndrome, reflux, bloating, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, diverticular symptoms, H. pylori history, constipation, diarrhoea and abdominal pain often need a careful, practical plan. Registered Nutritionist Services can help identify food patterns, nutrient gaps, blood sugar swings, meal timing issues, inflammatory triggers and eating behaviours that may be worsening symptoms.

Counselling, Psychotherapy, Clinical Hypnotherapy and Clinical Medical Hypnotherapy can also help when the gut is strongly linked with anxiety, trauma, panic, phobias, eating patterns, body shame, stress or fear of symptoms.

Stress, Hormones, Weight and Cravings

Stress can influence weight and metabolic health in several ways. It may affect appetite, food choices, sleep, blood sugar, insulin sensitivity, cravings, energy levels and motivation.

You may find yourself thinking:

  1. “I know what to eat, but I cannot stay consistent.”
  2. “I crave sugar at night.”
  3. “I eat when I am stressed, angry, lonely or exhausted.”
  4. “I lose weight, then regain it when life gets difficult.”
  5. “Perimenopause has changed everything.”
  6. “My thyroid, gut and mood all feel connected.”

Weight loss and metabolic health are rarely just about willpower. For many people, food addiction patterns, sugar addiction, emotional eating, trauma, ADHD, poor sleep, hormone changes, gut symptoms and stress biology are all part of the picture.

As a Registered Nutritionist and therapist, my work can bring together nutritional structure with emotional and behavioural change. This may include support for weight loss, binge patterns, sugar cravings, food addiction, body confidence, blood sugar stability, inflammation, thyroid health, polycystic ovary syndrome, perimenopause, menopause and fatigue.

Stress, Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, OCD and Neurodivergence

Chronic stress can increase mental load. If you already experience anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive compulsive symptoms, autistic traits or broader neurodivergent patterns, stress may make daily functioning feel harder.

You may struggle with:

  1. Overthinking and mental looping
  2. Panic or dread
  3. Executive function difficulties
  4. Emotional shutdown
  5. Rejection sensitivity
  6. Sensory overwhelm
  7. Compulsive checking or reassurance seeking
  8. Sleep disruption
  9. Avoidance, procrastination or burnout
  10. Low self-belief and harsh self-talk

Children and teenagers may show stress differently. They may become angry, withdrawn, clingy, tearful, restless, perfectionistic, avoidant, explosive or physically unwell. They may complain of stomach aches, headaches, tiredness or school-related distress.

Counselling and Psychotherapy can help explore what is happening underneath the behaviour. Clinical Hypnotherapy, Clinical Medical Hypnotherapy and RTT® may also be helpful for some clients where subconscious patterns, fear responses, old beliefs or stress conditioning are part of the picture.

Stress, Trauma, PTSD and Complex PTSD

Trauma is not only about what happened. It is also about how the nervous system, mind and body adapted afterwards.

Post traumatic stress disorder and complex post traumatic stress can affect sleep, trust, relationships, digestion, pain, immune function, mood, memory, concentration and emotional regulation. Some people become constantly alert. Others disconnect from their feelings. Some move between both.

Common signs include:

  1. Hypervigilance or feeling on edge
  2. Flashbacks, nightmares or intrusive memories
  3. Shame, guilt or self-blame
  4. Avoidance of reminders
  5. Emotional numbness
  6. Difficulty trusting others
  7. Relationship conflict or fear of abandonment
  8. Addictive coping patterns
  9. Chronic tension, pain, fatigue or gut symptoms

Therapy provides a careful space to understand these patterns and build safer ways of responding. RTT® is an intensive therapeutic approach that may help some clients explore the roots of limiting beliefs, fears, phobias, self-sabotage, trauma responses and emotional blocks. Clinical Medical Hypnotherapy may also support stress regulation, sleep, pain coping and behaviour change.

Stress, Addictions and Compulsive Patterns

Addictions are often attempts to regulate distress, not signs of weakness. Alcohol, vaping, smoking, drugs, gambling, pornography, sex, sugar, food and compulsive behaviours can become ways to reduce pressure, numb emotion, chase relief or escape internal discomfort.

The problem is that short-term relief often leads to longer-term distress. Shame increases. Health may suffer. Relationships become strained. Sleep worsens. Cravings intensify. The cycle repeats.

Hypnotherapy, Hypnosis, Clinical Hypnotherapy, Clinical Medical Hypnotherapy, Counselling, Psychotherapy and RTT® can help address both the behaviour and the emotional drivers underneath it. Nutrition can also play a role, especially where cravings, blood sugar swings, nutrient gaps, gut symptoms, poor sleep or fatigue are contributing to relapse patterns.

How My Services Work Together

1. Counselling

Counselling can help you speak openly about stress, grief, loss, betrayal, burnout, relationship pain, anxiety, depression, parenting strain, work pressure or emotional overwhelm.

It can help you make sense of what you feel, what you need, what you tolerate and what needs to change.

2. Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy often goes deeper into patterns that have developed over time. These may include trauma responses, attachment wounds, shame, fear, self-criticism, emotional avoidance, anger, people-pleasing, low self-worth or repeated relationship patterns.

It may be especially relevant if stress has become long-standing or linked with early experiences, chronic illness, addictions, complex grief, betrayal, separation, conflict or identity loss.

3. Couples Counselling and Marriage Counselling

Stress often shows up in relationships. One person withdraws. Another pursues. Arguments repeat. Resentment builds. Communication becomes defensive. Intimacy changes. Trust may be damaged after betrayal, separation threats, addiction, grief, fertility strain, parenting pressure or health difficulties.

Couples Counselling and Marriage Counselling can help improve communication, reduce conflict, understand emotional triggers and create a clearer path forward.

4. Registered Nutritionist Services

Nutrition can influence inflammation, gut function, blood sugar, hormones, cravings, energy, sleep and immune health.

A nutrition consultation may explore:

  1. Meal patterns and food timing
  2. Protein, fibre and micronutrient intake
  3. Blood sugar balance
  4. Gut symptoms and digestive patterns
  5. Weight loss and metabolic health
  6. Autoimmune and inflammatory symptoms
  7. Hormonal concerns such as thyroid symptoms, PMS, PMDD, PCOS, perimenopause and menopause
  8. Skin concerns such as acne, eczema or psoriasis
  9. Fertility nutrition for men and women
  10. Fatigue, pain, cravings and mood patterns

This is not about rigid dieting. It is about understanding what your body needs and what is realistic for your life.

5. Clinical Medical Hypnotherapy

Clinical Medical Hypnotherapy uses therapeutic hypnosis in a clinical context. Hypnosis is a focused state of attention in which the mind may become more receptive to therapeutic suggestions, imagery and change work.

It may be used alongside other care for stress, sleep, pain coping, anxiety, habits, phobias, gut symptoms, medical procedure anxiety, cravings and emotional regulation.

6. Clinical Hypnotherapy, Hypnotherapy and Hypnosis

Clinical Hypnotherapy, Hypnotherapy and Hypnosis may help with patterns that feel automatic, such as smoking, vaping, sugar cravings, comfort eating, fear responses, phobias, public speaking anxiety, confidence blocks, sleep habits or self-sabotage.

The aim is not to lose control. The aim is to help you gain more choice over responses that have felt difficult to shift consciously.

7. Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT®) and Advanced RTT®

Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT®) is an intensive therapeutic approach that draws on principles from hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural approaches and other change-focused methods. It is designed to help identify and update unhelpful beliefs, emotional patterns and behaviours that may be rooted in earlier experiences.

Advanced RTT® may be suitable for clients who feel stuck in long-standing cycles such as low self-worth, phobias, trauma responses, relationship patterns, addictions, emotional eating, anxiety, performance blocks or stress-related symptoms.

What You Can Try This Fortnight

These steps are educational and not a substitute for medical care. Please speak with your GP, consultant, pharmacist or relevant healthcare professional before changing medication, supplements or treatment plans.

1. Track Your Stress Symptom Pattern

For two weeks, note your sleep, mood, digestion, cravings, pain, skin, energy and flare symptoms. Look for patterns.

Ask yourself:

  1. What happens after conflict?
  2. What happens after poor sleep?
  3. What happens when I skip meals?
  4. What happens before cravings?
  5. What happens around my cycle, if relevant?
  6. What happens when I feel trapped, criticised, rushed or overwhelmed?

Patterns give you information. Information gives you options.

2. Stabilise Breakfast

A balanced breakfast can help steady blood sugar, reduce cravings and improve morning energy. Consider including protein, fibre and healthy fats.

Examples include eggs with wholegrain toast and vegetables, Greek yoghurt with berries and seeds, porridge with nuts and protein, or a savoury breakfast with beans, avocado and vegetables.

3. Reduce the Evening Stress Spiral

Many people cope all day, then collapse into scrolling, snacking, alcohol, smoking, vaping or overthinking at night. Try creating a 20-minute evening reset.

This might include a warm shower, light stretching, a simple meal plan for tomorrow, journalling a worry list, preparing clothes or setting a screen boundary.

4. Protect Sleep as Immune Care

Sleep is not laziness. It is immune, hormonal and emotional maintenance.

Try keeping wake time consistent, reducing late caffeine, dimming lights in the evening, leaving your phone outside the bedroom and getting morning daylight where possible.

5. Move Gently and Regularly

You do not need extreme exercise to begin. A 10 to 20-minute walk can help circulation, mood, blood sugar and stress regulation.

If you are in pain, fatigued, pregnant, recovering, medically unwell or managing a chronic condition, ask your healthcare provider what level of movement is suitable.

6. Name the Need Beneath the Craving

Before a craving, ask: “What do I actually need?”

It may be food. It may also be rest, reassurance, comfort, sleep, boundaries, connection, relief, anger expression or time alone.

This question can be powerful for sugar addiction, food addiction, alcohol cravings, smoking, vaping, compulsive scrolling and emotional eating.

7. Get the Right Kind of Professional Help

If stress is affecting your immune health, gut, hormones, mood, sleep, relationships, addictions or chronic illness, you do not have to work it out alone.

A joined-up approach can help you address the body, mind and behaviour together.

When to Seek Extra Medical Support

Please seek medical advice promptly if you have unexplained weight loss, blood in stools, persistent vomiting, chest pain, fainting, new neurological symptoms, severe depression, suicidal thoughts, rapidly worsening symptoms, fever with severe pain, or sudden changes in bowel habits.

If you have an autoimmune condition, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, thyroid disease, severe mental health symptoms, an eating disorder or are pregnant, it is important to work alongside appropriate medical care.

Therapy, hypnotherapy and nutrition can be valuable parts of a broader care plan, but they do not replace emergency care, diagnosis or prescribed treatment.

An Ireland-Based Example

A woman in Limerick came for help after years of pushing through work stress, poor sleep, reflux, bloating, sugar cravings and anxiety. She had also noticed psoriasis flare-ups when pressure increased. She felt frustrated because she had tried to “eat well” but could not stay consistent when exhausted.

Her work focused on three areas. First, nutrition structure for blood sugar, gut comfort and cravings. Second, Counselling and Psychotherapy to address grief, perfectionism and long-term emotional pressure. Third, Clinical Hypnotherapy to work with sleep, stress responses and self-sabotage.

Over time, she began to understand that her symptoms were not random. They were messages from an overloaded system. With the right plan, she felt steadier, more informed and less trapped in the cycle.

This example is anonymised and simplified. Every client’s plan is individual.

Locations I Serve

I provide ONLINE appointments across Ireland and internationally, as well as in-person appointments across key Irish locations.

Services are available for adults, teenagers and children in:

Adare
Newcastle West
Limerick
Abbeyfeale
Charleville
Kanturk
Midleton
Youghal
East Cork
Lismore Cork
Cork
Dublin
Dungarvan
Dungarven
Ireland-wide ONLINE
UK and worldwide ONLINE

Whether you are looking for Counselling in Limerick, Psychotherapy in Cork, Clinical Hypnotherapy in Youghal, RTT® in Dublin, Registered Nutritionist Services ONLINE in Ireland, Marriage Counselling in Adare, addiction hypnotherapy in Newcastle West, stress therapy in Dungarvan or gut health and anxiety support online, appointments can be tailored around your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can stress really affect the immune system?

Yes. Stress can influence immune signalling, inflammation, cortisol, sleep, gut function and recovery. Short-term stress is part of normal life. Long-term stress, especially without enough recovery, may contribute to symptoms such as fatigue, flare patterns, poor sleep, digestive upset, cravings, anxiety, pain and skin changes.

2. Can therapy help autoimmune symptoms?

Therapy does not replace medical care for autoimmune disease. However, Counselling, Psychotherapy, Clinical Hypnotherapy, Clinical Medical Hypnotherapy and RTT® may help reduce stress load, improve coping, address trauma patterns, support sleep and reduce behaviours that worsen inflammation or flare cycles.

3. How can nutrition help immune health and inflammation?

Nutrition can help support blood sugar balance, gut function, micronutrient intake, fibre intake, inflammatory balance, weight management and energy. A Registered Nutritionist can help you identify realistic changes based on your symptoms, medical history and lifestyle.

4. What is Clinical Medical Hypnotherapy used for?

Clinical Medical Hypnotherapy may be used for stress, sleep, anxiety, pain coping, phobias, habits, gut-related stress responses, cravings and preparation for medical procedures. It is a clinical approach that uses focused attention and therapeutic suggestion to support change.

5. Is RTT® suitable for anxiety, trauma or addictions?

RTT® may be suitable for some people with anxiety, trauma-related patterns, addictions, low self-worth, phobias, emotional eating, stress and self-sabotage. A consultation helps assess whether RTT®, Counselling, Psychotherapy, Hypnotherapy, Nutrition or a combined approach is most appropriate.

6. Do you work with children and teenagers?

Yes. I work with adults, teenagers and children online across Ireland and internationally, and in person in Adare, Newcastle West, Limerick, Abbeyfeale, Charleville, Kanturk, Midleton, Youghal, Lismore Cork, Dungarvan and Dublin. Younger clients may need parent or guardian involvement depending on age, need and appointment type.

7. Can I book if I live outside Ireland?

Yes. ONLINE appointments are available across Ireland, the UK, Europe, the UAE and worldwide, depending on suitability, service type and practical considerations.

 

Contact us today

 

  1. Counselling in Ireland
  2. Psychotherapy in Limerick, Cork and ONLINE
  3. Clinical Hypnotherapy and Clinical Medical Hypnotherapy
  4. RTT® and Advanced RTT®
  5. Registered Nutritionist Services
  6. Gut Health and the Gut Brain Axis
  7. Anxiety Therapy in Ireland
  8. Addiction Hypnotherapy and Hypnosis
  9. Weight Loss and Emotional Eating
  10. Couples Counselling and Marriage Counselling
  11. Trauma, PTSD and Complex PTSD
  12. Perimenopause, Menopause and Hormone Health
  13. Autoimmune and Chronic Inflammation Support

Book a Consultation Now

If stress is affecting your immune health, digestion, sleep, mood, cravings, pain, skin, hormones, relationships or chronic illness symptoms, the next step is to get clear on what is driving the pattern.

Appointments are available ONLINE across Ireland and internationally, and in person in Adare, Newcastle West, Limerick, Abbeyfeale, Charleville, Kanturk, Midleton, Youghal, Lismore Cork, Dungarvan and Dublin.

Book a consultation with Claire Russell Therapy
Email: clairerusselltherapy@gmail.com
Phone: +353 87 616 6638

Services include Counselling, Psychotherapy, Couples Counselling, Marriage Counselling, Registered Nutritionist Services, Clinical Medical Hypnotherapy, Clinical Hypnotherapy, Hypnotherapy, Hypnosis, RTT® and Advanced Rapid Transformational Therapy.

Author

Claire Russell is a Registered Nutritionist, Clinical Medical Hypnotherapist, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Counsellor, Psychotherapist, RTT® practitioner and Advanced Rapid Transformational Therapist with over 20 years of clinical experience. Claire works with adults, teenagers and children across Ireland and internationally, supporting stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, neurodivergence, trauma, addictions, weight loss, metabolic health, gut health, inflammatory symptoms, autoimmune symptoms, hormones, fertility, sleep, chronic pain, fatigue, skin issues, grief, relationships and emotional wellbeing.

Educational Disclaimer

This article/resource and this website information  is for educational purposes only. It does not diagnose, treat or replace medical advice. Please consult your GP, consultant, pharmacist or healthcare professional before changing medication, supplements or medical treatment, especially if you have a diagnosed medical condition, severe symptoms, an eating disorder, are pregnant, or are under specialist care.

 

References

  1. Alotiby A. Immunology of Stress: A Review Article. Cureus. 2024. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11546738/
  2. Chu B, Marwaha K, Sanvictores T, Awosika AO, Ayers D. Physiology, Stress Reaction. StatPearls Publishing. 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541120/
  3. Thau L, Gandhi J, Sharma S. Physiology, Cortisol. StatPearls Publishing. 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538239/
  4. Song H, Fang F, Tomasson G, et al. Association of Stress-Related Disorders With Subsequent Autoimmune Disease. JAMA. 2018. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2685155
  5. Song H, Fang F, Tomasson G, et al. Association of Stress-Related Disorders With Subsequent Autoimmune Disease. PubMed. 2018. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29922828/
  6. Morey JN, Boggero IA, Scott AB, Segerstrom SC. Current Directions in Stress and Human Immune Function. Current Opinion in Psychology. 2015. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4465119/
  7. Bonaz B, Sinniger V, Pellissier S. Role of Stress and Early-Life Stress in the Pathogeny of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Frontiers in Neuroscience. 2024. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnins.2024.1458918/full
  8. Jiang X, Olsson T, Hillert J, Kockum I, Alfredsson L. Stressful Life Events Are Associated With the Risk of Multiple Sclerosis. European Journal of Neurology. 2020. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32827277/
  9. Ploesser M, Silverman S, Diaz JDL, Zincke MT, Taylor MB. The Link Between Traumatic Stress and Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases: A Systematic Scoping Review. Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism. 2024. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39303883/
  10. Conrad N, Misra S, Verbakel JY, et al. Incidence, Prevalence, and Co-Occurrence of Autoimmune Disorders Over Time and by Age, Sex, and Socioeconomic Status: A Population-Based Cohort Study of 22 Million Individuals in the UK. The Lancet. 2023. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(23)00457-9/fulltext
  11. O’Mahony J, Bernstein CN, Marrie RA. Adverse Childhood Experiences and Psychiatric Comorbidity in Multiple Sclerosis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging. Journal of Psychosomatic Research. 2024. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39419057/
  12. Rehan ST, Khan Z, Shuja SH, et al. Association of Adverse Childhood Experiences With Adulthood Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies. Brain and Behavior. 2023. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37154352/
  13. Akamine AA, Rusch GS, Nisihara R, Skare TL. Adverse Childhood Experiences in Patients With Psoriasis. Trends in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy. 2022. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35316268/
  14. Dai S, Mo Y, Wang Y, et al. Chronic Stress Promotes Cancer Development. Frontiers in Oncology. 2020. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fonc.2020.01492/full
  15. Wang Y, Liu B, Han H, et al. Associations Between Plant-Based Dietary Patterns and Risks of Type 2 Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, Cancer, and Mortality: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrition Journal. 2023. https://nutritionj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12937-023-00877-2
  16. Koelman L, Egea Rodrigues C, Aleksandrova K. Effects of Dietary Patterns on Biomarkers of Inflammation and Immune Responses: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Advances in Nutrition. 2022. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8803482/
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  20. World Health Organization. Stress. 2026. https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/stress

Contact us today

 

Stress, Immune Health, Immune Function & Disease Risk,  and the Power of Holistic Therapy: How Claire Russell Therapy Can Help You Thrive

Serving Youghal (East Cork), Newcastle West (Limerick), Dungarvan (Waterford), and Online Across Ireland, the UK, UAE, Australia, USA and Worldwide

Chronic stress is more than just a mental burden—it’s a silent disruptor that can severely compromise your physical health. At Claire Russell Therapy, we specialise in using an individual complete approach.  With holistic, science-backed solutions to address stress and its devastating effects on the immune system,  immune function and overall wellbeing.

Our comprehensive services include:

  • Counselling & Psychotherapy
  • Registered Nutritionist Services
  • Clinical Medical Hypnotherapy
  • Advanced Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT)

We serve adults, teenagers and children in the area of Newcastle West Limerick, Dungarvan Waterford,  Youghal East Cork area, and provide online Counselling, Nutrition Consultations, Clinical Hypnotherapy and RTT in Ireland, the UK, and globally.

The Science: How Stress Disrupts Your Immune System

Chronic stress triggers a cascade of hormonal and physiological changes that weaken the immune system. Prolonged exposure to cortisol and adrenaline suppresses immune responses, disrupts cytokine production, and inflames bodily systems (Chu et al., 2024).

Health issues linked to chronic stress include:

  • Autoimmune diseases (e.g. Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriasis, IBD)
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Cancer
  • Anxiety, Depression, PTSD
  • Skin problems, skin health
  • Gut and digestive disorders (Diverticulitis, IBS, Crohns, bloating, reflux, gut dysbiosis, flatulence)
  • Sleep disturbances, insomonia

Stress and Autoimmune Diseases: The Evidence

Recent research draws clear connections between stress and the onset or progression of autoimmune diseases:

How Our Services Address These Issues

1. Counselling & Psychotherapy

  • Helps process trauma, grief, addictions, mental health issues and manage emotional stressors linked to immune dysfunction.
  • Builds long-term resilience and improves coping mechanisms.
  • Addresses comorbid psychological conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

Ideal for: Clients with addictions, anxiety, depression, chronic illness, trauma histories, autoimmune conditions, or emotional burnout, overwhelm, and mental burnout

2. Registered Nutritionist Services

  • Tailored anti-inflammatory nutrition plans support immune health and gut integrity.
  • Focus on plant-based dietary patterns shown to lower disease risk (Wang et al., 2023).
  • Nutritional strategies that regulate blood sugar and cortisol levels.

Ideal for: Clients with autoimmune disease, inflammation, GUT and digestive problems, hormonal imbalances, weight loss, or stress-induced cravings, low mood, anger, depression and fatigue.

3. Clinical Medical Hypnotherapy

  • Addresses subconscious patterns contributing to chronic stress.
  • Supports regulation of physiological stress responses, promoting healing.
  • Improves sleep, reduces inflammation, and aids in pain management.

Ideal for: Clients with multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune disease, inflammatory disease,  GUT & digestion disorders, PTSD, Complex PTSD, stress, mood, weight, chronic fatigue, sleep issues, and pain syndromes.

4. Clinical Hypnotherapy, Clinical Medical Hypnotherapy, RTT (Rapid Transformational Therapy), & Advanced RTT (Advanced Rapid Transformational Therapy)

  • RTT uses a powerful combination of hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, CBT, and NLP.
  • Works to uncover and reprogram root causes of emotional and physical distress.
  • Promotes nervous system regulation and deep healing.

Ideal for: Clients with deeply rooted trauma, fears, phobias, stress, low self belief, low mood, anxiety, autoimmune flare-ups, and chronic illness cycles.

Locations We Serve

Claire Russell Therapy provides expert stress and immune health services in:

  • Youghal, East Cork area – Supporting individuals and families with evidence-based, compassionate care.
  • Newcastle West, Limerick area – Specialist therapy for autoimmune conditions, anxiety, and burnout.
  • Dungarvan, Waterford area – Integrative wellness strategies to reduce inflammation and support recovery.
  • Online Therapy Across Ireland and Worldwide ONLINE Globally – Secure, accessible, and effective ONLINE & telehealth support wherever you are.

Effective Lifestyle Strategies We Recommend

In addition to therapy, we guide clients in adopting immune-boosting and stress-reducing habits:

  • Hydration & Nutrition: Begin your day with water and a balanced breakfast.
  • Daily Movement: Even short walks or light yoga help reduce cortisol (Pascoe et al., 2017).
  • Mindfulness Practices: Meditation and breathwork reduce stress hormones and improve immune markers (Rogerson et al., 2024).
  • Digital Detox: Improve sleep quality and nervous system regulation.

Ready to Heal? Let Us Help You Take Back Control

Whether you’re living with chronic illness, burnout, or unresolved trauma, Claire Russell Therapy offers you expert, compassionate support. With a proven, holistic approach, we help you reconnect with your body’s innate healing power.

Get in touch today:

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