GI Psychology
GI psychology is a short-term, skills-based treatment. It is beneficial for patients who are interested in a proactive approach to better managing their symptoms and are willing to practice skills to support gut health in-between sessions.
What role does GI health psychology have in the brain-gut connection?
The brain and gut are in constant communication. Stress and other emotions can interfere with digestion and aggravate symptoms. In addition, GI symptoms can result in a pattern of distressing thoughts and emotions that worsen stress and increase bothersome symptoms. An example of the interactive relationship between symptoms, thoughts, emotions, and stress sensations is illustrated in the figure above. By identifying your modifiable factors that influence the brain-gut connection, I can help develop a personalized treatment plan that is specific to your needs.
Although the number of sessions will vary for each patient, research has shown that brief interventions for specific problems can be effective within four sessions. I will further discuss treatment plans with you in the initial consultation.