Behavioral Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
If you are ready to change your thinking and improve your symptoms with IBS, there is a solution.
There are two types of behavioral treatments that have been shown to improve not only distress related to irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), but also the symptoms themselves: Gut-directed hypnotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). If you are ready to change your thinking and improve your symptoms with IBS, there is a solution.
Although people have different triggers, one of the key, underlying reasons for the triggers is a miscommunication between the gut and the brain. If you’ve ever experienced “butterflies in your stomach“ when you are nervous, then you have felt the effects of the gut brain connection. There are numerous studies to suggest that stress, anxiety, and worry have a profound effect on the manifestation and severity of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms. Furthermore, IBS flareups are often associated with an oversensitive reaction to high FODMAP foods causing pain, diarrhea, constipation and more. When you learn how to change your brain response to the messages from the nerves via hypnotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), you do not need to focus only on drastic, restrictive diet changes.
Stress and anxiety is a clear example of the gut brain connection stuck therefore part of the treatment plan often includes relaxation response conditioning, thought reframing and breathing tools to help you break the cycle and return to a common worry, free state.
While counselling is not a “ cure all” for irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), there is an abundance of clinical evidence behind these psychological treatments which have proven helpful in addressing problems with this brain/ gut communication system. The development of IBS is complex with biological, psychological, and social factors all playing a role in symptom development. For this reason, it has become common to involve a therapist with expertise in gastroenterology to aid in treatment with these Psycho-Social-Behavioral interventions.
How The Sessions Work:
Sessions for couples are scheduled based on the needs of the present situation and desire.
A relationship may be an intimate partnership, adult family relationship, friendship, or work relationship. The name of one or both attendees will be listed on the file to ensure both parties can use their extended health care benefits to help cover the costs of relationship counselling.
Learn more about relationship counselling and if it’s a fit for you below.
If you are interested in learning more about Imago Therapy, Harville Hendricks book, Getting the Love you Want, is a wonderful start.
Or call (604) 780-8839