Brain-Gut Psychotherapies: Innovative Approaches to the Treatment of Digestive Disease

Conventional medical treatments for gastrointestinal conditions involving dysfunction of the brain-gut axis (ex. irritable bowel syndrome, functional heartburn) are often inadequate without including evidence-based psychotherapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy and gut-directed hypnotherapy. In fact, it is recommended that gastroenterologists refer appropriate patients to qualified mental health professionals; unfortunately, there is a dearth of trained practitioners in this area. This workshop provides attendees with an introduction to the theory and application of evidence-based brain-gut psychotherapies for chronic digestive conditions involving dysregulation or dysfunction of the brain-gut axis.

Original webcast date: October 22, 2020

This program is approved by the National Association of Social Workers for 2.5 continuing education contact hours.

• Explain the biopsychosocial model for digestive disorders, including how dysregulation in the brain-gut axis and poor coping contribute to symptoms.
• Summarize research regarding the efficacy of psychological and behavioral therapies for chronic digestive disorders.
• Discuss the core components and application of cognitive behavioral therapy and gut-directed hypnotherapy for chronic digestive conditions, and pathways for additional training.

Megan Petrik, PhD and Kathryn Tomasino, PhD