Psychogastroenterology
GI-Informed Psychological Care
A brain–gut–informed approach to therapy for chronic digestive conditions
I offer psychological services informed by research on the bidirectional relationship between the brain and the gastrointestinal system. This area of focus is relevant for individuals living with chronic digestive conditions such as IBS, IBD, and other stress-sensitive GI symptoms.
GI-informed therapy recognizes that digestive symptoms are shaped by complex interactions between physiology, the nervous system, learning history, emotions, and lived experience. This work does not frame symptoms as “all in your head,” nor does it attempt to replace medical care. Instead, it supports people in navigating the psychological and nervous-system dimensions of living with ongoing GI conditions.
Clinical Orientation
This work is grounded in well-established and ever growing research on the brain–gut relationship. The digestive system and nervous system communicate continuously and changes in one can meaningfully affect the other. For many people, this bidirectional relationship becomes salient during periods of illness, stress, unpredictability, or repeated flare ups.
In therapy, this perspective allows space to explore how attention, threat perception, avoidance, past medical experiences, and chronic stress can shape gut-related distress and how digestive symptoms do, in turn, affect mood, identity, and quality of life.
My clinical approach integrates evidence-based psychological models, including cognitive-behavioral and acceptance-based frameworks, with attention to regulation, flexibility, and meaning-making in the context of chronic illness.
Who Is This For
This area of practice may be relevant if you:
Live with a chronic gut issue (IBS, IBD, or chronic gastrointestinal symptoms)
Notice that stress, anticipation, or uncertainty worsen digestive distress
Feel caught in cycles of monitoring, avoidance, or fear related to symptoms
Have experienced invalidation or minimization of your symptoms
Are seeking psychological support that respects medical care and lived experience
This work is designed for adults who are engaged in their medical treatment alongside therapy.
How This Focus Shows Up in Therapy
GI-informed care is not a separate “type” of therapy, but rather a lens that shapes how we understand symptoms, stress, and coping within the therapeutic process.
Depending on your goals, therapy may involve:
Understanding how stress physiology and nervous system patterns influence symptoms
Developing skills to respond differently to symptom escalation and uncertainty
Reducing fear-driven monitoring, avoidance, and restriction
Increasing flexibility around food, routines, travel, and social life
Processing the psychological impact of illness, flares, and medical experiences
The aim of this work is not to guarantee symptom reduction, but to support improved regulation, functioning, and quality of life alongside ongoing GI conditions.
Relationship to Gut Check
In addition to individual psychotherapy, I facilitate Gut Check, a separate psychoeducational project offering community-based groups, workshops, and resources focused on digestive health and stress.
Participation in Gut Check is distinct from individual psychotherapy and is designed for education and skills-building rather than clinical treatment. More information about Gut Check can be found at gutcheckconnections.com.
Next Steps
If you are interested in exploring whether a GI-informed focus is a good fit for your therapy goals, reach out and we can schedule a free consultation.