What is GI psychotherapy (gut-directed psychotherapy)?

GI psychotherapy is specialized psychological care that targets the brain-gut axis — the constant communication between your gut and your nervous system. Using evidence-based methods like gut-directed hypnotherapy, CBT and ACT, it helps reduce visceral hypersensitivity and the gut symptoms driven by that brain-gut connection.

What conditions does the Brain-Gut Health Centre treat?

We treat disorders of brain-gut interaction (DGBI), including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional dyspepsia, GERD and functional heartburn, chronic bloating, functional constipation, and centrally mediated abdominal pain (CAPS).

Do I need a doctor's referral?

No referral is required. We accept both physician referrals and self-referrals. Our care coordinator will be in touch within two business days.

Are appointments virtual?

Yes. All care is delivered by secure telehealth (video or phone) to patients across Manitoba, so you can be seen from home.

Does gut-directed hypnotherapy actually work for IBS?

Gut-directed hypnotherapy is a guideline-recommended therapy for IBS, with more than 70% of patients responding in clinical trials. It is one of several evidence-based gut-directed therapies we use.

Is treatment covered by insurance?

Psychotherapy may be reimbursable under many extended health benefit plans. Care is also covered at no cost for eligible First Nations and Inuit clients through NIHB and for Veterans through VAC. Contact us and we'll help you confirm your coverage.

How do I book an appointment?

Submit a request through our website or call (431) 877-5492. Our care coordinator will reach out within two business days to schedule your assessment.

Home / Articles

Articles

Plain-English guides to IBS, the gut-brain axis, and evidence-based treatment.

Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy vs CBT: Which Is Right for You?Both are proven for IBS and DGBI. How they differ, what the evidence says, and how to choose — or combine — them.
Feeling Full After Just a Few Bites? Early Satiety ExplainedFeeling full fast can be a hallmark of functional dyspepsia. Why it happens, why tests are normal, and how gut-directed therapy helps.
How Much Does Gut-Directed Therapy Cost in Manitoba?What sessions cost, how extended-health insurance and HSAs cover psychotherapy, and the no-cost options for Veterans and Treaty-status clients.
Why Your IBS Flares the Moment Life Gets StressfulStress doesn't cause IBS, but it turns up the volume. Here's the gut-brain science behind your flares and the evidence-based treatments that calm them.
Is Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy Legit? What the Evidence SaysGut-directed hypnotherapy sounds unusual, but it's one of the best-studied IBS treatments in gastroenterology. Here's what the research actually shows.
The Low-FODMAP Diet Helped, Then Stopped — Here's the Missing PieceIf low-FODMAP helped your IBS and then plateaued, you're not out of options. Here's why, and the brain-gut treatment that targets a different mechanism.
What Is the Brain-Gut Axis? A Plain-English GuideThe brain-gut axis is the two-way line between your brain and your gut. Here's how it works, why it misfires, and what that means for IBS and gut symptoms.
Chronic Bloating That Isn't About FoodIf you've cut foods and still bloat, the cause may be your gut-brain signalling, not your diet. Here's what drives chronic bloating and how it's treated.
Heartburn That PPIs Don't FixIf acid-blockers haven't stopped your heartburn, the cause may be an over-sensitive esophagus, not acid. Here's what functional heartburn is and how it's treated.

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