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 / The Low-FODMAP Diet Helped, Then Stopped — Here's the Missing Piece

When diet isn't enough

The Low-FODMAP Diet Helped, Then Stopped — Here's the Missing Piece

The low-FODMAP diet is one of the best dietary tools for IBS — but for many people it helps, then plateaus. If that's you, the missing piece is usually the brain-gut axis.

Why diet plateaus

Low-FODMAP reduces fermentable carbs that trigger symptoms — it addresses what reaches your gut. But IBS is also driven by visceral hypersensitivity: an over-sensitive gut that amplifies normal signals into pain and bloating. Diet doesn't retrain that sensitivity, which is why symptoms can stall.

A different mechanism

Gut-directed hypnotherapy, CBT and ACT target the brain-gut signalling itself — turning down the amplification. Because diet and brain-gut therapy work on different mechanisms, patients who plateau on food changes often respond well when they add gut-directed therapy.

You don't have to choose

This isn't diet versus therapy — they combine. Many patients keep a sustainable, less-restrictive eating pattern while gut-directed therapy does the work diet can't. Long-term, that often means fewer food restrictions, not more.

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Virtual gut-directed therapy across Manitoba · Self-referrals welcome · Response within 2 business days

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Frequently asked questions

If diet helped, why add therapy?

Diet and gut-directed therapy target different mechanisms. Therapy retrains the gut's hypersensitivity, which diet doesn't address — so it often helps when diet plateaus.

Will I have to stay on a strict diet forever?

Often the opposite. Reducing gut hypersensitivity with brain-gut therapy can let many people relax dietary restrictions over time.

Is this available without a referral?

Yes. Self-referrals are welcome from anywhere in Manitoba, with a response within two business days.

This article is educational and is not medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment, speak with a qualified clinician.