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 / POTS Symptom Support in Manitoba

POTS & Dysautonomia — Symptom Support in Manitoba

Living with POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) means dizziness, racing heart, fatigue and brain fog that upend daily life. Alongside your medical care, brain-body psychotherapy can help you manage the symptom burden and calm an over-activated nervous system.

Where psychological support fits

POTS is a medical condition of the autonomic nervous system — it needs medical management from your physician. What we add is the brain-body side: the autonomic dysregulation, stress-arousal and central sensitisation that amplify symptoms, and the very real distress of living with a chronic, fluctuating illness. We do not treat or cure POTS; we support the symptom experience around it.

How it helps

Evidence-informed approaches — nervous-system regulation, CBT, ACT, mindfulness and paced exposure — can reduce symptom-related anxiety, improve tolerance of symptoms, support pacing and energy management, and ease the flare-anxiety-flare cycle. Many people with POTS also have overlapping gut symptoms such as IBS and functional nausea, which we treat directly.

What treatment looks like

Virtual sessions tailored to your energy and tolerance, coordinated with your existing care where you wish. Self-referrals welcome across Manitoba.

Start your assessment

Virtual care across Manitoba · Self-referrals welcome · Response within 2 business days

Request an Appointment

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Frequently asked questions

Can therapy cure POTS?

No. POTS is managed medically. Psychological therapy supports the symptom burden, coping and nervous-system regulation as an adjunct to that care.

I also have gut symptoms — can you treat those?

Yes. IBS, functional nausea and related disorders of gut-brain interaction are our core specialty.