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.

Free Gut-Directed Therapy: Veterans & Treaty-Status

🎖️ For Veterans

Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) covers mental health services — including psychotherapy — delivered in person or virtually by a health professional of your choice, for eligible Veterans. That means your gut-directed therapy sessions can be covered with no cost to you.

Eligible Veterans can receive covered psychotherapy through VAC, with no cost to you.
Sessions are virtual, so you can be seen anywhere in Manitoba.
If you are not yet set up with VAC benefits, the VAC Assistance Service offers 24/7 mental-health support and can help you get started.

🪶 For Treaty-status (status First Nations) clients

The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program, run by Indigenous Services Canada, covers professional mental health counselling for eligible status First Nations and Inuit clients — generally up to 22 hours per calendar year, with more available case-by-case. This can cover your gut-directed psychotherapy.

Eligible clients can access covered counselling through NIHB.
Sessions are virtual and available across Manitoba.
Vanessa Klayh is a Registered Nurse (RN, BN) and Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC), and meets NIHB provider enrolment requirements as a regulated mental-health professional, so NIHB-covered sessions can be provided directly.

How to get started

Three simple steps — no referral required.

Reach out

We confirm coverage

We walk you through the VAC or NIHB coverage steps so there is no cost to you.

Book your session

Start virtual gut-directed therapy — no waitlist, anywhere in Manitoba.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about no-cost coverage.

Is gut-directed therapy really free for Veterans and Treaty-status clients?

Yes. For eligible Veterans, Veterans Affairs Canada covers psychotherapy; for eligible Treaty-status (status First Nations) clients, the NIHB program covers mental health counselling. In both cases there is no out-of-pocket cost to you.

Do I need a referral?

No. You can self-refer — just let us know you are a Veteran or a Treaty-status client when you reach out.

Is it available outside Winnipeg?

Yes — all sessions are virtual and available anywhere in Manitoba.

You've waited long enough.

Let us handle the coverage paperwork. You focus on feeling better.

Request an Appointment

Official program references: VAC — Counselling services · NIHB — Mental health counselling benefits