At GI Psychology, we believe that treating digestive disorders requires more than symptom relief—it requires addressing the powerful, ongoing connection between the gut and the brain. That’s why we’re thrilled to spotlight our ongoing collaboration with Dr. Robynne Chutkan—integrative gastroenterologist, founder of Gutbliss, host of the Gutbliss Podcast, and a leading voice in whole-person GI care.In this special Q&A, Dr. Tiffany Duffing, co-founder of GI Psychology and licensed clinical psychologist specializing in gut-directed therapy, sits down with Dr. Chutkan to discuss how medical and psychological care can work together to support people living with IBS, IBD, functional GI disorders, and more.
Robynne Chutkan, MD, FASGE
Integrative Gastroenterologist
Founder, Gutbliss
Founder, Digestive Center for Wellness
Dr. Duffing:
You’ve been a strong advocate for treating digestive disorders with a whole-body approach. Why is the gut-brain connection such a cornerstone of your work?
Dr. Chutkan:
So many of the patients I see—especially those with IBS, SIBO, or persistent bloating—have symptoms that don’t show up on traditional labs or imaging. That’s because the root issue often isn’t just in the gut; it’s in how the gut and brain are communicating. If we don’t address the stress, anxiety, or nervous system dysregulation underlying those symptoms, we’re only treating half the problem.
Dr. Duffing:
That aligns so closely with what we see at GI Psychology. We often describe the gut and brain as being in constant conversation. When that conversation gets disrupted—due to trauma, chronic stress, or medical illness—it can lead to real, persistent physical symptoms. That’s where gut-directed cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and clinical hypnosis come in. These tools help calm the nervous system, reduce symptoms, and empower patients to take an active role in their healing.
Dr. Duffing:
Many of the patients we both see have been through countless medical appointments before finding an integrative path forward. What do you say to patients who feel like they’ve “tried everything”?
Dr. Chutkan:
I hear that all the time—“I’ve seen every specialist, and I’m still not better.” Healing isn’t just about prescribing the right treatment. It’s about understanding the full person: their microbiome, their mental health, their environment, their story. That’s something I try to highlight not just in practice, but also through the Gutbliss Podcast—giving voice to patients and experts who are rethinking what GI care can look like.
When patients realize there are evidence-based, low-risk tools—like diet, gut-brain therapy, and mindfulness—that can make a real difference, they often feel hopeful for the first time in a long time.
Dr. Duffing:
Exactly. At GI Psychology, we’re not replacing medical treatment—we’re enhancing it. For example, someone with Crohn’s disease might be medically stable but still experience painful flare-ups during stressful times. That’s where the brain-gut connection becomes essential. Our job is to help retrain the body’s stress response and build tools for long-term resilience.
Dr. Duffing:
You’ve recently reopened your private gastroenterology practice. What inspired that move—and what can patients expect?
Dr. Chutkan:
I took a year off to finish my 4th book, create more virtual gut health programming through the Gutbliss platform, and launch the podcast, but I really missed that one-on-one connection with patients. I’ve seen how powerful it is when patients are given personalized, integrative care—care that includes nutrition, lifestyle, and nervous system support. Reentering private practice is about delivering that kind of care directly again. I’m also excited that we’ll be able to weave in gut-brain therapies like those offered by GI Psychology. Our partnership makes that truly possible and really enhances the gastrointestinal care I’m able to provide.
Dr. Duffing:
It’s been so energizing to deepen our collaboration over the years. We’ve been working hard to make gut-brain care more accessible—particularly for those with Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBIs) like IBS, functional dyspepsia, and abdominal pain.
Dr. Chutkan:
Absolutely! We’re building a bridge between integrative gastroenterology and behavioral gut health. This isn’t “alternative”—it’s essential. People need care that addresses both their physical and emotional wellbeing.
Want to learn more?
- Explore Dr. Chutkan’s resources and practice at www.Gutbliss.com
- Discover how GI Psychology supports patients with CBT for IBS, clinical hypnosis for GI disorders, and other gut-brain therapies at www.GIPsychology.com