Written by Sarah Shires, LPC-S
Licensed Professional Counselor
GI Psychology
Have you ever had ongoing stomach pain, unpredictable bowel habits, or bloating that just won’t go away? If so, you may have heard the term IBS, or Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Let’s explore what IBS is, how the brain-gut link plays a central role, and—most importantly—what real, evidence-based treatment is available to manage your symptoms and help you feel better.
What Is IBS?
IBS is more than digestive upset. It is classified as a disorder of gut-brain interaction (DGBI), meaning it affects how your brain and gut communicate. The brain and the gut are constantly talking to each other through a complex system known as the gut-brain axis. When stress, anxiety, illness, or trauma disrupt this communication, the gut can become overly sensitive or reactive. This doesn’t mean your symptoms aren’t real—it means your gut is responding to distress signals from your nervous system. Unfortunately, this type of problem cannot be easily detected by current medical tests, which focus more on identifying structural problems.
IBS is a chronic condition that impacts how your intestines move, causing symptoms like:
- Abdominal pain or cramping (often relieved by going to the bathroom)
- Bloating and excess gas
- Diarrhea, constipation, or both
- A sense of incomplete bowel movements
- Fatigue, nausea, or sleep problems
How Common Is IBS?
Very common! IBS affects around 10–15% of people worldwide. It can start in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood, and is slightly more common in women. Many people live with IBS symptoms for years without getting a diagnosis or the right support.
What Helps IBS? Treatment Options That Work
IBS treatment is not one-size-fits-all, but the good news is there are effective options available, including:
- Dietary changes like the low FODMAP diet
- Medications for managing diarrhea, constipation, or pain
- Mind-body therapies including gut-directed hypnotherapy (more to come on this research-backed technique in later blogs!) and GI-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (GI-CBT)
- Stress management and regular movement
Mind-body therapies, especially those provided by licensed clinicians trained in GI psychology, are now recommended by GI experts for people with moderate to severe IBS. These tools work with your gut—not against it—and focus on long-term symptom relief by directly targeting the brain-gut link, which underlies how stress and emotional health can influence physical symptoms.
Final Thoughts
Living with IBS can feel isolating, unpredictable, and even embarrassing—but you are not alone, and you are not stuck.
We now understand so much more about IBS than ever before. The connection between your brain and gut is real, and treatments that support both mental and physical well-being can make a lasting difference.
You deserve care that looks at the whole you. That includes treatments designed not just to reduce pain or urgency—but to help you regain confidence, comfort, and control over your daily life.
Ready to Learn More?
If you’re struggling with IBS and looking for personalized, expert support—we’re here to help!
Schedule a consultation to learn about gut-brain therapy options.
References
Ford, A. C., Quigley, E. M., Lacy, B. E., Lembo, A. J., Saito, Y. A., Schiller, L. R., … & Moayyedi, P. (2014). Effect of antidepressants and psychological therapies, including hypnotherapy, in irritable bowel syndrome: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Official Journal of the American College of Gastroenterology, 109(9), 1350-1365. https://doi.org/10.1038/ajg.2014.148
Krouwel, M., Farley, A., Greenfield, S., Ismail, T., & Jolly, K. (2021). Systematic review, meta-analysis with subgroup analysis of hypnotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome, effect of intervention characteristics. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 57, 102672. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102672
Lacy, B. E., Pimentel, M., Brenner, D. M., Chey, W. D., Keefer, L. A., Long, M. D., & Moshiree, B. (2021). ACG clinical guideline: Management of irritable bowel syndrome. The American Journal of Gastroenterology, 116(1), 17–44. https://doi.org/10.14309/ajg.0000000000001036