Gut-Brain Insights Presented by GI Psychology
Dr. Kim Wesley introduces Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and how it helps patients change unhelpful thought and behavior patterns that can worsen GI symptoms.
Hi, I’m Doctor Kim Wesley, a psychologist with GI Psychology. In this video, we will discuss cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, and how it can be helpful for treating gastrointestinal conditions. CBT is a form of psychological treatment with multiple components. Individuals will learn to identify and challenge unhealthy thinking patterns, such as catastrophic predictive beliefs about their symptoms. An example of this is I can’t go on a trip with my family because I will have too much pain.
CBT also addresses learned patterns of behavior, such as avoidance of specific situations due to fear and anxiety, like canceling plans with a friend because you’re worried about experiencing GI symptoms. CBT uses various strategies, including cognitive restructuring, problem solving, and relaxation training. Through use of these skills, patients often develop increased self-confidence and decreased avoidance behaviors. GI patients will often work to develop more adaptive thoughts about their physical symptoms while decreasing hypervigilance to internal cues.