Why You’ll Love this Course:
Gut-brain psychology is everywhere these days, but how much do you actually know about it? This course will set you on the path toward clinical proficiency by introducing the essential concepts and biological basics of the gut-brain connection, as well as how to begin treating Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBIs). With 40-60% of the population experiencing functional gastrointestinal (GI) issues, this course is essential learning.
Course Description:
This course provides an introduction to the core concepts that are necessary for understanding and treating the gut-brain connection. It offers an overview on how the brain and gut communicate via the nervous system and how stress plays a major role in the development of Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBIs). This course outlines the differences between structural and functional GI disorders, identifying more common DGBIs that present in clinical practice. Finally, this course teaches introductory methods for conceptualizing and treating DGBIs and provides recommendations for pursuing clinical competence in this specialty.
Who is this for:
Clinicians who are interested in building expertise in gut-brain psychology and how it applies to their patients.
Instructional Level:
Beginner
Recommended Course Prerequisites:
None
Included:
Handout:
Essential Gut-Brain Resources for Provider and Patient
Educational Objectives:
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
Describe the biological bases of gut-brain interaction.
Describe the differences between structural and functional gastrointestinal (GI) conditions.
Name 3 interventions for treating Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBIs).
Common Clinical FAQs Answered:
What is the gut-brain axis and what mechanisms are most clinically relevant for therapists?
How do gastrointestinal conditions like IBS influence anxiety and depression?
What are the ethical and scope-of-practice considerations when discussing gut health?
Can gut-brain concepts help explain treatment-resistant depression or anxiety?
How do stress and trauma alter the gut microbiome and digestive function?
How do I translate gut-brain science into practical psychoeducation without oversimplifying or overpromising?
Katie Arfa, Psy.D.
Health Psychologist
Co-founder
Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)
Katie Arfa, PsyD. is a co-founder and the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of MindScience Collective. She is a licensed clinical psychologist in California (PSY31016), who specializes in using integrative, evidence-based treatments for health conditions. She is sought after for her particular expertise in the emerging fields of nutritional psychiatry, gut-brain interaction, pain psychology, and lifestyle medicine.
In her private practice, Dr. Arfa focuses on using ACT, CBT, and nervous system approaches to treat families and adults dealing with medical conditions, complex illnesses, or treatment-resistant cases. She provides supervision and consultation to trainees and professionals on the intersection of medical and psychological diagnoses, especially differential diagnosis of complex cases.
Dr. Arfa is the creator of ACT for GI, a group treatment protocol for GI conditions; a psychology education program for fitness professionals; and a postdoctoral training program in integrative health psychology. She completed a fellowship in integrative psychiatry and has a background as a certified personal trainer through National Strength and Conditioning Association. She has also served as adjunct professor at Antioch University.
Patients are referred to Dr. Arfa by some of the most notable healthcare systems in the country, including UCLA Health, Cleveland Clinic, and the Mayo Clinic.
Disclosure:
Dr. Arfa is a co-founder of MindScience Collective and will receive financial benefit from all course sales. Dr. Arfa is also the instructor of “Using Common S.E.N.S.E: Incorporating Lifestyle Factors for Optimal Patient Outcomes” and “Exercise as a Treatment for Mental Health”, both of which are offered on this platform.