The cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for IBS group uses the CBT protocol used in the Assessing Cognitive Therapy in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (ACTIB) Study, as published in the BMC journal and The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology journal and covered in the Independent, Guardian, Sun and Telegraph. This protocol is aimed at improving bowel function and reduce bowel related anxiety and stress.
This group will be hosted on Zoom over 8 weeks with a 2 week break between weeks 4 and 5.

All participants in the group will have IBS and will agree to confidentiality to what is discussed within the group. The sessions will be hosted by Dr Sula Windgassen, Senior CBT Therapist and Health Psychologist and facilitated by Dr Alicia Hughes, Health Psychologist and Assistant Health Psychologist, Amina Saadi. The group will involve a mixture of interactive information provision and smaller group break out rooms to become familiar with the material and try out home practice tasks. For each week there will be particular home practice tailored to your own experience of IBS. A set of questionnaires will be issued at the beginning of the programme and again at the end to measure progress.

The program covers:
- Information about the gut-brain axis and bowel functioning in IBS
- Ways our behaviours impact our bowels and what goals to set to improve bowel function
- Ways our thoughts and emotions impact our bowel function and what goals to set to improve bowel function and impact on our lives
- Methods of introducing self-care, relaxation and stress management
 
It will include:
- 8 x 1.5 hour sessions in a group of people with similar experiences of IBS
- A self-management CBT manual for IBS
- Worksheets for home practice
- Support from two Health Psychologists accredited by the HCPC and an Assistant Psychologist
- Access to an actively moderated forum to share experiences of home practice and to support each other for up to 3 months after the course finishes
- Discounted option for 30 minute one-to-one follow ups

The price for the course and all of the above is £550. Payment plans available in 3-4 instalments. Places secured with a  £100 deposit. Cancellations made within 14 days of the course date cannot be refunded.

The dates:
The course will run on Thursday evenings.
The exact dates are to be confirmed but it will likely start the second week of January.

Who is eligible?
You are eligible if you have IBS and this has been communicated to you by a healthcare professional. The group will not be suitable for people with an active eating disorder, for those actively following the FODMAP diet, for those with inflammatory bowel disease, coeliac disease or those 60 or over who have not had their symptoms checked by a consultant in the last 2 years. It is also not suitable for those who are in crisis. The following questionnaire is to determine whether our group will be appropriate. Once you have completed and submitted, I will confirm whether the group is the most appropriate option.

Following completion this form, you will be contacted to confirm or discuss eligibility to participate in the course. You will then be sent a link to pay and book your place on the course.