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 week break before the final 2 sessions.
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 Trainee 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
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Ways our behaviours impact our bowels and what goals to set to improve bowel function
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Ways our thoughts and emotions impact our bowel function and what goals to set to improve bowel function and impact on our lives
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Methods of introducing self-care, relaxation and stress management
It will include:
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8 x 1.5 hour sessions in a group of people with similar experiences of IBS
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A self-management CBT manual for IBS
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Worksheets for home practice
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Support from two Health Psychologists accredited by the HCPC and an Assistant Psychologist
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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
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Discounted option for 30 minute one-to-one follow ups
The price for the course and all of the above is £650. Payment plans available in 3-4 instalments. Places secured with a £150 deposit. Cancellations made within 14 days of the course date cannot be refunded.
The dates:The course will run on Thursday evenings, 6pm - 7.30pm (90 minutes)
26th January
2nd February
9th February
16th February
(1 week break)
2nd March
9th March
16th March
23rd March
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.
Previous group feedback
"I have noticed a big improvement in not only my symptoms but also my mental well being. When I joined the course it was fair to say I was in quite a negative place... The course helped me to evaluate and confront these issues. It was a difficult time during the course personally but I feel so much happier now for going through it and in a better place to carry on working on my goals. I do genuinely think there are a lot of people who could benefit from the course who may not know it exists. I'm very fortunate that my sister is a dietitian and suggested I give it a go!"
"Felt so supportive, no such thing as a stupid question. Paced perfectly. Enjoyed the breakout rooms and the balance between presentations and time to talk. Could not rate it more highly. The professionalism but also authenticity of those running the group was one of the key aspects that made it so helpful i think. Also, other group members willing to share and be vulnerable helped so much."
"To hear others having the same issues really helped with not feeling so isolated and strange. The support of the group was so uplifting! I gained my confidence back that I can handle life with IBS and I don't have to isolate myself. I know now what causes my symptoms and that food doesn't really play a big role."
"The whole group was all at different stages of their IBS so it was extremely informative listening to all the feedback and discussions. Learning about this has also helped my awareness of the symptoms at different stages and also to appreciate the ability to be guided during these sessions."
"Peer support from the whole group, friendly atmosphere created by Sula, Alicia and Amina, using the forum every week to reflect. Looking at how to change thoughts around symptoms (and other areas of life), looking at different approaches to reducing symptoms and anxiety around them, understanding the different triggers for symptoms"
In addition, 80% of participants rated symptom improvement as an 8 or above (of the 5/8 who responded to the final feedback form). On average satisfaction with bowel habits doubled, and symptoms of abdominal tightness nearly halved as did interference of bowel symptoms with daily life.
