Since Dr. Mystkowski’s launch of the “Going Well” program over a decade ago, numerous individuals benefited from the application of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to the treatment of IBS. Within 10-16 weekly sessions, clients noticed they are less focused on their gut sensations (e.g., abdominal pain, urgency, fullness, bloating, etc.) and that variations in bowel movement form or habits (i.e., episodes of diarrhea, constipation, or both), were not necessarily a cause for alarm. Eventually, many clients were able to consume previously “forbidden” foods (e.g., spicy, hot, greasy foods, or items containing dairy or caffeine), travel distances far from “safe” bathrooms, confront destinations that are “unpredictable,” and engage in activities once feared to exacerbate IBS symptoms (e.g., exercise, physical intimacy).
With this in mind, and in careful consultation with medical providers, our IBS treatment protocol has been applied to clients with Irritable Bowel Disease (i.e., IBD: Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s Disease, and Celiac Disease) with favorable results. Specifically, we address how the fear of relapse, and triggers associated with one’s IBD, can lead to autonomic activation that mimics active IBD symptoms, despite biologic medications or dietary changes. We look forward to further refining our “Going Well” program to help this underserved population.
