All About Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and How to Overcome it with Psychological Therapy & Counselling

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is relatively widespread and it is estimated that 20% of people will suffer from it at one time or another.

IBS may be caused by either physiological (body chemistry) factors as well as psychological factors.

Before commencing any kind of psychotherapy, we recommend consulting your doctor to determine any medical problems that may be contributing to your IBS.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is certainly made much worse by Stress and Anxiety and although medication is often prescribed for the condition, counselling treatments aimed at resolving the underlying causes are often the most effective ways of alleviating the symptoms.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms

There are a number of symptoms associated with IBS and you may experience and one, or several, of the symptoms at the same time.

Typical symptoms include:-

• Abdominal pain or cramping: Pain or cramping in the lower abdomen that is often relieved by a bowel movement.
• Bloating and gas: Feeling bloated and experiencing excessive gas, which can be relieved by passing gas or having a bowel movement.
• Diarrhoea or constipation: IBS can cause both diarrhea and constipation, or alternate between the two.
• Changes in bowel movements: Changes in the frequency, consistency, and appearance of bowel movements.
• Mucus in the stool: Mucus may be present in the stool.
• Urgency: Feeling an urgent need to have a bowel movement.
• Incomplete evacuation: Feeling like there is more stool to pass even after having a bowel movement.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired or fatigued due to the impact of IBS on sleep and daily functioning.
• Anxiety or depression: IBS can cause anxiety or depression due to the impact on daily life and social activities.

You may have some or all of these symptoms as they vary between different people.

Therapy & Counselling for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

We offer a number of different types of therapy and counselling for Irritable Bowel Syndrome and anxiety-related problems.

Choosing the most suitable therapy depends on a number of different considerations including factors such as:

• How long you have had the problem.
• Your personal preferences.
• How your problem is affecting you today.

You can read more about the different types of therapy for irritable bowel syndrome on the following links:

• CBT for IBS
• Counselling for IBS
• Pluralistic Therapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Although all therapies use slightly different approaches, the one thing they all have in common is the relationship that is formed between the client and therapist.

Research suggests that this therapy relationship may be the most important factor in achieving a good therapy outcome.

The Behaviour Change Framework

All of our counselling sessions and programmes for irritable bowel syndrome use the Behaviour Change Framework (BCF).

This scientifically proven protocol defines the stages of behaviour change that you need to go through in order to achieve long lasting and sustainable change.

The framework provides a roadmap that indicates if more change is required before entering the next phase of mental health therapy.

In this way, we are able to ensure that you get the best possible level of support in overcoming your mental health problems as well preventing early termination of therapy.

You can read more about the Science of Change here.

Arrange your FREE initial consultation here.

If you’d like to find out more about overcoming Irritable Bowel Syndrome or recovering from any of your mental health problems then why not arrange a free initial consultation with us.

During this consultation we will discuss your particular issues and the different types of mental health counselling we offer without you having to commit to any counselling going forward.

The consultation lasts around 50 minutes and is a great opportunity to meet with either Paul or Joan and decide if you would like to proceed with any support.