Living with a gastrointestinal condition can affect what you eat, where you go, how you travel and how comfortable you feel participating in work, relationships and social activities. Digestive symptoms may be painful, disruptive and unpredictable, making it difficult to plan or feel confident away from home.
The digestive system and the brain communicate through what is often called the brain-gut axis. Stress and emotions can influence digestive symptoms, while persistent gastrointestinal symptoms can increase anxiety, frustration and emotional distress. This connection does not mean your symptoms are imaginary or “all in your head.” Your physical symptoms are real, and psychological support can be an important part of comprehensive gastrointestinal care.
Resilience Health Psychology provides specialized Psycho-Gastroenterology treatments for adults throughout Greater Philadelphia and South Jersey. From our Maple Shade location, our psychologists help clients manage the emotional and behavioral effects of digestive conditions while complementing the medical care they receive.
Gastrointestinal symptoms can affect daily life in ways that other people may not fully understand. You may find yourself continually thinking about food, symptoms, bathroom access or whether you will feel well enough to participate in an activity.
Adults living with gastrointestinal conditions may experience:
Therapy provides a supportive place to address these experiences without minimizing the physical reality of your symptoms.
The brain and digestive system continually communicate with one another. When you feel stressed or anxious, you may notice changes in digestion. When digestive symptoms become painful, urgent or unpredictable, your brain may become increasingly alert to physical sensations and possible triggers.
Over time, this pattern can create a cycle of symptom-related anxiety, increased physical awareness and avoidance of activities that feel risky or uncomfortable.
does not suggest that emotions are the sole cause of digestive symptoms. Instead, it recognizes that physical symptoms, emotional responses and daily behaviors can influence one another. Therapy can help you respond to this cycle differently while continuing to follow the recommendations of your gastroenterologist or other healthcare professionals.
Our psychologists provide individualized, patient-centered care that considers your symptoms, medical experiences, routines, relationships, values and goals.
We use evidence-based approaches that may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Humanistic Therapies and Biofeedback. Depending on your needs, therapy may help you:
The goal is not to dismiss digestive symptoms as psychological or expect you to control them through positive thinking. Instead, therapy helps you develop practical ways to manage distress, reduce the disruption symptoms create and participate more fully in daily life.
Psychological care works alongside medical treatment, not in place of it. Our approach is designed to complement the care you receive from gastroenterologists, dietitians, primary care physicians and other healthcare professionals.
Resilience Health Psychology is a specialized health psychology practice serving adults throughout Greater Philadelphia and South Jersey who are living with chronic illness, pain and significant changes in health.
Our psychologists understand the psychological weight of medical illness and the challenges that can accompany ongoing symptoms, treatments and uncertainty. Care is practical, evidence-based and tailored to the whole person. We help clients develop useful coping skills, adapt to changing circumstances and reconnect with the people and activities that give their lives meaning.
As an Equilibria practice, Resilience Health Psychology also provides physicians, hospitals and healthcare organizations with a trusted behavioral health referral resource for adults experiencing the emotional and behavioral effects of chronic medical conditions.
With an office in Maple Shade, specialized health psychology care is available close to home for individuals across South Jersey and the Greater Philadelphia area. We accept insurance and can help prospective clients understand their coverage before beginning care.
You do not have to manage the emotional and daily demands of diabetes or an endocrine condition alone. Contact Resilience Health Psychology to learn more, discuss insurance coverage and find specialized support that complements your medical care.
