Cognitive Behavioral Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: The Brain-Gut Connection is written as a treatment manual for health care professionals who work with IBS patients. The book provides an overview of pertinent IBS research, a discussion of the use of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for IBS, and strategies for a thorough assessment of symptoms. The bulk of the book contains session-by-session scripts for group therapy for IBS.
About the Authors
The book is a collaborative effort of a group of mental health professionals associated with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto: Brenda B. Toner, Ph.D., Zindel V. Segal, Ph.D., Shelagh D. Emmott, Ph.D. and David Myran, M.D.
Strong Points
- The book offers a comprehensive discussion of pertinent IBS research and theoretical underpinnings of the disorder.
- Excellent explanation of specific CBT techniques and how they can be applied when working with IBS patients.
- Interesting discussion of the role of stigma and gender differences as they relate to IBS.
- Session by session outlines provide an easy to follow template for any clinician to follow.
Shortcomings
- The inclusion of the statistical results of their own research may be too in-depth for the average clinician.
- The authors only offer a group therapy format. Although it could be adapted for individual work, I would have preferred a presentation of both options.
Is This Book for You?
If you are a mental health clinician with a patient who suffers from IBS, you should read this book. IBS patients typically fall between the medicine/mental health cracks; a therapist who has a good understanding of the disorder can go a long way toward bridging this gap. The session by session scripts could be used to provide a helpful structure in your work, whether it be an individual or group format. So, yes, read this book - your IBS patients will thank you!
This book is written to an audience of mental health professionals. I would only recommend this book to non-clinicians who are very science-minded and looking for a deeper understanding of the disorder. Otherwise, one would be better off with an IBS book geared directly toward sufferers.
