Therapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in San Francisco

Find Relief and Support for IBS

— Are you worried about your diarrhea or constipation?

— Are you struggling with abdominal pain, gas, acid reflux, or flatulence?

— Do you fear having an accident in public?

— Do you feel anxious about eating certain foods because you know they will give you symptoms?

What is IBS?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder. It is diagnosed when a person experiences frequent abdominal pain along with changes in stool frequency and appearance, and when other medical conditions have been ruled out.

Common symptoms of IBS include urgency to use the bathroom, fear of fecal incontinence, bloating, gas, and excessive flatulence. Many people with IBS experience a reduced quality of life due to dietary restrictions, fear of food, and avoidance of activities like travel, social events, crowded places, and exercise. IBS can also lead to hyper-vigilance toward internal sensations, along with anxiety about bathroom availability and proximity.

IBS is linked to disruptions in gut-brain communication, particularly involving the enteric nervous system (the “gut’s nervous system”) and the way the central nervous system processes pain. It is also associated with gut microbiome imbalances (dysbiosis). These factors contribute to visceral hypersensitivity, meaning that people with IBS perceive normal gut activity as uncomfortable or painful and often experience heightened anxiety in response to these sensations.

Therapy for IBS Can Help You:

Living with IBS can be incredibly distressing, not just because of the physical symptoms but also because of the impact it has on daily life. You might develop patterns of avoidance—steering clear of certain foods, social gatherings, or places where a bathroom might not be easily accessible. Over time, this can lead to increased anxiety, isolation, and a shrinking sense of freedom.

Therapy can help break this cycle. We will work on how to manage the stress that worsens IBS symptoms, challenge catastrophic thinking about digestive discomfort, and reduce the hyper-awareness of gut sensations. Through approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques, therapy can help you regain confidence in your body and your ability to navigate the world.

Instead of IBS controlling your life, therapy can help you develop strategies to manage it—so you can get back to living with more ease and flexibility.

You Deserve Relief

If you’re ready to take that step, book a free intro call today and start your journey toward recovery.