Intro to Gut-Brain Psychology:
Science and Practice that
Applies to Every Patient

  • 2.75 HOURS

    Course duration

  • 2.75 CE HOURS

    Continuing education

  • 74 USD

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    Why You’ll Love this Course:
    Gut-brain psychology is everywhere these days, but how much do you actually know about it? This course will set you on the path toward clinical proficiency by introducing the essential concepts and biological basics of the gut-brain connection, as well as how to begin treating Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBIs). With 40-60% of the population experiencing functional gastrointestinal (GI) issues, this course is essential learning.   

    Course description:
    This course provides an introduction to the core concepts that are necessary for understanding and treating the gut-brain connection. It offers an overview on how the brain and gut communicate via the nervous system and how stress plays a major role in the development of Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBIs). This course outlines the differences between structural and functional GI disorders, identifying more common DGBIs that present in clinical practice. Finally, this course teaches introductory methods for conceptualizing and treating DGBIs and provides recommendations for pursuing clinical competence in this specialty.   

    Who is this for:
    Clinicians who are interested in building expertise in gut-brain psychology and how it applies to their patients.

    Instructional Level:
    Beginner

    Include:
    Handout:
      Essential Gut-Brain Resources for Provider and Patient

    Educational Objectives: 
    By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
    1. Describe the biological bases of gut-brain interaction.
    2. Describe the differences between structural and functional gastrointestinal (GI) conditions.
    3. Name 3 interventions for treating Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBIs).

      Katie Arfa, Psy.D.

      Health Psychologist
      Co-founder
      Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)
      Katie Arfa, PsyD. is a co-founder and the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of MindScience Collective. She is a licensed clinical psychologist in California (PSY31016), who specializes in using integrative, evidence-based treatments for health conditions. She is sought after for her particular expertise in the emerging fields of nutritional psychiatry, gut-brain interaction, pain psychology, and lifestyle medicine.

      In her private practice, Dr. Arfa focuses on using ACT, CBT, and nervous system approaches to treat families and adults dealing with medical conditions, complex illnesses, or treatment-resistant cases. She provides supervision and consultation to trainees and professionals on the intersection of medical and psychological diagnoses, especially differential diagnosis of complex cases.

      Dr. Arfa is the creator of ACT for GI, a group treatment protocol for GI conditions; a psychology education program for fitness professionals; and a postdoctoral training program in integrative health psychology. She completed a fellowship in integrative psychiatry and has a background as a certified personal trainer through National Strength and Conditioning Association. She has also served as adjunct professor at Antioch University. 

      Patients are referred to Dr. Arfa by some of the most notable healthcare systems in the country, including UCLA Health, Cleveland Clinic, and the Mayo Clinic.

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      Disclosures:
      Dr. Arfa is a co-founder of MindScience Collective and will receive financial benefit from all course sales. Dr. Arfa is also the instructor of “Using Common S.E.N.S.E: Incorporating Lifestyle Factors for Optimal Patient Outcomes” and “Exercise as a Treatment for Mental Health”, both of which are offered on this platform.

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      “MindScience Collective is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. MindScience Collective is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for Licensed Psychologists (#PSY-0312). MindScience Collective maintains responsibility for this program and its content.“

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