The Role of the Behavioral Health Provider in Treating GI Disorders: Increasing Gut-Brain Competencies
(3 CEUs)
with:
Ellen Joseph, PhD
When: Friday, October 9, 2026 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Where: Online via Zoom (link will be sent 2 days before & at midnight prior to the event) Cost: BVPA Members Free, Non-Members $80, TPA Members 10% discount at registration with TPA Member Number, Student Non-Members $10.
When: Friday, October 9, 2026 from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Where: Online via Zoom (link will be sent 2 days before & at midnight prior to the event)
Cost: BVPA Members Free, Non-Members $80, TPA Members 10% discount at registration with TPA Member Number, Student Non-Members $10.
Program Description: The gut and brain are in constant conversation — and for many patients, that connection is at the heart of their gastrointestinal (GI) struggles. This presentation offers behavioral health providers a practical, engaging overview of common GI conditions and the gut-brain axis, including an introduction to the field of gastropsychology and its growing role in whole-person GI care. Attendees will also explore how sex, gender identity, and cultural norms shape the way patients experience and manage these conditions, and will walk away with concrete tools, patient-friendly language, and actionable strategies to integrate into their practice right away. Learning Objectives: By the end of the session, the learner will be able to: Identify 3–5 GI disorders that fall within the scope of behavioral health treatment. Explain the gut-brain interaction in clear, accessible, patient-friendly language. Examine how sex, gender identity, social norms, and cultural background intersect with patients' lived experiences of GI conditions. Apply 2–3 targeted modifications to assessment and treatment approaches to better serve patients with GI conditions. Connect patients to 2–3 practical, patient-focused resources for living with GI conditions. About Our Speaker Ellen Joseph, PhD (she/her) is a Counseling Health Psychologist and Partnership Liaison at GI Psychology, a virtual, national group psychology practice that specializes in treating GI disorders. Dr. Joseph has a wealth of experience working in integrated medical settings and has a passion for treating patients of all ages with chronic and acute medical conditions. She particularly enjoys treating patients with gastrointestinal disorders given the associated stigma and significant impact on valued areas of their lives. Dr. Joseph's passion is helping patients reclaim control over their lives and enhance overall satisfaction and meaning. With regard to research, Dr. Joseph explores the role of positive psychology, self-compassion, and acceptance-based interventions to address health psychology-related issues like IBD, chronic pain, and weight stigma.
Program Description:
The gut and brain are in constant conversation — and for many patients, that connection is at the heart of their gastrointestinal (GI) struggles. This presentation offers behavioral health providers a practical, engaging overview of common GI conditions and the gut-brain axis, including an introduction to the field of gastropsychology and its growing role in whole-person GI care. Attendees will also explore how sex, gender identity, and cultural norms shape the way patients experience and manage these conditions, and will walk away with concrete tools, patient-friendly language, and actionable strategies to integrate into their practice right away.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of the session, the learner will be able to:
Identify 3–5 GI disorders that fall within the scope of behavioral health treatment.
Explain the gut-brain interaction in clear, accessible, patient-friendly language.
Examine how sex, gender identity, social norms, and cultural background intersect with patients' lived experiences of GI conditions.
Apply 2–3 targeted modifications to assessment and treatment approaches to better serve patients with GI conditions.
Connect patients to 2–3 practical, patient-focused resources for living with GI conditions.
About Our Speaker
Ellen Joseph, PhD (she/her) is a Counseling Health Psychologist and Partnership Liaison at GI Psychology, a virtual, national group psychology practice that specializes in treating GI disorders. Dr. Joseph has a wealth of experience working in integrated medical settings and has a passion for treating patients of all ages with chronic and acute medical conditions. She particularly enjoys treating patients with gastrointestinal disorders given the associated stigma and significant impact on valued areas of their lives. Dr. Joseph's passion is helping patients reclaim control over their lives and enhance overall satisfaction and meaning. With regard to research, Dr. Joseph explores the role of positive psychology, self-compassion, and acceptance-based interventions to address health psychology-related issues like IBD, chronic pain, and weight stigma.
