Brain-Gut Service
The Brain-Gut Service at Swinburne Psychology Clinic is a low-cost confidential counselling and support service for adults living with gastrointestinal disorders.
On this page:
The brain-gut connection
Not only is living with a gastrointestinal condition very common in Australia, but its impact is also significant both in terms of psychological wellbeing and overall quality of life.
In a recent national study, 40 per cent of Australian adults were identified to live with a gastrointestinal disorder, and of those around one in four experienced anxiety and/or depression.
It is common for individuals living with gastrointestinal disorders to report experiencing a range of concerns, including persistent anxiety and/or worry, difficulties in sleeping and concentrating, low mood and motivation, fatigue, pain and discomfort, and difficulties in coping and adhering to recommended treatments.
It is also important to recognise that experiencing mental health symptoms like anxiety and depression can also increase gastrointestinal symptoms.
The Brain-Gut Service at Swinburne Psychology Clinic provides psychological support and interventions for individuals living with gastrointestinal disorders.
The low-cost services are delivered face-to-face, via telehealth or in groups by postgraduates studying psychology. We also provide training and research in all areas relating to psychogastroenterology. Visit us on Level 4, the George Swinburne building on the Hawthorn campus of Swinburne University of Technology.
Counselling and support services
Learn about the face-to-face and telehealth counselling, group programs and free online self-directed resilience programs on offer through the Brain-Gut Service at the Swinburne Psychology Clinic.
Face-to-face and telehealth counselling
We offer specialised low-cost counselling services to support individuals living with gastrointestinal disorders. We can see clients face-to-face or via telehealth.
Counselling sessions offer a safe and confidential space for you to explore your thoughts, emotions and concerns related to your gastrointestinal condition. We utilise evidence-based therapeutic approaches tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Personal and health information is treated with professional confidentiality under the Australian Psychological Society's Code of Ethics and relevant Victorian Government legislation.
Book a counselling appointment
The initial eight sessions are set at $20 per session. Subsequent sessions are billed based on the Swinburne Psychology Clinic's low-cost counselling rate.
When booking an appointment, please ensure you select "$20K and under" for the fee scale and identify that you are wanting to access the Brain-Gut Service.
Group programs
Our Brain-Gut Service offers group therapy sessions for individuals living with gastrointestinal disorders. Group therapy provides a supportive environment where you can connect with others who understand your experiences, share coping strategies, and gain insights from one another under the guidance of therapist.
Free online self-directed resilience programs
Our five-week gastrointestinal-condition specific resilience programs, developed by Associate Professor Simon Knowles, include:
Education and training
The Brain-Gut Service at Swinburne Psychology Clinic is committed to providing education and training opportunities for professionals, students and the community to enhance understanding and support for living with gastrointestinal disorders.
Professional development workshops
We offers professional development workshops for psychologists, counsellors, medical professionals and other healthcare providers interested in expanding their knowledge and skills in psychogastroenterology. These workshops cover a range of topics, including evidence-based treatment approaches, psychosocial aspects of gastrointestinal disorders and effective communication strategies with patients.
Student training programs
We also provide opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students in psychology to gain practical experience through clinical placements, internships and research projects focused on psychogastroenterology. We offer supervision and mentorship to support students in their learning and professional development.
If you are interested in participating in our education and training programs or would like to learn more about upcoming workshops, seminars or opportunities for student involvement, please contact us. We welcome collaboration and engagement from professionals, students and community members interested in psychogastroenterology.
Our research
The Brain-Gut Service at Swinburne Psychology Clinic is dedicated to conducting innovative research aimed at advancing understanding, treatment and support for individuals living with gastrointestinal disorders – focusing on several key research areas within the field of gastroenterology psychology.
Psychological impact of gastrointestinal disorders
Investigating the psychological factors associated with gastrointestinal conditions and their impact on mental health and quality of life
Treatment efficacy and intervention development
Evaluating the effectiveness of psychological interventions, including mindfulness-based therapies and gut-directed hypnotherapy for managing symptoms and improving wellbeing in individuals with gastrointestinal disorders
Biopsychosocial factors in gastrointestinal health
Exploring the complex interplay between biological, psychological and social factors in the development, progression and management of gastrointestinal conditions and identifying novel approaches for integrative care
Healthcare access and equity
Examining barriers to healthcare access and disparities in treatment outcomes among individuals with gastrointestinal disorders and developing strategies to promote equitable access to quality care for all patients
Current projects
The Brain-Gut Service at Swinburne Psychology Clinic is actively involved in a variety of research projects aimed at addressing key questions and challenges in gastroenterology psychology, including:
- longitudinal studies investigating the trajectory of psychological symptoms and disease outcomes in individuals with chronic gastrointestinal conditions
- clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of novel psychological interventions for managing specific symptoms or improving overall wellbeing in patients with gastrointestinal disorders
- epidemiological research examining the prevalence of psychological comorbidities and psychosocial risk factors among individuals with different types of gastrointestinal conditions
- psychosocial factors associated with and exacerbating psychological distress in individuals living with gastrointestinal conditions
Get involved
If you are interested in participating in our research studies or collaborating with our team on research projects, please contact us for more information.
We welcome involvement from individuals with lived experience of gastrointestinal disorders, as well as healthcare professionals, researchers and community partners interested in advancing gastroenterology psychology research.
Publications and resources
Explore our publications and resources to learn more about the latest findings and developments in gastroenterology psychology research.
Our team regularly publishes articles in peer-reviewed journals, presents at conferences, and develops educational materials to share insights and promote awareness of psychological aspects of gastrointestinal health.
Our supporters
We are delighted to acknowledge and thank the staff, students and industry colleagues who volunteer their time and expertise. Their contributions are integral to our work and success.
Our special thanks to the following for their support and commitment:
- Professor Geoff Hebbard, Gastroenterologist, Royal Melbourne Hospital
- Professor Finlay Macrae, Gastroenterologist, Royal Melbourne Hospital
- Professor Antonina Mikocka-Walus, Psychologist, Deakin University
- Associate Professor Gregory Moore, Gastroenterologist, Monash Health
- Associate Professor Jason Tye-Din, Gastroenterologist, Royal Melbourne Hospital
- Associate Professor Mayur Garg, Gastroenterologist, Northern Health
- Associate Professor Rebecca Burgell, Gastroenterologist, The Alfred Hospital
- Leanne Raven, CEO Crohn's & Colitis Australia
If you would like to make a donation, visit Giving to Swinburne and please select "Other / Brain-Gut Service at Swinburne Psychology Clinic".
Have a question?
For queries about our research activities, collaboration opportunities or participation in research studies, please email Associate Professor Simon Knowles at sknowles@swinburne.edu.au. We look forward to engaging with you and advancing knowledge in the field of gastroenterology psychology.