Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBIs) represent a group of chronic conditions that reflect the complex and bidirectional communication between the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract. These disorders—including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional dyspepsia, and cyclic vomiting syndrome—are increasingly understood to be influenced by stress, trauma, mood, and emotional regulation.
This 3-hour continuing education training is designed to equip mental health professionals with a clinical understanding of DGBIs and practical tools for assessment and intervention. The course explores the biopsychosocial model of care, including the neurobiological underpinnings of the gut-brain axis, the role of early attachment and trauma, and evidence-based therapeutic approaches for managing symptoms.
Participants will learn to identify key psychological and somatic features of DGBIs, understand the impact of stress and emotional dysregulation on gastrointestinal functioning, and implement integrative interventions including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), clinical hypnosis, psychoeducation, mindfulness, and body-based strategies. The training will also address cultural considerations, chronic illness stigma, and collaborative care with medical providers.
Through case vignettes, experiential exercises, and evidence-informed strategies, clinicians will leave with greater confidence in addressing these often-overlooked and misunderstood conditions in clinical practice.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to
- Describe the neurobiological mechanisms of bilateral movement techniques, including how they influence brain function, nervous system regulation, and emotional processing in individuals affected by trauma.
- Identify at least three bilateral movement-based interventions, such as bilateral drawing, rhythmic movement, and sensorimotor approaches, in promoting trauma recovery and emotional regulation.
- Apply at least three practical, evidence-based bilateral movement strategies within clinical practice to help clients manage distress, enhance self-regulation, and strengthen mind-body integration in trauma-informed care.
Syllabus:
Introduction
Objective #1: Explain the gut–brain axis and its relevance
- Describe the bidirectional communication between CNS, ENS, vagus nerve, microbiome, and immune system.
- Identify how neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, GABA) influence gut functioning.
- Explain how stress and the HPA axis increase gut permeability and symptoms.
- Illustrate the stress–gut.
Objective #2: Identify psychological and somatic features of DGBIs
- Define common DGBIs (IBS, functional dyspepsia, cyclic vomiting syndrome).
- Recognize the relationship between DGBIs and mental health (anxiety, depression, hypervigilance).
- Explain the role of trauma, ACEs, and PTSD in the development of GI distress.
- Discuss how inflammation and immune activation contribute to DGBIs.
Objective #3: Apply evidence-based interventions for DGBIs
- Demonstrate CBT strategies such as cognitive restructuring, expectancy tracking, and interoceptive exposure.
- Use gut-focused CBT tools, including thought records and reframing catastrophic thoughts.
- Introduce gut-directed hypnotherapy and sample visualizations (e.g., Soothing River, Safe River script).
- Guide clients in mindfulness, breathwork, and grounding practices to support gut regulation.
Objective #4: Integrate case examples and biopsychosocial formulation
- Analyze a complex case using biological, psychological, relational, and cultural domains.
- Select appropriate interventions for IBS and other DGBI diagnoses, based on client presentation.
Objective #5: Address ethics, cultural considerations, and collaborative care
- Validate invisible symptoms and reduce stigma in therapeutic settings.
- Discuss cultural perspectives on GI symptoms and somatic expression.
- Apply ethical principles in hypnosis and somatic interventions.
Summary/Q&A
Social workers completing this course receive 3 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 3 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Samantha Silverberg-Stout, M.A., L.P.C.
Recording Date: October 30, 2025
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2025 - 08/6/2026. Social workers completing this course receive 3hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com