Behavioral Medicine for Digestive Health
Northwestern Medicine has one of the largest fully integrated behavioral medicine for digestive health programs in the country.
Behavioral Medicine for Digestive Health
Housed within the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the Behavioral Medicine program provides a broad range of services to the Digestive Health Center’s gastroenterology, hepatology, and lifestyle medicine patients.
Through our research, clinical practice, training programs, and digital health initiatives, we aim to positively change how symptoms, health beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors impact the treatment and experience of those with chronic conditions. Our treatments directly target GI symptoms, often by addressing the dysregulation in the brain-gut pathway. We also help people learn strategies they can use to improve how they cope with symptoms and treatments so they can get back to doing the things they enjoy.
We place a strong emphasis, in both research and clinical practice, on evidenced-based models of care, expanding understanding of digestive diseases, and serving as a voice for the patients and families in our care.
Meet the Team
Meet the Behavioral Medicine for Digestive Health Team
Conditions
Conditions we treat include:
- Abdominal Pain
- Achalasia
- Binge Eating
- Celiac Disease
- Dysphagia
- Functional Bowel Disorders
- Functional Esophageal Disorders
- Globus
- Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Liver Disease
- Nausea
- Non-Cardiac Chest Pain
- Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
- PPI-Non Responsive GERD
Treatment Approaches
- Assistance with Weight Loss
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Gastrointestinal Symptoms
- Disease Education
- Gut-Directed Medical Hypnotherapy
- Mindfulness Based Interventions
- Psychological Evaluations for Bariatric Surgery
- Relaxation Training
- Self-management Training
- Stress management
Join Kathryn Tomasino, PhD, of the Digestive Health Center Behavioral Medicine team, as she leads a guided imagery meditation session to promote relaxation and an escape from tension and stress.
In this video Anjali Pandit, PhD, and Kathryn Tomasino, PhD, will walk you through the rationale for and technique of diaphragmatic breathing. You will learn how it can help reduce gastrointestinal symptoms and increase your relaxation response.
Join the Digestive Health Center Behavioral Medicine team for a progressive muscle relaxation session that helps relieve the body of tension.
Join Anjali Pandit, PhD, a member of the Digestive Health Center Behavioral Medicine team, for a relaxing breathing meditation to improve your breathing practice, increase your relaxation response and reduce stress.
John Pandolfino, MD, and team discuss how patients can use behavioral therapy as part of an entire digestive disease treatment plan.
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