Behavioral Medicine for Digestive Health

Northwestern Medicine has one of the largest fully integrated behavioral medicine for digestive health programs in the country.

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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

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The Behavioral Medicine for Digestive Health program provides a broad range of services to the Digestive Health Center’s gastroenterology, hepatology, and lifestyle medicine patients.

Meet the Behavioral Medicine for Digestive Health Team

Areas of Care

Outpatient Services

Our treatments directly target GI symptoms and break the cycle that can aggravate symptoms. We provide helpful tools patients can use to improve physical health and well-being.

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Digital Health

Patients of the Behavioral Medicine for Digestive Health Program have access to specialized media to support their treatment.

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Family Education

Chronic medical illness can take a toll not only on the individual, but on the entire family.

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Medical Nutrition Therapy

Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) is an evidence-based medical approach to treating chronic conditions through the use of an individually tailored nutrition plan delivered by a registered dietitian nutritionist.

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Support and Education Groups

Support groups can be an important way to access information and aid in coping.

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Conditions We Treat

Treatment Approaches:

Locations & Contact Information

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    Mental Wellness Products

    Explore a vetted collection of products and services designed to help you manage stress, improve your mood and enhance your well-being at the Vale Health Marketplace in collaboration with Northwestern Medicine.

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    Guided Imagery
    Guided Imagery

    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.

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    Diaphragmatic Breathing
    Diaphragmatic Breathing

    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.

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    Progressive Muscle Relaxation
    Progressive Muscle Relaxation

    Join the Digestive Health Center Behavioral Medicine team for a progressive muscle relaxation session that helps relieve the body of tension.

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    Breathing Meditation
    Breathing Meditation

    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.

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    Making the Mind-Gut Connection
    Making the Mind-Gut Connection

    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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