IBD & Emotional Resilience: How to Heal Beyond the Flare
The Gastro Girl Podcast
08/13/25
•35m
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Feeling drained by IBD—physically and emotionally? Discover how to reclaim your strength beyond the flare with proven strategies from leading clinical psychologist and resilience expert Dr. Laurie Keefer.
Living with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis isn't just about managing physical symptoms—it's about coping with the emotional, social, and mental toll that IBD can take. From how you see yourself, to how you eat, connect with others, and face the unknown, the impact can be profound.
In this powerful episode, Dr. Keefer—author of the groundbreaking American Journal of Gastroenterology article "Beyond Depression and Anxiety in IBD: Forging a Path Toward Emotional Healing"—shares what it truly means to heal beyond the flare.
You'll learn:
- What emotional resilience really looks like for people living with IBD
- How trauma, disordered eating, and adjustment disorders can surface with chronic illness
- How to start building emotional strength today using Dr. Keefer's Resilience5TM framework
This episode is produced in collaboration with the American College of Gastroenterology's Patient Care Committee.
Previous Episode
Living with Crohn's or Colitis? This 8-Week Group May Change Your Life
August 5, 2025
•24m
We're welcoming back Dr. Ali Navidi, a licensed clinical psychologist, and co-founder of GI Psychology. Today, Dr. Navidi is here to tell us all about the IBD Therapy Group—offered in partnership with the American College of Gastroenterology and the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation. This 8-week, nationwide, virtual therapy program is designed for patients with Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis and uses two proven approaches—Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy—to help manage stress, anxiety, and inflammation, which can all contribute to IBD flare-ups.
Hear Dr. Navidi discuss...
- The brain-gut connection and how it can impact IBD
- The benefits and patient outcomes of CBT and Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy
- What patients can expect from the IBD Therapy Group
The IBD Therapy Groups starts on August 14. To learn more, see if you qualify, or sign up for a free consultation, visit https://www.gipsychology.com/ibdgroup/.
Next Episode
From Symptoms to Diagnosis: A Patient's Early EoE Journey
August 19, 2025
•24m
In this episode, we share Wendy's story of living with Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE). She takes us through the confusing early symptoms, the long road to getting a diagnosis, and how she manages her condition today. With honesty and hope, Wendy offers a patient's perspective on what it means to live with EoE.
Hear Wendy discuss:
- The first signs that something was wrong with her throat
- How symptoms disrupted her eating, social life, and mental health
- The coping strategies she unknowingly developed along the way
- What it was like to finally receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan
Resources & Support:Learn more about EoE and find trusted resources at gastrogirl.com.
This episode was made possible with support from Sanofi and Regeneron.
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