Life With IBS / Pain

10 Sessions

The experience of chronic pain or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is shaped by more than just physical symptoms—it’s a dynamic interaction between the body and mind. What starts as a physical sensation can trigger stress and anxiety, which in turn amplify pain. Over time, this feedback loop can cause the nervous system to become hypersensitive, responding to even mild stimuli with heightened intensity.

This 10-session plan combines evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with mindfulness practices tailored for adults living with persistent pain. You’ll learn how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors influence your symptoms as well as gain skills to help you interrupt those cycles and reduce the intensity of your pain.

Treatment focuses on three core areas: cognitive restructuring to challenge catastrophic thinking about pain, behavioral modification to identify and shift habits that reinforce pain, and mindfulness strategies to change how you respond to discomfort.

Sessions are delivered virtually, providing convenient access to specialized care regardless of mobility limitations.

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Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars. - Kahlil Gibran

This plan is designed for adults managing chronic pain conditions such as IBS, fibromyalgia, migraines, back pain, and other persistent or recurring pain syndromes. It may be especially helpful if you’ve found limited relief through medical treatment alone and are looking for an integrative approach to manage your symptoms more effectively.

Common indicators for this plan include:

Pain that persists beyond the expected healing period (typically 3-6 months)
IBS symptoms that fluctuate with stress levels
Increasing restriction of activities due to pain anticipation
Catastrophic thoughts about pain sensations
Sleep disturbance related to physical discomfort
Elevated stress and anxiety that correlate with symptom flares
Diminished quality of life despite medical treatment
Frustration with healthcare experiences and limited pain relief

This program is intended to complement—not replace—your medical care. By targeting the psychological and neurological components of chronic pain, it can help reduce the intensity of symptoms and improve your overall functioning, even if the physical condition remains.

Why you might choose this plan

What to expect

In-person, telehealth or both

How long does therapy take?

Evidence-based psychological treatments for chronic pain consistently show 30–50% reductions in pain intensity and meaningful improvements in day-to-day functioning. At Therapy Lab, we use a science-backed approach that directly addresses how your brain and body interact to shape your experience of pain.

Treatment begins with a personalized assessment of how pain shows up in your life. You’ll learn how the nervous system processes chronic pain and explore your individual triggers. Over the course of the plan, you’ll build a toolkit of strategies—like cognitive reframing, mindfulness practices, and relaxation techniques—designed specifically for managing pain conditions. These tools can help you reduce flare-ups, improve quality of life, and feel more in control of your symptoms, even when pain is persistent.

Therapy Lab clinicians hold advanced degrees in clinical psychology, and related similar science-based clinical practices, and receive ongoing training in CBT for pain. They work collaboratively with your existing medical providers to ensure integrated care addressing both physiological and psychological aspects of pain management. To learn more, please see the resources below.

About Therapy Lab therapists

Drossman, D. A., & Hasler, W. L. (2016). Rome IV—Functional GI disorders: Disorders of gut-brain interaction. Gastroenterology, 160(4), 1262-1273.
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Williams, A. C., Fisher, E., Hearn, L., & Eccleston, C. (2020). Psychological therapies for the management of chronic pain (excluding headache) in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 8, CD007407.