{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"The Gastroenterologist And His Daughter","title":"S05E04 | Mind Meets Gut with Dr. Kelly Watkins ","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2525,"description":"We’re often told that stress “affects the gut,” but rarely are we given a clear explanation of how or what to actually do about it. In this episode, Dr. Kelly Watkins joins Sandra to unpack the science and psychology behind the mind–gut connection and why approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) are becoming an essential part of digestive care.\nThis episode covers:\nHow stress and anxiety physically affect gut function\nThe science behind the brain–gut communication loop\nWhy CBT is increasingly used in digestive disorders\nCommon psychological triggers for bloating, pain and IBS flares\nHow gut symptoms and anxiety can reinforce each other\nPractical CBT tools for managing gut-related anxiety\nWhy “it’s in your head” is a misleading and harmful myth\nThis conversation bridges the gap between gut health and mental health, tackles stigma head-on, and offers practical tools for anyone living with IBS, bloating, chronic pain or stress-related digestive symptoms.\n\nAbout Dr. Kelly Watkins\n\nDr Kelly Watkins, BSc (Hons), MSc, PG Dip, PgD, is a Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist, EMDR Therapist, and HCPC-registered Practitioner Psychologist. With over a decade of experience working with clients across the NHS, HM Prison Service, private healthcare, and community settings, Kelly brings a unique blend of psychological expertise and mind-body understanding to her work.\n\nKelly supports clients worldwide through 1:1 work, online workshops and retreats designed to help individuals rebuild their relationship with food, understand the mind-gut connection, and heal the emotional patterns that contribute to digestive distress. Her integrative approach combines evidence-based psychological therapies with practical, holistic strategies that empower people to transform their wellbeing from the inside out.\n\nAlongside her clinical work, Kelly lectures and supervises the next generation of CBT therapists and conducts research into personality disorders, staff training, and...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/Hbr9zfirtkwgdAiQ5xP8mZF7Eid65S3rQV4L8_5h3Gc/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9iZWI5/YmUzNGNhNjAwZTEz/MTk2NGRjYzMxNGRi/MWQ5My5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}