Gastro Psychology
On this page
1. About us
The Gastro Psychology Service provides support for adults with a gastroenterological condition or symptoms, who are under the care of the Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust Gastroenterology team and are experiencing emotional or psychological challenges linked to their gastro condition.
Our service offers specialist psychological and emotional support to individuals, focussed on the links between physical and emotional health.
Gut and bowel problems can cause:
- Pain
- Tiredness
- Trouble sleeping
- Changes in appetite
- Feeling embarrassed or worried about bowel movements
The brain and gut are connected. Feeling worried or sad can make gut problems worse. Gut problems can also directly affect our emotions.
Coping with and making decisions about treatment (tests, medication and surgery) can feel overwhelming.
What we offer:
- Specialist psychological support focusing on the link between physical and emotional health.
- Help for emotional challenges like anxiety, low mood, and worries about treatment or surgery, that are common among people with gastro conditions and symptoms.
- Support when living with gastro symptoms or conditions feels overwhelming or motivation is low.
How we work:
- Initial Assessment: We begin with an assessment to understand your needs and decide if the gastro psychology service is the right option or if other services may be more suitable.
- Therapy Sessions: Typically up to 6-12 sessions to explore coping strategies and manage the emotional impact of your gastro symptoms and their treatment. Sessions vary based on your needs.
- NHS Talking Therapies: We work with NHS Talking Therapies (formerly IAPT), who offer anxiety and depression treatment for those with Long Term Conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Some patients may be referred to NHS Talking Therapy (Kirklees or Calderdale/Vita).
Collaborating with the Gastro Team:
- We contribute to care planning and training, ensuring both physical and emotional needs are considered for all patients.
- Even if you aren’t referred to us, we play a role in supporting your overall care.
2. Gastro Psychology Team
- Dr Catherine Wright, Consultant Clinical Psychologist (HCPC registered)
- Secretary Kirsty Sharp
- Dr Stacey Boardman - Clinical Psychologist
3. What to Expect at Your Appointment
- First Appointment: You’ll meet with a psychologist to discuss your needs. This can be in-person, video, or phone depending on what works best for you. We can also arrange transport, translators, or other support to help you attend.
- Confidential & Supportive: If it’s your first time talking about your feelings, we understand it can feel daunting. We’ll go at your pace to ensure you’re comfortable.
- Assessment: We’ll ask about your emotional wellbeing, physical health, work, and relationships. After the meeting, we’ll write a summary of the discussion and the plan that we’ve agreed together.
- Consent: We’ll ask for your permission to share this information with your GP and the person who referred you.
Referrals to the Gastro Psychology Service can be made by a member of the CHFT gastro team.
4. Where will gastro psychology service be offered?
At Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and Calderdale Royal Hospital.
5. How can you be referred to the service?
If you are a resident of Calderdale or Huddersfield and receiving support from the gastroenterologists at CHFT, you can discuss a referral to our service with your nurse/doctor/other healthcare professional. If your referral is accepted, you will be sent an opt-in letter. You then have three weeks to respond with your decision to opt-in. If you opt-in you will be added to our waiting list, and we will be in touch to arrange your first session.
6. Contact Us
Our secretary can be reached on 01484 34 6030 Monday to Friday between 8:30am-4pm.
7. Useful links and additional information
- Samaritans Available 24 hours a day to provide confidential emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress and despair.
- Mental health and wellbeing with Crohn's or Colitis (crohnsandcolitis.org.uk)
- The IBS Network NHS Talking Therapies, for needs including living with long-term conditions:
- Calderdale - provided by Vita
- Helping you to improve your wellbeing in Kirklees IAPT - Talking Therapies Kirklees
- Helping you to improve your wellbeing Mental health - NHS