United Kingdom: Learn about the mind-gut connection and its role in mental health. Discover how gut health influences mood and anxiety in our courses.
This course by Dr Shona Fraser looks at the mind-gut connection and what it means for psychological practice. UK clinicians will learn how the gut microbiome can influence neurotransmitter production, mood and anxiety, and how the vagus nerve links gut and brain. The course also examines nutritional neuroscience, the way stress alters gut health and raises inflammation, and practical mindfulness, dietary and lifestyle strategies that support a balanced gut-brain axis. It can be logged as a learning activity in an HCPC CPD record.
In this talk, Dr. Shona Fraser explores the profound and complex relationship between the brain and gut, uncovering how mental health and physical wellness are intimately connected through a shared neural network. The “Mind-Gut Connection” delves into ground-breaking research, revealing how gut health influences cognitive functions, mood stability, stress resilience, and even emotional regulation.
Viewers will gain insights into the key roles of the microbiome – the collection of trillions of microorganisms in the gut – and the Vagus nerve, which acts as a vital communication highway between the gut and the brain.
Topics covered include:
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this talk, participants will be able to:
Describe the key components of the gut-brain axis and its relevance to psychological functioning
Explain the role of the gut microbiome in emotional regulation, cognitive function, and stress resilience
Identify the impact of stress on gut health and systemic inflammation
Recognise the role of nutrition and lifestyle in supporting mental and gut health
Apply integrative strategies—including dietary, lifestyle, and mindfulness-based approaches—to enhance gut-brain health in clinical practice