Australia: Understand the mind-gut connection for psychologists. Learn how gut health impacts mood, anxiety, and stress resilience in our courses.
Australian psychologists and counsellors curious about the gut-brain axis will find a clear introduction in this course by Dr Shona Fraser. It describes the key components of the axis, the part played by the microbiome and the vagus nerve, and how gut health may influence mood, cognition and stress resilience. The course also covers how stress alters gut health and increases inflammation, and the role of nutrition and lifestyle in mental and gut health. Practitioners come away with integrative strategies, including mindfulness and dietary changes, to consider in clinical work.
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