The Bottom Line
The real life examples put forth in the book offer credibility to Barbara Bolen's treatment plan for IBS.
Pros
- Language is easy to read and understand
- Concepts are explained by using real life examples
- Exercises are used throughout the book
Cons
- Medical treatments for IBS are touched on only briefly
Description
- The author is a practicing psychologist with extensive experience treating IBS patients.
- Chapters cover topics such as diet, connection to emotions, and development of a healthy lifestyle
- Exercise sheets in the book help the reader to identify IBS triggers
Guide Review - Breaking the Bonds of IBS
In Breaking the Bonds of IBS, Barbara Bolen, Ph.D, About.com's Guide to IBS, presents several tools that people with IBS can use to gain control over their symptoms. She touches on sensitive, often overlooked topics such as incontinence, emotional illness, and developing a working relationship with physicians. Using examples from her practice, she explains how to use positive thinking and self-talk to manage IBS flare-ups. In addition, Dr. Bolen acknowledges that diet does play a role in managing IBS. She offers several suggestions on how to keep and analyze a food diary. Overall, this book is an excellent complement to the management of IBS through cognitive behavior therapy.
