Is This You?
Gut symptoms are often complex. For many people, medical investigations alone don't tell the whole story. If any of the following sounds familiar, we may be able to help.
You've had testing, but still have symptoms.
You've seen your GP or gastroenterologist. The investigations have come back normal or inconclusive. But the bloating, pain, cramping or unpredictable bowel habits haven't gone away.
Your gut and your mental health feel connected.
You've noticed your symptoms flare when you're stressed, anxious or overwhelmed. Or perhaps managing your gut symptoms has started to affect your mood, your confidence or your quality of life.
You're looking for a different kind of support.
You're open to a psychological or mind-body approach to your gut health - one that works alongside your medical care, not instead of it.
If gut symptoms are affecting your daily life, we're here to help you understand your options.
Takes 2 minutes - account creation required.
Our Approach
We offer two evidence-based therapies for gut health, both grounded in the science of the gut-brain connection. Many of our patients begin with psychology; others come specifically for gut-directed hypnotherapy. We'll help you find the right fit.
Gut-Brain Psychology
Psychological support specifically focused on the gut-brain connection. Working with one of our AHPRA-registered psychologists, you'll develop practical strategies to understand and manage the thoughts, feelings and behaviours that can influence your gut symptoms.
Medicare rebates are available with a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, making this an accessible first step for many patients.
Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy
A structured, evidence-informed therapy developed specifically for IBS and functional gut disorders. Using guided relaxation and focused attention, gut-directed hypnotherapy aims to help regulate the gut-brain connection and reduce symptom severity.
Delivered by Madeleine Lawrence, our ISPA-registered gut-directed hypnotherapist.
Not sure which is right for you? That's completely normal - many people aren't sure where to start. Give us a call on 0474 648 500 (or book a free gut hypnotherapy consultation via the link above) and we'll talk through your situation to help you find the most appropriate first step. There's no obligation to book.
Conditions We Treat
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
The most common functional gut disorder — and one of our core areas of focus. More about IBS
Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBIs)
Conditions involving disrupted communication between the gut and the brain. More about DGBIs
Adolescent Gut Health
Specialist support for young people experiencing gut symptoms, tailored to their stage of development. More about adolescent gut health
Perinatal Gut Health
Gut health support for people who are pregnant or in the postpartum period. More about perinatal gut health
Functional Gut Disorders
Digestive symptoms that persist despite normal test results, where the gut-brain connection plays a central role. More about FGDs
Mental Health & the Gut
Anxiety, depression and stress don't just affect your mind - they have a direct impact on gut function. More about mental health and the gut
Menstrual Cycle & the Gut
Hormonal fluctuations across the cycle can significantly affect gut symptoms, and vice versa. More about the menstrual cycle and the gut
Menopause & Gut Health
Hormonal changes at menopause frequently affect gut function - we help you understand and manage them. More about menopause and the gut
Our Team
Madeleine Lawrence
Director, Gut Hypnotherapist, Nutritionist and Counsellor
Madeleine is the Co-Founder of The Gut-Brain Clinic and an experienced counsellor, nutritionist, and lead gut-directed hypnotherapist. She founded the clinic with a vision for truly integrated care that addresses both physical and mental aspects of digestive health. Madeleine works with clients across the lifespan and is passionate about empowering people to make positive, lasting changes. As a certified gut-directed hypnotherapist, she has advanced training in IBS-specific protocols and therapeutic hypnosis. Learn more about Madeleine
Tahlia Baumann
Health Psychologist
Tahlia is a health psychologist who focused on the connection between physical and mental health, particularly helping people navigate chronic illness, medical conditions, and life transitions. With experience in hospital and rehabilitation settings, she uses evidence-based approaches tailored to your unique needs and circumstances. Her warm, collaborative style focuses on building resilience and helping you live a meaningful life, whether you're managing pain, fatigue, anxiety, grief, or adjusting to changes in your health. Learn more about Tahlia
Dr Manuela Francesca Russo
General Psychologist
Manuela takes a person-centred approach, tailoring therapy to each client's unique needs, goals, and values within a compassionate, supportive space. Her background in cognitive neuroscience informs her deep interest in the neurobiological processes underlying trauma, emotion regulation, anxiety, and mood disorders. She draws on ACT, CBT, and DBT skills to guide her work. Manuela is bilingual, offering appointments in both English and Italian. Learn more about Manuela
Laura Clemesha
General Psychologist
Laura's practice is built on genuine warmth and a belief that good therapy begins with feeling truly seen and safe. Her collaborative approach draws on CBT, ACT, Mindfulness, and MI, tailored to each individual. She works with adults and young people across anxiety, depression, burnout, life transitions, and performance challenges. With a background in elite sport and over five years as a leadership development consultant, Laura brings deep insight into high-performance environments and sustainable, healthy striving. Learn more about Laura
Louise Samways (Telehealth Only)
Clinical & Health Psychologist
Louise is a bestselling author and experienced Clinical and Health Psychologist with a holistic approach to mental and physical health. She focuses on trauma, chronic conditions, anxiety, and depression, recognising that external life factors are often as significant as personal ones. Deeply aware of the social determinants of health, she draws on evidence-based modalities including Mind-Body, Gut-Brain, and Cross-Lateral Stimulation to build lasting resilience. Learn more about Louise
Fees & Medicare Rebates
We believe in being upfront about costs. Here's what to expect.
Registered / Health Psychologist
(Tahlia, Manuela, Laura)
Fee: $245
Medicare rebate: $98.95
Out-of-pocket: $146.05
Clinical Psychologist
(Louise)
Fee: $295
Medicare rebate: $145.25
Out-of-pocket: $149.75
Gut Hypnotherapist
(Madeleine)
Initial appointment: $295
Subsequent appointment: $245
(no Medicare rebates available)
Medicare rebates are available for psychology appointments with a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP. The rebate is higher for clinical psychologists, reflecting their additional training - meaning your out-of-pocket cost is similar regardless of which psychologist you see.
Have questions about fees or rebates? Email us at info@thegutbrainclinic.com.au or call us on 0474 648 500 — we're happy to talk through your options before you book.
Take the First Step
Gut symptoms can be exhausting, isolating and difficult to explain to others. If you're ready to explore a different kind of support - or simply want to understand your options - we're here to talk.
Get in Touch
Not ready to book yet? We're happy to answer any questions about our services, fees or what to expect before your first appointment.
✓ In-person (Coorparoo) or Online appointments available
✓ Evidence-based treatments with proven success rates and long-term benefits
✓ Medicare rebates available for psychology and dietetic services making quality care accessible
✓ Focus on gut health - our entire team concentrates on digestive wellness