It doesn't have to be this hard

Are you struggling to move past your IBS symptoms?

  • You feel stuck with symptoms like bloating, gas, dyspepsia, loose stool and/or abdominal pain

  • And those symptoms are making more restricted - and less joyful

  • You've tried playing around with your diet and even been recommended the low FODMAP diet - but it's been too hard

  • You don't feel you have enough support to do this on your own or feel isolated with your symptoms

  • You feel that food restriction is the only answer - and that's impossible to do long term

  • You feel overwhelmed by the information online - with the newest fads & trends not helping

Our Approach

  • Food

    Moving through the low FODMAP diet, we'll make this as easy and quick as possible. The goal? Your personalized food plan - with the aim of having as many foods in your diet, as possible - and don't worry. I'm not going to make you drink green drinks at any point in this program.

  • The Gut Brain Connection

    Working on the food alone doesn't tend to work. The interaction between our gut & brain is bidirectional - we commonly see that stress, anxiety, low mood and sleep issues are related to IBS. And those issues can exacerbate our IBS symptoms. We've got you covered to make it that this isn't about food alone.

  • Support

    Here's the thing - doing it alone isn't easy. So, what if you didn't have to? Our program is meant to give you different types of support including the course curriculum, recipes, guidebooks and other people who are going through something similar to you. We've seen that 'community' medicine can improve outcomes - it's more than one-on-one care. Our group visits provide more than just education.

  • The Microbiota

    The bacteria that live in and on us are an integral part of our gut health. Learning about how to support them through nutrition, supplements and lifestyle is part of your long term journey to health. Understanding how you can support your health using evidence based treatment is a big part of the program - we're not sending you down the rabbit hole of junk science.

  • Resources

    Working with IBS isn't like a condition where you take a pill every day - I'm pretty sure you wouldn't be here if it was that easy. There are different pieces that are involved with treatment and we're going to give you the resources not only to understand what is going on, but how to implement change. Step by step.

FAQ

  • How does this work?

    You're going to have 5 one-hour small group sessions two weeks apart. In between your sessions you'll have assignments to work on at home including dietary changes.

  • Why a group program?

    There are so many great reasons! Working with a program can guide you through an evidence based methodology allowing you to save time & money. But even more importantly you'll get more support - more resources, more guidance and others who understand the challenges you face. We've seen in the research that group programs can help people improve more effectively than one-on-one care.

  • How much does the program cost?

    If you are currently a patient of Dr. Bretz ND, your total investment is $500 (HST exempt). If you are not a current patient, you will also need to book a pre-program assessment at $150 (HST exempt).

  • Is the program covered by my insurance plan?

    Many extended insurance plans will cover the cost of naturopathic care. If you have employee benefits or third-party private insurance, it may cover all or part of the cost of this therapeutic treatment program. It is your responsibility to contact your insurance provider and confirm whether your plan covers naturopathic medicine, including group treatment. Following receipt of your payment after each session, you will be provided with an itemized receipt to submit to your insurance provider.

  • Do I need to pay anything up front?

    No up-front payment is required to participate in the program. Payment of $100 per session is processed on the day of each group session; you will receive an invoice after each payment to submit to your insurance provider. We require 48 business hours to cancel your session.

  • Do I need to attend every session?

    In order to gain maximum benefit from the program, it is highly recommended that you attend each group session. Since the space in the program is reserved for you, if you’re not able to attend a particular session, it is requested that you provide a minimum of 48-hours’ notice to avoid being charged a missed session fee.

  • What if I need additional help?

    You can book appointments with Dr. Bretz ND, as needed! But the group appointments generally decrease the need for more expensive one-on-one care, keeping healthcare costs more reasonable. If other help is required we can refer you back to your family doctor or advise you who can help in our extensive referral network.