ODL 348: The Gut-Brain Connection: Integrative Approaches to Mental Health and Wellbeing

Please make sure to check with your own state board to ensure the transferability of CE credit for an asynchronous course. Some state boards may place restrictions regarding the modality of training required for ethics credits to be awarded. If this training indicates ethics credits are available, please verify that your state allows them to be earned through an on-demand course format.

5 CREDIT HOURS APPROVED FOR:

Social Workers
ASWB ACE – 3 Clinical and 2 Ethics CE Credits
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work – 5 Contact Hours
Psychologists
APA – 5 CE Credits
Counselors- 5 Contact Hours, including 2 Ethics Hours
NBCC ACEP – 5 Contact Hours
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners – 5 Contact Hours
Addiction Professionals
NAADAC – 5 Contact Hours
Nurses
California Board of Registered Nursing – 5 Contact Hours
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners – 5 Contact Hours
Case Managers
CCMC – 5 Contact Hours

Created On:   8/4/25                  

Target Audience:

This course is targeted for social workers, psychologists, counselors, nurses and case managers.

Counselor Skill Groups: 

4. Counseling Services

Overview:

This full-day training explores the intricate relationship between gut health, hormonal changes (perimenopause/menopause), and mental health. Participants will gain an understanding of how gut microbiota influence brain function, mood regulation, and overall well-being. The training will examine the impact of hormonal shifts on mental health and how nutrition, lifestyle, and clinical interventions can serve as alternative or complementary approaches to traditional mental health treatments.

Through evidence-based research, case studies, and interactive discussions, social workers, clinicians, and healthcare providers will learn practical tools to assess and support clients experiencing mental health challenges through a holistic, gut-centered approach. Ethical considerations and culturally competent strategies will also be addressed to ensure responsible and effective application in clinical practice.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the session, the participant will be able to:

• Explain the gut-brain connection and its role in mental health, including how gut microbiota influence mood, cognition, and emotional regulation.
• Identify the impact of perimenopause and menopause on mental health, including physiological and psychological symptoms associated with hormonal shifts.
• Assess nutritional and lifestyle factors that contribute to gut health and their implications for mental well-being in diverse populations.
• Evaluate alternative and integrative treatment approaches for mental health conditions, including nutritional psychiatry, probiotics, and dietary interventions.
• Apply ethical and culturally competent strategies to integrate gut health and nutrition-based interventions into clinical practice while maintaining scope of practice and client autonomy.

Presenters:

Rajitha Bommakanti, RN, BSN, NBC-HWC, CCM, FCN, and culinary coach

Rajitha Bommakanti, RN, BSN, NBC-HWC, CCM, FCN, and culinary coach, has been practicing nursing for over 30 years in various medical specialties as a nurse case manager and is a national board-certified health and wellness coach. In her nursing journey, Rajitha has seen gaps in patient care and the impact chronic medical conditions have on her patients’ quality of life.  She wanted to make a difference, so she moved into a health coaching/transformation space where she is a health partner in educating, inspiring, and empowering people to make small changes to their lives to improve their health. Rajitha is a habit change specialist.

Vanessa Holliman, LCSW, Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, founder of BEing Wholistic

Vanessa Holliman is a licensed clinical social worker, certified holistic health practitioner, founder of BEing Wholistic and practices integrative mind-body-spirit social work. Vanessa’s work is rooted in the belief that healing trauma requires addressing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. With training in therapy, nutrition, functional movement, astrology, and energy modalities like sound healing and Reiki, she has developed an integrated approach to help clients reconnect with their true self.

Vanessa blends clinical trauma treatments with spiritual practices, using tools like trauma-informed astrology-assisted therapy, crystals, Reiki and symbolic rituals to create a personalized healing journey. Her passion lies in guiding survivors of trauma toward wholeness by merging evidence-based practices with the profound wisdom of astrology, somatics, and resilience training. Whether through individual support or in group settings, Vanessa’s mission is to help clients navigate life’s transitions, break free from limiting beliefs, and align with the life they are meant to live.