An alternative to therapist-led intervention is to promote self-management through paper or online self-help interventions supplemented by minimal guided support by a health care professional. This type of supported, self-directed intervention is cost-effective and has shown strongest results when targeted to the needs of specific diseases. There is currently no similar self-directed manual for IBD available. This type of supported, self-directed intervention can be incorporated into standard care where required, is cost-effective and has the potential to support pwIBD to successfully adjust to their LTC for better clinical and quality of life outcomes. Although most people will not require intensive psychological therapy for debilitating distress, structured support to adjust to the many demands that IBD places on people could help to bridge the gap for the 40-50% of pwIBD that show moderate levels of distress, improving their quality of life and management of the illness.