The Mind-Body Connection
Have you ever been told, 'Your tests are normal,' yet you still experience chronic pain or symptoms that won’t go away and have no clear diagnosis?
Hearing this can be frustrating and isolating—perhaps leaving you feeling unheard or as if your experience is being dismissed. You may even find yourself wondering if it's "all in your head", but deep down, you know it's not. Your pain is real. It just may have roots beyond medical testing, involving the deep connection between mind, body, and spirit. True healing often requires a holistic approach—one that considers all parts of who we are.
Just as emotions serve as signals - letting us know when something in our lives needs attention - chronic pain and illnesses without a clear medical cause can also convey important messages. They may be alerting us to something deeper that needs care, whether physically, emotionally or both.
I have a special interest in the mind-body connection and have experience working successfully with individuals navigating persistent pain and illness. Some conditions that may respond to this approach include:
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Skin conditions
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Stomach troubles
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Headaches
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Backache
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Rheumatoid arthritis
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Irritable bowel syndrome
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Chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia
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Allergie/s without clear medical causes
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And more
In addition to pain and illness, many of us move through life in a state of nervous system dysregulation without realizing it—feeling anxious, on edge, disconnected, or exhausted. These patterns often develop as adaptive responses to stress or past experiences, but they can also keep us stuck. Therapy offers a space to slow down and listen to what your body is telling you, helping you reconnect with yourself in a way that fosters greater regulation, resilience, and ease. Through awareness and attunement, we can work together to support a sense of safety within, allowing you to move through the world with more presence and choice.
Exploring the mind-body relationship can feel daunting. It's not a quick fix and it can take time - but change is possible.
If this resonates with you, I invite you to reach out and explore the next steps together.
Thought provoking resources
Exploring the mind-body connection can be both eye-opening and complex. If you're interested in learning more, here are some podcasts and books that might help deepen your understanding and offer new perspectives.
This section will be updated as I come across more resources that I believe may be helpful. Check back from time to time for new recommendations.
Podcasts:
2025
2018 - Current
How to heal chronic pain with Dr Howard Schubiner
Nicole Sachs, a psychotherapist and mind-body expert, hosts The Cure for Chronic Pain, where she explores the deep connection between emotional health and physical symptoms. Drawing from her own experience overcoming chronic pain and her work with thousands of clients, Nicole shares insights, real-life healing stories, and practical tools based on her JournalSpeak method. Whether you're new to the mind-body connection or looking for deeper understanding, this podcast offers both science-backed knowledge and compassionate guidance.
Books:
2007
MEANING-full DISEASE
Brian Broom
In MEANING-full DISEASE, Dr. Brian Broom, a physician and psychotherapist, challenges the traditional view of illness as purely biological. Drawing on decades of clinical experience, he explores how personal stories, emotions, and life experiences can shape physical health. Through compelling case studies and research, Broom offers a thought-provoking perspective on the mind-body connection, encouraging a more holistic approach to healing. This book is an insightful read for anyone curious about how meaning and illness intersect.
1997
Waking the Tiger - Healing Trauma
Peter A Levine
In Waking the Tiger, Dr Peter Levine, a pioneering trauma therapist, explores how unresolved trauma can become trapped in the body, leading to physical and emotional distress. Drawing from biology, psychology, and his own Somatic Experiencing® approach, Levine offers insights into how trauma affects the nervous system and how we can gently release it. Through real life examples and practical guidance, this book provides a powerful perspective on healing that moves beyond traditional talk therapy. An essential read for anyone looking to understand the deep connection between trauma and the body.