Psychosomatic Disorders

Symptoms manifest for a reason. In clients without any organ disease or structural abnormalities to account for chronic pain or other symptoms, most healthcare professionals are trained to believe there's no need to investigate further. However, in many of these clients, connections to psychosocial distress, negative emotions, or trauma can be identified. Addressing and treating these issues results in significantly improved outcomes for these clients.

In the fall of 1925, Professor Francis Peabody delivered a significant speech at Harvard Medical School, emphasizing the importance of the doctor-patient relationship and the role of compassion in medicine. His address is often remembered for its profound insights into the practice of medicine and the ethical responsibilities of physicians.

Key Themes of the Speech

• Importance of Compassion: Peabody stressed that understanding patients as individuals is crucial for effective medical care.

• Doctor-Patient Relationship: He highlighted the need for empathy and communication, advocating for a partnership between doctors and patients.

• Holistic Approach: Peabody encouraged medical professionals to consider not just the physical ailments but also the emotional and social contexts of their patients.

• Ethical Responsibilities: He called on future doctors to uphold high ethical standards and to prioritize patient welfare above all else.

Impact of the Speech

Professor Peabody's speech has had a lasting influence on medical education and practice. It serves as a reminder of the humanistic aspects of medicine, encouraging generations of medical professionals to integrate compassion into their practice. The principles he articulated continue to resonate in discussions about patient care and medical ethics today.

Psychotherapy and somatic symptoms

Psychosomatic disorders involve pain or other physical symptoms that can show up just about anywhere in the body. These symptoms are mostly triggered or made worse by psychological factors rather than any actual disease or damage to the organs or body parts. Some common emotional factors tied to these symptoms include the lasting effects of tough childhood experiences, current life stresses, limited self-care skills, bottled-up emotions, PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

There is a solid reason to believe that symptoms can get better, and maybe even go away, once we figure out and tackle the underlying psychosocial issues. It's really helpful to connect the dots between certain stressors and symptoms whenever we can.

Initially, understanding how the brain and pain function is crucial before healing can begin, so there is an inclusion of Psychoeducation along with aspects of Mindfulness Meditation.

Next, we take a psychodynamic approach to get a better grasp of why you're experiencing pain or other symptoms. By exploring your past, we can work through the emotions that come up and help you find a new direction for the future.