Management of Distressing Bodily Symptoms in Health

Somatisation or medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) are distressing bodily symptoms for which tests and scans return normal. They can be incredibly debilitating conditions and people seek health care frequently due to their distress. They are common worldwide – yet there are few interventions available to help those suffering with the physical and emotional pain they cause.This book presents a solution to this problem by providing a comprehensive introduction to The BodyMind Approach (TBMA), developed by Helen Payne, and outlines guidance on applying TBMA principles to facilitated groupwork with patients/clients. Readers will learn how TBMA’s biopsychosocial learning model can be used to support patients in their self-management of anxiety associated with body distress disorder, as well as their accompanying bodily felt experience. Chapters explore:Adult learning theories and The BodyMind ApproachAn overview of medically unexplained symptoms/body distress disorderThe BodyMind ApproachThe BodyMind Approach ProgrammeTraining of The BodyMind Approach facilitatorsQualitative research on The BodyMind ApproachSomatisation and adult attachment theoryThe BodyMind Approach to support students in Higher EducationSomatisation, The BodyMind Approach and chronic stressThis unique book is essential reading for healthcare professionals and mental health practitioners as well as those who are, or wish to train, as a TBMA facilitator.It will also be a compelling read for a variety of other professions, including, but not limited to, dance movement psychotherapists, art psychotherapists, counsellors, health coaches, clinical psychologists, GPs, pain clinic staff and nurses.