Page 93 - JCBP-3-4

Journal of Clinical and
Basic Psychosomatics Mind-body connection

was referred to a self-help group for survivors of abusive 4. Conclusion
relationships for further support. 14
After four sessions of EMDR treatment and 4 months of
Finally, the patient was referred to a specialist in eye weekly talk therapy sessions, the patient began to show
movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) significant improvement in both her mental and physical
treatment, as this therapeutic approach has been shown to health. As her anxiety lessened, so did her digestive issues
be effective for victims of past trauma and post-traumatic and headaches. While nothing had previously alleviated
stress disorder. For specific treatment modalities such as her physical ailments, it appeared they were rooted in
15
EMDR, it is most effective and ethical for the client to be her mental health, specifically her anxiety and trauma
referred to a practitioner who specializes in that treatment. history. Before therapy, the patient was unaware of the
severity of her psychological wounds. Furthermore, she
3. Discussion did not recognize that her psychological symptom of
In addition to short-term interventions such as CPT and anxiety was connected to her physical ailments. However,
EMDR, more traditional long-term psychotherapy – once therapy began to shed light on these issues and their
particularly psychodynamic therapy – can offer substantial interconnection, she was able to begin healing.
benefits for clients like the patient, whose symptoms are This case study demonstrates the strong psychosomatic
rooted in unresolved trauma. Long-term psychotherapy connection between mental and physical health that can
allows for a more in-depth exploration of unconscious exist for some patients. It further supports existing literature
conflicts, relational patterns, and defense mechanisms that suggesting that physical symptoms can serve as psychiatric
1
may not be fully addressed in shorter, symptom-focused manifestations. Had the treating practitioner not been
treatments. For individuals with histories of chronic aware of the potential for a psychosomatic connection, the
11
abuse or complex trauma, the extended time frame of patient’s physical ailments might never have been linked
long-term psychotherapy provides a safe space to process to her traumatic mental health history. By recognizing the
deeper emotional wounds, develop insight, and gradually relationship between her physical and mental health, the
build healthier relational templates. 11 practitioner was able to treat the psychological component,
which, in turn, led to an improvement in the patient’s
While short-term therapies such as CPT and EMDR physical symptoms. Practitioners must remain aware
have demonstrated efficacy in reducing symptoms that while not all physical ailments originate from mental
of trauma and anxiety relatively quickly, 12,15 research health issues, it is essential to remain open to exploring a
comparing short- and long-term methods suggests potential psychosomatic connection. 1
that although short-term therapies often result in faster
symptom reduction, and long-term therapies may lead Acknowledgments
to more sustained change and a deeper restructuring of
the client’s sense of self. For example, EMDR has shown None.
effectiveness in treating post-traumatic stress disorder Funding
and associated psychosomatic symptoms by targeting
specific traumatic memories, and CPT helps reframe None.
15
negative and self-defeating thoughts, many of which are Conflict of interest
a product of prior trauma. This change in beliefs can
facilitate healthier cognitive restructuring. However, The author declares no conflicts of interest.
12
long-term psychodynamic therapy has been associated
with lasting changes, including improved interpersonal Author contributions
functioning and reduced relapse rates, especially in This is a single-authored article.
complex cases. 1
Ethics approval and consent to participate
Ultimately, the choice between short- and long-term
interventions should be individualized, considering the Not applicable.
client’s needs, symptom complexity, and therapeutic
goals. In the patient’s case, combining the symptom relief Consent for publication
of EMDR and CPT with the deeper processing offered During the inromed consent process of counseling, patient
in long-term therapy may provide a comprehensive had given consent that their case solely or in combination
treatment pathway that not only alleviates symptoms but with multiple cases, may be used for publication, but will
also promotes long-term healing and resilience. be free of any personal name identifiers.

Volume 3 Issue 4 (2025) 87 doi: 10.36922/jcbp.8598