*Disclaimer: This article provides an example that is solely to display the connection between psychological, neurological, and physical health, and is not to be used for diagnostic purposes.
Philosophers have often contemplated the connection between the mind and body. Some philosophers believe that the mind and body are separate entities while other philosophers believe it is connected. However, in psychology, neuroscience, and medicine scientists find evidence that the mind and body appear to be connected.
For example, if the effects of anxiety are untreated, it can manifest in one’s gut through symptoms of gastric distress. Furthermore, it also alters one’s neurological connections. In expansion of the example of the individual that experiences anxiety, her data from an Electroencephalography (EEG) demonstrates the neurological connections that express anxiety are strengthened.
However, as research dictates, the brain’s ability to form new connections is possible through training. Training can be defined by one’s daily life. In continuation of the aforementioned individual, if the individual continued to experience anxiety and leave it untreated this individual will continue to have difficulty alleviating the symptoms. Yet if this same individual trains herself through use of skills developed with a trained clinician on a daily basis, she can experience relief and eventually strengthen the neurological connections to combat the anxious thoughts and feelings.
One such skill that an individual can learn to utilize is Mindfulness exercises. In a type of Mindfulness exercise that a mental health clinician may use called, Guided Mediation, assists individuals in realizing their self-defeating thoughts in a safe and calm space. The mental health clinician will assist the individual in processing these thoughts and emotions that can arise. Through repeated exercises and training, the individual will be able to continue to utilize these practices in their daily lives.
In the previous case of the individual who experienced anxiety, and she enlisted the assistance of a mental health clinician to “re-train” her brain through Mindfulness practices. She continues to utilize these skills outside of session, she can realize her full potential, experience the gastric relief, and is on her journey to wellbeing.
To learn more about mindfulness-based practices or to schedule an appointment with a clinician please visit our Contact Us page or call the office.
This article was written by Aarti S. Felder, MA, LCPC, to learn more about her you can find her bio here.
