The Body Makes Sense

Chronic pain, headaches, neck or lower back pain, frequent muscle tension, metabolic syndrome and autoimmune disorders change more than how a person feels day to day. Gradually, they start to move less, give up plans, fear getting worse and constantly monitor their condition. Yet they often do not feel the results of their efforts or, on the contrary, keep going until the very last moment and do not allow themselves to rest.

We have created a therapy group for people who want to build a good relationship with their body and regain more freedom, activity and inner support.

Who this group is for

For people living with chronic pain, headaches, back pain, irritable bowel syndrome, teeth grinding, prediabetes, diabetes, sexual dysfunction and other persistent physical symptoms and health conditions.

The group may be especially helpful if:

• you find it hard to start taking care of yourself, even when you know it matters;
• you find it hard to ask for or accept help;
• you put off treatment, movement, rest or other things that could help you “until things get better”;
• you often start making changes, but quickly lose energy and motivation;
• you feel powerless, exhausted or disappointed after many attempts;
• you struggle to tell the difference between your body's real limitations and fear or a habit of avoiding activity;
• you try to control everything and do it “perfectly”, then become exhausted and give up;
• you push through life and stop only when your body says “enough”;
• you do a lot for others, but cannot take the same care of yourself;
• because of your symptoms, you have given up some of your plans, relationships, activities or pleasures.

How can psychotherapy help me?

We will work with the connection between body and brain. With patterns established in childhood. With the reasons that make it difficult to start today.

You can understand everything, yet still follow a familiar pattern:

• “Nothing will help anyway” – so you do not try, or give up at the first setback;
• “I will not be able to cope” – so you avoid even small changes;
• “I have to do everything perfectly” – so you push yourself, become exhausted and end up back where you started;
• “I must be strong” – so you keep going, even though you have needed rest for a long time;
• “I should help others; I am not that bad yet” – so your own needs are put off.

Schema therapy helps you recognise these familiar patterns, work through obstacles and gradually learn healthier ways of responding.

What we will cover over 15 sessions

1. You will understand yourself and your relationship with your body

We will explore how your physical condition affects your life, what drains you most, what you are afraid of, when you push yourself too hard and what you feel during flare-ups.

2. You will recognise your automatic patterns

We will explore why you endure difficulties, avoid situations, put things off, overwork yourself, try to control everything or quickly lose motivation.

3. You will learn to support yourself better

We will work with fear, helplessness, self-criticism, excessive demands and the need for excessive control.

4. You will learn to understand yourself

We will practise understanding your own needs better and allowing yourself help, rest and care.

5. You will regain independence and more of your life

Saying “no”, setting boundaries, making your own decisions, asking for help without feeling weak and gradually returning to things that symptoms or fear have put out of reach.

There will also be space for joy, curiosity, closeness and pleasure – life should not consist only of treatment and symptom monitoring.

What you can work towards

The aims of the programme:

• understanding your own needs better;
• distinguishing real limitations from fear;
• noticing overload earlier and allowing yourself rest;
• blaming and criticising yourself less;
• protecting your personal boundaries better;
• asking for help without feeling helpless;
• gradually regaining activity and independence;
• feeling less frightened by each setback;
• making more room for relationships, plans and enjoyment.

How to join

Message the administrator to join “The Body Makes Sense”

Important

Group psychotherapy does not replace medical assessment and treatment. Participants continue the necessary care and treatment with the doctors who look after their physical health.

If you are in individual therapy, you can continue it alongside group therapy.