What is mind body psychotherapy?

Mind body psychotherapy recognizes that the mind and body are connected, they aren't separate.

Every thought we think has a corresponding reaction in the body and our emotional and physical health is intertwined. When we think negative or harsh thoughts our body responds by tensing.  When we think positive and nurturing thoughts our body responds by relaxing. Your body hears every word you say. 

Creating a way of consciously communicating between hormonal, neurological, psychological and immune systems is what happens in mind body psychotherapy.


How is mind body psychotherapy useful in relationship counseling?  

Conflict is a natural part of life and learning to resolve conflict an important skill.  When couples work towards conflict resolution, it is important to pay attention to what is said and how it is said. If strong feelings of anger, anxiety, disappointment, or frustration lead to overwhelm within either of the partners,  these emotions can trigger the flight and fight response.  When the body's automatic defense is triggered cognitive abilities become limited.

During times of conflict it becomes very important for couples to learn self calming techniques before communicating.  Self soothing involves paying close attention to breath, racing thoughts, muscle tension and being responsible for calming the body. When individuals speak from a relaxed state there is more of a feeling of connection and more energy is available for understanding. Learning these skills is a valuable resource for communication.

If you are interested in learning more about the mind body connection, feel free to contact  Karen Mills Bevers, LCSW.  As a psychotherapist since 1987, I specialize in helping people make the mind body connection work for them.  Here are some of the areas that benefit from mind body psychotherapy.

• Depression, grief, and panic
• Heart palpitations and hyperventilation
• Anxiety, stress or agitation
• Trauma and accidents
• Near death experiences
• Relationships and couples issues 
• Communication 
• Life Transitions
• Adolescents dealing with anxiety and depression

Current research shows that when we do not deal with our emotions it affects our physical well being. 

What are the techniques that work?

1. Emotional Freedom Technique  is sometimes called "acupuncture for the emotions" or "the tapping cure." EFT is a powerful and effective energy  method. When we discover core negative self talk and  tap on meridian points on the face and body, people experience relief from difficult emotions.
For more information visit the EFT website at www.emofree.com

2. Mindfulness Is a centering practice of returning ones awareness to a  focal point without judgment or agenda. It takes practice, but people report a sense of well being and it actually changes the brain!

3. Cognitive Psychotherapy When we understand how we think and share our thoughts out loud, our perspective changes.  Thinking about our goals and finding solutions are an important part of counseling.

4. Communications  Learning how to listen, learning how to be present to our partners, and learning how to calm ourselves when we are upset are important relationship skills that are enhanced through the mind body connection.

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Class  

EFT is an important tool in healing emotions through the mind body connection and this class is an excellent way to learn EFT or to revitalize skills. Check for the next available class. You may also download Gary Craig's free EFT manual at www.emofree.com


Self examination is a courageous act. Sometimes it can be difficult to explore the past, but with any of these methods change occurs.

Like a circle that has no beginning or end, you may start anywhere on the mind body continuum.

If you have any questions and would like to speak confidentially over the phone, I may be reached at 303-274-2485.  I am conveniently located in Denver near 7th and Grant.

Thank you for your interest,  Karen