Back to the mind-body connection | Caroline Ferrer-Aza | TEDxLa Cote International School

Summary

The speaker recounts their struggle with mental health and physical symptoms, highlighting the importance of recognizing the body's messages for self-regulation. They discuss the historical divide between mind and body in Western medicine and the current resurgence of mind-body therapies. The talk emphasizes the significance of the mind-body connection in therapy, its relevance to various health issues, and the potential for healing at a cellular level. The speaker concludes with a call for a holistic approach to health and healing.

Takeaways

• 📚 The speaker quotes Dr. Bessel van der Kolk emphasizing the importance of listening to the body's messages for self-regulation.
• 🎓 The speaker's personal journey began with feeling 'off' during their second year in college, which escalated to severe health issues by their third year.
• 🤔 Despite numerous medical tests, the speaker received no clear answers, highlighting the challenges in recognizing psychological causes for physical symptoms.
• 😡 A misdiagnosis of anxiety by a doctor initially made the speaker feel unheard and invalidated, but later they realized the doctor was acknowledging the reality of their experience.
• 🌐 The speaker discusses the historical separation of mind and body in Western medicine, contrasting it with the holistic approach of indigenous communities.
• 🔬 The script mentions various therapeutic approaches like somatic experiencing, Gestalt therapy, and EMDR that consider the mind-body connection.
• 🧠 The importance of body language in therapy is highlighted, showing how physical space and positioning can communicate and influence the therapeutic relationship.
• 🧬 A study on Holocaust survivors and their offspring reveals that stress responses can be genetically passed down through the fkbp5 Gene, indicating the deep impact of experiences on our biology.
• 🌟 The speaker advocates for a return to a holistic view of health, where mental and physical health practitioners work together, recognizing the whole person.
• 🤝 Healing is presented as a communal and holistic process, not an individual one, drawing on the wisdom of indigenous communities and modern therapeutic practices.

Q & A

What is the main message of the quote by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk mentioned in the script?

The main message is that ignoring or distorting the body's messages can lead to an inability to detect what is truly dangerous or harmful, as well as what is safe or nourishing. Self-regulation depends on having a friendly relationship with one's body.

Why did the speaker start therapy during their second year in college?

The speaker started therapy because they were feeling 'off' and had a history of mental health struggles in high school, hoping to address these issues.

What physical symptoms did the speaker experience during their third year in college?

The speaker experienced severe symptoms including difficulty retaining food, an inability to swallow solid food, rapid weight loss, and a feeling of being on electric shock therapy, to the point of being almost paralyzed and unable to leave their apartment.

What was the doctor's initial diagnosis at UCSF regarding the speaker's condition?

The doctor at UCSF initially ruled out Scleroderma as the cause of the speaker's symptoms, suggesting instead that anxiety might be the cause.

How did the speaker react to the doctor's suggestion that anxiety was causing their symptoms?

The speaker felt angry and unheard, interpreting the doctor's words as a dismissal of their very real physical symptoms, feeling that their experiences were being deemed unreal.

What is the significance of the body's communication in the context of the speaker's experience?

The body's communication is significant because it provides signs and signals about one's health and well-being. The speaker had ignored these signs, leading to a breakdown in their relationship with their body and a failure to recognize both harmful and nourishing elements in their life.

How did the historical perspective on mind-body connection influence the speaker's understanding of their condition?

The historical perspective showed that indigenous communities considered the individual holistically, which contrasted with the Western approach that led to a divide between mind and body. This influenced the speaker's understanding by highlighting the importance of a unified approach to health.

What therapeutic approaches have emerged in the 20th century that consider the mind-body connection?

Various therapeutic approaches such as somatic experiencing, Gestalt therapy, EMDR therapy, hypnotherapy, and art therapy have emerged, focusing on involving the body in the healing process.

How does the speaker suggest that body language and movement can be utilized in clinical practice?

The speaker suggests that body language and movement can be used to build relationships with clients, read their needs and wants, and adjust the therapeutic approach accordingly, such as sitting closer or further away, or adjusting eye contact.

What does the study on Holocaust survivors and their offspring reveal about the mind-body connection?

The study reveals that the physical response to stress can be genetically primed across generations, indicating that the mind-body connection can have deep cellular and genetic implications, affecting individuals even at a DNA level.

What is the speaker's hope for the future regarding the mind-body connection?

The speaker hopes for a return to a holistic approach where mental and medical practitioners view the human as a whole, communicate effectively, and recognize the importance of both the mind and body in health. They also hope for a collective healing experience, drawing from indigenous wisdom.

Outlines

00:00

🧠 The Disconnection of Mind and Body

The speaker begins by quoting Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the body's signals for self-regulation. They recount their personal experience from 2016 when they were in college and started feeling unwell, which they initially attributed to the stress of Pokemon Go's popularity. Despite a history of mental health issues, therapy wasn't providing answers. Their condition worsened to the point of difficulty swallowing solid food and experiencing physical paralysis. Despite numerous medical tests, no clear diagnosis was given until a doctor at UCSF suggested anxiety as the cause. This diagnosis was initially frustrating as it felt dismissive of their very real physical symptoms. The speaker reflects on how they had ignored their body's signals, both dangerous and safe, leading to a breakdown in communication with their body.

05:01

🌟 The Rise of Mind-Body Therapies

The speaker discusses the historical separation of mind and body in Western medicine, which began around the 17th century with the philosopher Descartes' dualism. They note a resurgence in the 20th century of therapeutic approaches that consider both aspects, such as somatic experiencing, Gestalt therapy, EMDR, hypnotherapy, and art therapy. The speaker shares an example of their own art therapy piece. They explain how even in clinical practice, body language and movement are crucial for understanding clients and building therapeutic relationships. The speaker also highlights the importance of recognizing non-verbal cues and how they can indicate a client's needs and the state of the therapeutic relationship. The Mind-Body Connection is beneficial for everyone and has been shown to be effective in treating chronic pain, depression, trauma, PTSD, stress, anxiety, and cancer.

10:03

🔬 The Cellular Impact of Mind-Body Connection

The speaker delves into research that shows the mind-body connection can have deep cellular impacts, citing a study by Yehuda on Holocaust survivors and their offspring. This study found that the physical response to stress could be genetically passed down through the fkbp5 gene, indicating that the effects of trauma can be inherited. The speaker hopes for a future where mental and medical practitioners view the human as a whole, acknowledging the reality and importance of both mental and physical health. They reflect on their own experience, realizing that the doctor who diagnosed their anxiety was actually recognizing their condition holistically. The speaker concludes by advocating for a collective understanding of our cellular communication to foster empathy and communal healing, drawing inspiration from indigenous communities' holistic healing practices.

Keywords

💡Mind-Body Connection

The mind-body connection refers to the link between a person's mental and physical health, where emotional and psychological states can influence physical well-being. In the video, the speaker discusses how ignoring or misinterpreting signals from the body can lead to losing touch with what is safe or dangerous, as illustrated through their personal journey of physical symptoms triggered by anxiety.

💡Self-Regulation

Self-regulation is the ability to manage one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in different situations. It is dependent on having a 'friendly relationship with your body,' as mentioned in the video. The speaker reflects on how losing touch with their body led to mismanaging anxiety and physical health issues.

💡Anxiety

Anxiety is a psychological state characterized by feelings of worry, nervousness, or unease. In the video, the speaker shares their experience of developing severe physical symptoms that were ultimately attributed to anxiety. Despite initial frustration with this diagnosis, they later realized that anxiety had a profound impact on their health.

💡Chronic Pain

Chronic pain refers to persistent pain that lasts for weeks, months, or even years. The video mentions how mind-body approaches are particularly useful for addressing chronic pain by helping individuals reconnect with their bodies and better understand the sources of their discomfort.

💡Somatic Therapy

Somatic therapy is a therapeutic approach that emphasizes the role of the body in mental health and trauma recovery. It is one of the body-focused therapies mentioned in the video as part of the resurgence of treatments that integrate mind and body, helping individuals process emotions and trauma through bodily sensations.

💡Indigenous Healing Practices

Indigenous healing practices are holistic approaches used by native communities, viewing individuals through biological, psychological, social, and spiritual lenses. The speaker contrasts modern Western medicine’s mind-body divide with Indigenous cultures' holistic healing methods, emphasizing community involvement in the healing process.

💡Holistic Health

Holistic health is the concept of treating the whole person, including their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The speaker advocates for a return to holistic practices, where both mental health practitioners and medical doctors collaborate to treat patients as whole individuals, rather than separating mind from body.

💡Body Language

Body language refers to non-verbal communication through gestures, posture, and physical movements. In therapy, body language is a critical part of building rapport with clients. The speaker highlights the importance of reading body language to understand a person's needs, wants, and emotions during counseling sessions.

💡Gene Expression

Gene expression refers to how genetic instructions are used to create proteins, influencing traits and bodily functions. The video cites research on Holocaust survivors and their descendants, showing how trauma can affect gene expression and be passed down to future generations, demonstrating the depth of the mind-body connection.

💡Art Therapy

Art therapy is a form of therapy that uses creative processes to help individuals express emotions and process trauma. The speaker shares their personal experience with art therapy as a powerful tool for reconnecting with the body and healing, showcasing one of their first art therapy pieces during the talk.

Highlights

The importance of listening to the body's messages for self-regulation and health.

The speaker's personal struggle with mental health and physical symptoms during college.

The misdiagnosis and frustration with the medical system's inability to identify the cause of the speaker's symptoms.

The eventual realization that anxiety was a significant factor in the speaker's health issues.

The historical context of the mind-body connection and its decline in Western medicine.

The resurgence of mind-body approaches in psychology and therapy.

The use of art therapy and its impact on the speaker's healing process.

The significance of body language and movement in therapeutic settings.

The mind-body connection's relevance to a wide range of health issues, including chronic pain and PTSD.

The intergenerational impact of stress on genetics, as seen in studies of Holocaust survivors and their offspring.

The potential for the mind-body connection to improve understanding and empathy between individuals.

The importance of viewing the client as a whole in both mental and physical health practices.

The speaker's hope for a future where mental health and medical practitioners work together with a holistic view of the patient.

The value of learning from indigenous communities' approach to healing as a communal and holistic experience.

The conclusion that healing is an experience meant to be shared and approached as a whole.

Transcripts

[Applause]

hi everyone I'm going to start with a

quote

the price for ignoring or distorting the

body's messages is being unable to

detect what is truly dangerous or

harmful for you and just as bad what is

safe or nourishing self-regulation

depends on having a friendly

relationship with your body

this is a quote from Dr bezel

vanderklook from his book the body keeps

the score and is a very true quote for

myself so I'll quickly take you back to

2016 a time where Pokemon go came out

and people were just wandering around

the streets looking for Pokemon

I was currently in my second year of my

bachelor's degree in Hawaii and started

to feel off is the best way I could put

it now I've had a history with some

struggles with mental health back in

high school and thought I'll go see a

therapist again why not and started up

therapy but nothing was really happening

um I didn't have a lot to say and I

couldn't really explain why I felt off

but I kind of went anyways out of habit

and brushed it all aside but as this was

going on and I was entering my third

year I began to get quite sick and what

started as something quite small

snowballed about halfway through my

third year it became to the point where

I was hardly retaining any food at a

certain point I pretty much could only

eat liquid food solid food had just

become impossible to even swallow and

obviously from that rapidly losing

weight at the same time my body had

become so activated that I was often

felt almost paralyzed and like I was on

electric shock therapy at the same time

I hardly could even leave my apartment

to go get the mail down outside and

while all this was happening I was

getting tests right left and Center uh

and with every test I came back well

there's not a lot I can tell you there's

nothing really going on here and the

furthest I got was yeah your throat

muscles aren't really working that great

and no one could give me an answer and

finally as it became more dire my mother

actually became concerned that maybe I

had something called Scleroderma and

some type of it that was infecting my

internal organs so we went to UCSF got

the test done sat down with the doctor

me and my parents and the doctor looked

at me and said it's not Scleroderma you

can relax now I was starting to already

get angry because I just wanted an

answer and then he said I think it's

anxiety that's causing this

and I was fuming I was like a bowl in

the china shop coming out of that

doctor's appointment because based on my

experience in the world what I heard him

say was this isn't actually real it's

just kind of all happening inside of

your head and for me it was very very

real and so I had felt unseen and

unheard in that moment but you'll come

to find out as I get to the end of this

it was quite a bit different and for me

this quote really embodies that I was

ignoring all the messages from myself

both on what was dangerous and and what

was safe and I had completely lost the

relationship with my body at that point

as well

and when we talk about with

communication in the body our body gives

us a lot of different signs a lot of

different systems will talk to us and

that can be things like acute and

chronic pain heart palpitations in my

case GI issues and muscle tension nerve

firings temperature changes

um shortness of breath a whole this is

just a short list of them but it's

important that we're able to listen to

them but we really do struggle to do it

especially in today's world but hasn't

always really been this way and the

answer is no historically we actually

used to have a very good connection with

the mind and body and we can actually

look to indigenous communities across

the world and see how when there is an

individual in some sort of peril they

really look at the individual through

multiple different lenses biologically

psychologically socially and spiritually

and they they really take the person as

a whole regarding the whole healing

experience as well it's a community

event it's usually not an individual

type of healing but we found in the

Western World we started to get this

divide around the 17th century

um one of these kind of being with the

French philosopher

and his dualism idea that you have the

body as one entity and then you have the

mind or Soul who use kind of

interchangeably as a other sort of

distinct substance but is this kind of

still true today you know where are we

today if it has been that way in the

past and kind of has ebbed and flowed

well today we're starting to see a

Resurgence around the 20th century we

started to see actually in the

psychology field these various

therapeutic approaches start to come up

that really take the mind and body into

consideration so you have some like

somatic experiencing you have Gestalt

therapy EMDR therapy hypnotherapy and

even art therapy and actually that's one

of my very first art therapy pieces I

had ever done and we find that these

approaches

um really their their big idea is

involving the body but even within

clinical practice or Counseling Practice

you can still utilize various mind-body

techniques and practices and movement in

general as a way to help heal and build

relationships with clients because we

find that even just how we sit with the

client and are within the space and how

the clients is sitting with us and is

within the space really says a lot about

the needs the wants and the relationship

between the two and this becomes really

important with where like how we read

body language and how it's really just

as important as verbal language and

often tells us a whole lot more and when

we pay attention to it we can better

build the relationship so kind of like

how these two pictures show with

different clients who start to find

different ways of sitting so with one

client you might find that it's really

useful to be quite closer together but

maybe you need to kind of sit more side

by side face on isn't nearly as as good

of a way and then you might have someone

come in right after that person who you

actually have to sit a bit further apart

and you need to avoid kind of eye

contact no prolonged eye contact even

within a single session you could have

that change completely and you're always

as a as a practitioner and for me as a

counselor trying to gauge the other

person and seeing you know do I kind of

need to back off and show that I'm

giving them some personal space or do I

need to be engaged a bit more and show

them that I'm here with them in this

moment and this is where even just small

movements in the in the therapy space

plays a really vital role

and you know who or what does the Mind

Body Connection help well the who is

pretty much everyone I don't think I've

sat with anyone in a session and have

gone oh yeah this totally is irrelevant

to our time here together it's always

been relevant in some sort of capacity

um and see what does it help and at

least in the therapeutic sense is many

different things but it's just looking

at research we have founded the very

useful for things like chronic pain

depression trauma or PTSD stress anxiety

and cancer as well so we're finding now

that it's starting to come in both not

only in the mental health sphere but

also with the physical health sphere as

well in Hospitals and Clinics too which

is really important

and you might be asking okay my My Body

Connection brain stem okay I'm there

with you on that they communicate got it

but how deep could it really actually go

and the answer is actually really deep

uh there was a study done by Yehuda and

some other various researchers looking

actually at Holocaust Survivors their

offspring and then utilizing a

controlled sample and they were looking

at the

fkbp5 Gene and researching this Gene and

what they found was that the physical

response to stress could actually be

primed intergenerationally through

genetics so what I mean by that sentence

is that they found that the specific

site on this Gene kind of related to

that aspect had some changes on it and

they were looking at the offspring's

gene of this so changes on the

offsprings Gene was actually able to be

attributed to the parents Holocaust

experience and not any of their own

experiences not any of their own traumas

or mental health issues and it's

incredibly fascinating because we don't

only see the body and communication

being important in in the here and now

things that are happening but it's

affecting us at a cellular even DNA

level where genetically things can get

passed on it goes as deep as that

and so where I hope we are heading is

really back to a place of Mind Body

Connection

um for one that the mental health

practitioners and medical practitioners

are looking at a human as a whole

um and able to communicate to each other

but to see also that client as who they

fully are and recognize the the whole

total of them and that the mind and body

one is not more real or important than

another and I think that doctor in that

office that was what he was trying to

say to me I was just not ready to hear

that yet when I think he was really

saying was this is really real and this

is really happening and I respect you

enough to tell you that I think it's

actually anxiety and I'm not the one

who's going to be able to help you with

that he was seeing me as a whole no

other doctor had ever given me that

answer before and he was a hundred

percent correct on top of some other

experiences that I had to the process as

well but the anxiety was definitely a

huge piece in what was happening with me

the other Prospect is that if we start

to understand our own cellular level of

communication then we can better

understand ourselves but we can also

better understand each other and that's

where we really start to pick up on as I

talked about these small key kind of

movements and body languages that play a

really vital role in being able to

really be there for each other and

lastly I hope we take from our own

history and the indigenous communities

around us and begin to heal together as

healing is an experience not meant to do

alone or in Parts it's an experience to

have together and as a whole thank you

[Applause]