Body Psychotherapy in Progressive and Chronic Disorders

Body-oriented psychotherapy recognises the continuity and deep connections between mind and body, psyche and soma. This concept is of key significance in the treatment of patients suffering from irreversible disorders like diabetes or infertility or from a progressive disease like multiple sclerosis, aids or cancer. Such a diagnosis is hard to accept. Body psychotherapists using special techniques can often achieve a deepened body consciousness in the patient leading to new insights and hence an altered state of mind. The papers presented here testify to the beneficial effects of the therapies and the improvement of the quality of life in spite of the irreversible somatic condition or the time left to live. Furthermore, the on-going process in the treating therapist is highlighted. Readers will appreciate the candid accounts of the therapists' concerns for their patients, their reflections on health, on the impending threat of death as well as on the spiritual aspects of dying. Psychotherapists of all disciplines, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, social workers, oncologists, neurologists, general practitioners as well as medical students will find this publication different, educational and inspiring.