Mind-body medicine deals with how our thoughts and emotions connect with and influence our physical well-being.  Mind-body techniques are useful for managing chronic pain and illness symptoms, and improving quality of life.  Mind-body techniques can improve immune function, help manage stress, and enhance overall health.

The powerful connection between mind and body can be illustrated by a simple exercise.  Read the following, then try: take a moment to close your eyes and imagine being in your kitchen.  You have a lemon and you are going to slice it open.  Imagine taking a lemon slice and bringing it up to your mouth, tasting the juice.  What do you feel?  What sensations are created by doing this exercise?  Are you holding an actual lemon, or was this experience produced by merely thinking about slicing and eating a lemon?

The mind and the body are connected, and influence each other.  Physical illness, symptoms and sensations are experienced by and effect the mind.  Feelings like apprehension, worry, sadness, and fear also influence the body.  Once we realize the important link between our mind and body, we can use this potential to improve our health and well-being.  

Dr. Toni Leo offers courses that teach mind-body medicine techniques.

• course meets once weekly for 8 weeks
• classes are 90-120 minutes in length
• small group environment
• educational and supportive focus
• participation encouraged
• active, skill-based learning experience

Sessions may be covered/reimbursed by your health insurance depending upon benefits.  Contact your insurance carrier to inquire about group psychotherapy coverage.

Topics taught in the group include:

• physiological, behavioral and cognitive aspects of stress
• ways to change our responses to life stressors
• motivation, readiness and maintenance of change
• forgiveness and letting go of anger and past resentments
• inner guidance to gain wisdom and strength in difficult times
• finding meaning in illness and symptoms
• clinical relaxation methods for pain and symptom management

Who might benefit from the group? 

Individuals experiencing chronic pain, chronic illness, depression, anxiety, and generally healthy people who want to learn new ways of managing stress and living more optimally can all benefit from the group. 

What are the requirements for participation?

No previous experience is necessary.  The only requirements are that an individual commit to attending all eight sessions, and have an open mind to consider the topics and techniques taught in class.  Practice outside of class helps to reinforce new techniques learned, and the more these new skills are practiced the greater the benefit gained.