Support and Coaching for Psychosomatic Issues
Chronic psychosomatic complaints are characterized by physical symptoms (e.g., pain or functional complaints) for which – even after thorough examinations – often no organic cause can be found. They are also known under terms such as: somatoform disorders, mind-body syndromes, TMS (Tension Myositis Syndrome), neuroplastic pain, or MUPS (medically unexplained physical symptoms).
In Germany, psychosomatic complaints are among the most common mental health conditions alongside depression.
My Story
There was a time in my life when everything felt overwhelming. Caught between intense work-related stress and a personal family crisis, I began to experience physical and emotional symptoms—yet no medical explanation could be found.
When conventional treatments failed to bring relief, I set out on a journey to understand the deeper connections between stress, emotional strain, and physical well-being.
Today, I live free of those symptoms — thanks to a holistic approach that sees body and mind as one inseparable whole. Sharing this knowledge and supporting others on their own path to healing is not just my profession—it’s my heartfelt mission.
How do these complaints develop?
First, it's important to understand that body and psyche are one unit.
Pain is a danger signal from the brain. Normally, when we injure ourselves, the body sends signals to the brain informing us about tissue damage, and we feel pain.
Somatoform complaints arise when the brain incorrectly interprets harmless signals as dangerous. In other words, these types of complaints are false alarms.
Reasons for this false alarm
Stress and Emotions
When we're stressed or emotionally burdened, the brain can amplify or even create pain signals or other complaints.
Triggers
Sometimes the brain interprets triggers (e.g., a work deadline or an argument) as dangerous and thereby triggers complaints. Even the fear of the next pain attack can be a trigger.
Learned Responses
When we've repeatedly experienced pain or other complaints, the brain can learn to feel these even without physical cause. These are then recalled in stressful situations.
Although the complaints can be treated psychologically, this doesn't mean they're imaginary. In fact, brain scans have shown that the complaints are very real.
Additionally, we now know that these complaints are the result of learned neural pathways in the brain. The good news is, just as these were learned, they can also be unlearned.
The following complaints without organically detectable causes can be psychosomatic:
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This list contains only the most common symptoms and is by no means complete.
How can I support you?
First, I want to emphasize that I don't have medical training.
Therefore, it might be sensible to include a doctor or therapist on our journey.
However, I am a former sufferer and know how hopeless it feels and how alone one feels when no doctor can really help.
Based on my own experiences and the extensive knowledge I've acquired, I developed a three-pillar program that accompanies you.
General Physical Status
We discuss nutrition, micronutrients, sleep, current stress levels, exercise, and everything else that contributes to a healthy body.
Identifying Triggers and How to Address Them
This is where classic coaching comes into play. Together, we identify triggers for your complaints and develop strategies to effectively address them. The goal is for your brain to feel safe again and stop sending false alarms.
Mental Health
I provide you with tools to reduce your stress and become more balanced, happier, and symptom-free.
I look forward to accompanying you on your journey out of the spiral.
Michaela van Bebber
Am Ruhstein 19a
90562 Heroldsberg
Email: kontakt@vanbebber-coaching.de
Social Media: LinkedIn
I also gladly give presentations on this topic and my own story.
