The Mind-Body Link: How Unprocessed Emotions Can Manifest as Physical Disease
Did you know our emotional well-being is closely connected to our physical health? Unprocessed emotions like anger, stress, shame, and grief can often manifest in physical symptoms, such as chronic pain, digestive issues, or even diseases like fibromyalgia, endometriosis, and celiac disease. When we suppress emotions instead of working through them, the body can carry that unresolved energy, leading to long-term health problems.
Learning to process emotions through mindfulness, Somatic processing, breathwork, yoga, and body-based practices can promote healing not only emotionally but physically. The connection between mind and body is a powerful tool in our well-being.
If you're interested in exploring this further, we recommend reading Dr. Joe Dispenza's "The Placebo Effect" or "Becoming Supernatural". Both books dive into the science behind the mind-body connection and offer practical insights into how changing our thoughts can heal our bodies.
Upcoming Yoga Series: Emotional Intelligence Using Yoga to Regulate the Emotional Body
I’m excited to announce my next Yoga Series, Emotional Intelligence Using Yoga to Regulate the Emotional Body! This series will focus on tapping into your emotional intelligence and using yoga to process and release stored emotions in the body. We’ll explore techniques that allow you to become more emotionally aware and balanced.
Start Date: September 17th at 2 pm
Sessions: 7
Cost: $140.00
Join me on this transformative journey to align your emotional body with your physical well-being.
Misdiagnosing BPD and Autism: A Common Challenge
Recent studies have shown a concerning overlap between Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and autism in diagnostic evaluations. Due to similarities in emotional regulation challenges, difficulty with social interactions, and heightened sensitivity, individuals with autism are sometimes mistakenly diagnosed with BPD. However, while BPD is characterized by intense emotional instability and fear of abandonment, autism reflects a neurodevelopmental difference that impacts communication and sensory processing.
It's crucial for clinicians to carefully differentiate between these conditions, as misdiagnosis can lead to ineffective treatments. Early recognition of autism, particularly in women, is essential, as they are more likely to be diagnosed with BPD due to behavioral masking.
For more information on this topic, click the link here. https://www.bsms.ac.uk/about/news/2024/09-11-study-reveals-harrowing-experiences-of-misdiagnosis-of-borderline-personality-disorder-in-autistic-adults.aspx
Dr. Gretchen’s IFIO Training: Strengthening Relationships
I’m excited to share that I’ll be starting my IFIO (Intimacy From the Inside Out) training next Friday. This approach brings the principles of Internal Family Systems (IFS) into relationships, helping people understand how their "parts" interact with those of their partners. It’s a wonderful way to foster deeper communication, empathy, and connection.
In November, I will be offering a one-day Couple's Retreat using the IFIO model and what I have learned from my training so far. This retreat is designed to help partners and significant others improve communication and create stronger, safer relationships. By exploring how your parts interact with your partner’s parts, we can build a deeper sense of understanding and intimacy.
If you are interested in attending the retreat, please contact Faith to reserve your spot. We need at least five couples to sign up for it to be a go, so let us know as soon as possible if you’d like to join! The cost will be $150 per couple.
Recent Achievement + Awards - Toastmasters International
If you want to develop leadership and public speaking skills, join Toastmasters International. My Scripps Teasers Group reached all its goals this year and we were recognized for excellence at the Morgan Run Golf Course ballroom. It has been a positive force in my personal and professional growth.
Check out Louie’s adventures on Instagram, Linkedin and Facebook.
Let’s Continue the Journey Together
If you have any questions or want to sign up for the upcoming yoga series or couple's retreat, feel free to reach out. I look forward to supporting you on your path to emotional and physical well-being!
Warmly, Dr. Gretchen
And Remember
"I want to make a difference in people’s lives!
I work to ensure everyone has an
equal opportunity to succeed."
-- Gretchen Pound, PhD