The mind body connection has been recognized in the medical and mental health fields for years. Each year more empirical evidence is discovered to support the relationship between physical and psychological symptoms and diagnoses.
Within this developing research, mental health interventions have shown to be beneficial in improving medical and physical outcomes. Psychological interventions can compliment and improve physical treatment options.
Jennifer Worth, LCSW moved her clinical private practice to Foundational Concepts, Plaza office, in August 2016. Since that time Jennifer has worked closely with the Clinic’s physical therapists to address psychological issues that hinder improvement of physical symptoms. Chronic pain can significantly affect a person physically and psychologically, and research has shown a strong indication that psychological interventions aid in decreasing chronic pain.
Jennifer primarily uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) techniques, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Client Centered Therapy. While using these treatment protocols, Jennifer also provides education and guidance about mindfulness, grounding, internal psychological resources, and breathing exercises. In addition, psychoeducation about the nervous system and the mind body connection from a psychological perspective is provided.
Symptoms addressed in mental health therapy include, but are not limited to, anxiety, abuse, relationship difficulties, family discord, trauma, depression, chronic pain, guilt, shame, sadness, stress, grief, and loss. These symptoms can sometimes trigger the body to move into a sympathetic nervous system response.
Arousal Model
The Arousal Model represents what occurs when we experience a perceived threat (i.e. physical, emotional, mental) and move into a sympathetic nervous system response. The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is responsible for the “fight or flight” response which can tighten our bodies and make us feel on guard. The goal is to be in the window of tolerance so as to operate in a emotionally regulated calm, cool, collected, and connected state. Jennifer guides clients through many exercises of mindfulness, grounding, breathing, and positive awareness so that clients can learn to operate more frequently within the window of tolerance.
When talking about the Arousal Model, discussion of trauma usually presents itself. The table below provides a definition and information about the two types of trauma.
ACE
The Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) Questionnaire was created to identify early negative experiences that currently affect a person physically. A score of four or more on this survey indicates a likelihood of chronic physical and psychological diagnoses.
Take the ACE Questionnaire Here
EMDR
EMDR is an evidence-based psychotherapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In addition, successful outcomes are well-documented in the literature for EMDR treatment of other psychiatric disorders, mental health problems, and somatic symptoms. For more information on EMDR, please click on the articles below:
Scheduling and Group Sessions
With many physical conditions, including pelvic floor dysfunction, shame and social disconnection can be additional symptoms that may cause a decrease in functioning. Jennifer uses information from shame researchers including Brene Brown to provide psychoeducation and awareness of the role and function of shame and social disconnection.
Jennifer is a Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator-Candidate (CDWF-Candidate). Group therapy sessions based on Brene Brown’s research on shame, vulnerability, and connection will be available starting Monday September 10, 2018.
If you are interested in scheduling an appointment to see Jennifer Worth, schedule electronically by using the link https://worth.mytherabook.com/account/signup. Please call the Plaza office at 816-569-2802 or the Overland Park office at 913-498-8492 if you would like more information. Jennifer’s New Patient paperwork for completion can be found at the following links: