Fibromyalgia,
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
and Long-Covid Specialised
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
Fibromyalgia,
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
and Long-Covid Specialised
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
Body Mind Therapy
What is this therapy based on:
A CBT therapist specializing in the treatment of fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and Long-Covid can help you uncover the underlying causes of your physical symptoms. These conditions often involve the brain and nervous system becoming overly sensitive, which can result in persistent symptoms like pain, fatigue, and brain fog. Through targeted CBT techniques and exercises, we work to retrain the brain, specifically calming the hypothalamus and limbic system—the areas responsible for regulating stress and physical sensations. By addressing these areas, we aim to reduce the body’s constant "alarm" signals, helping to ease the unique symptoms of these conditions and improve your quality of life.
Fibromyalgia, CFS and Long-Covid specialised CBT therapy hypothalamus re-training to stop physical symptoms
HOW DOES THE SYMPTOM GENERATION MECHANISM WORK?
Life situation
The symptoms of these conditions often begin with a trauma or during particularly stressful times in life, when daily responsibilities are at their peak. People who develop these conditions are typically hardworking, compassionate individuals who prioritise helping others over seeking help themselves. This tendency to put others first can sometimes lead to neglecting their own well-being, contributing to the onset of symptoms.
Stress and anxiety
The onset of symptoms is often triggered by a particularly stressful or traumatic event in a person's life. The appearance of new symptoms, coupled with a lack of clear information, can understandably lead to feelings of fear and uncertainty. Many patients observe a pattern, noticing that their symptoms tend to worsen or flare-up during times of high stress or emotional distress. This connection highlights the significant role that stress plays in the experience of these conditions.
Professional help?
People with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) often face challenges in receiving effective treatment, as these conditions do not always fit neatly into any one specific medical specialty. As a result, patients may feel overlooked or abandoned by the healthcare system, with few professionals offering clear guidance or solutions for their symptoms. This sense of uncertainty and lack of targeted support can leave patients feeling frustrated and without the help they need to manage their condition.
Why the help is not available?
The exact cause of the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and related conditions remains unclear in medical research. Doctors often struggle to identify a physical cause for the symptoms, yet these symptoms are very real and can significantly disrupt a patient's daily life. While medications may be prescribed to alleviate pain or block the communication between the brain and body, they often fail to fully resolve the symptoms and can come with side effects that may worsen the condition over time.
Psychologists and therapists may have some understanding of the psychological aspects of these conditions, but they are typically not trained to treat the physical symptoms of fibromyalgia or CFS patients. the symptoms are very real, not imagined, physical symptoms! Similarly, physiatrists, massage therapists, and physiotherapists recognise the importance of physical rehabilitation for recovery, yet physical activity often exacerbates symptoms (PEM), and treatments may provide only temporary relief. As a result, patients frequently feel that while each approach offers some help, none provide a long-term solution to managing their condition.
So why does the body react this way? - Hypothalamus
So why does the body react in this way? Why do some people experience pain and symptoms, even when no physical cause can be found, and where do these symptoms come from?
The answer lies in the body's control systems, particularly the hypothalamus, which plays a central role in regulating various bodily functions. The hypothalamus and the wider limbic system are responsible for maintaining essential functions such as breathing, circulations, hormone production, digestion, and lymphatic balance. They also regulate emotional responses like hunger, thirst, sexual desire, and sleep patterns.
The hypothalamus continuously monitors both internal and external signals, adjusting the body's functions accordingly. For example, when you exercise, it signals the heart to pump more blood and directs energy to the muscles. The hypothalamus also responds to stress, increasing adrenaline production to prepare the body for action—whether the stressful situation is real or simply imagined. Importantly, the hypothalamus cannot distinguish between a real threat and a mental or emotional stressor, such as a troubling thought or worry. It reacts to both in the same way, which is why stress, even from just thinking about a difficult situation, can have a physical impact.
However, the hypothalamus communicates by sending signals—emotions and physical sensations—to get our attention and prompt us to act. It needs us to change the reaction to the situation that is causing stress so that it (hypothalamus) can return to its primary task: maintaining the body's basic functions without the interference of excessive stress.
Example:
Imagine you're having a conversation with someone who is boring and self-absorbed. You feel irritated, but you can't leave the conversation. As time passes, you find yourself yawning, getting tired, and feeling more drained. When you finally escape the situation, you feel completely exhausted. This is a clear example of how the hypothalamus sends emotional (irritated) and physical signals (fatigue) to alert you to react to stress or emotional strain, even though the stressor (the conversation) may seem minor or not physically demanding. The exhaustion is the body's way of signalling that the situation is too taxing, and it needs relief in order to restore balance.
In cases like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and Long-Covid, the hypothalamus and limbic system become overly sensitive, leading to an exaggerated response to stress or emotional stimuli. As a result, the body experiences persistent symptoms, like pain and fatigue, even in the absence of a clear physical cause.
HOW DOES THE SYMPTOM GENERATION MECHANISM WORK?
Then why does the body do this?
So, why does the body react this way? The core function of the hypothalamus is to maintain life and ensure your well-being. When you signal to the hypothalamus that a situation or person is unpleasant or boring, the hypothalamus interprets that as a threat to your well-being. In this case, it registers the boredom and begins to take action to protect you from the discomfort. It does this by sending signals to prompt you to leave the situation: "I'm bored," (emotion)"I'm tired," (physical reaction)"I need to go." These physical messages are the hypothalamus’s way of encouraging you to remove yourself from the situation to restore balance.
However, the hypothalamus doesn’t fully understand the nuances of human life. It doesn't comprehend why you might need to stay in an uncomfortable situation, such as a conversation with your boss or your mother-in-law. The hypothalamus isn't aware of the social dynamics at play—it simply reacts to the feeling of distress or boredom by sending you physical cues (like tiredness) to signal that you should leave. Its goal is always to protect you from discomfort and preserve your well-being.
The challenge is that many people are not accustomed to recognising these signals or may ignore them, especially when the situation requires them to stay despite feeling uncomfortable. Over time, if the body’s messages are consistently ignored or misunderstood, the hypothalamus may begin to react more intensely, leading to persistent symptoms. This is often the case with conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and Long-Covid, where the body's warning signals are heightened and the usual mechanisms of stress regulation become overwhelmed.
Does this really work?
Yes, it absolutely does! Many of my clients have regained their ability to function effectively after just 6 to 10 sessions.
Personally, I can speak from experience as well. I have a diagnosis of fibromyalgia myself, and by using these same methods, I’m able to work full-time, stay active with sports, and take care of my family—without experiencing the debilitating symptoms that once held me back.
This is why my specialization in this field is so important to me. I am passionate about helping others recover and regain control of their lives. I truly believe that with the right tools and approach, anyone can improve their quality of life and overcome the challenges of fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and similar conditions. It’s my mission to help as many people as possible on their path to recovery!
What does this require of you?
This process requires a commitment to the journey. You’ll need to be open to trying new methods and have faith in your body’s ability to heal and function at its best. The body operates as a whole, and what we think and how we feel about things plays a crucial role in how it reacts. Our emotions, thoughts, and perceptions all influence the body, and this approach taps into that connection.
The process itself is very much like physical therapy—structured exercises that help your body function more effectively—but in this case, the exercises are for your brain. The hypothalamus and your thinking mind need this mental "exercise" to function optimally. By engaging in these exercises, your body can achieve greater balance and smoother functioning overall.
However, for the method to work, you must fully commit and believe in the process. The "shift" has to happen within your hypothalamus, and this change only occurs if you truly try and trust in the exercises. I’ll guide you on how to do it, and with practice, you’ll learn the necessary skills. Once you’ve mastered them, you won’t need my help anymore. You’ll be able to navigate everyday life with confidence, without being held back by symptoms.
Contact ME
Price list:
USD 99 / 1-hour session
bodymindtherapy.fi
