MindBody Medicine Clinical Activities

Commencement of the MindBody Medicine Clinic

MindBody Medicine Clinic commenced in 1997 under the direction and leadership of Magdalena R. Naylor, M.D., Ph.D.Professor of Psychiatry at the UVM College of Medicine The MBMC is a part of the Department of Psychiatryat the UVM College of Medicine and Fletcher Allen Health Care The clinic’s opening was largely in response to strong evidence supporting the benefits of utilizing relaxation techniques and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for treatment of stress-related symptoms and medical illnesses such as chronic pain and weight control. By themselves, mind-body methods are not cures for physical problems and must be combined with traditional medicine.<They are, however, essential components of health and wellness and, if used carefully and systematically, they can alleviate many stress-related medical symptoms. The logic is simple: If outer stress and inner distress can exacerbate illness, there e must manage that stress and heal our psychological wounds, otherwise, we miss a vital piece to achieve health. Because mind and body are inseparable, we believe that in the effort to heal the mind, we will have positive effect on the body. Our MindBody Medicine Clinic provides the needed psychological medicine powerful techniques enabling patients to relax, transform negative thought patterns, express emotions, and develop strong social support. We have found these methods also help patients stay healthy, by diffusing the impact of stress on their bodies. The most widely known MindBody Medicine Clinic Program is the Management of Chronic Pain Program