Abstract

The mind and the body are inseparable. The physical affects the emotional (and all other aspects of personality), and the emotional affects the physical. In normal, as well as pathological functioning of the body, there seems to be a constant two-way interaction between the macro world (object relations) and the micro world (biochemistry and epigenetics). Between these extremes lie the structures that transform one signal form (information) into another. It is believed that the basis of psychosomatic diseases, in addition to genetic predisposition, are inadequate early relationships with the caregiver. Such relationships create increased sensitivity to stressful situations in life, prevent the development of an inner calming structure, and block the development of the “emotional self”. For this reason, in a state of stress the emotions are perceived as primitive undifferentiated sensorimotor physical sensations, instead of complex emotions with a signal function. In a therapeutic sense, we emphasize psychoanalysis (psychoanalytic psychotherapy) and group analysis in this aspect. In the individual approach, we address the connection between emotions and physical reactions, transference and countertransference analysis, as well as separation and individuation. In group analysis, group emotional reactions can be very intense, which can sometimes evoke the rudimentary emotional states of a psychosomatic patient who often suffers from alexithymia as well. The role of the therapist is thereby important in order to maintain the balance between pro-group and anti-group occurrences (which may lead a patient to discontinue therapy).