The role of stress in the development of certain medical illnesses is increasingly recognised and there is a growing need to find effective psychological treatments that can address this factor in physical illness. This text considers the ways in which stressful situations can interact with individuals to cause bodily changes that result in illness or physical symptoms. Accessible and fully up-to-date, this engaging text offers, in particular: * An analysis of neuroscientific bases for understanding psycho somatic reactions * Full clinical accounts of disorders, including telling case study material * An original approach to understanding mind-body medicine * A clear account of the development of psychoanalytic approaches to this complex field Trainees and practitioners in counselling, psychotherapy, healthcare and medicine will find this a fascinating text that both deepens their understanding and enriches their practice.