Psychosomatic Conditions and Medically Unexplained Symptoms Edmonton
Your Body Is Speaking. We Help You Listen and Heal.
Specialized psychotherapy for psychosomatic conditions and medically unexplained physical symptoms in Edmonton and online. CDMH is one of Alberta’s few clinics offering ISTDP, the most rigorously researched treatment for medically unexplained symptoms.
What Are Psychosomatic Conditions?
Psychosomatic conditions, also called medically unexplained symptoms, functional somatic symptoms, or body-based conditions are real physical symptoms that are driven or worsened by emotional and psychological factors rather than a clearly identifiable medical cause.
These symptoms are not imagined or fabricated.
They are genuine physical experiences: pain, fatigue, gastrointestinal issues, cardiovascular symptoms, neurological symptoms, and more, that arise from the complex interplay between the mind, emotional experience, and body.
Common Examples of Psychosomatic and Medically Unexplained Symptoms
Chronic pain without a clear medical explanation (including headaches, back pain, pelvic pain)
Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome
Functional gastrointestinal disorders (irritable bowel syndrome, functional dyspepsia)
Cardiovascular symptoms without cardiac cause (e.g. chest tightness, palpitations)
Functional neurological symptoms (e.g. dizziness, non-epileptic seizures, numbness, weakness)
Skin conditions worsened or triggered by stress
Persistent physical symptoms despite repeated negative medical testing
Symptoms that improve with rest but return with stress or emotional activation
Psychosomatic Condition Treatment Near Me Edmonton
Evidence-Based Treatment at CDMH
CDMH is one of Alberta’s few clinics offering ISTDP, one of the most extensively researched and effective treatments for psychosomatic and medically unexplained conditions. ISTDP has a strong evidence base specifically for this population, with studies showing significant symptom reduction and improved functioning.
ISTDP (Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy)
Flagship evidence-based treatment for psychosomatic conditions.
ISTDP is focused on exploring the links between physical manifestations of anxiety (somatic symptoms), defences, and core feelings. ISTDP holds that feelings that are unconsciously avoided via defences and anxiety can result in physical symptoms (often primarily related to unconscious pathways of anxiety).
Ultimately, through a process of defence and anxiety restructuring, there is increased awareness and access to feelings held in the body, which empowers individuals to develop healthier ways of coping. This assists with symptom eradication and fosters greater wellbeing/psychological health.
Somatic Experiencing (SE)
A body-based treatment that helps release stress and energy that is trapped in the nervous system and supports healing from trauma. It is a bottom-up approach that does not require revisiting specific memories — instead, it starts with what is happening in the body.
SE is rooted in polyvagal theory, which explains how the nervous system develops survival states and uses the vagus nerve to shift between the social engagement system, fight or flight, and shutdown, depending on what is happening in the environment — all geared toward survival.
Psychoeducation
Learning how the mind and body influence each other, including why stress and emotions can sometimes show up as physical symptoms.
Trauma informed
Understanding how past experiences can affect the body, and using trauma-informed strategies to support healing.
Coordination with medical providers for an integrated treatment approach.
Why Patients in Edmonton Choose CDMH
Evidence-based care, focused on depth and resolution, not symptom management
Team of 9 skilled clinicians with diverse, specialized training
Flagship ISTDP approach with proven outcomes for complex conditions
Interdisciplinary collaboration: clinicians consult and communicate
In-person (Edmonton) and virtual options across Alberta
Founded by an Edmonton Top 40 Under 40 (2025) Registered Psychologist
Fees guided by the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta (PAA) schedule
Psychosomatic Conditions Treatment Edmonton
CDMH Specializes in Conditions That Other Clinicians Miss
Book a free 15-minute phone consultation to speak with one of our helpful clinicians today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What causes psychosomatic symptoms?
Psychosomatic symptoms arise from the complex relationship between emotional experience, the nervous system, and the body. Emotions that are repressed, cut off, or unprocessed are held and expressed through the body as physical symptoms. This is not a conscious choice, it is a natural response of the mind-body system, rooted in how we have learned to manage overwhelming emotional experiences.
Are psychosomatic symptoms real?
Yes, completely. Psychosomatic symptoms are real physical experiences. They are not imagined, fabricated, or ‘all in your head’ in the dismissive sense. They are genuine physiological events occurring in your body — driven by the complex interaction between physical and psychological factors and the nervous system.
What is ISTDP and why is it effective for psychosomatic conditions?
ISTDP (Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy) is a research-supported treatment that helps people access and process suppressed emotions related to core emotional conflicts. For psychosomatic conditions, research shows that when the underlying emotional drivers of symptoms are addressed, not just managed, physical symptoms often significantly reduce or resolve. At CDMH, Dr. Diana Armstrong specializes in ISTDP and its application to complex presentations including medically unexplained symptoms.
Should I see a doctor or a psychologist for psychosomatic symptoms?
Both are important. Medical assessment is essential to rule out serious physical causes before pursuing psychological treatment. Once medical causes are excluded or clarified, specialized psychological treatment, particularly ISTDP, is highly effective. CDMH clinicians can work alongside your medical team.
Has ISTDP been studied for psychosomatic conditions?
Yes. There is a growing body of research supporting ISTDP for medically unexplained symptoms, functional somatic conditions, and conditions such as IBS, chronic pain, and functional neurological symptoms. Research by Dr. Allan Abbass and colleagues at Dalhousie University has been particularly influential in establishing the evidence base for ISTDP with this population.
How many sessions of ISTDP does it take to improve psychosomatic symptoms?
This varies significantly by individual and condition. Some people experience meaningful improvement relatively quickly; others with more complex or longstanding conditions require more time. Your clinician will discuss realistic expectations at your intake appointment.