16/06/2026
At Reflect Within's 28th Continuous Psychological Education (CPE) Programme, "When Therapy Isn't Working: Recognising Medical Contributors to Psychological Symptoms," we had the privilege of learning from, whose insights encouraged a more integrative and holistic understanding of mental health.
The session explored the significance of basic medical evaluations and the role of factors such as anemia, Vitamin B12 deficiency, Vitamin D deficiency, thyroid dysfunction, hormonal fluctuations, menstrual health, sleep disturbances, and psychosomatic presentations in psychological functioning. Discussions also focused on the relationship between emotional experiences and physical conditions including gastrointestinal concerns, skin conditions, asthma, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, chronic pain, and cardiac health.
We further reflected on somatic symptoms, illness anxiety, sleep debt, sleep apnea, recurrent dreams, body image concerns, and the psychological impact of medical diagnoses and procedures. The session highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary referrals, detailed history taking, contextual understanding, and recognising when symptoms may require medical attention alongside psychological intervention.
What made this session especially valuable was the reminder that effective therapeutic work often requires clinicians to remain curious, collaborative and mindful of the complex interaction between mind and body, particularly when therapy appears "stuck" or when symptoms persist despite intervention.
We remain grateful to Dr Avinash De Sousa De Sousa for sharing his knowledge and clinical insights, and to all the professionals who continue to engage in reflective and interdisciplinary learning spaces that strengthen ethical and holistic mental health care.