What is Mainspring Method?
A. The Mainspring Method is a healing modality that understands and addresses the psychological and social contributors to poor health and disease. Grounded in evidence-based health psychology, Mainspring is unique in that it uncovers the psychosocial causes of ill-health and addresses these to promote lasting healing and good health. A complementary therapy, the Mainspring Method can be used as a critical component of integrative medicine, alongside other healing disciplines, and as a stand-alone method of self-healing and recovery from illness.
Can it help me?
A. Yes. Results can include significantly reduced symptomatology, enhanced energy, improved functioning, overall improved wellbeing, and in some cases complete recovery.
The Mainspring Method is a system of health enhancement that focuses on the psychosocial and emotional factors that may be contributing to a person’s health. It is a unique treatment and recovery system that combines a number of well established, evidence-based disciplines including health psychology, mind-body medicine, psychosomatic medicine, and psychoneuroimmunology.
Founded by registered Health Psychologist Miriam Henke, The Mainspring Method is considered a Complementary Therapy, and has been designed to fit into an integrative medicine model of healthcare. As such, it works well alongside other medical and therapeutic interventions. Clients are encouraged to inform their medical doctors and other complementary healthcare providers that they plan to use the Mainspring Method as part of their care.
You can read a more in-depth exploration of the science behind The Mainspring Method here.
How does it work?
A. The underlying assumption behind the Mainspring Method is that a person’s health is influenced by a large number of factors, including their psychological, emotional and social wellbeing. Stress, trauma, unhappy relationships, poor lifestyle factors and behaviours, negative emotions and unhelpful thinking and belief patterns can all have a negative effect on physical health. Conversely, relaxation, self-awareness, healthy relationships, positive beliefs and thought patterns, good lifestyle factors and behaviours and emotional balance can all have a positive or protective effect on physical health.
What illnesses is Mainspring most effective at treating?
A. The Mainspring Method is ideally used for chronic illness treatment, with conditions such as diabetes, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, obesity, insomnia, menopause, cancer, infertility, chronic fatigue syndrome, thyroid conditions, and heart disease all responding well. It can also be utilised for preventative care, mental health disorders, stress-related symptoms, rare disorders and substance addiction.
What can I expect from my first consultation?
A. Prior to meeting your Mainspring Method Practitioner, you will be provided with a comprehensive health questionnaire to complete. Utilising the information you provide, your practitioner will complete an initial, 90 minute assessment with you taking a Detailed Personal History to understand what may have contributed to your current state of health.
Together, you will explore themes that may explain causality of your health issue(s), which may include childhood experiences, traumas, relationships, belief patterns, internal dialogue, social factors as well as medical interventions, environmental conditions and other, relevant considerations aligned with the Biopsychosocial Model of health.
Do I need to tell my GP?
A.Yes, you are encouraged to inform your GP you wish to explore the use of the Mainspring Method as part of your healing program. If your GP is unfamiliar with this modality, you may like to provide them with some information.
Your GP may like to know that the Mainspring Method:
- Is a complementary therapy grounded in evidence-based health psychology
- Is a form of ‘psychosomatic medicine’ or ‘mind-body medicine’
- Has been founded and developed by a registered psychologist
- Has no known contraindications with pharmacological or surgical interventions
- Is aligned with the Biopsychosocial Model of health and the philosophies of Integrative Medicine
- Encourages client self-efficacy and the practice of tools and techniques to enhance health and wellbeing
- Utilises the client’s own personal insights and is moulded to suit the individual’s needs and health goals
Are there any side effects?
A. With the current research and knowledge in the field of mind-body medicine there is no known negative side effects of this type of complementary therapy. It can safely be used alongside other medical treatments, both conventional and complementary.
We understand that discussing your personal history and health struggles can be upsetting at times, however all information is treated with the utmost respect and confidentiality is protected rigorously. By becoming aware of what may be causing your health issues, you are able to empower yourself to address these and promote your natural self-healing capabilities.
In truth, the only known side effects are self-knowledge and improved wellbeing!
Can I continue to take my normal medication?
A. Yes, when you begin your Mainspring journey you are encouraged to continue your other treatments. Please inform your Mainspring Practitioner what medications and doses you’re taking. Likewise, please inform your GP that you are undertaking the Mainspring Method program and that, should your symptoms improve, you may need your medications reviewed.
How long will it take until I start to feel better?
A. There are many factors that affect recovery. This can include length of illness, lifestyle factors, environmental influences, relationship quality, thinking patterns and even attitude. Those who fully embrace the process, utilise positive thinking and complete prescribed activities are most likely to experience the full benefits of the program in the shortest time.
For some clients there are noticeable improvements after the initial consultation, simply by becoming consciously aware of psychosocial and emotional causes of their illness. For others, improvements are noted once the Restorative Phase is in full swing and you are releasing old, unhelpful patterns and practicing your mind-body tools.
We recommend you discuss with your Mainspring Practitioner what to expect and projected time frames; and be diligent in reporting to your practitioner what you’re noticing within your mind and body during the program, so adjustments can be made as required.
How do I know I am ready for Mainspring?
A. Many Mainspring clients come to us with chronic illness, having spent time and money trying to get better through conventional medicine, but finding their health is still not where they would like it to be.
Most people who turn to the Mainspring Method have tired of the doctor-consultant-doctor merry-go-round and the unpleasant side effects of pharmaceutical drugs. Others have been told there’s nothing further that can be done and to just learn to live with the pain, discomfort or disability. People come to us because they are not ready to give up, because they believe there must be something that can help.
Perhaps you are here because a friend, family member or health professional suggested you try something different: something natural and designed to teach you how to tune in to your own inherent healing abilities. If you’re dissatisfied with the treatment you’ve received and your health isn’t where you want it to be, then the Mainspring Method may just be your solution. It’s free from side-effects, completely safe, natural and works with the incredible power of the mind.
Been told your illness is in all your head? It’s not, but your healing solution just may be!
I have been told my illness can’t be cured. Can you help me?
A. If you’ve been told your illness can’t be cured, it means that the medical professional or system you were treated through doesn’t have an answer or solution for you right now. Throughout the history of modern medicine, conditions once believed to be incurable have since been treated successfully.
We live in an amazing age of technology, science and innovation. Many new ‘breakthroughs’ simply prove what has been known to help improve health and wellness for a long time, sometimes for thousands of years.
Psychosomatic medicine is the clinical situation where mental processes act as a major factor affecting medical and health outcomes. The mind and the body are incredibly interconnected, and when directed by the mind in a particular way, the body can achieve amazing things.
The Mainspring Method seeks to explore the psychological, social and emotional influencers on your health, and to assist your own ability to reduce symptoms, heal and improve wellbeing.
