Thoughts on Diagnoses

This text offers an insight into Verena König’s approach within Neurosystemische Integration® (‘Neurosystemic Integration’), focusing on diagnoses through the lens of the nervous system and self-regulation. The content is based on training materials and translated by me. It strongly resonates with the values of Sensitive Rebels.

For many professionals who make diagnosis and work with diagnosed people, it would be essential to understand that most people seek help because they struggle with self-regulation. When individuals face challenges because they are unable to regulate themselves or bring themselves to a state of safety, they feel powerless and helpless in relation to their own internal states.

In many diagnoses and mental health conditions, the lack of self-regulation is a prominent symptom. Unfortunately, however, this is often not immediately recognized by professionals, as diagnoses tend to be framed around symptom clusters. As a result, a person is assigned a diagnosis and is, often, said with slight exaggeration, perceived primarily through that label.

Self-regulation doesn't mean being good at pushing down emotions to keep functioning. It's not about self-control, toughness, or performance – these exist in rigidity and feel lifeless. True self-regulation allows us to feel alive, to sense and experience deeply, without drowning in overwhelm.

Translated by me from: König, V. (2024). NI Neurosystemische Integration® – Ausbildungsunterlagen. König Weiterbildungen GmbH.

Sensitive Rebels does not want to define people by their diagnoses but rather understand human beings as whole beings, seeing them in their entirety and working to enhance their capacity for self-regulation. My work in trauma sensitive support with a social pedagogical background, is, of course, not meant to replace the support provided by specialists such as psychotherapists and psychiatrists.