This Handbook introduces conceptual models from the psychophysiological perspective for understanding functional medical problems and describes specific clinical tools and interventions.

It provides overviews of the best documented cognitive-behavioural approaches and alternative therapies to common disorders of primary care; and gives recommendations as to necessary education for practitioners in each of the mind-body disciplines (physicians, behavioural psychologists, nurse practitioners, etc.).

The four editors are proponents of biofeedback, clinical psychophysiology, and related behavioural approaches. These approaches emphasise the acquisition of skills increasing a patient's ability to self-regulate physically, emotionally, and behaviourally. The Handbook covers such therapies as biofeedback, voluntary control skills training, health education, and behavioural and cognitive therapies. In line with a humanistic orientation, the book concludes with a look at the existential and spiritual side of the human encounter with sickness and disease.