Case Study

Lucas, a 44-year old gym instructor and single father to a 13-year old girl, was diagnosed with
GERD four years ago. His initial experience of heartburn was accompanied by feelings of
helplessness and depression, but rallied when he learned that changing his diet allowed him to
regain some control over his life. When we spoke, it was obvious that Lucas took a compassionate view toward helping his clients, encouraging them to be kind to themselves. However, I didn’t feel that Lucas practiced the same kindness toward himself.

Sofia, a 21-year old single, developed GERD symptoms three years ago, soon after her parents
dropped her off at university as a college freshman. By the end of her orientation week, she
developed a lump in the back of her throat, experienced overwhelming pressure in her chest, and easily became tearful. Eventually, she was diagnosed with GERD, but despite the medication her problems continued and she ended up withdrawing from her studies to return home. There her symptoms markedly improved with a new diet and medication, but she remained fearful that “one slip-up” could “ruin my day” and lead to out-of-control symptoms.

Grace, a 30-year old graphic designer, leads a busy single life. Approximately 2.5 years before we met, she developed GERD and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), the latter a functional gastrointestinal disorder. She was plagued with symptoms of severe stomach pain, cramping, bloating, and nighttime acid reflux, and sometimes felt as though “acid is burning a hole” inside her. Despite various treatments, including medications, dietary adjustments, and breathing exercises, Grace’s GERD and IBS symptoms persisted, denying her a good night’s sleep. “I haven’t comfortably laid flat in two years,” she said. Her love of food had turned into fear, with the thought of even a simple meal provoking her anxiety about the likely aftermath.

Julia, a 34-year old marketing consultant and married mother of two children (ages 6 and 9), was diagnosed with GERD, a hiatus hernia and gastritis following an endoscopy four years prior to our meeting. Despite ongoing medication, her persistent symptoms included a dry cough, difficulty swallowing and a burning sensation in her throat, particularly after eating.