A new discipline in Brazil that has been growing a lot is Behavioral Medicine. Among the most respected research centers in this field in our country, research works and specialization courses at EPM/Unifesp have stood out in recent years, under the initiative and coordination of Prof. Dr. José Roberto Leite.

Among the various definitions for it, "the characteristics of interdisciplinarity, integration between biomedical and behavioral sciences and application in treatment, prevention, rehabilitation and research" are highlighted. (To see the text “Introduction to Behavioral Medicine”, download at the bottom of the page. )

  Behavioral Medicine selected and adopted some intervention techniques, already well recognized by the medical community, to serve as a basis for action in this interdisciplinary field aimed at promoting the well-being and recovery of people with certain behavioral problems.

Taking into account that this set of techniques stands out due to the fact that its effectiveness has been or is being studied with the rigor of scientific methodology. Among those that stand out:  

1. Breathing exercises and relaxation techniques  

2. Biofeedback techniques

3. Techniques involving alternative states of consciousness:

a- hypnosis

b- meditation

4. Cognitive-behavioral therapies

The explanation for each of the above techniques can be found in the text on “Behavioral Medicine” mentioned above.  

We would like to stick to the fact that there is a deep correspondence between most of the techniques recognized and adopted by this academic discipline (evidence-based medicine) and some of those most used by the Systemic Integrative Coaching proposed here.

For example, the number 1 on the list - diaphragmatic breathing - has been used as an aid for the application of the EFT technique (Emotional Freedom Technics), to reduce the level of exaggerated anxiety in a short time, tapping with the fingers at specific points of the acupuncture.  

While one of those mentioned in number 3 - Ericksonian hypnosis - can be administered in various situations to promote relaxation, access memories, among other uses.  

Finally, those mentioned in number 4, called “ cognitive and behavioral therapies ” , currently constitute several modalities of procedures, used in the sense of changing dysfunctional behaviors or mood or anxiety states. It is based on the principle that the vast majority of emotional problems that affect man result from learned beliefs, thoughts or behaviors. Consequently, solving these problems will depend on learning strategies to change dysfunctional behaviors, thoughts or beliefs”.  

This academic definition, although with a pompous name, is basically the same one we use to define part of the numerous techniques of Neuro-Linguistic Programming.  

We can also say that, in essence, they are very similar and sometimes identical procedures.  

During the end of the Behavioral Medicine course, class 2005, Prof. Dr. José Roberto Leite commented to the students that he had just attended a Life Coaching course and was very excited about what he witnessed there. Therefore, he recommended the Coaching course to those students who wanted to increase their repertoire of techniques. He also stated at that time that he foresaw a growing development and acceptance of coaching in the future. prediction that have come true.