Mindbody Medicine for Chronic Pain

Krisina Armenakis is a somatic coach. They help clients with chronic pain, chronic illness, and chronic stress. In Pain Reprocessing Therapy, we teach clients to feel safe. Safety, however, is a politicized concept. For those who struggle to feel safe, there are genuine reasons why. It’s validating to know: your body is not wrong. In this Episode: 🔹 What is the nervous system? And what does nervous system “regulation” really mean? 🔹 Today, we discuss the nervous system responses: fight, flight, freeze, fawn, and dissociate. These are wise responses. They help you survive. 🔹 Regulation is about being flexible enough to respond to stressors and then to return to baseline. Regulation is not about being calm at all times. Quite the opposite. 🔹 You’re allowed to have fight, flight, freeze, fawn, and dissociate. 🔹 Then, the goal is to come back to baseline when the environment is safe again. 🔹 The environment, however, isn’t always safe. Our nervous systems are shaped by forces like racism, homophobia, transphobia, the climate crisis, wealth inequality, etc. 🔹 Therefore, healing is not individualized. Healing has to take the political and relational environment into account. 🔹 Safety is a politicized concept. 🔹 Today, we get deep into it. This is a rich conversation about going beyond the “tools” and into a deeper understanding of nervous system regulation. Kristina discusses their thoughts about a nervous system working hard to survive difficult conditions. You’ll learn a lot today. You’ll feel validated today. You’ll enjoy this. You’re more than welcome to join us. – Find Kristina: Kristina’s Website: kristinaarmenakis.com – Find Sean: Sean’s Website: mindbodymedicineforchronicpain.com Click Here to Ask Sean a Question Sean’s Free Email List: Free Mindbody Advice and Reminders – From Me to You, Every Week Sean’s Instagram: @mindbodymedicineforchronicpain – Learn About Therapy with Sean: Therapy for Chronic Pain and Symptoms – …and you’re listening to Mindbody Medicine for Chronic Pain. Therapist Sean Hershey, LCSW teaches you how to use psychological and emotional modalities to heal from chronic pain. Common conditions treated: Back Pain, Neck Pain, Hip Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain, Elbow Pain, Pain from Disc Bulges, Pain from Disc Degeneration, Sciatica, Neuropathy, Chronic Headaches, Migraine, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Pelvic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Many Eczema and Skin Conditions, Many Arthritic Presentations, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Long Covid, Depression, and Anxiety. Inspired by the pioneering work of Dr. John Sarno and all who’ve built upon his theories including: Nicole Sachs, Christina Sarno Horner, Dr. Howard Schubiner, Dr. Dan Ratner, Alan Gordon, the ATNS, and so many others. Join us as we discuss: TMS, pain as a danger signal, the pain/threat cycle, healing through psychological work, healing through emotional work, healing through patiently attuning to your true self, trauma, healing as a work in progress, maddening frustration, glimmers of hope, elating successes... But most of all, join us because you don’t have to be alone in your pain. You don’t have to be alone in the hard work of healing. And you don’t have to be alone as this starts to work for you, and you begin to get better. We’re all walking this path together. We’re right here with you. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow for future episodes, rate, leave a written review, and share it with someone who needs it. Your endorsement helps more people like you find the profound power of mindbody healing.

“I’m not here for transformation, I just want to end the pain.” Okay. I hear you. Now, let’s unpack that. In this Episode: 🔹 When we’re in chronic pain, we’re in a state of emergency …all the time …for weeks, months, years, or decades. 🔹 We want a solution that’ll fix us immediately. 🔹 And for most of us, that’s not an option. 🔹 And it sucks. 🔹 The true fix is the long, slow, winding-journey fix. 🔹 If you want to end the pain, then you're going to have to be here for a transformation. That’s just how it is. Today, we talk about the kind of change that unfolds slowly. A change of this magnitude and depth takes time. That’s okay. This is a massive emotional and psychological shift. You’re in the right place. I know this is frustrating, but hang in there. You’re doing the right thing. – Find Sean: Sean’s Website: mindbodymedicineforchronicpain.com Click Here to Ask Sean a Question Sean’s Free Email List: Free Mindbody Advice and Reminders – From Me to You, Every Week Sean’s Instagram: @mindbodymedicineforchronicpain – Learn About Therapy with Sean: Therapy for Chronic Pain and Symptoms – …and you’re listening to Mindbody Medicine for Chronic Pain. Therapist Sean Hershey, LCSW teaches you how to use psychological and emotional modalities to heal from chronic pain. Common conditions treated: Back Pain, Neck Pain, Hip Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain, Elbow Pain, Pain from Disc Bulges, Pain from Disc Degeneration, Sciatica, Neuropathy, Chronic Headaches, Migraine, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Pelvic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Many Eczema and Skin Conditions, Many Arthritic Presentations, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Long Covid, Depression, and Anxiety. Inspired by the pioneering work of Dr. John Sarno and all who’ve built upon his theories including: Nicole Sachs, Christina Sarno Horner, Dr. Howard Schubiner, Dr. Dan Ratner, Alan Gordon, the ATNS, and so many others. Join us as we discuss: TMS, pain as a danger signal, the pain/threat cycle, healing through psychological work, healing through emotional work, healing through patiently attuning to your true self, trauma, healing as a work in progress, maddening frustration, glimmers of hope, elating successes... But most of all, join us because you don’t have to be alone in your pain. You don’t have to be alone in the hard work of healing. And you don’t have to be alone as this starts to work for you, and you begin to get better. We’re all walking this path together. We’re right here with you. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow for future episodes, rate, leave a written review, and share it with someone who needs it. Your endorsement helps more people like you find the profound power of mindbody healing.

Mastering the ability to rest will help you heal your chronic pain. Sometimes the hardest “work” is the work of slowing down, of giving up, of letting go, of relaxing, of resting, and of letting yourself just be. In this Episode: 🔹 What it feels like when your false self steals all your energy. 🔹 The emotional defenses of the TMS personality: perfectionism, goodism, high achievement, repressed anger, and stoicism. 🔹 Rest can mean being on the couch, but it can also mean letting go of the mask. 🔹 So many of us TMS people need a break. 🔹 We need a break from the demands others place on us. 🔹 We also need a break from the demands we place on ourselves. Join in the conversation today. You’ll hear about a great break I got last year – and you’ll also be invited to tune in to yourself. You can take this time to ask yourself an important question: “What do I need right now?” – Find Sean: Sean’s Website: mindbodymedicineforchronicpain.com Click Here to Ask Sean a Question Sean’s Free Email List: Free Mindbody Advice and Reminders – From Me to You, Every Week Sean’s Instagram: @mindbodymedicineforchronicpain – Learn About Therapy with Sean: Therapy for Chronic Pain and Symptoms – Other Resources Mentioned in Today’s Episode: They Can’t Find Anything Wrong, by Dr. David Clarke Liz Wallenstein, LMHC Dr. Jeffrey Iovannone on The Normate Gay – …and you’re listening to Mindbody Medicine for Chronic Pain. Therapist Sean Hershey, LCSW teaches you how to use psychological and emotional modalities to heal from chronic pain. Common conditions treated: Back Pain, Neck Pain, Hip Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain, Elbow Pain, Pain from Disc Bulges, Pain from Disc Degeneration, Sciatica, Neuropathy, Chronic Headaches, Migraine, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Pelvic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Many Eczema and Skin Conditions, Many Arthritic Presentations, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Long Covid, Depression, and Anxiety. Inspired by the pioneering work of Dr. John Sarno and all who’ve built upon his theories including: Nicole Sachs, Christina Sarno Horner, Dr. Howard Schubiner, Dr. Dan Ratner, Alan Gordon, the ATNS, and so many others. Join us as we discuss: TMS, pain as a danger signal, the pain/threat cycle, healing through psychological work, healing through emotional work, healing through patiently attuning to your true self, trauma, healing as a work in progress, maddening frustration, glimmers of hope, elating successes... But most of all, join us because you don’t have to be alone in your pain. You don’t have to be alone in the hard work of healing. And you don’t have to be alone as this starts to work for you, and you begin to get better. We’re all walking this path together. We’re right here with you. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow for future episodes, rate, leave a written review, and share it with someone who needs it. Your endorsement helps more people like you find the profound power of mindbody healing.

Today, we’re joined by doctor, leader, researcher, and author of Unlearn Your Pain: The Science of Recovering from Chronic Pain, Fatigue, Anxiety, and Depression . In this conversation, you'll learn more about Dr. Howard Schubiner, his career, his process, and the fears he experienced as he published his book. It’s truly an honor to have him as a guest. Howard’s humor, authenticity, generosity, and compassion all shine through brilliantly in this little talk. Come hang out with us. In this Episode: 🔹 We discuss Dr. Schubiner’s pre-mindbody career. 🔹 Then he started doing some work in this field, “and the results were astounding.” 🔹 “Life presents lots of opportunities. And the question is: are you interested, able, and ready to walk through those doors?” 🔹 “Of course I was skeptical.” “If you’re not skeptical, you’re not a scientist.” 🔹 Dr. Schubiner tells us about his training with Dr. John Sarno. 🔹 He describes the early and burgeoning research on mindbody modalities, much of which he pioneered. 🔹 We explore why so many physicians misunderstand this work. 🔹 We wade into the waters of the “controversial” and highly emotionally-laden diagnoses like long covid. 🔹 “It’s not fun being accused of gaslighting someone.” 🔹 A friend asked Howard, “How are you feeling about your new book?” And Howard said, in honesty, “I’m really excited, but I’m also scared.” 🔹 “I’m scared about what people will think and ‘the haters’ and the backlash. Because I really put it all out there.” 🔹 Howard says, of the controversy, “I love the people who hate me. They care passionately. They want a better world. They want a world where suffering is improved.” 🔹 He also describes various parts of his new book, which, if you haven’t read it, will be exciting to learn about. Howard tells us: “Life is for learning,” we talk about Broadway musicals, we talk about “what if I die right before the book comes out?”, we go a little bit “off the rails”... This is a fun one. You’ll definitely want to join us. We’d love to have you. – Find Howard: Follow Howard on Instagram: @hschubiner Read the Book: Unlearn Your Pain: The Science of Recovering from Chronic Pain, Fatigue, Anxiety, and Depression Listen to the Podcast: The Science Behind the Symptoms with Howard Schubiner, MD and Rebecca Kennedy, MD Howard’s Website: unlearnyourpain.com – Find Sean: Sean’s Website: mindbodymedicineforchronicpain.com Click Here to Ask Sean a Question Sean’s Free Email List: Free Mindbody Advice and Reminders – From Me to You, Every Week Sean’s Instagram: @mindbodymedicineforchronicpain – Learn About Therapy with Sean: Therapy for Chronic Pain and Symptoms – Oprah Daily: The 5 Best Books for Chronic Pain, According to Experts – …and you’re listening to Mindbody Medicine for Chronic Pain. Therapist Sean Hershey, LCSW teaches you how to use psychological and emotional modalities to heal from chronic pain. Common conditions treated: Back Pain, Neck Pain, Hip Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain, Elbow Pain, Pain from Disc Bulges, Pain from Disc Degeneration, Sciatica, Neuropathy, Chronic Headaches, Migraine, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Pelvic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Many Eczema and Skin Conditions, Many Arthritic Presentations, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Long Covid, Depression, and Anxiety. Inspired by the pioneering work of Dr. John Sarno and all who’ve built upon his theories including: Nicole Sachs, Christina Sarno Horner, Dr. Howard Schubiner, Dr. Dan Ratner, Alan Gordon, the ATNS, and so many others. Join us as we discuss: TMS, pain as a danger signal, the pain/threat cycle, healing through psychological work, healing through emotional work, healing through patiently attuning to your true self, trauma, healing as a work in progress, maddening frustration, glimmers of hope, elating successes... But most of all, join us because you don’t have to be alone in your pain. You don’t have to be alone in the hard work of healing. And you don’t have to be alone as this starts to work for you, and you begin to get better. We’re all walking this path together. We’re right here with you. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow for future episodes, rate, leave a written review, and share it with someone who needs it. Your endorsement helps more people like you find the profound power of mindbody healing.

Today: Listener Question and Answer! Question: “I’m 70 years old and have transcended many chronic pain symptoms (backache, migraines, urgency to pee, depression, and on and on). What is tripping me up today is the stiffness in my knees. I have osteoarthritis, but there is no pain. The tightness makes it hard to move around. Can someone my age overcome that? Can arthritis be a normal abnormality? I think because we learn arthritis is inevitable at my age is what’s tripping me up. I would love to hear an episode where you interview someone older who has overcome knee pain. I want my life back! Thanks.” Answer: 🔹 A Definition of Arthritis and Osteoarthritis. 🔹 Most people with TMS think there’s something specifically and uniquely wrong with them. Having this thought does not mean it’s true. 🔹 Arthritis and Osteoarthritis do not need to cause chronic pain or chronic symptoms. 🔹 A reference to a 2019 study that found a high occurrence of arthritis in pain-free areas of the body. 🔹 A little bit about my own experience with knee stiffness, knee pain, and knee braces. 🔹 A suggestion to see a TMS/Neuroplastic-Informed medical provider for additional personalized diagnostic clarity: 🔹 Daniel Cogan, NP | New York, NY 🔹 Becca Kennedy, MD | Portland, OR 🔹 John Stracks, MD | Chicago, IL If you’re asking “Is my symptom TMS?”, then this is a great episode for you. – Find Sean: Sean’s Website: mindbodymedicineforchronicpain.com Click Here to Ask Sean a Question Sean’s Free Email List: Free Mindbody Advice and Reminders – From Me to You, Every Week Sean’s Instagram: @mindbodymedicineforchronicpain – Learn About Therapy with Sean: Therapy for Chronic Pain and Symptoms – …and you’re listening to Mindbody Medicine for Chronic Pain. Therapist Sean Hershey, LCSW teaches you how to use psychological and emotional modalities to heal from chronic pain. Common conditions treated: Back Pain, Neck Pain, Hip Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain, Elbow Pain, Pain from Disc Bulges, Pain from Disc Degeneration, Sciatica, Neuropathy, Chronic Headaches, Migraine, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Pelvic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Many Eczema and Skin Conditions, Many Arthritic Presentations, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Long Covid, Depression, and Anxiety. Inspired by the pioneering work of Dr. John Sarno and all who’ve built upon his theories including: Nicole Sachs, Christina Sarno Horner, Dr. Howard Schubiner, Dr. Dan Ratner, Alan Gordon, the ATNS, and so many others. Join us as we discuss: TMS, pain as a danger signal, the pain/threat cycle, healing through psychological work, healing through emotional work, healing through patiently attuning to your true self, trauma, healing as a work in progress, maddening frustration, glimmers of hope, elating successes... But most of all, join us because you don’t have to be alone in your pain. You don’t have to be alone in the hard work of healing. And you don’t have to be alone as this starts to work for you, and you begin to get better. We’re all walking this path together. We’re right here with you. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow for future episodes, rate, leave a written review, and share it with someone who needs it. Your endorsement helps more people like you find the profound power of mindbody healing.

Before people discover TMS work, most have had a medical provider tell them some version of “we’ll just have to manage the pain.” Managing is not the same as healing. Now – doing mindbody work – you're in the middle of a complete mindset shift. And now…healing is possible. And now, “managing” symptoms means something totally different. You’re in a much better place now. Let’s explore it. In this Episode: 🔹 How to think psychologically and emotionally. How to stop thinking physically. 🔹 An examination of what “managing” symptoms even means. 🔹 An invitation to “manage” your symptoms through a psychological and emotional lens, rather than through the physical lens. This is a great talk, with some hopeful, uplifting success stories. Join us for some inspiration and for some good information. – Find Sean: Sean’s Website: mindbodymedicineforchronicpain.com Click Here to Ask Sean a Question Sean’s Free Email List: Free Mindbody Advice and Reminders – From Me to You, Every Week Sean’s Instagram: @mindbodymedicineforchronicpain – Learn About Therapy with Sean: Therapy for Chronic Pain and Symptoms – …and you’re listening to Mindbody Medicine for Chronic Pain. Therapist Sean Hershey, LCSW teaches you how to use psychological and emotional modalities to heal from chronic pain. Common conditions treated: Back Pain, Neck Pain, Hip Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain, Elbow Pain, Pain from Disc Bulges, Pain from Disc Degeneration, Sciatica, Neuropathy, Chronic Headaches, Migraine, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Pelvic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Many Eczema and Skin Conditions, Many Arthritic Presentations, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Long Covid, Depression, and Anxiety. Inspired by the pioneering work of Dr. John Sarno and all who’ve built upon his theories including: Nicole Sachs, Christina Sarno Horner, Dr. Howard Schubiner, Dr. Dan Ratner, Alan Gordon, the ATNS, and so many others. Join us as we discuss: TMS, pain as a danger signal, the pain/threat cycle, healing through psychological work, healing through emotional work, healing through patiently attuning to your true self, trauma, healing as a work in progress, maddening frustration, glimmers of hope, elating successes... But most of all, join us because you don’t have to be alone in your pain. You don’t have to be alone in the hard work of healing. And you don’t have to be alone as this starts to work for you, and you begin to get better. We’re all walking this path together. We’re right here with you. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow for future episodes, rate, leave a written review, and share it with someone who needs it. Your endorsement helps more people like you find the profound power of mindbody healing.

Today, we’re going to work on something very important. It’s at the core of healing chronic pain and symptoms. We’re teaching your body safety when your symptoms are present. We’re allowing everything you feel and experience. We’re resisting nothing. We’re going to practice this now. And you can come back to this a thousand times – to this recording or to this practice in your own mind and your own body. – Find Sean: Sean’s Website: mindbodymedicineforchronicpain.com Click Here to Ask Sean a Question Sean’s Free Email List: Free Mindbody Advice and Reminders – From Me to You, Every Week Sean’s Instagram: @mindbodymedicineforchronicpain – Learn About Therapy with Sean: Therapy for Chronic Pain and Symptoms – …and you’re listening to Mindbody Medicine for Chronic Pain. Therapist Sean Hershey, LCSW teaches you how to use psychological and emotional modalities to heal from chronic pain. Common conditions treated: Back Pain, Neck Pain, Hip Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain, Elbow Pain, Pain from Disc Bulges, Pain from Disc Degeneration, Sciatica, Neuropathy, Chronic Headaches, Migraine, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Pelvic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Many Eczema and Skin Conditions, Many Arthritic Presentations, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Long Covid, Depression, and Anxiety. Inspired by the pioneering work of Dr. John Sarno and all who’ve built upon his theories including: Nicole Sachs, Christina Sarno Horner, Dr. Howard Schubiner, Dr. Dan Ratner, Alan Gordon, the ATNS, and so many others. Join us as we discuss: TMS, pain as a danger signal, the pain/threat cycle, healing through psychological work, healing through emotional work, healing through patiently attuning to your true self, trauma, healing as a work in progress, maddening frustration, glimmers of hope, elating successes... But most of all, join us because you don’t have to be alone in your pain. You don’t have to be alone in the hard work of healing. And you don’t have to be alone as this starts to work for you, and you begin to get better. We’re all walking this path together. We’re right here with you. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow for future episodes, rate, leave a written review, and share it with someone who needs it. Your endorsement helps more people like you find the profound power of mindbody healing.

Does the subconscious mind exist? What is it? Where is it? And how do you access it? These are the questions we address today with hypnotherapist and psychedelic coach Anna Krishtal. In this Episode: 🔹 Anna tells us, “if people want to transform their lives, what they actually want to transform is the subconscious mind.” 🔹 The reason the subconscious mind is elusive and mysterious is because “subconscious” literally means underneath consciousness. 🔹 Anna details many of the functions of the subconscious mind. 🔹 The subconscious mind governs the autonomic nervous system (which regulates involuntary bodily functions like breath, heart rate, and organ function), but the subconscious mind also stores large parts of our belief systems and patterns as well. 🔹 Many of the beliefs and patterns that uphold chronic pain are stored in the subconscious mind. 🔹 Neuroplasticity is real. We’re able to change the subconscious mind at any point in our lives. 🔹 We talk about the experience of “my mind is against me” or “my body is against me.” 🔹 That is a sign that your subconscious programming for safety is in opposition to your conscious desires. And that is re-programmable. 🔹 Your body has been on your side all along. It was trying to keep you safe using old information and old conditioning. And you just didn’t know what it was communicating to you. 🔹 Anna also talks to us about healing the subconscious mind through psychedelics, particularly ketamine. 🔹 We acknowledge: not everyone with chronic symptoms needs psychedelics. However, everyone with chronic symptoms does need to find a way to access subconscious healing. This can be done through journaling, somatic psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, attuning to your internal truth, seeking answers inside rather than out… We talk about it all today. 🔹 Keep seeking the answer that is true for you. Last season, I recorded a deep-dive episode on ketamine treatment for chronic pain, which heavily featured wisdom from Anna Krishtal ( S5 E10 | Ketamine and Chronic Pain Treatment ). Today, Anna’s here to talk with us in real time. This is a great conversation – with a wise healer. You’re more than welcome to join in. – Find Anna Krishtal: Anna’s Podcast: Ketamine Connections Podcast Anna’s Website: www.annakrishtal.com – Find Sean: Sean’s Website: mindbodymedicineforchronicpain.com Click Here to Ask Sean a Question Sean’s Free Email List: Free Mindbody Advice and Reminders – From Me to You, Every Week Sean’s Instagram: @mindbodymedicineforchronicpain – Learn About Therapy with Sean: Therapy for Chronic Pain and Symptoms – Other Resources Mentioned in Today’s Episode: The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg Switch: How To Change Things When Change Is Hard by Chip Heath and Dan Heath – …and you’re listening to Mindbody Medicine for Chronic Pain. Therapist Sean Hershey, LCSW teaches you how to use psychological and emotional modalities to heal from chronic pain. Common conditions treated: Back Pain, Neck Pain, Hip Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain, Elbow Pain, Pain from Disc Bulges, Pain from Disc Degeneration, Sciatica, Neuropathy, Chronic Headaches, Migraine, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Pelvic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Many Eczema and Skin Conditions, Many Arthritic Presentations, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Long Covid, Depression, and Anxiety. Inspired by the pioneering work of Dr. John Sarno and all who’ve built upon his theories including: Nicole Sachs, Christina Sarno Horner, Dr. Howard Schubiner, Dr. Dan Ratner, Alan Gordon, the ATNS, and so many others. Join us as we discuss: TMS, pain as a danger signal, the pain/threat cycle, healing through psychological work, healing through emotional work, healing through patiently attuning to your true self, trauma, healing as a work in progress, maddening frustration, glimmers of hope, elating successes... But most of all, join us because you don’t have to be alone in your pain. You don’t have to be alone in the hard work of healing. And you don’t have to be alone as this starts to work for you, and you begin to get better. We’re all walking this path together. We’re right here with you. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow for future episodes, rate, leave a written review, and share it with someone who needs it. Your endorsement helps more people like you find the profound power of mindbody healing.

We live in a politically precarious world. You’re feeling it. And your body is feeling it. There’s a lot of silence around politics, but it’s always right here. In this Episode: 🔹 We’re making time and space to process your political anxiety. 🔹 In the world today, we’re experiencing (and we’re participating in) many, many conditions of interpersonal trauma. 🔹 In this episode, we examine the dynamics and roles of interpersonal trauma: Victim, Bystander, Rescuer, and Perpetrator. 🔹 We also discuss various emotionally-laden political conditions in the world today. We’re making space for you to think, to feel, and to process. If that sounds like something you need – join us. I’d love to have you. – Find Sean: Sean’s Website: mindbodymedicineforchronicpain.com Click Here to Ask Sean a Question Sean’s Free Email List: Free Mindbody Advice and Reminders – From Me to You, Every Week Sean’s Instagram: @mindbodymedicineforchronicpain – Learn About Therapy with Sean: Therapy for Chronic Pain and Symptoms – …and you’re listening to Mindbody Medicine for Chronic Pain. Therapist Sean Hershey, LCSW teaches you how to use psychological and emotional modalities to heal from chronic pain. Common conditions treated: Back Pain, Neck Pain, Hip Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain, Elbow Pain, Pain from Disc Bulges, Pain from Disc Degeneration, Sciatica, Neuropathy, Chronic Headaches, Migraine, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Pelvic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Many Eczema and Skin Conditions, Many Arthritic Presentations, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Long Covid, Depression, and Anxiety. Inspired by the pioneering work of Dr. John Sarno and all who’ve built upon his theories including: Nicole Sachs, Christina Sarno Horner, Dr. Howard Schubiner, Dr. Dan Ratner, Alan Gordon, the ATNS, and so many others. Join us as we discuss: TMS, pain as a danger signal, the pain/threat cycle, healing through psychological work, healing through emotional work, healing through patiently attuning to your true self, trauma, healing as a work in progress, maddening frustration, glimmers of hope, elating successes... But most of all, join us because you don’t have to be alone in your pain. You don’t have to be alone in the hard work of healing. And you don’t have to be alone as this starts to work for you, and you begin to get better. We’re all walking this path together. We’re right here with you. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow for future episodes, rate, leave a written review, and share it with someone who needs it. Your endorsement helps more people like you find the profound power of mindbody healing.

Many of you know Dr. Elaine Aron’s research on HSPs. Many of you identify as HSPs. There’s a huge overlap between the highly sensitive trait and the propensity to develop chronic pain and symptoms. If you haven’t heard about the highly sensitive person, however, prepare to have your mind potentially blown by psychotherapist Kayla Jacobsen, LICSW. In this Episode: 🔹 Kayla Jacobsen’s a therapist who specializes in working with highly sensitive people. She’s also, like me, a highly sensitive person herself. 🔹 Kayla has her own journey with chronic neuroplastic symptom recovery, so she understands the intersection between high sensitivity and neuroplastic symptoms. 🔹 Today, Kayla summarizes the basic characteristics of the highly sensitive person. 🔹 Kayla outlines the 4 subtypes of highly sensitive people (the Deep Thinker, the Overstimulated Super-Sensor, the Emotionally-Responsive/Empathetic Super-Feeler, and those who are Sensitive to Subtle Stimuli). 🔹 Kayla reminds us: sensitivity does not “need” to be “overcome.” It's not a disorder. It's not a diagnosis. She validates us and reminds us that sensitivity is a strength. Join us today. So many of us here are HSPs, so this is a great, highly relevant conversation. – Find Kayla: Willow Creek Counseling MN: www.willowcreekcounselingmn.com/kaylajacobsen Kayla’s Email: kayla@willowcreekcounselingmn.com – Find Sean: Sean’s Website: mindbodymedicineforchronicpain.com Click Here to Ask Sean a Question Sean’s Free Email List: Free Mindbody Advice and Reminders – From Me to You, Every Week Sean’s Instagram: @mindbodymedicineforchronicpain – Learn About Therapy with Sean: Therapy for Chronic Pain and Symptoms – Other Resources Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Dr. Elaine Aron and the Highly Sensitive Person: hsperson.com Self-Test: The Highly Sensitive Person Scale The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You by Dr. Elaine Aron Quiet by Susan Cain Trust Yourself by Melody Wilding The Mind-Body Healing Method with Grace Secker – …and you’re listening to Mindbody Medicine for Chronic Pain. Therapist Sean Hershey, LCSW teaches you how to use psychological and emotional modalities to heal from chronic pain. Common conditions treated: Back Pain, Neck Pain, Hip Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain, Elbow Pain, Pain from Disc Bulges, Pain from Disc Degeneration, Sciatica, Neuropathy, Chronic Headaches, Migraine, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Pelvic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Many Eczema and Skin Conditions, Many Arthritic Presentations, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Long Covid, Depression, and Anxiety. Inspired by the pioneering work of Dr. John Sarno and all who’ve built upon his theories including: Nicole Sachs, Christina Sarno Horner, Dr. Howard Schubiner, Dr. Dan Ratner, Alan Gordon, the ATNS, and so many others. Join us as we discuss: TMS, pain as a danger signal, the pain/threat cycle, healing through psychological work, healing through emotional work, healing through patiently attuning to your true self, trauma, healing as a work in progress, maddening frustration, glimmers of hope, elating successes... But most of all, join us because you don’t have to be alone in your pain. You don’t have to be alone in the hard work of healing. And you don’t have to be alone as this starts to work for you, and you begin to get better. We’re all walking this path together. We’re right here with you. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow for future episodes, rate, leave a written review, and share it with someone who needs it. Your endorsement helps more people like you find the profound power of mindbody healing.

This is a personal one, and a vulnerable one. It’s a messy-middle story. There’s no pressure to be 100% healed. There’s no pressure to have everything figured out. This is just an invitation to hang out in the messy middle. And today, we’re talking about…my left hip. In this Episode: 🔹 Not every part of every story is the “happily ever after.” 🔹 Many parts are the messy middle. 🔹 Sometimes I feel like I’m “recovered.” Sometimes I feel like I’m back at square one. (Even though I know better). 🔹 Join me today as I tell the story of my chronic hip pain: how it came on, how many years it's been, and what I’ve been doing to heal. 🔹 We discuss: emotional work, psychological work, questioning my triggers, graded exposure, fear, frustration, success, continued symptoms, TMS therapy, the power of allowing, continued epiphanies, self-care, self-attunement, …and so much more. Join in. I’d love to have you along for the ride. – Find Sean: Sean’s Website: mindbodymedicineforchronicpain.com Click Here to Ask Sean a Question Sean’s Free Email List: Free Mindbody Advice and Reminders – From Me to You, Every Week Sean’s Instagram: @mindbodymedicineforchronicpain – Learn About Therapy with Sean: Therapy for Chronic Pain and Symptoms – Other Resources Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Therapist: Liz Wallenstein, LMHC S2 E1 | The “Messy Middle” & TMS Recovery with Michelle S4 E12 | My Recovery from Chronic IBS How to Journalspeak with Nicole Sachs – …and you’re listening to Mindbody Medicine for Chronic Pain. Therapist Sean Hershey, LCSW teaches you how to use psychological and emotional modalities to heal from chronic pain. Common conditions treated: Back Pain, Neck Pain, Hip Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain, Elbow Pain, Pain from Disc Bulges, Pain from Disc Degeneration, Sciatica, Neuropathy, Chronic Headaches, Migraine, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Pelvic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Many Eczema and Skin Conditions, Many Arthritic Presentations, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Long Covid, Depression, and Anxiety. Inspired by the pioneering work of Dr. John Sarno and all who’ve built upon his theories including: Nicole Sachs, Christina Sarno Horner, Dr. Howard Schubiner, Dr. Dan Ratner, Alan Gordon, the ATNS, and so many others. Join us as we discuss: TMS, pain as a danger signal, the pain/threat cycle, healing through psychological work, healing through emotional work, healing through patiently attuning to your true self, trauma, healing as a work in progress, maddening frustration, glimmers of hope, elating successes... But most of all, join us because you don’t have to be alone in your pain. You don’t have to be alone in the hard work of healing. And you don’t have to be alone as this starts to work for you, and you begin to get better. We’re all walking this path together. We’re right here with you. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow for future episodes, rate, leave a written review, and share it with someone who needs it. Your endorsement helps more people like you find the profound power of mindbody healing.

This is the story of a powerful metamorphosis. Cynthia Austin said, “In 2014, I saw a picture of myself, and I didn’t even recognize the woman in the picture.” She calls it her “pain brain coma pic.” And now, you can see the picture (the before and the after) for yourself. Cynthia Austin is a national board-certified health and wellness coach. She helps people heal from chronic symptoms using the power of neuroplasticity, just like she did herself. She has a truly remarkable story to tell. In this Episode: 🔹 Cynthia’s dramatic recovery from migraines, vertigo, neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain, hip pain, leg paralysis, muscle tension, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic numbness/tingling of the extremities, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, insomnia, brain fog, stomach issues, chemical sensitivities, unexplained rashes, high blood pressure, grinding teeth, walking with a cane, regular panic attacks, severe anxiety, and depression. 🔹 How traditional pain management failed Cynthia – and how it fails all of us with chronic neuroplastic conditions. 🔹 The connection between emotional trauma and physical symptoms. 🔹 The importance of authenticity and agency in chronic symptom recovery. 🔹 The tie, for Cynthia, between weight loss and healing. 🔹 “This work helped me lose 100 lbs.” Cynthia recounts the details. 🔹 The hunger is always real, but you're not always hungry for food. 🔹 “My hunger was to be treated kindly. My hunger was to be seen and valued and cared for.” 🔹 “My therapist gave me the right to breathe, the right to exist, the right to take up room on this earth.” Cynthia says she can distill her recovery down to “speaking my truth.” This is a very powerful discussion. Join us. You’ll learn a lot, you’ll feel a lot, and you’ll understand mindbody healing on a deeper level. – Find Cynthia: Cynthia’s Website: www.MyPainCoachLLC.com Cynthia’s Free Educational PDF “Is Your Pain Experience Being Shaped By Your Nervous System?”: www.mypaincoachllc.com/podcast-freebie Cynthia’s LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cynthiaaustin-mypaincoach Cynthia’s Facebook: www.facebook.com/MyPainCoach/ – Find Sean: Sean’s Website: mindbodymedicineforchronicpain.com Click Here to Ask Sean a Question Sean’s Free Email List: Free Mindbody Advice and Reminders – From Me to You, Every Week Sean’s Instagram: @mindbodymedicineforchronicpain – Learn About Therapy with Sean: Therapy for Chronic Pain and Symptoms – …and you’re listening to Mindbody Medicine for Chronic Pain. Therapist Sean Hershey, LCSW teaches you how to use psychological and emotional modalities to heal from chronic pain. Common conditions treated: Back Pain, Neck Pain, Hip Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain, Elbow Pain, Pain from Disc Bulges, Pain from Disc Degeneration, Sciatica, Neuropathy, Chronic Headaches, Migraine, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Pelvic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Many Eczema and Skin Conditions, Many Arthritic Presentations, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Long Covid, Depression, and Anxiety. Inspired by the pioneering work of Dr. John Sarno and all who’ve built upon his theories including: Nicole Sachs, Christina Sarno Horner, Dr. Howard Schubiner, Dr. Dan Ratner, Alan Gordon, the ATNS, and so many others. Join us as we discuss: TMS, pain as a danger signal, the pain/threat cycle, healing through psychological work, healing through emotional work, healing through patiently attuning to your true self, trauma, healing as a work in progress, maddening frustration, glimmers of hope, elating successes... But most of all, join us because you don’t have to be alone in your pain. You don’t have to be alone in the hard work of healing. And you don’t have to be alone as this starts to work for you, and you begin to get better. We’re all walking this path together. We’re right here with you. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow for future episodes, rate, leave a written review, and share it with someone who needs it. Your endorsement helps more people like you find the profound power of mindbody healing.

Using psychological and emotional modalities to heal chronic pain is not a widely-understood option. Many fear it’s not “backed by science.” Today, however, we profile and analyze 12 studies that show the scientific backing for various aspects of this paradigm for healing. The studies in this list were compiled by my friend and colleague, neuroplastic physical therapist Nida Tansinsin, MPT . So much gratitude for her! Find all her information below. In this Episode: 🔹 12 Studies that reveal the science behind different aspects of neuroplastic healing. 🔹 (Although, truly, maybe I just did 11? I sort of lost count 😋 Hashtag embracing imperfection). 🔹 A deep-dive into Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) and Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET). 🔹 We discuss the limitations of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and why CBT’s becoming an antiquated choice for chronic pain treatment. 🔹 We get into the evidence that many, many physical findings (in the back, the hips, the knees, and the shoulders) are normal abnormalities and do not need to cause pain. 🔹 I also lowkey get kinda angry about the old, debunked, non-scientific methods used to treat pain in mainstream medicine. This is a long one, but a fun one, and an informative one. Join us. – Find Nida Tansinsin, MPT: Nida’s Website: nidaconnect.com Nida’s Email: nida.paincoach@gmail.com Nida’s Instagram: @NidaConnect S5 E4 | A Physical Therapist Who Can Help You, with Nida Tansinsin, MPT – Find Sean: Sean’s Website: mindbodymedicineforchronicpain.com Click Here to Ask Sean a Question Sean’s Free Email List: Free Mindbody Advice and Reminders – From Me to You, Every Week Sean’s Instagram: @mindbodymedicineforchronicpain – Learn About Therapy with Sean: Therapy for Chronic Pain and Symptoms – Studies Profiled In Today’s Episode: Ashar et al Boulder Back Pain Study Lumley and Schubiner EAET Study Brinjikji et al Imaging in Asymptomatic Populations Study Blankstein et al MRI Hip Findings in Asymptomatic Individuals Study Zhong et al Reabsorbtion of Lumbar Disc Herniations Study Barreto et al Bilateral MRI Findings in Individuals with Unilateral Shoulder Pain Study Bergman et al Asymptomatic Tibial Stress Reactions Study Horga et al Prevelence of Abnormal Findings in 230 Knees of Asymptomatic Adults Webster et al Iatrogenic Consequences of Early MRI in Work-Related Low Back Pain Study Zamorano et al Pain Sensitivity in Healthy Musicians Study Crum et al Exercise and the Placebo Effect Study – Other Resources Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Info on Ehlers-Danlos and POTS: Gigi Cockell and Dan Buglio , Grace Secker and Sean Hershey Grace Secker’s Mindbody Healing Method: https://healwithgrace.co/programs/mind-body-healing-method/ – …and you’re listening to Mindbody Medicine for Chronic Pain. Therapist Sean Hershey, LCSW teaches you how to use psychological and emotional modalities to heal from chronic pain. Common conditions treated: Back Pain, Neck Pain, Hip Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain, Elbow Pain, Pain from Disc Bulges, Pain from Disc Degeneration, Sciatica, Neuropathy, Chronic Headaches, Migraine, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Pelvic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Many Eczema and Skin Conditions, Many Arthritic Presentations, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Long Covid, Depression, and Anxiety. Inspired by the pioneering work of Dr. John Sarno and all who’ve built upon his theories including: Nicole Sachs, Christina Sarno Horner, Dr. Howard Schubiner, Dr. Dan Ratner, Alan Gordon, the ATNS, and so many others. Join us as we discuss: TMS, pain as a danger signal, the pain/threat cycle, healing through psychological work, healing through emotional work, healing through patiently attuning to your true self, trauma, healing as a work in progress, maddening frustration, glimmers of hope, elating successes... But most of all, join us because you don’t have to be alone in your pain. You don’t have to be alone in the hard work of healing. And you don’t have to be alone as this starts to work for you, and you begin to get better. We’re all walking this path together. We’re right here with you. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow for future episodes, rate, leave a written review, and share it with someone who needs it. Your endorsement helps more people like you find the profound power of mindbody healing.

Jess Freedman is a mindbody psychotherapist and the cofounder of Rewire NYC (the New York ATNS Chapter). Jess has recovered from a plethora of neuroplastic symptoms, the most difficult of which was chronic shoulder pain. She shares her journey from very severe symptoms to a long recovery to becoming a therapist who helps others with chronic pain. Jess is a fellow theater kid, so we have a good time today. We laugh, we bond, Jess even likens herself to a stuffed chihuahua in a vest (see pic). You're more than welcome to join the fun. You’re not gonna wanna miss this one. In this Episode: 🔹 Jess shares the many, many symptoms with which she’s struggled over the years. 🔹 She details her journey out of severe, daily shoulder pain. 🔹 She was diagnosed with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and had clinical findings on her MRI to support the diagnosis. 🔹 She had surgery with a premier surgeon in Boston, and the pain still didn’t resolve. 🔹 She hit her rock bottom, ended up in the ER for a panic attack, and was seriously evaluated for a stroke because she couldn’t speak. 🔹 After that harrowing trip to the ER, Jess had a moment of clarity. She somehow knew “you are meant to have a good life.” 🔹 Then she found this. 🔹 It turns out, the Thoracic Outlet findings were normal abnormalities. After doing this work, Jess now lives chronic-pain-free. 🔹 Jess also gives us insight into her practice as a neuroplastic therapist, discussing how she’s moved away from dogmatic certainty, smugness, and theoretical rigidity… towards a healing practice that’s more trusting of the self, trusting of the body, and tailored to each individual. Jess pulled a card the morning of the podcast interview (cuz why not) and shared it with us: “You’re Not For Everyone: Face Your Wierdness, Face Your True North.” Period. It’s the perfect message for healing chronic symptoms. Join us for a fun and very informative discussion. – Find Jess: Jess’s Psychology Today Jess’s Substack – Find Sean: Sean’s Website: mindbodymedicineforchronicpain.com Click Here to Ask Sean a Question Sean’s Free Email List: Free Mindbody Advice and Reminders – From Me to You, Every Week Sean’s Instagram: @mindbodymedicineforchronicpain – Learn About Therapy with Sean: Therapy for Chronic Pain and Symptoms – Other Resources Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Info on Ehlers-Danlos and POTS: Gigi Cockell and Dan Buglio , Grace Secker and Sean Hershey The Way Out by Alan Gordon and Alon Ziv The Drama of the Gifted Child by Alice Miller The Wounded Healer | This Jungian Life Podcast Trauma Therapy: What It’s Really Like with Dr. Jacob Ham and Elizabeth Ferreira | Being Well – …and you’re listening to Mindbody Medicine for Chronic Pain. Therapist Sean Hershey, LCSW teaches you how to use psychological and emotional modalities to heal from chronic pain. Common conditions treated: Back Pain, Neck Pain, Hip Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain, Elbow Pain, Pain from Disc Bulges, Pain from Disc Degeneration, Sciatica, Neuropathy, Chronic Headaches, Migraine, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Pelvic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Many Eczema and Skin Conditions, Many Arthritic Presentations, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Long Covid, Depression, and Anxiety. Inspired by the pioneering work of Dr. John Sarno and all who’ve built upon his theories including: Nicole Sachs, Christina Sarno Horner, Dr. Howard Schubiner, Dr. Dan Ratner, Alan Gordon, the ATNS, and so many others. Join us as we discuss: TMS, pain as a danger signal, the pain/threat cycle, healing through psychological work, healing through emotional work, healing through patiently attuning to your true self, trauma, healing as a work in progress, maddening frustration, glimmers of hope, elating successes... But most of all, join us because you don’t have to be alone in your pain. You don’t have to be alone in the hard work of healing. And you don’t have to be alone as this starts to work for you, and you begin to get better. We’re all walking this path together. We’re right here with you. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow for future episodes, rate, leave a written review, and share it with someone who needs it. Your endorsement helps more people like you find the profound power of mindbody healing.

This is a long one. And a deep one. (And a good one). Most recoverers don’t say much about this, but most people acknowledge a spiritual shift as they heal from chronic pain. Today, we’re addressing that head-on. We’re making space for you to explore your sense of spirituality, of religion, and even of God. In this Episode: 🔹 I’m not telling you what to believe. I don’t know what you “should” believe about God. Having certain religious beliefs is NOT part of chronic pain recovery. 🔹 And, existential inquiry and existential curiosity are part of the human experience. We don’t want you to repress that. 🔹 Religious trauma cuts people off from thinking spiritually and thinking expansively. 🔹 So, we’re making space – today – for you to explore your own sense of spirituality. 🔹 We discuss the definition of religious trauma. 🔹 We explore the common impacts of religious trauma. 🔹 We get into some fun childhood stories from my Catholic school days. 🔹 We consider an example of what God looks like in literature, recounting the climactic scene in Alice Walker’s The Color Purple. 🔹 And, of course, you get to reflect on you. What does spirituality mean to you? This isn’t your typical discussion about chronic pain healing. This isn’t “10 Tools to Regulate Your Nervous System.” This is deeper. If you’re looking for a door into something meaningful, this is it. – Find Sean: Sean’s Website: mindbodymedicineforchronicpain.com Click Here to Ask Sean a Question Sean’s Free Email List: Free Mindbody Advice and Reminders – From Me to You, Every Week Sean’s Instagram: @mindbodymedicineforchronicpain – Learn About Therapy with Sean: Therapy for Chronic Pain and Symptoms – Other Resources Mentioned in Today’s Episode: S2 E7 | Chronic Pain and Spirituality with Christina Wei Ishmael by Daniel Quinn S3 E12 | Holiday Childhood Nostalgia …Meets Trauma – …and you’re listening to Mindbody Medicine for Chronic Pain. Therapist Sean Hershey, LCSW teaches you how to use psychological and emotional modalities to heal from chronic pain. Common conditions treated: Back Pain, Neck Pain, Hip Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain, Elbow Pain, Pain from Disc Bulges, Pain from Disc Degeneration, Sciatica, Neuropathy, Chronic Headaches, Migraine, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Pelvic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Many Eczema and Skin Conditions, Many Arthritic Presentations, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Long Covid, Depression, and Anxiety. Inspired by the pioneering work of Dr. John Sarno and all who’ve built upon his theories including: Nicole Sachs, Christina Sarno Horner, Dr. Howard Schubiner, Dr. Dan Ratner, Alan Gordon, the ATNS, and so many others. Join us as we discuss: TMS, pain as a danger signal, the pain/threat cycle, healing through psychological work, healing through emotional work, healing through patiently attuning to your true self, trauma, healing as a work in progress, maddening frustration, glimmers of hope, elating successes... But most of all, join us because you don’t have to be alone in your pain. You don’t have to be alone in the hard work of healing. And you don’t have to be alone as this starts to work for you, and you begin to get better. We’re all walking this path together. We’re right here with you. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow for future episodes, rate, leave a written review, and share it with someone who needs it. Your endorsement helps more people like you find the profound power of mindbody healing.

Anna Holtzman is a true mentor of mine. She’s a therapist and coach. Anna’s helped many, many clients out of chronic pain and symptoms…and she began noticing that the same patterns underlying chronic pain also keep many people from expressing themselves fully and pursuing the lives they really want. Now, Anna works with clients to help them with visibility: expressing themselves, putting themselves “out there,” and moving into bold self-actualization. In this Episode: 🔹 The connection between chronic pain, staying small, fear of visibility, and healing through trusting yourself. 🔹 Why understanding the nervous system is vitally helpful in moving through the fear of expressing yourself authentically. 🔹 What it feels like, on a nervous system level, to receive negative feedback. 🔹 The conflict between a deep desire to share your voice and the equally intense fear of blow-back and rejection. 🔹 How a therapist’s own emotional work helps them help their clients. 🔹 3 Tools to work with the fear of visibility: 1) Graded Exposure, 2) Co-regulation, and 3) Dialoguing with Fear. 🔹 We go deep into Dialoguing with Fear, and I know that’ll be helpful for you. 🔹 Here are the questions Anna uses to dialogue with fear: 🔹 1. Dear fear, what are you feeling? 🔹 2. What would you like me to know? 🔹 3. What are you trying to protect me from? Join us for a fun, enriching, enlightening conversation. Anna’s great. – Find Anna: Free Self-Trust Workshop: The Melt-Through Method: www.annaholtzmantherapy.com/melt-through-method-workshop Free Let-Yourself-Be-Seen Workshop: www.annaholtzman.com/beseen Seen & Safe Visibility Coaching: www.annaholtzman.com/seenandsafe Anna’s Instagram: @anna_holtzman Anna’s Podcast: How to Trust Yourself Recommended Episode: We Need Your Art with Amie McNee Email: anna@annaholtzman.com – Find Sean: Sean’s Website: mindbodymedicineforchronicpain.com Click Here to Ask Sean a Question Sean’s Free Email List: Free Mindbody Advice and Reminders – From Me to You, Every Week Sean’s Instagram: @mindbodymedicineforchronicpain – Learn About Therapy with Sean: Therapy for Chronic Pain and Symptoms – …and you’re listening to Mindbody Medicine for Chronic Pain. Therapist Sean Hershey, LCSW teaches you how to use psychological and emotional modalities to heal from chronic pain. Common conditions treated: Back Pain, Neck Pain, Hip Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain, Elbow Pain, Pain from Disc Bulges, Pain from Disc Degeneration, Sciatica, Neuropathy, Chronic Headaches, Migraine, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Pelvic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Many Eczema and Skin Conditions, Many Arthritic Presentations, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Long Covid, Depression, and Anxiety. Inspired by the pioneering work of Dr. John Sarno and all who’ve built upon his theories including: Nicole Sachs, Christina Sarno Horner, Dr. Howard Schubiner, Dr. Dan Ratner, Alan Gordon, the ATNS, and so many others. Join us as we discuss: TMS, pain as a danger signal, the pain/threat cycle, healing through psychological work, healing through emotional work, healing through patiently attuning to your true self, trauma, healing as a work in progress, maddening frustration, glimmers of hope, elating successes... But most of all, join us because you don’t have to be alone in your pain. You don’t have to be alone in the hard work of healing. And you don’t have to be alone as this starts to work for you, and you begin to get better. We’re all walking this path together. We’re right here with you. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow for future episodes, rate, leave a written review, and share it with someone who needs it. Your endorsement helps more people like you find the profound power of mindbody healing.

Today, we’re talking about something a little different: ketamine. Is ketamine the cure for chronic pain? No. But, can ketamine be a tool to help deepen the psychological and emotional work that heals chronic pain? Yes, I think so. Let’s discuss. In this Episode: 🔹 It’s 2026, everyone’s talking about ketamine, so we’re gonna talk about it too. 🔹 We cover the basic facts about ketamine, including ketamine’s ability to create a window of heightened neuroplasticity in the brain. 🔹 We explore the history of psychedelic use in healing. 🔹 I discuss my personal experience with ketamine. 🔹 We investigate the connection between ketamine treatment and healing chronic pain. This is a fun one – with a lot of good information. Whether you’d ever consider ketamine or not, you’ll learn something here. Join us. – NOTE: THIS PODCAST IS INTENDED FOR GENERAL INFORMATION AND EDUCATION ONLY. THIS PODCAST DOES NOT RECOMMEND KETAMINE FOR ANY SPECIFIC PATIENT, DIAGNOSIS, OR CONDITION. THE USE OF ANY PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION MUST BE DONE UNDER MEDICAL SUPERVISION. – Find Sean: Sean’s Website: mindbodymedicineforchronicpain.com Sean’s Free Email List: Free Mindbody Advice and Reminders – From Me to You, Every Week Click Here to Ask a Question on the Podcast Sean’s Instagram: @mindbodymedicineforchronicpain – Ketamine Connections Podcast with Anna Krishtal: Listen on Apple | Listen on Spotify Sean Hershey on the Ketamine Connections Podcast: Listen on Apple | Listen on Spotify – Other Resources Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Anna Krishtal’s Website: www.yourketaminecoach.com Allison Janney on Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky Cochrane Library | Ketamine and other NMDA receptor antagonists for chronic pain: https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD015373.pub2/full – Dr. Howard Schubiner’s Book: Unlearn Your Pain: The Science of Recovering from Chronic Pain, Fatigue, Anxiety, and Depression – …and you’re listening to Mindbody Medicine for Chronic Pain. Therapist Sean Hershey, LCSW teaches you how to use psychological and emotional modalities to heal from chronic pain. Common conditions treated: Back Pain, Neck Pain, Hip Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain, Elbow Pain, Pain from Disc Bulges, Pain from Disc Degeneration, Sciatica, Neuropathy, Chronic Headaches, Migraine, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Pelvic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Many Eczema and Skin Conditions, Many Arthritic Presentations, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Long Covid, Depression, and Anxiety. Inspired by the pioneering work of Dr. John Sarno and all who’ve built upon his theories including: Nicole Sachs, Christina Sarno Horner, Dr. Howard Schubiner, Dr. Dan Ratner, Alan Gordon, the ATNS, and so many others. Join us as we discuss: TMS, pain as a danger signal, the pain/threat cycle, healing through psychological work, healing through emotional work, healing through patiently attuning to your true self, trauma, healing as a work in progress, maddening frustration, glimmers of hope, elating successes... But most of all, join us because you don’t have to be alone in your pain. You don’t have to be alone in the hard work of healing. And you don’t have to be alone as this starts to work for you, and you begin to get better. We’re all walking this path together. We’re right here with you. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow for future episodes, rate, leave a written review, and share it with someone who needs it. Your endorsement helps more people like you find the profound power of mindbody healing.

When your friends and family don’t understand, when your doctors can’t find anything wrong, when you find mindbody modalities and they take a long time to work...you deserve empathy. In this Episode: 🔹 You deserve empathy before you understand mindbody healing. 🔹 You deserve empathy AFTER you understand mindbody healing. 🔹 You deserve empathy, from others and from yourself, all the way through. Join us for a dose of empathy today. And save this episode for the future. You can come back to it anytime you need it. – Find Sean: Sean’s Website: mindbodymedicineforchronicpain.com Sean’s Free Email List: Free Mindbody Advice and Reminders – From Me to You, Every Week Click Here to Ask a Question on the Podcast Sean’s Instagram: @mindbodymedicineforchronicpain – …and you’re listening to Mindbody Medicine for Chronic Pain. Therapist Sean Hershey, LCSW teaches you how to use psychological and emotional modalities to heal from chronic pain. Common conditions treated: Back Pain, Neck Pain, Hip Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain, Elbow Pain, Pain from Disc Bulges, Pain from Disc Degeneration, Sciatica, Neuropathy, Chronic Headaches, Migraine, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Pelvic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Many Eczema and Skin Conditions, Many Arthritic Presentations, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Long Covid, Depression, and Anxiety. Inspired by the pioneering work of Dr. John Sarno and all who’ve built upon his theories including: Nicole Sachs, Christina Sarno Horner, Dr. Howard Schubiner, Dr. Dan Ratner, Alan Gordon, the ATNS, and so many others. Join us as we discuss: TMS, pain as a danger signal, the pain/threat cycle, healing through psychological work, healing through emotional work, healing through patiently attuning to your true self, trauma, healing as a work in progress, maddening frustration, glimmers of hope, elating successes... But most of all, join us because you don’t have to be alone in your pain. You don’t have to be alone in the hard work of healing. And you don’t have to be alone as this starts to work for you, and you begin to get better. We’re all walking this path together. We’re right here with you. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow for future episodes, rate, leave a written review, and share it with someone who needs it. Your endorsement helps more people like you find the profound power of mindbody healing.

Does thinking about your trauma make you feel horrible? Maybe you’re already feeling dysregulated? Justine Stull is an occupational therapist, a mindbody coach, a long-time mindbody symptom sufferer, and has a beautifully inspiring recovery story. On the podcast today, she discusses her personal journey with healing trauma to heal physical pain and symptoms. She offers wonderful advice – for you – about staying grounded while processing trauma. In this Episode: 🔹 Growth is uncomfortable, but you can stay out of absolute overwhelm and shut-down. 🔹 Not all anger is equal. Anger towards a random stranger is typically easier to feel than anger towards someone with whom you had an abusive dynamic. 🔹 Start with the easier stuff. You’ll be ready for the harder traumas when you’re ready. You’ll build your tolerance. 🔹 If you become completely dysregulated in your emotions, or if your symptoms flare, you didn’t hurt yourself. It’s okay. 🔹 The exact details of the trauma story are less important than learning to feel the depth of the emotions related. 🔹 You can write/tell/journal just enough of the story to get the emotions activated. Then you can feel, express, and learn to feel okay with the emotions. 🔹 Meet yourself with curiosity and compassion. They are the polar opposites of fear and shame. Curiosity and compassion are the healing forces. 🔹 The purpose of journaling for chronic pain is NOT to fix anything. The purpose is to feel what you need to feel. 🔹 And, at the end of the episode, learn what to do if you feel very overwhelmed after a journaling session. This is a deeply helpful conversation. Join us. – Find Justine: Justine's Website - newsletter, blog, & coaching: www.JustineMindBodyOT.com Instagram: @justinemindbodyot Justine’s Facebook: www.facebook.com/justinemindbodyot JUSTINE’S FACEBOOK GROUP: Living the Work: www.facebook.com/groups/livingthework – Find Sean: Sean’s Website: mindbodymedicineforchronicpain.com Sean’s Free Email List: Free Mindbody Advice and Reminders – From Me to You, Every Week Click Here to Ask a Question on the Podcast Sean’s Instagram: @mindbodymedicineforchronicpain – Other Resources Mentioned in Today’s Episode: How to Journalspeak, with Nicole Sachs Mind Your Body by Nicole Sachs The Way Out by Alan Gordon Insight Timer – …and you’re listening to Mindbody Medicine for Chronic Pain. Therapist Sean Hershey, LCSW teaches you how to use psychological and emotional modalities to heal from chronic pain. Common conditions treated: Back Pain, Neck Pain, Hip Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain, Elbow Pain, Pain from Disc Bulges, Pain from Disc Degeneration, Sciatica, Neuropathy, Chronic Headaches, Migraine, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Pelvic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Many Eczema and Skin Conditions, Many Arthritic Presentations, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Long Covid, Depression, and Anxiety. Inspired by the pioneering work of Dr. John Sarno and all who’ve built upon his theories including: Nicole Sachs, Christina Sarno Horner, Dr. Howard Schubiner, Dr. Dan Ratner, Alan Gordon, the ATNS, and so many others. Join us as we discuss: TMS, pain as a danger signal, the pain/threat cycle, healing through psychological work, healing through emotional work, healing through patiently attuning to your true self, trauma, healing as a work in progress, maddening frustration, glimmers of hope, elating successes... But most of all, join us because you don’t have to be alone in your pain. You don’t have to be alone in the hard work of healing. And you don’t have to be alone as this starts to work for you, and you begin to get better. We’re all walking this path together. We’re right here with you. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow for future episodes, rate, leave a written review, and share it with someone who needs it. Your endorsement helps more people like you find the profound power of mindbody healing.

Dr. Howard Schubiner is at the forefront of this field. His book dropped THIS WEEK. Brand new and fresh, it’s time for you to order: Unlearn Your Pain: The Science of Recovering from Chronic Pain, Fatigue, Anxiety, and Depression . In celebration, we’re doing an episode inspired by one of Dr. Howard Schubiner’s healing practices. He tells us: stay away from the 7 F’s. These are 7 common traps for chronic pain sufferers. Each one will make your pain and symptoms worse. Each one will keep you stuck. So, we need to learn how to move past each one. 🔹 Fear 🔹 Focus 🔹 Frustration 🔹 Fighting 🔹 Figuring Out 🔹 Fixing 🔹 Forlornness Now, what do you do instead? Join us today, and find out. – Buy the Book: Unlearn Your Pain: The Science of Recovering from Chronic Pain, Fatigue, Anxiety, and Depression by Dr. Howard Schubiner – Find Sean: Sean’s Website: mindbodymedicineforchronicpain.com Sean’s Free Email List: Free Mindbody Advice and Reminders – From Me to You, Every Week Click Here to Ask a Question on the Podcast Sean’s Instagram: @mindbodymedicineforchronicpain – Other Resources Mentioned in Today’s Episode: The Cure for Chronic Pain Podcast with Nicole Sachs – …and you’re listening to Mindbody Medicine for Chronic Pain. Therapist Sean Hershey, LCSW teaches you how to use psychological and emotional modalities to heal from chronic pain. Common conditions treated: Back Pain, Neck Pain, Hip Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain, Elbow Pain, Pain from Disc Bulges, Pain from Disc Degeneration, Sciatica, Neuropathy, Chronic Headaches, Migraine, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Pelvic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Many Eczema and Skin Conditions, Many Arthritic Presentations, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Long Covid, Depression, and Anxiety. Inspired by the pioneering work of Dr. John Sarno and all who’ve built upon his theories including: Nicole Sachs, Christina Sarno Horner, Dr. Howard Schubiner, Dr. Dan Ratner, Alan Gordon, the ATNS, and so many others. Join us as we discuss: TMS, pain as a danger signal, the pain/threat cycle, healing through psychological work, healing through emotional work, healing through patiently attuning to your true self, trauma, healing as a work in progress, maddening frustration, glimmers of hope, elating successes... But most of all, join us because you don’t have to be alone in your pain. You don’t have to be alone in the hard work of healing. And you don’t have to be alone as this starts to work for you, and you begin to get better. We’re all walking this path together. We’re right here with you. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow for future episodes, rate, leave a written review, and share it with someone who needs it. Your endorsement helps more people like you find the profound power of mindbody healing.