Mindbody Medicine for Chronic Pain

Diane Davis is not your typical “cool” therapist. A cool, casual, modern therapist rejects the old-fashioned idea of being a “blank slate.” Diane, however, is the opposite. She’s a therapist in St. Louis, MO, and she joins us today to discuss an extremely relevant theme for chronic pain sufferers: people pleasing in therapy.In this Episode:🔹 The history behind the therapist as a “blank slate,” and why it's important to the therapeutic process.🔹 Why your initial “goals” in therapy might be the wrong goals for your true self’s highest good.🔹 Do you put on an interpersonal performance for your therapist? Diane says, “every client is walking in performing something.”🔹 How does people pleasing in therapy harm a client and stifle growth?🔹 What does people pleasing in therapy look like? And how do you know if you’re doing it?🔹 Tools for practitioners to help clients let go of people pleasing in your sessions.🔹 We also define Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD), and we discuss how that connects to people pleasing and chronic pain.Everyone has to develop a little bit of a false self in order to get by. Join us today to discuss what it’s like to try to set that aside in therapy–and in life.–Find Diane:Diane’s Website: dianedavistherapy.comDiane’s Instagram: @dianedavistherapyDiane’s TikTok: @dianedavistherapy–Learn More About Diane’s Therapy Modality: complextraumatrainingcenter.com; Healing Developmental Trauma by Dr. Laurence Heller and Aline LaPierre; The Practical Guide for Healing Developmental Trauma by Dr. Laurence Heller and Brad Kammer–Find Sean:Sean’s Website: mindbodymedicineforchronicpain.comClick Here to Ask Sean a Question on the PodcastSean’s Free Email List: Free Mindbody Advice and Reminders – From Me to You, Every WeekSean’s Instagram: @mindbodymedicineforchronicpain–Learn About Therapy with Sean: Therapy for Chronic Pain & 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 groundbreaking 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, Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET), 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. And you don’t have to be alone in your journey toward healing. 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 just got back from Dallas, TX. I was also recently in Chicago, and then Philly, and then Upstate NY… I’ve been busy, overwhelmed, doing too much… and I’m kind of at the end of my rope. Today’s podcast is a tired person’s slightly sloppy mishmash of topics. But everything centers around the theme: it’s okay to be in a bad mood. It’s okay to have bad days. We all do. You’re not alone. I’m there too.In this Episode:🔹 We unpack my experience at the ATNS conference in Dallas!🔹 We discuss all the travel and general overwhelm I’ve put myself through lately.🔹 We get to the reality that I’m currently tired and in a bad mood.🔹 What does a pain flare feel like when you’re “so done”? We talk about it today.🔹 And… counterintuitively, allowing yourself to be in a bad mood will likely put you in a better mood.🔹 Faking a good mood is not the answer.🔹 Being fake is hard work. Being real is a relief.Join us on today’s podcast for some processing, some ATNS highlights, and some real talk about healing.–Find Sean:Sean’s Website: mindbodymedicineforchronicpain.comClick Here to Ask Sean a Question on the PodcastSean’s Free Email List: Free Mindbody Advice and Reminders – From Me to You, Every WeekSean’s Instagram: @mindbodymedicineforchronicpain–Learn About Therapy with Sean: Therapy for Chronic Pain and Symptoms–Other Resources Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms (ATNS)Vanessa BlackstoneRaelan AgleDr. Becca KennedyTed HowardGrace Secker & Callie KrajcirEllen Ronka: How To Handle Shame Pt 1, How To Handle Shame Pt 2Jeni Quigg & Simone HolderbachDanielle PortoRachel Mooers & Lauren GarchowHow 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 groundbreaking 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, Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET), 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. And you don’t have to be alone in your journey toward healing. 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.

Daniel Cogan is the go-to diagnostician for neuroplastic conditions in New York City. Today, he sits down to talk with us.In this Episode:🔹 The journey that brought Daniel to neuroplasticity, the missing piece in his medical practice.🔹 Daniel went into the Pain Reprocessing Therapy training very skeptically. Then, the results with his first PRT patient were so profound that he cried.🔹 Daniel walks us through the framework for making a neuroplastic diagnosis: 1) rule out other conditions, 2) rule in a neuroplastic condition using the FIT criteria (Functional, Inconsistent, and Triggered by innocuous stimuli).🔹 Daniel tells us about how he deals with his patients’ doubt, and also about the occasions where patients believe they have TMS when they actually have something structurally wrong.🔹 Daniel discusses his other specialty, medical aid in dying. Medical aid in dying became legal in New York State in August of 2026, so this is brand new and Daniel’s clinic is actually at the forefront. It’s a very interesting discussion, and you can read all about Daniel’s clinic, Quiětus, in an NY Times profile. Daniel connects this work to neuroplastic concerns and discusses the occurrence of patients requesting medical aid in dying for TMS presentations.This is an interesting, deep, and expansive conversation with a true expert. You’re very welcome to join us.–Find Daniel:If you’re asking the question “is my symptom neuroplastic?” Daniel Cogan, NP is your resource:Daniel’s Website: npdanielcogan.comDaniel’s Medical Aid in Dying Practice: Quiětus–Find Sean:Sean’s Website: mindbodymedicineforchronicpain.comClick Here to Ask Sean a Question on the PodcastSean’s Free Email List: Free Mindbody Advice and Reminders – From Me to You, Every WeekSean’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 groundbreaking 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, Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET), 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. And you don’t have to be alone in your journey toward healing. 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 back to the beginning. Knowledge is the base for your healing. The psychological work: understanding, internalizing, and believing the correct facts about chronic pain. And it’s so easy to doubt. A part of you is asking: What if I’m wrong? What if I’m following bad advice? What if I’m “drinking the Kool-Aid”?In this Episode:🔹 We’re facing your doubts head-on.🔹 A part of you thinks mindbody healing is crazy. A part of you thinks this is a scam.🔹 Mindbody healing is very different from the mainstream medical model.🔹 How do you know that I’m giving you the “correct” facts about pain?🔹 Today, we’re addressing your question – maybe for the first time, or maybe for the thousandth time – will this work for me?🔹 Can you trust this? Can you trust me? Can you trust yourself?🔹 Or are you drinking the Kool-Aid?🔹 We get into the whole story behind “drinking the Kool-Aid,” we discuss the reasons why you can’t trust everyone, scammers are real, people do bad things, people lead others in bad directions… and we discuss the key question: when it comes to healing chronic pain, who is REALLY drinking the Kool-Aid?This is a long one, but it’s a good one. Especially if you find yourself doubting this process. Join us. You’re not alone with your doubts. They’re welcome here. We’ll talk it out, and we’ll see what you think.–Find Sean:Sean’s Website: mindbodymedicineforchronicpain.comClick Here to Ask Sean a Question on the PodcastSean’s Free Email List: Free Mindbody Advice and Reminders – From Me to You, Every WeekSean’s Instagram: @mindbodymedicineforchronicpain–Learn About Therapy with Sean: Therapy for Chronic Pain and Symptoms–Other Resources Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Vanessa Blackstone, MSW’s Instagram: @that.therapistNew York State Office of the Professions License Verification: Sean Hershey, LCSWBook: Dying of Whiteness: How the Politics of Racial Resentment is Killing America’s Heartland–…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.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE–Today, IFS practitioner Jonty Hikmet talks to us about allowing emotions to be exactly as they are. We’re not talking about rescuing yourself. We’re not talking about calming yourself. We’re just talking about feeling your emotions. As you’ll see, this is at the core of healing chronic pain and symptoms.In this Episode:🔹 Jonty tells us, “I was told for years, there are probably emotional components to your symptoms. I just didn’t understand what that meant.”🔹 After healing from his own chronic IBS and other symptoms using Internal Family Systems therapy, Jonty helps others do the same for themselves.🔹 In minbody work, the intention is not soothing. The intention is “allowing.”🔹 Jonty dives deep into the theme of allowing, including what he sees as the typical missing piece.🔹 IFS is parts work. The psyche is comprised of a series of parts. Many times, these parts are in conflict with each other.🔹 Internal conflict is a key driver of chronic pain and symptoms. IFS helps us access and understand our conflicting parts.🔹 In this conversation, Jonty encourages us to ask the helpful question, “How do you feel towards what’s arising?” In doing so, we’re seeing this as a part.🔹 Jonty teaches us many ways to move past rescuing and fixing. He gives us tools to move into allowing and self-energy.You’re going to learn a lot – and you’re going to enjoy this conversation.–Find Jonty:Jonty’s Website: jontyhikmet.comJonty’s YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@jontyhikmetJonty’s Instagram: @jontyhikmettherapySKOOL COMMUNITY LINK: www.skool.com/pain-relief-programme-8762/about–Find Sean:Sean’s Website: mindbodymedicineforchronicpain.comClick Here to Ask Sean a QuestionSean’s Free Email List: Free Mindbody Advice and Reminders – From Me to You, Every WeekSean’s Instagram: @mindbodymedicineforchronicpain–Learn About Therapy with Sean: Therapy for Chronic Pain and Symptoms–Other Resources Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Jonty Hikmet: The Missing Piece in AllowingS1 E10 | The Emotional Work: Beyond JournalingLiz Wallenstein, LMHC–…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.