Is this the Cure for Chronic Pain and Anxiety? (Nicole Sachs, LCSW)
Feb 6, 2025
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Nicole Sachs, a pioneering psychotherapist, shares her groundbreaking approach to chronic pain and anxiety, rooted in the mind-body connection. She discusses her own journey of overcoming debilitating back pain and the transformative impact of Dr. John Sarno's teachings. Sachs emphasizes that pain often arises from emotional repression and educates listeners on 'journal speak' as a tool for emotional healing. By recognizing the psychological roots of physical symptoms, she advocates for a holistic, surgery-free path to wellness that resonates with anyone seeking relief.
Chronic pain often originates from a dysregulated nervous system rather than solely from physical injuries or conditions.
The emotional reservoir represents unprocessed emotions, overflowing and manifesting as physical pain when not addressed properly.
Journal speak serves as a powerful tool for emotional expression, facilitating healing and potentially reducing chronic pain symptoms.
Deep dives
The Role of the Nervous System in Chronic Pain
Chronic pain often stems from a dysregulation in the nervous system rather than solely from physical injuries. The brain can trigger pain signals as a protective mechanism, demonstrating that emotional and psychological factors play a significant role in how we perceive pain. For example, experiences of anger or trauma, which might remain unaddressed, can manifest as physical symptoms. This insight broadens the understanding of chronic pain, highlighting the importance of exploring emotional health alongside physical conditions.
The Concept of the Emotional Reservoir
The emotional reservoir is a metaphorical space representing the accumulation of unprocessed emotions and stress in an individual’s life. When this reservoir overflows, the brain may signal physical pain as a way to distract from overwhelming feelings. Essentially, emotional repression can lead to physical manifestations, such as headaches or back pain. By recognizing and addressing the contents of this reservoir through practices like journaling, individuals can alleviate their physical symptoms.
Journal Speak: A Tool for Emotional Release
Journal speak is a unique journaling practice designed to facilitate emotional outpouring and allow individuals to express repressed feelings. This method encourages users to confront difficult emotions and thoughts, such as guilt or shame, rather than glossing over them. The process of journaling in this manner can lead to catharsis, promoting healing and, as many have reported, reducing chronic pain significantly. As such, it empowers individuals to explore and address their emotional landscape to improve overall well-being.
Interconnection Between Mind and Body
The podcast emphasizes that chronic pain and chronic anxiety are closely related, as both are often rooted in the body’s response to emotional distress. For instance, physical symptoms can emerge as the nervous system seeks to protect a person from perceived threats in their emotional world. This realization fosters a deeper understanding of the mind-body connection and underscores the significance of addressing emotional health for physical recovery. Recognizing that emotional well-being directly impacts physical health can shift how individuals approach symptoms they may be experiencing.
The Journey of Healing and Self-Discovery
Healing from chronic pain involves more than just symptom management; it requires individuals to engage deeply with their emotional experiences. Practices like journal speak not only alleviate physical pain but also foster personal growth and self-awareness. The journey can lead to transformative breakthroughs, resulting in healthier relationships with oneself and others. Ultimately, embracing this holistic approach empowers individuals to reclaim their lives from chronic pain, fostering resilience and self-compassion.
Psychotherapist Nicole Sachs has been pioneering a simple, yet remarkable approach to helping people with chronic pain, anxiety, and other very human conditions. Her story today begins with how she discovered Dr. John Sarno and eliminated her own debilitating back pain a few decades ago. Sachs explains why she’s come to believe that many chronic conditions stem from a dysregulation in the nervous system that leads the brain and the nervous system to send pain signals as a source of protection. As she puts it: “The pain is not in your head, but the solution is not in altering your physical body.” Today, she breaks down her (surgery-free) method, which involves something called journal speak to lower your emotional reservoir—which I think can be incredibly helpful and enlightening for any of us, whether or not you experience pain or anxiety.
For the show notes and more on Nicole Sachs—including her new book Mind Your Body—head over to my Substack. And just another reminder here that we are certainly not suggesting in this conversation (or anywhere in this podcast) that you don’t receive proper medical care or pursue a diagnosis for anything that is bothering you. Please always see your doctor and take care!