

The Cure for Chronic Pain with Nicole Sachs, LCSW
Nicole Sachs, LCSW
Nicole J. Sachs, LCSW is a speaker, writer, and psychotherapist who has dedicated her life and her practice to the treatment of chronic pain and conditions.
She is the author of MIND YOUR BODY, and the creator of the online course: FREEDOM FROM CHRONIC PAIN.
Through her personal journey working directly with Dr. John Sarno as well as counseling hundreds of clients, she's shaped and evolved theories which serve to teach those suffering how to heal themselves, completely, with no medication or surgery.
Learn more about Nicole's work at: YourBreakAwake.com
She is the author of MIND YOUR BODY, and the creator of the online course: FREEDOM FROM CHRONIC PAIN.
Through her personal journey working directly with Dr. John Sarno as well as counseling hundreds of clients, she's shaped and evolved theories which serve to teach those suffering how to heal themselves, completely, with no medication or surgery.
Learn more about Nicole's work at: YourBreakAwake.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 28, 2025 • 55min
S5 E 13 - Anxiety, Chronic Fatigue, POTS and much more with Vanessa
Vanessa shares her courageous journey through chronic fatigue, anxiety, and Long Covid. She describes her struggle with debilitating symptoms, including POTS and insomnia. Discovering mind-body work transformed her healing path, leading her to embrace journaling and self-compassion. Vanessa recounts how therapy and gradual exposure helped her reclaim her life, ultimately becoming largely symptom-free. Her story is a powerful testament to resilience, reminding listeners that recovery is possible even in the darkest times.

15 snips
Nov 21, 2025 • 40min
S5 E12 - Moving from Pressure to Presence with Inner Child (and actual) Parenting
Delve into the transformative power of presence in both parenting and inner child work. A recent study reveals that simply listening without offering solutions significantly enhances emotional regulation in children. Nicole shares how applying this concept can help manage our own stress and anxiety. The connection between awareness and healing is explored, emphasizing small wins and the importance of showing up without urgency. Discover how non-fixing presence creates lasting change and fosters safety within ourselves.

Nov 14, 2025 • 54min
S5 E11 - Severe CFS/ME/Long Covid Recovery with Jay
Learn how to JournalSpeak ➡️ https://bit.ly/3IsmzN4
At 21, Jay was living an extraordinary life — an international freestyle skier and full-time Math and Computer Science student. After winning a national ski competition, he caught Covid — and everything changed. As the virus faded, Jay was left with crushing fatigue that spiraled into ME/CFS and Long Covid. Within months, he became 97% bedbound — unable to walk to the bathroom or care for himself. His parents became his lifeline, researching desperately while he struggled to survive.
Then Jay’s father found Gary (Season 3, Episode 26) who introduced them to my work, and Jay’s cognitive symptoms began to lift. With a consistent JournalSpeak practice and MindBody mindset, he is now completely recovered - competing and training again harder than ever. Jay’s story is a stunning reminder that there is more to illness than meets the eye. Join us for this incredible conversation. XOOX n.
PLEASE RATE AND REVIEW THE PODCAST HERE TO HELP OTHERS FIND IT!
Producer: Lisa Eisenpresser
~~~~~
SUPPORT:
🟠 Struggling with chronic pain? Check out my Freedom From Chronic Pain course ➡️ GET THE FIRST LESSON FREE: https://bit.ly/41ZehTs
🟠 Anxiety controlling your life? Try my Freedom From an Anxious Life course ➡️ GET THE FIRST LESSON FREE: https://bit.ly/3VoIEiw
🧠 Learn more about the brain science and clinical experiences in my book ➡️ MIND YOUR BODY: https://bit.ly/4mlIIdO
💛 Receive support, guidance, connection, and direct access to Nicole with ➡️ MEMBERSHIP: https://tinyurl.com/y7wadt8d
~~~~
THE CURE FOR CHRONIC PAIN
JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON INSTAGRAM 👉 https://tinyurl.com/93pwbp8v
SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST 👉 https://tinyurl.com/56vvbdcx
LEARN ABOUT ANNUAL OMEGA RETREAT👉 https://tinyurl.com/3vr5j3ux
Podcast music by the beautiful and talented Danielle Furst: @musicfurst
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 7, 2025 • 37min
S5 E10 - Toxic Shame
Learn how to JournalSpeak ➡️ https://bit.ly/3IsmzN4
In this "sister" episode to last week's Prison of Perfect, we unpack the concept of toxic shame—the deep, painful belief that “I am bad,” rather than “I did something bad.” We'll discuss how this core wound often begins in childhood, when emotional needs for safety and connection go unmet. Over time, internalized shame becomes the background music of our lives, fueling perfectionism, people-pleasing, withdrawal, and even rage. These patterns are not moral failings, but protective adaptations the nervous system creates to survive emotional disconnection. Healing begins when we bring curiosity and compassion to the parts of ourselves that feel unworthy. Through awareness, JournalSpeak, and community, we gradually replace the old narrative of defectiveness with one of inherent worth. Remember!! You are not broken, you're human. Let's dive into it all. xoxo, n.
PLEASE RATE AND REVIEW THE PODCAST HERE TO HELP OTHERS FIND IT!
Producer: Lisa Eisenpresser
~~~~~
SUPPORT:
🟠 Struggling with chronic pain? Check out my Freedom From Chronic Pain course ➡️ GET THE FIRST LESSON FREE: https://bit.ly/41ZehTs
🟠 Anxiety controlling your life? Try my Freedom From an Anxious Life course ➡️ GET THE FIRST LESSON FREE: https://bit.ly/3VoIEiw
🧠 Learn more about the brain science and clinical experiences in my book ➡️ MIND YOUR BODY: https://bit.ly/4mlIIdO
💛 Receive support, guidance, connection, and direct access to Nicole with ➡️ MEMBERSHIP: https://tinyurl.com/y7wadt8d
~~~~
THE CURE FOR CHRONIC PAIN
JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON INSTAGRAM 👉 https://tinyurl.com/93pwbp8v
SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST 👉 https://tinyurl.com/56vvbdcx
LEARN ABOUT ANNUAL OMEGA RETREAT👉 https://tinyurl.com/3vr5j3ux
Podcast music by the beautiful and talented Danielle Furst: @musicfurst
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

7 snips
Oct 31, 2025 • 32min
S5 E9 - The Prison of Perfect (and how to break free)
Dive into the concept of the 'prison of perfect' and discover how the drive for perfection can lead to pain and anxiety. Explore the origins of perfectionism as a protective response rooted in childhood experiences. Uncover how repressed emotions manifest physically in the body. Learn that choosing to embrace imperfection can be empowering, using tools like awareness and JournalSpeak to facilitate healing. Try a practical exercise to let go of the need for perfection today!

Oct 24, 2025 • 60min
S5 E8 - REAL TIME HEAL - Plantar Fasciitis and Overcoming a Medicalized Mindset with Karen
Karen shares her decade-long struggle with Plantar Fasciitis, detailing her painful journey from crawling to seeking relief through numerous treatments. After realizing traditional methods weren't working, she discovers mind-body techniques that offer new hope. The discussion highlights the importance of community support, self-compassion, and understanding brain science in healing. Karen's insights on writing a gratitude letter to pain showcase a unique approach to recovery, emphasizing reflection and self-kindness as keys to overcoming chronic challenges.

6 snips
Oct 17, 2025 • 51min
S5 E7 - "The First Thing to Leave Was the Fear" - Migraines, Generational Autoimmune Issues, and Self-Regulation with Justine
Justine Stull is an occupational therapist and a long-time member of the Heal with Nicole community, sharing her journey with chronic pain and migraines. She emphasizes that overcoming fear was the first step toward healing. Justine discusses powerful mind-body practices like JournalSpeak, which foster self-compassion and connection. She highlights daily habits for self-regulation, the importance of curiosity over fixing, and how community support accelerates healing. With practical tips, Justine inspires listeners to reframe their pain experiences.

Oct 10, 2025 • 1h 5min
S5 E6: Complete Recovery Despite an Abnormal MRI with Lisa
In this engaging discussion, Lisa Frattini, a member of Nicole Sachs' recovery community, shares her remarkable journey from chronic pain to healing. A former caretaker dealing with anxiety and trauma, she reflects on her scary MRI results revealing severe stenosis. Lisa discovered the power of mind-body practices like JournalSpeak, which helped her confront deep-seated codependency issues. Attending the Omega retreat transformed her experience, showcasing the importance of community support in achieving a chronic pain-free life.

Oct 3, 2025 • 53min
S5 E5 - The Power of Being Heard and Seen with Danielle
Danielle First, a musician, composer, and Break Awake coach, shares her inspiring journey of overcoming chronic symptoms through JournalSpeak. She discusses the transformation from her involuntary eye tearing to finding healing and joy. The conversation highlights the significance of being truly heard and seen in the healing process, the impact of community support, and the emotional breakthroughs clients experience when they allow themselves to feel. Danielle emphasizes gratitude for past pains that led her to deeper self-understanding and healing.

4 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 31min
S5 E4: Don't Let Conflict Make You Sick
Conflict is tricky, especially with loved ones and differing opinions. Repression can lead to internal turmoil, while confrontation risks rupturing relationships. Nicole explores the balance between authenticity and belonging. She offers tools like journaling and boundary-setting to manage tension. Understanding our reactions and staying curious helps transform potential conflicts into opportunities for connection. Ultimately, awareness and compassion pave the way for healthier interactions and personal growth.


