The Cure for Chronic Pain with Nicole Sachs, LCSW

Reflecting on the past year, the discussion emphasizes awareness over resolutions, urging listeners to recognize patterns and moments of courage. Pain is framed as crucial communication, not failure, guiding self-inquiry into emotional truths and self-abandonment. Four key questions prompt introspection about what our pain might be expressing. Instead of rushing to solve issues, there's encouragement to approach pain mindfully and use it as a portal for meaningful change. Small acts of courage are highlighted as significant strides toward transformation.

In this insightful discussion, Deb Malkin, a mind-body practitioner and former massage therapist, shares her transformative journey from debilitating knee pain to empowerment. She emphasizes the importance of reclaiming agency and viewing the body as a safe space instead of a broken entity. Deb dives into the harmful impacts of internalized weight stigma and cultural narratives on body image. Her 'safety walk' exercise illustrates how mindset shifts can reduce pain, while she highlights the healing power of compassionate self-listening and radical acceptance in challenging times.

The holidays can heighten nervous system dysregulation, leading to increased pain and anxiety. Personal boundaries are essential for managing these symptoms by preventing emotional overload. Nicole discusses practical ways to communicate limits, underscoring that clear boundaries help reduce TMS flares. She explains how internal conflicts and emotional repression worsen the situation and offers JournalSpeak prompts to clarify feelings. Hear about a case study showing that adjusting boundaries, not just physical structure, can alleviate recurring pain during the holiday season.

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.

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.

Learn how to JournalSpeak ➡️  https://tinyurl.com/2ph33u2s 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://tinyurl.com/yuxczyba⁠ 🟠 Anxiety controlling your life? Try my Freedom From an Anxious Life course ➡️ GET THE FIRST LESSON FREE: ⁠https://tinyurl.com/2m9rcht8⁠ 🧠 Learn more about the brain science and clinical experiences in my book  ➡️ MIND YOUR BODY: ⁠https://tinyurl.com/4fd6bvdc⁠ 💛 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

Learn how to JournalSpeak ➡️  https://tinyurl.com/2ph33u2s 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://tinyurl.com/yuxczyba⁠ 🟠 Anxiety controlling your life? Try my Freedom From an Anxious Life course ➡️ GET THE FIRST LESSON FREE: ⁠https://tinyurl.com/2m9rcht8⁠ 🧠 Learn more about the brain science and clinical experiences in my book  ➡️ MIND YOUR BODY: ⁠https://tinyurl.com/4fd6bvdc⁠ 💛 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

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!

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.

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.