Q&A: Therapy for TMS-based RSI

From The TMS Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search



Question

I have been suffering from RSI for three years now, with pain in the upper back, shoulders, arms and wrists. Standard (and alternative) treatments including physical therapy, massage and Feldenkrais have been of little benefit. I was pointed to Dr. Sarno's work (Mindbody prescription) a week ago, and am convinced I have TMS. I fit the profile and pattern, and it is the only logical explanation I have ever seen. I have seen some benefit by trying to use the approach, but I feel that to go further I need psychotherapy. I was wondering if you could recommend a psychotherapist in the San Diego area who understands TMS. The ones I have tried so far do not know about it, and also do not work towards uncovering repressed anger or emotions. Alternatively (or alongside) I'd be interested in any pointers regarding how to actually treat TMS. Should I just go ahead and start typing and ignore the pain?
Q&A.jpg

Answer by Lisa Morphopoulos, LCSW

Lisa Morphopoulos, LCSW

Here are a few suggestions that mighthelp you in your search for a TMS psychotherapist in the San Diego area:

  • Call Dr. Sarno's office and ask his office manager, Mary, if they know of any TMS therapists in your area(or a doctor who can refer you to a therapist). They can be very helpful referring people to outside sources. (212)263-6035
  • Call any center that treats psychosomatic disorders (for example the Rosen Body Method http://www.rosenmethod.org/), and see if they can refer you to a psychotherapist who hasa mindbody approach.
  • Look for a therapist who works psychoanalytically, such as a psychoanalytic psychotherapist, or a Modern Freudian analyst.
  • You can usually have a brief (10-15min.) free initial interview with a therapist in person or on the phone. See if they would be willing to read the Mindbody Prescription, or at least read the sections of the book that speak to you the most. Shop around.
  • Consider phone sessions orSkypewith a TMS therapist out of your area until you have a better understanding of the condition and can self-regulate.
  • Do the Presence Process by Michael Brown. It's a book that offers a 10 week strategy for self-initiated therapy.

Hope this helps, Lisa

--

It is important to recognize that no information on this wiki can be considered a specific medical diagnosis, medical treatment, or medical advice. Reading information here does not create a doctor/patient or other professional relationship between you and the answering professional. As always, you should consult with your physicians and counselors regarding new symptoms and any changes that you might make in medications or activities.

Our goal is to get multiple answers for each question so that readers can benefit from a diversity of perspectives. To contribute your answer, click here.

Other Resources


DISCLAIMER: The TMS Wiki is for informational and support purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. See Full Disclaimer.
Personal tools
Namespaces
Variants
Actions
For people just learning about TMS/PPD
For TMSers new to the wiki
For TMS practitioners
For the Media
Find a TMS Doctor or Therapist
Structured Educational Program
Success Stories by Symptoms & Diagnoses
Medical Evidence
Q&A with an Expert
Books & DVDs, etc.
Other Resources
TMS FAQs
User pages
Promoting TMS Awareness
About the TMS Wiki
Helping Out On The Wiki
Toolbox