Hello TMSers.. I’m about 3 weeks into the TMS principles and doing the work. I have listened to Sarno’s audio on healing back pain along with still reading the great pain deception by Steve Ozanich and truth by Nicole sachs. I’m journaling daily and also listening to success stories. I have also been found daily 10-15 minutes meditation. I can say I’m about 75% better. I’m on day 1 and also going to see a tms doctor here in Chicago. Does anyone live in Chicago suburbs that can recommend a tms counselor? I’d like to begin talking with someone as well.
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Alan has completed the new Pain Recovery Program. To read or share it, use this updated link: https://www.tmswiki.org/forum/painrecovery/
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Day 1
- Thread starter Atlantis
- Start date
ssxl4000
Well known member
Hello Atlantis, I live in Chicagoland too. I have not found a TMS counselor, but I was able to make my non-TMS counselor work with the program. When I discovered all of this, I told him about it and how I wanted to dig deeper into my problems to explore stuff I might have been repressing. He was receptive. Honestly, it was not that big of a strategy change since that is kind of what a lot of therapists already do...try to help you find the roots to your issues. I recommend just making sure your person is at least open to the idea of TMS and understands the basic principles.
Also, on a purely financial note...if the doctor you are going to is who I think he is, I recall that he is mostly cash pay and incredibly expensive. If the money is an issue at all, I would recommend sticking with the online program and using the resources from all of the experienced patients and professionals here as much as possible. Especially if the doctor believes you have TMS, in my opinion you don't need to keep seeing a doctor to treat it. After diagnosis, it's really up to you and perhaps a mental health professional to get better. Good luck!
Also, on a purely financial note...if the doctor you are going to is who I think he is, I recall that he is mostly cash pay and incredibly expensive. If the money is an issue at all, I would recommend sticking with the online program and using the resources from all of the experienced patients and professionals here as much as possible. Especially if the doctor believes you have TMS, in my opinion you don't need to keep seeing a doctor to treat it. After diagnosis, it's really up to you and perhaps a mental health professional to get better. Good luck!
I already saw Dr. Stracks last Tuesday. It was 550.00 and the only reason I did was because I had doubts and some tms stories I listened to suggested hearing the confirmation sometimes helps you along in the journey. There’s a tms counselor in oak park that he referred me to. I’m in the suburbs so it’s a little far for me. Are you in the city?
ssxl4000
Well known member
Nope...I'm in the SW suburbs. The therapist thing can be tricky. Someone who specializes in TMS is ideal, but if it is a far drive or extra expensive etc., then that can make you less enthused to go. Convenience definitely matters. My person is half a mile away, so I can walk there if I want. It doesn't feel like a chore.
I hear what you mean about doubts. Having a doctor confirm its TMS/there is nothing physically wrong with you is such a relief! It's a shame so few doctors are available to do that.
One thing to remember is nothing is set in stone. If you start with somebody and you don't think they're the best fit for TMS, you can always go somewhere else. That said, I would not be afraid about working with a non-TMS specialist if that is what ends up being the best option.
I hear what you mean about doubts. Having a doctor confirm its TMS/there is nothing physically wrong with you is such a relief! It's a shame so few doctors are available to do that.
One thing to remember is nothing is set in stone. If you start with somebody and you don't think they're the best fit for TMS, you can always go somewhere else. That said, I would not be afraid about working with a non-TMS specialist if that is what ends up being the best option.
Thanks for the advice. It’s definitely not appealing to drive 45 minutes to a therapist. I’m in the NW suburbs (Roselle) so I’ve gone on the psychology.com website and I’ve found some in my area. Do you find the therapist helpful?
ssxl4000
Well known member
Yes...although I think I made the majority of my progress on my own through my journal and meditation. The therapist has been most helpful in calming me back down after I got worked up about some issues that I never fully explored in the past. Even if the therapist can't help you pull out your deeper issues, it's good to have one on hand if you have trouble processing whatever you dig up.
Normally, I am one who looks on the bright side. But through the program, I explored a lot of issues very quickly. It became difficult to keep myself out of some mental funks while digging into that much anger/fear/sadness all at once.
On a related note, there is nothing wrong with slowing down your pace and taking longer than 40 days if you need to.