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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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Welcome to the new TMS Wiki server! Things aren't finished yet: email is not set up, so notification and password-reset emails don't go out, and new registrations are paused until email is installed. Details and updates are in this thread (click here). Locked out? Email tmswikisignups@gmail.com from the address where you receive TMS Wiki notifications.
Week 0 Welcome to the Subforum for the Structured Educational Program
- Thread starter JanAtheCPA
- Start date
JanAtheCPA
Beloved Grand Eagle
Welcome to the forum! Which program you do is personal preference. The SEP is the original, and hasn't been updated in a long time. Alan Gordon's program is significantly newer, but it's also not as structured. Many people start with the SEP and do Alan's later. A paid (and updated) program that is more like the SEP is the Curable app.
You could do Day 1 of each and see how it goes. There is no one way to do this work. The only requirements are to make a commitment to Do Something, have faith, and be completely honest with yourself. And above all, don't let your fearful brain sabotage your progress.
Good luck!
~Jan
You could do Day 1 of each and see how it goes. There is no one way to do this work. The only requirements are to make a commitment to Do Something, have faith, and be completely honest with yourself. And above all, don't let your fearful brain sabotage your progress.
Good luck!
~Jan
Hey Eric. I am desperate for help! Please tell me how to get to the 6 week course and how to start that and where to learn what I need to do to heal. I have read this forum and it seems like everyone on here has much more knowledge than I do. Please direct me. Thank you so much.
Hey Jan. I am desperate for help! Please tell me how to get to the 6 week course and how to start that and where to learn what I need to do to heal. I have read this forum and it seems like everyone on here has much more knowledge than I do. Please direct me. Thank you so much.
JanAtheCPA
Beloved Grand Eagle
Hi @MalLubb and welcome! The first thing to do is take a deep breath, then a few more, and relax. Start clicking on stuff and seeing where it takes you. This is always the best way to learn what's available, and how to navigate.
Be assured, you can't screw anything up by doing this!
In the upper left corner, click on the main logo, which will take you to the main wiki. On the side menu there, you'll see an item labeled Structured Educational Forum (the SEP). And explore anything else you see there that interests you.
Keep exploring, and don't panic! Stay calm and practice self compassion. These things will help you in your journey.
Cheers,
~Jan
Be assured, you can't screw anything up by doing this!
In the upper left corner, click on the main logo, which will take you to the main wiki. On the side menu there, you'll see an item labeled Structured Educational Forum (the SEP). And explore anything else you see there that interests you.
Keep exploring, and don't panic! Stay calm and practice self compassion. These things will help you in your journey.
Cheers,
~Jan
Thank you Jan. I can’t seem to figure out how to get to the SEP still. It takes me to a page that looks like it’s under construction or reformatting? Am I in the wrong place or need to wait to read the SEP? Thanks again.
JanAtheCPA
Beloved Grand Eagle
It should look like this, at https://www.tmswiki.org/ppd/Structured_Educational_Program (Structured Educational Program)
Thank you so much. I appreciate the help and kindness
Miss_Daisy
New Member
Hi,
I start with SEP, but I am curious is it possible to go with SEP + Pain recovery program. Or this would be too much?
My plan was first to finish SEP, then go with Alan's pain recovery program, but maybe it is possible to combine those 2 programs in the same time?
Thank you.
I start with SEP, but I am curious is it possible to go with SEP + Pain recovery program. Or this would be too much?
My plan was first to finish SEP, then go with Alan's pain recovery program, but maybe it is possible to combine those 2 programs in the same time?
Thank you.
JanAtheCPA
Beloved Grand Eagle
Hi @Miss_Daisy and welcome! You know, in this work, there are no hard and fast rules, other than to pay attention to what resonates with you, to be honest with yourself, and to make a commitment to the process and stick with it. There IS such a thing as burning out by trying to do too much too fast, because of the pressure of wanting to recover NOW - so you need to be cautious about that. And, of course, watch out for our tendency to do it "perfectly". That's one of the best things to let go of, early on.
However, there's nothing that says you can't do the SEP one day, then Alan's program the next day - or perhaps get your feet wet by doing a week of the SEP, and then completely switching to Alan's program. Or the other way around. It's good that you're asking this question now, because it's never too soon to realize that there is no such thing as the right or perfect way to do just about anything, including recovery from TMS. Flexibility and open-mindedness are the new attributes to cultivate.
To be perfectly honest, back in the day, before we even had Alan's program, I got through a little over two weeks of the SEP, and then I moved on to other things that suited my needs - some of them are listed on my list of resources on my profile. In particular, I needed to address my anxiety (Claire Weekes, "Hope & Help For Your Nerves") and I also quickly realized that my lifelong belief in self-healing worked perfectly within the framework of TMS, and I went off in a slightly more radical direction (Dr. Gabor Mate, "When The Body Says No"). Another program I did at that time, for example, was "Meditations To Change Your Brain" (audio program) by Dr. Richard Mendius and Rick Hanson. It totally worked for my personal version of TMS recovery.
Good luck, and enjoy the process!~Jan
Miss_Daisy
New Member
Dear Jan,
Thanks so much for your generous answer!
Soon after I posted this question to this thread I got instantly answer from myself.
As I deal with lots of numbers, my mind has done arithmetic process, how many days should I suppose to be in the SEP program + Pain recovery program, and somehow I wanted to shorten the process by having the both programs in the same time (day). Of course I immediately said to myself that things cannot be rushed and pushed.
Before the SEP, I have read 2 Sarno books: Healing back pain and Mindbody prescription. To be honest, I did not feel any relief although I felt like this books wrote about me. I plan to read Steve Ozanich book - Great pain deception.
I will also look at the Claire Weekes as you mentioned it. Thank you for suggestion!
Thanks so much for your generous answer!
Soon after I posted this question to this thread I got instantly answer from myself.
As I deal with lots of numbers, my mind has done arithmetic process, how many days should I suppose to be in the SEP program + Pain recovery program, and somehow I wanted to shorten the process by having the both programs in the same time (day). Of course I immediately said to myself that things cannot be rushed and pushed.
Before the SEP, I have read 2 Sarno books: Healing back pain and Mindbody prescription. To be honest, I did not feel any relief although I felt like this books wrote about me. I plan to read Steve Ozanich book - Great pain deception.
I will also look at the Claire Weekes as you mentioned it. Thank you for suggestion!
I have gone through the first two weeks of the structured educational program. Prior to that, I did the shorter program and read all of Dr. Sarno's books, and books about TMS by several other authors. Since today is day 15 for me, I wrote a dialog. My dialog was directed to the TMS community -- and that is because I have asked question on some of the other forums and have not received helpful answers, and moreover, ended up feeling "marginalized" by this community. Here is my question and my frustration: TMS as a condition is sort of an "orphan." Many people don't accept it or are not willing to consider it. for the record, I am NOT one of those people. But I do have tested, verified and confirmed chronic Lyme disease (active infections of two species of borrelia, EBV, cytomegalo virus and a couple of others). these results were confirmed by one of the most accurate labs in the world (and they confirmed active infections not latent ones). My tick bite was 25 years ago and the resultant acute meningitis reaction was not recognized as Lyme at the time so I was never treated. The meningitis recurs every few years. Other than that, fatigue mostly. Fibromylagia-like pain patterns developed about 3 years ago. While I am convinced that the pain is TMS (it appeared at a time I was going through some bad emotional issues); my pain can be explained by both TMS and by the Lyme disease. As of this time, I have gotten relief from the fatigue and other Lyme symptoms, but not from the pain. On the TMS side, I have written volumes of dredged-up material from my past, current stress, the unsent letters, all of it, but have not seen any relief from the pain from that either. When I don't get relief from the Lyme treatment, I remind myself that the pain is TMS. But when I don't get any relief from the TMS treatments, then I am at a loss. When I posted a question on one of the forums on this site, the only answer I received was one telling me that chronic Lyme disease doesn't exist. I was a bit shocked that someone in the TMS community would say that about a controversial illness -- this is exactly what people say about TMS! I expected more tolerance and helpfulness from the TMS community. I would hope that this group would have some sensitivity about people with illnesses that are difficult to diagnose and manage! The fact is, I am really struggling here -- wondering how to adjust my attitude and belief systems to allow the TMS educational and emotional treatments to work. I assume that there is some doubt maybe deep in my subconscious mind that is blocking my progress. But the fact is, my pain can be explained by both TMS and Lyme disease. I'm thinking that the key might be in seeing TMS as the root cause of all of it (including a depressed immune system that left me vulnerable to the Lyme disease), but I just don't know where to go from here. I am hoping that there may be someone out there who has been through this and has a suggestion. (but please don't respond if you don't have something positive to contribute) If not, at least I vented my frustration.
Hi i am just starting with day one..
I overstretched my upper bak doing pilates and could not be seen by a medical during our sever 4mths lockdown last year. I suffered panic attack and anxiety felt abandonned and found curable app to help me thru with somatic tracking. I startet therapy and after having gone thru xray mri blood tests physio chiro accupuncture and osteo came to a specialist for thoracic problems who knew about the mind/body connection. I began to have times painfree and got hopeful. I am reading A.Gordons book and am finding a lot of help. Today though I did some twisting excercise and my weird sensations hit me with a vengance
Its the first time i went to my GP telling her about this and she gave me Gabapentin to help me with the burning sensations. I am currently listening to Dr. Shubiners meditations and with a therapist i am working thru my traumatic experiences of the past. I believe 80% no 90% that this is TMS also because at times when i anxious my back starts to tingle and burn and i have had derealisation issues come up as we came out of the strict isolation..
I overstretched my upper bak doing pilates and could not be seen by a medical during our sever 4mths lockdown last year. I suffered panic attack and anxiety felt abandonned and found curable app to help me thru with somatic tracking. I startet therapy and after having gone thru xray mri blood tests physio chiro accupuncture and osteo came to a specialist for thoracic problems who knew about the mind/body connection. I began to have times painfree and got hopeful. I am reading A.Gordons book and am finding a lot of help. Today though I did some twisting excercise and my weird sensations hit me with a vengance
Its the first time i went to my GP telling her about this and she gave me Gabapentin to help me with the burning sensations. I am currently listening to Dr. Shubiners meditations and with a therapist i am working thru my traumatic experiences of the past. I believe 80% no 90% that this is TMS also because at times when i anxious my back starts to tingle and burn and i have had derealisation issues come up as we came out of the strict isolation..
So... Day 1 of the Structured educational program.
I have been having chronic non-stop headache/ migraine for 14 years. 24/7, not even a second of break till it started. I also have bad chronic back pain (in my upper back) and knee pain. In the past 14 years I have visited every neurologist in my city and beyond. I went to highly reccommended centers in other cities or even regions (I live in Italy). I tried an incredibile amount of treatments, cocktails of anti-epileptics, anti-depressants, pain killers. I tried injections of botulin toxin, chiropractors, posturologists, jaw and eyes experts, questionable massages with different lights and essential oils. Nothing ever helped. I've done 3 MRIs, various EEGs (that would always show "abnormal waves compatible with headache"), blood tests, etc. The diagnosis was generic: chronic daily headache. They'd tell me that my cervical, my slight jaw problem and my scoliosis contributed to make it worse. I found out about Dr Sarno and bought the book Unlearn your pain. I had a rough life, grew up in an abusive family, I could see a lot of myself in the book description. I went through it diligently till the part where you should write down all of your significant past traumas. Everything got worse. The physical pain and my psychological state. Remembering and having to put things on paper was overwhelming. I got suicidal, and had to stop for a while. After a week of rest, meditation and friends support, I felt more like myself again. I kept writing that infamous list of traumas and the result was the same, I had to stop again. I realized I needed a tms therapist to help me go through that, a safe person that would help me, but I wasnt able to do it. All of them were in America and I live in Italy. I didnt know how to contact them or if it was even doable. Searching and searching more, I found this program and decided to give it a shot. So here I am, first day of the first week. I hope I'll be able to do the program consistently and maybe go back to the book after
I have been having chronic non-stop headache/ migraine for 14 years. 24/7, not even a second of break till it started. I also have bad chronic back pain (in my upper back) and knee pain. In the past 14 years I have visited every neurologist in my city and beyond. I went to highly reccommended centers in other cities or even regions (I live in Italy). I tried an incredibile amount of treatments, cocktails of anti-epileptics, anti-depressants, pain killers. I tried injections of botulin toxin, chiropractors, posturologists, jaw and eyes experts, questionable massages with different lights and essential oils. Nothing ever helped. I've done 3 MRIs, various EEGs (that would always show "abnormal waves compatible with headache"), blood tests, etc. The diagnosis was generic: chronic daily headache. They'd tell me that my cervical, my slight jaw problem and my scoliosis contributed to make it worse. I found out about Dr Sarno and bought the book Unlearn your pain. I had a rough life, grew up in an abusive family, I could see a lot of myself in the book description. I went through it diligently till the part where you should write down all of your significant past traumas. Everything got worse. The physical pain and my psychological state. Remembering and having to put things on paper was overwhelming. I got suicidal, and had to stop for a while. After a week of rest, meditation and friends support, I felt more like myself again. I kept writing that infamous list of traumas and the result was the same, I had to stop again. I realized I needed a tms therapist to help me go through that, a safe person that would help me, but I wasnt able to do it. All of them were in America and I live in Italy. I didnt know how to contact them or if it was even doable. Searching and searching more, I found this program and decided to give it a shot. So here I am, first day of the first week. I hope I'll be able to do the program consistently and maybe go back to the book after
Andy Bayliss
TMS Coach & Beloved Grand Eagle
https://www.tmswiki.org/forum/forums/structured-educational-program.16/ (Structured Educational Program)
Dear Federica,
I just lost my response to you, pushing the wrong button. I'll try again:
The SEP is a gentle approach. You already know so much about how your emotional experiences are connected to symptoms. This is very helpful to know this, know that this activation in you is not a physical problem, but is connected to emotions and past experiences. You may find a lot of success with a very gentle approach. Not all TMS self workers here use the same methods to heal. Some get everything they need from going very deep on certain practices like mindfulness or self compassion.
I am really wishing you encouragement in this program, and you can use that section of the Forum to post your individual days and your thoughts, ask questions, be witnessed.
By the way, my photo icon is skiing with my friend Fabrizio from Ivrea in Italy in Champaluc. I lost all this and got it back with the TMS approach. You can too!
Dear Federica,
I just lost my response to you, pushing the wrong button. I'll try again:
The SEP is a gentle approach. You already know so much about how your emotional experiences are connected to symptoms. This is very helpful to know this, know that this activation in you is not a physical problem, but is connected to emotions and past experiences. You may find a lot of success with a very gentle approach. Not all TMS self workers here use the same methods to heal. Some get everything they need from going very deep on certain practices like mindfulness or self compassion.
I am really wishing you encouragement in this program, and you can use that section of the Forum to post your individual days and your thoughts, ask questions, be witnessed.
By the way, my photo icon is skiing with my friend Fabrizio from Ivrea in Italy in Champaluc. I lost all this and got it back with the TMS approach. You can too!
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I have just started out on this journey and could use all the help and support that I can get from you other fine people who are at various stages of your journeys. My pain is not physical, but emotional. My stomach is almost continually nauseated and there is no physical reason (according to all the tests) why this should be so. I am a 71 year old man and am in very good physical condition…for my age. If someone could please direct me to the appropriate section of this forum, l would be very thankful. Good luck to all and thanks for your help.
Cactusflower
Beloved Grand Eagle
Hi @Mrpine
Stomach problems can be common with anxiety. Often we have no idea we are even anxious until mysterious symptoms start.
It’s good to become educated about tms and the mechanisms of symptoms. Reading a book by Dr. Sarno is a great place to start, even if he doesn’t describe your symptoms exactly..just substitute your symptoms for say, “back pain” when you read it.
This website offers free self-help programs, here’s one: https://www.tmswiki.org/forum/painrecovery/ (Pain Recovery Program)
There are also psychologists, coaches, in person and online, and groups that meet with various practitioners all unrelated to this forum, but who can offer support if you feel you really need it. Youtube also has amazing free content plus the the forums here: https://www.tmswiki.org/forum/ (TMS Forum (The Mindbody Syndrome))
Stomach problems can be common with anxiety. Often we have no idea we are even anxious until mysterious symptoms start.
It’s good to become educated about tms and the mechanisms of symptoms. Reading a book by Dr. Sarno is a great place to start, even if he doesn’t describe your symptoms exactly..just substitute your symptoms for say, “back pain” when you read it.
This website offers free self-help programs, here’s one: https://www.tmswiki.org/forum/painrecovery/ (Pain Recovery Program)
There are also psychologists, coaches, in person and online, and groups that meet with various practitioners all unrelated to this forum, but who can offer support if you feel you really need it. Youtube also has amazing free content plus the the forums here: https://www.tmswiki.org/forum/ (TMS Forum (The Mindbody Syndrome))