Q&A: Must my therapist believe in TMS?

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Question

In many of Sarno's books, as well in other places, it is mentioned that certain people need psycho-therapy, in addition to putting his methods into practice. It can be hard, however, to find someone who believes in TMS. Is this important?
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Answer by Barbara Kline, LCSW

An image of Barbara Kline, LCSW
Barbara Kline, LCSW

Barbara Kline's Survey Response / Profile Page

Yes, I believe it is very important to seek therapy with someone who understands and BELIEVES in TMS and how to treat it using Dr. Sarno's method. One of my co-workers has been working with a client for years who has been dx with Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, and has back pain of uncertain etiology. Although they have worked through many traumas the client still has the physical pain. Since this therapist was unaware of TMS and Dr. Sarno's treatment, she wasn't able to arm the client with the truth (knowledge) even though she is a very good therapist with years of experience. It is my experience that if the therapist exhibits any doubt that the pain (or TMS equivalent) could be caused by something physical and relays that to the client, it can impede progress or cancel it altogether. While I believe it is possible to overcome TMS just by acknowledging that the pain is psychological, the opposite tends not to be true. Of course there are the cases where someone with chronic pain (or TMS equivalent) gets better after making significant changes in his/her life, never having heard of TMS. However, if the client was seen by a TMS doctor who dx them with TMS, and referred them for psychotherapy, the therapist needs to concur with the doctor 100%. I knew of a client who had seen a psychologist for hypnosis/visual imagery for her back pain. The client did not get better because (I believe) the psychologist told her that lack of exercise contributed to her back "injury." In order to get better, the client needs to eliminate even the tiniest bit of doubt about the etiology of his/her condition. (I welcome any comments or additions).

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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.

Answer by David Schechter, MD

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Practitioner David Schechter

David Schechter's Profile Page / Survey Response / Psychophysiologic Disorders Association (PPDA) Board Member

Of interest, many of my new TMS patients have been in psychotherapy before but their pain had not abated. therefore I've concluded that psychotherapy, in and of itself, is not curative for TMS. What is essential is that the patient believes the diagnosis and that the therapist knows TMS and knows how to work with a TMS patient to understand underlying issues and personality. This can lead to success with TMS, especially in coordination with a physician who is communicating the same message to the patient.

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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.

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