Find a TMS Doctor or Therapist
Contents
- 1 How to use this list
- 2 For Practitioners
- 3 Number of practitioners on the list
- 4 Via Internet or Telephone
- 5 United States
- 5.1 Arizona
- 5.2 Arkansas
- 5.3 California
- 5.4 Colorado
- 5.5 Connecticut
- 5.6 Delaware
- 5.7 District of Columbia
- 5.8 Florida
- 5.9 Georgia
- 5.10 Idaho
- 5.11 Illinois
- 5.12 Maine
- 5.13 Maryland
- 5.14 Massachusetts
- 5.15 Michigan
- 5.16 Minnesota
- 5.17 New Hampshire
- 5.18 New Jersey
- 5.19 New York
- 5.20 North Carolina
- 5.21 Ohio
- 5.22 Oregon
- 5.23 Pennsylvania
- 5.24 Tennessee
- 5.25 Texas
- 5.26 Virginia
- 5.27 Washington
- 5.28 Wisconsin
- 6 World (non-US)
The following pages might help you choose the person best suited for you:
- How to Choose a TMS Therapist: therapy involves a substantial involvement of time and money. Make sure that you find someone who is a good match for you.
- How we categorize TMS Professionals: This explains the categories of "physician", "therapist" or "other".
- Practitioner's Degrees: PhD, MD, DO, MSW, LCSW, MFT, MA, DO... What does it all mean?
- TMS Professional Survey Responses: Over 20 of the TMS professionals in this list have completed a detailed survey explaining their experiences with TMS and their treatment plans.
How to use this list
You may see the following links under the entries for some providers:
- TMS Wiki User Profile: Some practitioners have taken the time to join our wiki. From their TMS Wiki User Profile (linked to, below), you can send them a message or start a new discussion thread. Note that new threads can be viewed by anyone. As with email, you should not use either approach for private or urgent communications.
- Survey Response: The TMS Wiki has created a survey which it welcomes all practitioners interested in this approach to fill out. We have separate questionnaires for physicians, therapists, and coaches. You can read more about the survey here.
- Q&A Answers: If a provider is a member of the panel of experts in our Q&A with an Expert program, we include a link to the home page of that program. To read a brief bio and see links to all of that provider's answers, click on the link and scroll down to the bottom of the page.
Before starting a professional relationship with anyone on this list, you should confirm relevant information, including credentials and accepted insurance. As with all other information on the wiki, we can't guarantee the information in this list. When possible, we try to include links to make it easy for you to confirm the information.
For Practitioners
Please help us improve this list by providing us with more information about yourself. See our "Updating information about yourself in our practitioner list" page for information about how to do this. General information about interacting with the wiki can be found in our "For TMS practitioners" page.
If you are a licensed TMS therapist or physician and would like to be listed on our directory please Contact Us.
Number of practitioners on the list
- Physicians: 52
- Therapists: 78
- Other: 11
- Total: 141
Via Internet or Telephone
Unfortunately, many people who think they may have Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS) do not live in an area served by any TMS professionals. Luckily, some TMS professionals are able to provide services over the internet or telephone. Although diagnosis can't be performed over the internet or telephone and distance can provide a significant barrier to psychotherapy, the following people provide coaching and other services to people who aren't able to travel to meet a provider face to face. More information can be found in our page on Structured TMS recovery programs.
Physicians - available via internet or telephone
- Alexander Angelov, MD Available via Phone or Internet
- Roger Gietzen, MD Available via Phone and Internet Video services (i.e. Skype).
- Emmett Miller, MD Available via Phone and Skype.
- David Schechter, MD Available via Internet Video services (i.e. Skype). Video treatment option for follow-up appointments only.
- John Stracks, MD Available via Google Hangouts.
Therapists - available via internet or telephone
- Frances Sommer Anderson, PhD, SEP Available via Skype and FaceTime for coaching consultations.
- Jeffrey H. Axelbank, PsyD Available via Phone. “Will do phone sessions in special limited circumstances, but not routinely.”
- Pam Benison, MA Available via Phone and Skype.
- Arnold Bloch, LCSW Available via Phone and Skype.
- Alex Bloom, MSW Available via Skype.
- Samantha Bothast, LCSW Available via Skype.
- Margaret Chan, PhD Available via Skype.
- Jennifer Denkin, PhD Available via Phone and Skype.
- Pamela Dobbie, LMHC Available via Phone and Skype.
- Ilene Donin, PhD Available via Phone and Skype.
- Robert Paul Evans, PhD Available via Phone.
- Sharon Farber, PhD Available via Phone. “It depends on a number of factors.”
- Susan Farber, MA, MFT Available via Phone and Skype.
- Arlene Feinblatt, PhD Available via Phone. “Only if I have met with the patient and they are then able to do the work of therapy to ethical and professional standards.”
- Hasanna Fletcher, LMFT Available via Phone and Skype.
- Kirsten Fliegler, PsyD Available via Phone and Skype. Requires in-person meeting first.
- Clark Grove, PhD Available via Phone. Requires preexisting relationship with client.
- Suzi Kimbell, MA, LMFT Available via Phone and Skype.
- Catherine Lockwood, MFT Available via Video.
- Daniel G. Lyman, MSW Available via Phone and Video.
- Gillian Marcus, LMFT Available via Phone.
- Brooke Mathews, LCSW Available via Phone and Skype.
- Andrew Miller, LMFT Available via Phone and Skype.
- Lisa Morphopoulos, LCSW Available via Phone.
- Therese Mortlock Available via Phone and Skype.
- Amber Murphy, MSW Available via Skype.
- Wendy Newman, LCSW Available via Skype for New Jersey residents only.
- Jessica Oifer, MFT Available via Phone and Skype.
- Colleen Perry, MFT Available via Video.
- Dan Ratner, PsyD Available via Phone. Initial in-person consultation required.
- Nicole Sachs, LCSW Available via Phone.
- Derek Sapico, MFT Available via Skype.
- Nicole Seitz, MS, LPC Available via Phone and Skype. Prefers to have an in-person session first, when possible.
- Eric Sherman, PsyD Available via Phone. On a case-by-case basis.
- Jill Solomon, MFT Available via Phone.
- Laurel Steinberg, PhD, LMHC Available via Phone and Zoom for coaching consultations.
- Serena Sterling, PsyD Available via Phone.
- Catherine Tilford, MA, NCC Available via Skype. For Colorado residents only.
International Practitioners - available via internet or telephone
- Nir Brosh, MD Available via Skype and Zoom Video.
- Louise Levy, MA Available via Phone. Requires in-person meeting first. Phone sessions conducted through the SIRPA Stress Illness Recovery Programme.
- Jane Parkinson, UKCP Available via Phone and Skype.
- Nicholas Straiton, MBBS Available via Phone.
Additional Practitioners - available via internet or telephone
Currently, all additional practitioners listed are able to conduct sessions remotely. Click here to go to the Additional TMS Practitioners page.
United States
Arizona
| Liz Wallenstein, LMHC (Therapist) Liz Wallenstein has been seeing patients with Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS) for over 6 years. She recovered from her own battle with TMS in 1997. Wallenstein earned a Master's degree in psychological counseling from Columbia University and specializes in working with people in chronic pain. She writes, “As a TMS therapist I facilitate self-awareness through guided conversation in a caring, safe environment. I help clients connect with repressed thoughts, feelings and parts of self in order to find relief and healing physically, emotionally and mentally. Compared with general psychotherapy, my TMS work is guided by an understanding of common dynamics, personality structures and thought patterns that lead to TMS pain. Once I help clients gain awareness of what’s at the root of their TMS, they can choose how they want to respond to it, though even just the awareness itself can be helpful and healing” (Source). She has two offices, one in Brooklyn and another in Manhattan. 7600 North 15th St. |
Arkansas
| James R. Rochelle, MD (Physician) Dr Rochelle is a practicing orthopedic surgeon in Arkansas. He incorporates the TMS diagnosis and treatments in his practice. He says that only when people "accept the idea that unpleasant emotions in the unconscious mind actually cause physical symptoms will we see an end to the current epidemic of TMS musculoskeletal pain in its many varieties." He is also a contributing author to Dr Sarno's The Divided Mind. (Source) Address has not been verified |
California
Los Angeles area
| Justin Barker, PsyD (Therapist) Dr. Barker introduces himself by saying, "I am a clinical psychologist in the Los Angeles area. I’ve experienced personally how TMS pain can be all-consuming mentally and I know what a struggle it can be to heal. Because of my own journey with TMS, I feel incredibly passionate about TMS therapy and treatment. My favorite way to exercise is powerlifting, and I still remember to this day the moment I first felt pain in my back as well as the moment I became pain free almost four years later. The mind/body interaction is immensely complicated, and I feel honored to have the opportunity to help people live pain-free lives. I have worked with many people that have healed from years or decades of pain and I believe it takes substantial courage to confront underlying emotions that are creating the pain. For more information about me, my website is a good resource: www.drjustinbarker.com" (Source) Available via phone and videoconference Phone: 424-272-1554 |
| Susan Basset, MSW, LCSW (Therapist) 18319 Linnet |
| Will Baum, LCSW (Therapist) Will Baum is a psychotherapist in the Los Angeles area. He has written a number of articles for PsychologyToday.com, the Huffington Post, and Where the Client Is. He is cross trained in psychodynamic talk therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Will Baum's practice is focused on anxiety/depression, relationships, chronic pain, and addiction recovery. He has experience working with an "extremely wide range of clients and concerns." (Source) Recent Change of Address |
| Arnold Bloch, LCSW (Therapist) Arnold Bloch, LCSW has been in practice for over 25 years, during which time he has seen over 200 clients with TMS. He holds a master's degree in social work from the University of Southern California, and studied under long-time TMS therapist, Don Dubin, MFT. Bloch has a close working relationship with David Schechter, MD (Source) who himself has seen over 1000 patients with TMS. He has dedicated himself to "the alleviation of chronic pain, especially when that pain can not be satisfactorily explained by conventional medical examination." He believes in the power people have in "freeing themselves from the suffering brought about by a negatively conditioned mind," and he seeks to help people develop the skills to choose the mind and body states they desire to have. Bloch has been very active in the TMS community. He has attended TMS conferences and stays up-to-date on the latest mind-body research and treatment techniques. In the fall of 2012, Bloch participated in a TMS webinar, alongside Dr. Schechter. (Source) Available via Phone and Skype |
| Alex Bloom, MSW (Therapist) Alex Bloom is a psychotherapist at the Pain Psychology Center in Los Angeles, CA headed by Alan Gordon, LCSW. His approach to therapy focuses on a psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral model as well as other techniques (Source) Alex is also one of the answering therapists for the Ask a TMS Therapist program. Available via Skype |
| Samantha Bothast, LCSW (Therapist) Samantha Bothast is a psychotherapist at the Pain Psychology Center in Los Angeles, CA headed by Alan Gordon, LCSW. Samantha uses both a cognitive behavioral and psychodynamic approach in her sessions. Samantha worked as a medical social worker for 19 years prior to working at the Pain Psychology Center. (Source) Available via Skype |
| Lani Chin, PsyD (Therapist) Dr. Lani Chin is a clinical psychologist based in Los Angeles. She attended the clinical training for the treatment of mindbody disorders held in Los Angeles in 2013. 1328 Westwood Blvd. Unit 9 |
| Donald Dubin, MS, MFCC (Deceased) |
| Suzanne Engelman, PhD (Therapist) In our Practitioner Survey, Dr. Engelman introduces herself as follows: "An experienced clinical and health psychologist, I have been working in the field of psychophysiologic disorders (PPD) for 30 years. As a member of of the medical staffs of two Orange County hospitals, I frequently receive referrals from physicians (both TMS physicians specifically and physicians in general) who think their patients may have a psychological component to their pain or disorder. In addition to trauma, back pain, foot pain, paralysis of specific limbs, and other pain syndromes, some people experience psychogenic non-epileptic seizures. My approach to all of these issues may include utilizing tools of mindfulness, biofeedback and other mind body approaches. I also conduct Animal Assisted Therapy, and have a special interest working with issues of death, dying, and bereavement." (Source) 30131 Town Center Drive, #268 |
| Susan Farber, MA, MFT(Therapist) Susan is a Marriage Family Therapist in private practice. She has both a Bachelor's and Master's in psychology. She says "Often my work encompasses a mind/body perspective. I believe that many physical ailments have an emotional component to them and everyone's body is a wealth of often underutilized information. I teach my clients to use their body as a barometer in order to gain valuable insight into denied emotions and issues. In taking responsibility and ownership of their physical selves, a sense of empowerment emerges enabling my clients to move forward toward making positive life changes." (Source 1) (Source 2) Available via Phone and Skype |
| Alan Gordon, LCSW (Therapist) Alan Gordon is a psychotherapist in private practice in Santa Monica who specializes in the treatment of chronic pain using the the TMS approach. He is a co-founder and the Executive Director of the Pain Psychology Center, a TMS treatment center in Los Angeles. He is also a board member of the Psychophysiologic Disorders Association (PPDA). He was the primary organizer (chair) of the 2nd annual TMS Conference held in LA in March 2010, where he gave a presentation entitled “Cognitive-Behavioral Approaches in the Treatment of Mind-Body Disorders.” His efforts were a key factor in making the conference a success. Alan also co-organized and presented at the 2013 clinical training in Los Angeles with Howard Schubiner, MD in partnership with the PPDA. (Source1, Source2, Source3, Source4) Alan developed a free multimedia TMS Recovery Program, which he donated to the TMS Wiki in 2013. He has also written an article called “Miracles of Mindbody Medicine” for the Healthcare Counseling and Psychotherapy Journal. Alan is also one of the answering therapists for the Ask a TMS Therapist program. Alan is not currently seeing new patients. Pain Psychology Center |
| Michelle Gottlieb, PsyD, MFT (Therapist) Dr. Gottlieb is honored to work with those that struggle with chronic pain. As an EMDR certified therapist, she has many tools to help you process through your TMS symptoms. She is also very experienced with anxiety, depression, couples and trauma therapy. Dr. Gottlieb is an adjunct professor at Cal State Fullerton teaching graduate students how to be effective therapists.(Source)
305 N. Harbor Blvd., Suite 202 |
| Helene Green, LCSW (Therapist) 18319 Linnet |
| Phillip Green, PhD (Therapist) 19710 Ventura Blvd. Suite 203 |
| Karen Kay, PsyD, PhD (Therapist) Karen Kay, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst with a private practice in West Los Angeles. She has worked with TMS patients throughout her 35+ year career and has been supervised by Arlene Feinblatt, Ph.D. (the psychologist who developed the psychotherapeutic approach to TMS in collaboration with John Sarno, M.D.). Dr. Kay was an approved supervisor for the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy for over 20 years. She says, "I have had great success in helping people who struggle with mind-body difficulties. In addition, I have specialty training in working with children, adolescents and adults." 1800 Fairburn Avenue |
| Suzi Kimbell, MA, LMFT (Therapist) Suzi Kimbell is a psychotherapist with training in somatic, body-centered psychotherapy, EMDR, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and trauma and PTSD treatment from a mind-body perspective. She attended the clinical training in Los Angeles in November 2013. Suzi also suffered from chronic back pain, which she overcame using the TMS approach. She writes, "My own recovery from TMS led to my passion for helping those with chronic pain, whose symptoms are so often misunderstood by the traditional medical community. I know first hand how powerful Dr Sarno’s ideas are and that recovery from pain is truly possible." (Source) Available via Phone and Skype |
| Catherine Lockwood, MA, MFT (Therapist) Catherine Lockwood is an experienced Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) psychotherapist based in Los Angeles, California. She has studied under many notable ISTDP instructors and continues to attend workshops and seminars on ISTDP. She also attended the 2013 Clinical Training for the Treatment of Mind-Body Disorders in Los Angeles. There, she observed how Howard Schubiner, MD and Alan Gordon, LCSW, the presenters of the training, are utilizing ISTDP in their approaches to treating TMS. Catherine writes, "I am passionate and dedicated to continuing to improve my skills in ISTDP, TMS and trauma treatment." (Source) Available via Video |
| Daniel G. Lyman, MSW (Therapist) Daniel G. Lyman is a psychotherapist at the Pain Psychology Center in Los Angeles, CA headed by Alan Gordon, LCSW. He earned a master's degree in Social Work and in Public Administration from the University of Southern California and specializes in the treatment of mindbody pain syndromes. In describing his treatment approach, he writes, “My goal in therapy is to provide a safe place to challenge our current beliefs and behaviors regarding our pain (TMS). The process is two-fold: The first part is changing the nature of our relationship to our symptoms, and the second part is discovering why the symptoms are there in the first place. These concurrent paths help to decrease the symptoms in the present as well as discourage the symptoms from recurring in the future.” Daniel also specializes in working with the LGBT population, including couples and family issues. (Source) Daniel is one of the participating psychotherapists in the Ask A TMS Therapist program. Read his responses here. Contributed article: 10 Days of Silence: Meditation, Pain, & How You Can Become the Most Emotionally Healthy Person You Know, by Daniel G. Lyman (Part I), (Part II). Available via Phone and Video |
| Gillian Marcus, LMFT (Therapist) Gillian Marcus is a clinical therapist with a private practice in West Los Angeles specialized in TMS. She attended the Los Angeles conference When Stress Causes Pain for TMS practitioners in November 2013. Gillian also has a personal history of TMS, and used a combination techniques including psycho-education, therapy, meditation and other self-help techniques to help relieve her TMS symptoms. (Source) Available via Phone |
| Brooke Mathews, LCSW (Therapist) Brooke Mathews is an experienced psychodynamic therapist based in Southern California. A former board member of the Psychophysiologic Disorders Association (PPDA), Brooke earned her master's degree in social work from the University of Southern California, and is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in the state of California. She writes, “I have devoted a great deal of my practice to working with and advocating for patients who can't seem to find anything medically or physically wrong...My approach is to treat the whole person, whether you come in with pain and are subsequently depressed, or your pain is a result of your anxiety, I work with patients to address the source of the problem and resolve the issues with pain.” Brooke also has a personal connection to TMS, suffering fro chronic migraines in the past. (Source) Available via Phone and Skype |
| Susan Mendenhall, PsyD (Therapist) 10436 Santa Monica Blvd, Suite 3050 |
| Andrew Miller, LMFT (Therapist) Andrew Miller is a licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT) and a TMS/PPD sufferer. He has over a decade of experience with TMS as both a patient and as a clinician. As a clinician, he received his Masters of Arts in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University in Los Angeles. Incorporating psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness and psychodramatic techniques, he has helped his clients reduce TMS/PPD symptoms, more masterfully deal with difficult emotions, and more skillfully cope with life’s adversity. Currently, Andrew works in private practice and runs groups at treatment centers across Los Angeles. Available via Phone and Skype |
| Amber Murphy, MSW (Therapist) Amber Murphy uses an integrative approach to treat chronic pain sufferers. She integrates psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral and trauma informed approaches while incorporating the practice of mindfulness to assist patients in overcoming their pain. Having recovered from psychogenic pain herself, Amber draws upon this experience to provide insight into the mind-body connection and to understand the fear and frustration that often accompanies TMS. (Source) Available via Skype Amber is also one of the answering therapists for the Ask a TMS Therapist program. Click here to view all of Amber's answers within the program. |
| Jessica Oifer, MFT (Therapist) Jessica Oifer is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Los Angeles, California. She has worked with David Schechter, MD and in 2013 she attended the Clinical Training for the treatment of mind-body disorders in Los Angeles, CA. Jessica is also trained in the Trauma Resiliency Model, an approach that helps restores balance to the body after traumatic stress. On her general treatment approach, Jessica writes, “My process often includes non-judgmental exploration of my clients’ past and present experiences, as well as the development of concrete skills to reduce the physical and emotional symptoms that traumatic stress can have on the body and nervous system.” (Source) Available via Phone and Skype |
| Colleen Perry, MFT(Therapist) Colleen Perry is a licensed marriage and family therapist practicing in the Los Angeles area. She focuses on eating disorders and body image issues, along with helping people with chronic pain. She says "In individual therapy we explore the direct link of the unconscious mind to the manifestation of pain in the body. Traditional forms of pain treatment such as physical therapy, pain medications, anti-inflammatory medications and injections, surgery, acupuncture, chiropractic care, or massage, do not address the underlying emotional issues that are causing the pain in the first place. All that these other forms of pain management can give you are temporary relief...The most immediate relief for clients upon receiving the TMS diagnosis is that there is nothing structurally wrong with their body and are therefore encouraged to go about their daily activities of life without giving into the pain." Available via Video |
| Katja Pohl, PsyD (Therapist) Dr. Pohl is a clinical health psychologist with both master and doctorate level education in health psychology and additional training in pain, chronic illness, and other health-related issues (source). Dr. Pohl also has developed a specialty in trauma and health psychology (source). She writes, "It takes a great deal of courage to ask for help. It requires facing one’s problems head on and it can stir up feelings of shame and vulnerability. You may experience difficulty with trusting someone to accompany you on this journey; but also trusting that positive change is possible. It is important to find someone you can connect with to start your healing and growth. In my work with clients, I strive to create a safe and compassionate environment" (source). 2730 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 600 |
| Arlen Ring, PhD (Therapist) Arlen is a licensed psychologist in California. He has a doctorate in psychology. He says "I had been focusing on the mind body connection for a long time before I got exposed to Dr. Sarno. His thinking filled in important gaps for me. I have now spent several years specifically extending his diagnostic formulations into effective treatment for those people whose pain is caused by or worsened by emotions that have gotten directed into physical pain. I consider physical therapy, anti-inflammatory or pain deadening drugs and surgery to all have potential value. However, If you are not satisfied with the limitations of those approaches and believe that your pain has a significant emotional component, I can work with you on healing it." (Source) 1923 1/2 Westwood Blvd, Suite 2 |
| Derek Sapico, MFT (Therapist) Derek Sapico is a psychotherapist based in Los Angeles, CA. He is on the board of the Psychophysiologic Disorders Association (PPDA). Derek was also the lead therapist at the California Headache and Pain Center for five years and has authored protocol on the treatment of pain for a number of organizations. (Source) Derek is also one of the answering therapists for the Ask a TMS Therapist program. Available via Skype |
| David Schechter, MD (Physician)
David Schechter is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Family Medicine of the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Dr. Schechter has over twenty five years of experience with the Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS) diagnosis, has treated over a thousand patients has published original research on the subject and is the author of The Mindbody Workbook. While a medical student at NYU, he was a successful patient of Dr. Sarno. Dr. Schechter was a speaker at the 2nd Annual TMS Conference in March 2010. His presentation was entitled "Clinical Evaluation of Patients with Mind-Body Disorders." (Source) Available via Internet Video |
| Clive M Segil, MD (Physician) Clive Segil is an internationally renowned orthopedic surgeon from Los Angeles with 30 years of experience in the management of musculoskeletal disorders – a healer not just a physician/surgeon, with creative approaches to patient problems. Dr. Segil sees the patient as a “whole person” not only a “disease,” and he places great emphasis on the mind-body connection, applying the concept of what is best for the patient. This means that he uses treatments that result in a cure, at best, and at very least, a marked improvement in their well-being. (Source) 2080 Century Park East, Suite 500 |
| Art Smith, PhD (Therapist) Dr. Smith wrote one of the few doctoral dissertations on mind-body medicine (Claremont Graduate University 1998). He gives lectures and seminars on Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS), as well as contributing to research on the subject. (Source) The Noetic Health Institute |
| Nancy Sokolow, LCSW (Therapist) 530 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 310 |
| Jill Solomon, MFT (Therapist) Jill is a licensed marriage and family therapist in the Los Angeles area. She says "My interest in TMS grew after my own experiences with chronic pain for many years and my frustration with the traditional medical community. I knew there were many people suffering from 'mystery illnesses' that needed relief, guidance and support. I read Dr. John Sarno's book and was introduced to TMS through Dr. David Schechter in Los Angeles and Don Dubin MFCC. I am in private practice in the West Hollywood area, and chronic pain and somatization is one area of interest of mine. Unconscious 'bad' feelings that have been suppressed since childhood such as anger, guilt, sadness, rage, disappointment, unloveability and low self-esteem often emerge as somatic symptoms in various parts of the body." (Source) Available via Phone |
| Additional Practitioner |
San Francisco area
| Clark Grove, PhD (Therapist) Clark has a masters in Humanistic Psychology (Mind/Body focus) and a PhD in Clinical Psychology, California Institute of Integral Studies. He is a licensed psychologist in California. He receives most of his referrals from Dr. Parvez Fatteh in the San Francisco Bay Area, who is a Sarno adherent and is board certified in physical medicine & rehabilitation, with a sub-specialty (Board Certified) in pain medicine. He says, "About 8 years ago I was working with a client who had a number of issues, with the most compelling one severe tendon/muscle pain in his arms. He was diagnosed with repetitive motion injury and was so incapacitated that he couldn't even pick up his two year old daughter. This client introduced me to Sarno's work as he worked through his pain. The philosophy of Sarno's beliefs were familiar to me because of my background in mind/body psychologies in my Master's program at Sonoma State University. Approximately 7 years ago I had a close family member go through excruciating back pain. She consulted with over 10 health practitioners (mainstream and alternative) and did not find any diminution of the pain until she read "The Mind Body Prescription". She was pain free in about 2 months." (Source) Available via Phone |
| Parvez Fatteh, MD (Physician) Dr. Fatteh is Board Certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, and subspecialty Board Certified in Pain Medicine. He has been practicing in the San Francisco Bay Area since 1998. His practice philosophy is that of a people-based approach. All treatment is tailored to the individual needs and comfort levels of each patient. He offers TMS treatment for a host of chronic conditions. (Source) 24301 Southland Dr, #411 |
| Katy Wray, LMFT (Therapist) Katy Wray graduated from the California Institute of Integral Studies in 1989, and has been in practice for over 25 years. She specializes in relationship issues, anxiety, and chronic pain. She says, "Through therapy, a deeper understanding and experience of yourself develops, which opens the door to other choices and possibilities...Sometimes there is a powerful link between pain in the body and emotions. If you have back pain, migraines, gastrointestinal issues, or some other type of chronic pain, psychotherapy may be able to help in ways that medicine has not." (Source) 2506 Clay Street |
Santa Cruz area
| Bruce Eisendorf, MD (Physician) Dr Eisendorf MD is a doctor with the Palo Alto Medical Foundation in California. He says: 2025 Soquel Avenue |
| Hasanna Fletcher, LMFT (Therapist)
Hasanna received a M.A. in Clinical Psychology in 1992 from JFK University and has been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 1995. She says "For the past fourteen years I've been helping people with a wide range of issues, such as relationship problems of all kinds, depression, grief and loss, anxiety, life transitions, spirituality, parenting, self esteem, and chronic physical pain. I cured my own long-standing back, neck and hip pain 10 years ago after reading Sarno's Healing Back Pain. Unfortunately, I didn't discover TMS in time to avoid two unnecessary shoulder surgeries in both shoulders. It has been so satisfying to help my clients avoid a similar mistake! " (Source 1) (Source 2) Available via Phone and Skype |
| Emmett Miller, MD (Physician) A traditionally trained physician, Dr. Emmett Miller is one of the founders of modern mind-body medicine. Although Dr. Miller is not trained in the treatment of TMS specifically, his treatment methods have been very helpful to others with TMS, including author Steve Ozanich, as he mentioned in a forum post (listed below). Dr. Miller now practices in California. using different holistic approaches such as guided meditation and deep relaxation as well as cognitive behavioral techniques, his practice focuses on helping people overcome a variety of chronic illnesses and problems, including stress, anxiety, and physical pain. Dr. Miller also provides life coaching sessions. (Source) Available via Phone and Skype 18834 Rock Creek Rd |
Other locations in California
| Julie Markowitz, ASW, LMSW (Therapist) Julie Markowitz is a psychotherapist in San Diego, CA. To introduce herself on her website, she writes, "My treatment approach is looking at a whole person, not just symptoms... I came to this work because I too was suffering. I was in debilitating physical pain (which I now know was TMS) and on a career path I dreaded. While in business school, I found the first good therapist I ever met. Together we healed my physical symptoms and my self-esteem. Through this process, I realized my calling was to help others heal in this same way. Through our work, we will create a relationship based on warmth, care, empathy and safety in a non-judgmental atmosphere. I work psychodynamically which means we will talk about the past to understand your present circumstances and uncover unconscious processes that are holding you back. I look forward to working with you." (Source) Available via Phone and Skype Phone: 347-443-8695 |
| Jim Prussack, MPT (Physical Therapist) Jim is physical therapist. On his website, he writes, "I have treated many orthopedic and neurological conditions over the years but by far the most challenging and perplexing have been the chronic pain cases. I wanted to understand what made persistent pain different from other types of pain. It really started in 2001 when learning about the biology of pain while completing my degree in Australia. Over the last number of years I’ve continued my education throughout the U.S., Europe and Australia to learn and train with many of today’s leaders in the chronic pain field: Dr. Peter O’Sullivan, Dr. Lorimer Moseley, David Butler, and Dr. Sarno protégés Dr. Schubiner and Georgie Oldfield PT." Available via Skype |
| Patti D. Thomas, LCSW (Therapist) Patti is a licensed clinical social worker. She says of TMS "Treatment consists of identifying and acknowledging the suppressed emotion (anger, sadness, fear, etc.). That's it. It is not necessary to delve into the scenario which triggered those feelings in order to release the physical symptoms. Those symptoms were only there to protect your conscious mind from the feelings. So once the feelings are revealed, the symptoms simply fall away." (Source) Peaceful Sea Counseling |
| Additional Practitioner |
Colorado
| Aimee Aron, MA, NCC (Therapist) PPDA Practitioner 860 Emerson Street #0 |
| Pam Benison, MA (Therapist) Pam Benison has been treating people with TMS/PPD for over 18 years. She encountered Dr. Sarno's book, Healing Back Pain, in 1994, used the knowledge he presented to successfully treat her own back pain. Most recently, she has studied with Dr. Howard Schubiner and has incorporated his book, Unlearn Your Pain, when working with her clients. Because of her 32 years in private practice, Pam draws upon many types of therapies and relaxation techniques that eliminate stress and progress one toward satisfaction and growth. Some of these methods are: gestalt psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, insight therapy, positive psychology, couples therapy, various forms of meditation and breath work. Pam received her Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University and her Master's degree from the University of Denver. She is a fellow in the American Psychotherapy Association. She is willing to meet with clients via the phone or Skype.(Source) Available via Phone and Skype |
| Evana Henri, PhD (Therapist) Dr. Henri has been treating people with Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS) for over 9 years, and during that time has treated close to 200 people with TMS symptoms. She is able to draw upon her own experiences with chronic back pain, which she had for about one year, when she is treating her clientele. Henri uses several different therapy techniques to help her clients including EMDR, Solution-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (MBCT), and Brainspotting depending on the situation. Henri uses these multiple techniques to design a unique treatment for her patients. Dr. Henri graduated with a Bachelors in Arts from Stanford University and received her PhD in Clinical/Health psychology from Ohio State University. In addition, Henri completed her internship and Post-doctoral fellowship from UCLA. (Source) 1325 Dry Creek Dr. Suite 101 |
| Mileah L. Koudele, LCSW (Therapist) 2696 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 200 |
| Catherine Tilford, MA, NCC(Therapist) PPDA Practitioner Available via Skype
2010 W 120th Avenue |
Connecticut
| Jennifer Denkin, PhD (Therapist) Dr. Denkin has seen over 500 patients with PPD/TMS symptoms over a nine year span. She continues to receive education and training on treating PPD. Her speciality is in mind-body work, chronic pain, somatic disorders, anxiety, diet and nutrition to help others. In addition she does treat patients via skype. Available via Phone and Skype |
| Leslie Reis, LCSW (Therapist) 75 Kings Highway Cutoff |
| Dario M Zagar, MD (Physician) Dr Zagar is the Director, Neuropsychology Services at The Associated Neurologists of Southern Connecticut, P.C. They offer Mind-Body Medicine, which “typically focuses on interventions believed to promote health and wellness such as Yoga, Relaxation, Biofeedback, Clinical Hypnosis, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapies. The Mind-Body Medicine perspective views illness as an opportunity for personal growth and healthcare providers are guides in this transformative process. Frequently, Mind-Body Medicine focuses on the impact of stress and the development of illness and the worsening of symptoms such as pain.” (Source) Associated Neurologists of Southern Connecticut |
Delaware
| Nicole Sachs, LCSW (Therapist) Nicole Sachs is a graduate of the University of St. Thomas, and has been treating people with TMS for over 10 years. During that time she has seen over 100 clients with TMS. Sachs is the author of the book, The Meaning of Truth, which describes her practice and treatment methods. She is also a recovered TMS patient herself, and a previous member of Dr. Sarno's Alumni Panels, where she would tell Dr. Sarno's new patients about her own experience with TMS. In 2013, the PTPN recorded an interview with Nicole Sachs, where she again described her battle with chronic pain, and her success with the TMS approach. Available via Phone |
District of Columbia
| Harold Goodman, DO (Physician) |
| Andrea Leonard-Segal, MD (Physician) Dr. Leonard-Segal graduated with honors from the George Washington University Medical School and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology. She has practiced medicine since 1982 and has devoted the past twenty years to helping patients overcome back and neck pain, fibromyalgia, chronic tendon complaints and similar conditions. She emphasizes the mind-body connection and is one of a handful of physicians nationally who uses an approach that closely parallels the pioneering work of John E. Sarno, MD at the New York University Medical Center and the Rusk Institute. She brings her interest and expertise in mind-body medicine to the Center for Integrative Medicine. (Source1, Source2) George Washington University Center for Integrative Medicine |
| Jon Frederickson, MSW (ISTDP Therapist) 3000 Conn. Ave. N.W. #400 |
Florida
| Scott Brady, MD (Physician) Dr. Brady is no longer accepting new patients. (Source) With William Proctor, he has written a book entitled Pain Free for Life. In it, Dr. Brady describes how he overcame his own pain: A life-changing suggestion came from an unlikely medical source--my mother--who called one night while I was lying on the sofa nursing my bad back.On page 36 he continues on to describe how he decided to break with his colleagues and visit Dr. Sarno at the Rusk institute. There, he listened to Dr. Sarno "deliver a number of lectures" and observed "him as he saw patients for several days." Dr. Brady refers to TMS as Autonomic Overload Syndrome (AOS), but the explanation that he gives for AOS is fundamentally the same explanation that Dr. Sarno gives for TMS. The Brady Institute for Health |
| Ilene Donin, PhD (Therapist) Ilene Donin is a psychologist located in Southern Florida. To introduce herself, she writes, "I have been a psychologist for over 30 years, trained by Dr. John Sarno, treating individuals with psychophysiologic disorders and those with cognitive disorders resulting from TBI’s Up until 2018 my practice was located in New York City where I maintained ongoing relationships with other TMS therapists. In fact, I still do. I moved to coral Gables where I have maintained a clinical relationship with many of my New York clients. In addition, I have been working with Floridians who have TMS diagnoses. While much of my work is with those carrying the TMS diagnosis, I see individuals with the range of mood disorders and those undergoing stressful life transitions and associated emotional reactions. I’m addition to my clinical work, I taught as an adjunct professor at Fordham university for 6 years." (Source) Available via Phone, Skype and Facetime |
Georgia
| David-Lipsig, MD (Physician) Twelve Piedmont Center, Suite 410 |
| Leonard J. Weiss, MD (Physician) Board Certified in Psychiatry, Addiction Psychiatry, Forensic Psychiatry, Internal Medicine and Nutrition |
Idaho
| Deric J. Ravsten, DO (Physician) Pocatello, Idaho |
Illinois
| Peter R. Brown, PsyD, DAAPM, FABMP (Therapist) Pain Psychologist |
| John Stracks, MD (Physician) Dr. Stracks believes that the mind and body are intimately connected and that almost all disease processes involve an interplay between the two. His training in integrative medicine has taught him that all treatment plans must include not only a mind and body component but a social and spiritual component as well. In addition, Dr. Stracks believes that the most powerful interventions involve changes in nutrition, activity level, and other lifestyle areas, and he works to partner with patients to effect these changes. Dr. Stracks believes that many conditions can be controlled or even reversed with mind-body techniques, lifestyle changes, and other integrative therapies, and he likes working with patients and their primary physicians to safely reduce medication use whenever possible. (Source) John Stracks, MD, LLC 666 Dundee Road, Suite 1504 312-489-8890 |
Maine
| Vincent P. Herzog, DO (Physician) Dr Herzog has extensive training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and has managed thousands of impairments and disabilities from common soft tissue injuries to spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, joint replacement, amputation and stroke. He now focuses on outpatient musculoskeletal and neurologic conditions, frequently occupational in nature. He has delivered such care to patients throughout Maine since 1993. Dr. Herzog is a third-generation Osteopathic (D.O.) physician, who remains true to the holistic and natural principles of Osteopathy. Additionally, he has had extensive training in the Allopathic (M.D.) system and is M.D. Board Certified in the specialties of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and also Electrodiagnostic Medicine. He says, "Today, there are many options available to people for the treatment of medical conditions. While interventional approaches are occasionally appropriate, often times minimally invasive techniques can result in fewer risks and better long-term functional outcomes. We believe in a proactive approach to healthcare, which empowers patients to manage their wellness, and avoid future functional impairments." (Source) Maine Rehabilitative Healthcare |
Maryland
| Barbara A. Kline, LCSW-C (Therapist) Barbara Kline has retired from practicing psychotherapy. Her listing here is preserved for the benefit of anyone in our community who would like to know about her past practice. Barbara Kline is a licensed, certified, clinical social worker (LCSW-C) in the state of Maryland. She has a keen interest in mind/body medicine and specializes in working with clients suffering from chronic (non-cancerous) pain syndromes including back, neck, & shoulder pain; fibromyalgia, and other musculoskeletal disorders. She says "Having had a severe case of TMS myself, I'm pretty much an expert as I researched everything possible on the subject and was cured using Dr. Sarno's method. I also have had extensive coursework in the psychology of TMS. I attended the first TMS conference in Ann Arbor, Michigan and have since taken trainings in Los Angeles, NYC, and Washington D.C. I also take advantage of trainings offered through the TMS Wiki." (Source) Available via Phone |
| Harold Goodman, DO (Physician) Dr. Goodman's office is ten minutes from Washington, DC. The red line metro stops seven minutes from his office. 8609 Second Ave., Suite 405-B |
Massachusetts
|
Alexander Angelov, MD (Physician) 990 Humphrey Street |
| Deborah Conley, LICSW
Retired. |
| Allan F. Giesen, DO (Physician) Dr. Giesen is a Stanford University trained, third generation physician who received his osteopathic medical training from the University of New England near Kennebunkport, Maine. Dr. Giesen practices biodynamic osteopathy in the cranial field which is a "hands on" holistic approach that capitalizes on the intrinsic self-healing properties of the mind, body, and spirit of an individual as that person is nourished and supported within the greater health of their surroundings. Biodynamic osteopathy is a form of treatment which can be helpful for a variety of ailments including chronic debilitating injuries, specific injuries to the spine, head or neck, headaches, diffuse back pain, gastrointestinal problems, autoimmune illnesses, irritable or anxious moods, and also for anyone who is interested in maximizing their wellness. The healing in biodynamic osteopathy is provided by the patient themselves with Dr. Giesen facilitating an increased awareness and contact with the "health within".(Source) Wellness Center for the Peace Abbey |
| Douglas R. Johnson, MD (Physician) Charlton Hospital |
| Additional Massachusetts Practitioner |
| Eugenio Martinez, MD (Physician) In a forum post, co-founder of the Boston TMS support group, Veronica, described her appointment with Dr. Martinez. Among other things, she wrote, "I have a TMS doctor and he's great! ... My TMS doctor, Dr. Martinez, is a physiatrist who treats a lot of conditions, not just TMS, so I knew if I had something else besides TMS he would be able to tell me. ... Our appointment was pretty much like what Sarno describes in his books--Dr. M. spent about 1 1/2 hours with me talking about TMS, personality traits, what was going on in my life, childhood, etc. and then also pressing on some of the points Sarno describes that are usually sensitive in people with TMS ... It reassured me to hear that the conditions I had all fell under TMS, and to hear that from a doctor that treats TMS and also other conditions. Dr. Martinez told me to call if I had any different symptoms pop up. That did happen a few times and we would usually just talk about it on the phone and he'd tell me it sounded like more TMS and just to come in if it didn't improve or got worse. To read more, click here. Boston, Massachusetts |
| Jay Rosenfeld, MD (Physician) Rehabilitation Hospital of the Cape and Islands |
| Ronald D. Siegel, PsyD (Therapist) Dr Siegel is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychology at Harvard Medical School where he has taught for the past 25 years. In 1988, he was disabled by back pain. His personal experience led him to develop the treatments described in his book. He is co-author of "Backsense:: A Revolutionary Approach to Halting the Cycle of Chronic Back Pain." He is also coeditor of Mindfulness and Psychotherapy (Guilford, 2005) and maintains a private practice in Lincoln, Massachusetts specializing in the treatment of chronic pain. He says "This new approach to chronic back pain is based on the emerging scientific consensus that most chronic back pain is caused by stress, fear, muscle tension, and inactivity, rather than by damaged or defective spinal structures. Despite being stress-related, the pain is certainly not imagined or "all in your head." We know that it is completely real. Muscle tension and spasms can cause intense pain. (Source 1) (Source 2) 20 Long Meadow Road |
Michigan
| Audrey Berdeski, DC, LLPC (Therapist) Audrey is a doctor of chiropractor and licensed professional counselor. She said, "as I learned more psychodynamic technique, and understood how the unconscious mind controls everything we do, I decided to incorporate this work into my practice, to be able to help those who can accept the diagnosis and are willing to become pain free. Because I have some strong relationships with patients I have been seeing for years, many of them are now reading Dr. Sarno's books and preparing for the workshops I'm going to be doing soon. The counseling degree helped me combine the psychological component to the physical pain, and this work feels like a natural fit for both of my careers." (Source) Corrective Chiropractic |
| Roger Gietzen, MD (Physician) Dr. Roger Gietzen is a neurologist by training and also runs a holistic clinic in Metamora, MI. He attended the LA Mind-Body Conference for TMS practitioners and shadowed TMS physician and author Howard Schubiner, MD. In his survey he writes, “Early in my mission to integrate mind body principles into my conventional medical practice, I discovered the work of Dr. Sarno. Because of my frustration trying to treat pain disorders using Xray guided steroid injections and other conventional treatments, I immediately resonated with Dr. Sarno [who became] an early inspiration for me.” Dr. Gietzen has also written the e-book Mind Body Spirit Principles and Practices, a TMS healing resource combining spirituality with mindbody principles. (Source) Available via Phone and Skype |
| Howard Schubiner, MD (Physician) Dr. Howard Schubiner is board-certified in pediatrics, adolescent medicine, and internal medicine. He was a full Professor at Wayne State University for 18 years and now works at Providence Hospital in Southfield, MI, where he directs the the Mind Body Medicine Program that he founded. This program uses cutting edge research and both meditative and cutting edge psychological techniques to treat individuals who suffer from TMS. (Source) He says "Many of us suffer needlessly from pain diagnosed as migraines, tension headaches, fibromyalgia, or chronic neck, back, abdominal, and pelvic pain, when the real cause is Mind Body Syndrome." His new book Unlearn Your Pain2nd Annual TMS Conference in March 2010. (Source) Providence Hospital Testimonials |
Minnesota
| Douglas Hoffman, MD (Physician) SMDC Sports Medicine and Orthopedics |
New Hampshire
| Marc Sopher, MD (Physician) Marc Sopher, M.D., a family physician in New Hampshire, trained with Dr. John Sarno. He is a member of the American Academy of Family Practice and is board certified through the American Board of Family Practice. In addition to his family practice in Exeter, he serves as medical director of the Synergy Health and Fitness Center in Exeter, New Hampshire. From 1993 to 2003, Dr. Sopher also provided medical care to the students of Phillips Exeter Academy. He has also been on the editorial board of the American College of Sports Medicine's Health and Fitness Journal. Dr. Sopher diagnoses and treats patients using the theories and techniques of Dr. Sarno, a pioneer in the recognition and treatment of mindbody disorders. He was a contributing author on The Divided Mind. (Source) Exeter, NH 03833 |
New Jersey
| Jeffrey H. Axelbank, PsyD (Therapist) Jeffrey Axelbank is a psychologist in Highland Park, New Jersey, with a doctorate in Clinical Psychology. He has been in practice for 17 years, and began treating patients with TMS about ten years ago. He writes, "As a psychologist, I know that sometimes people with TMS need additional help identifying the underlying issues that are driving their TMS pain. Or even if they have identified the issues, getting relief from the pain may take more help in working with those issues. I have treated many people with TMS and a variety of manifestations (for example, neck and back pain, bursitis, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia). Working with me can help to both come to terms with some of the underlying issues, as well as help develop strategies for using this knowledge to reduce your pain and discomfort, and to resume a more normal life." Dr. Axelbank has also suffered from TMS. (Source) Available via Phone |
| Margaret Chan, PhD (Therapist) Dr. Margaret Chan is a licensed psychologist in both New Jersey and New York with clinical experience in trauma work, developmental and health psychology since 2002. She has a joint appointment as volunteer Clinical Assistant Professor at Rutgers University and Robert Wood Johnson Medical School’s Department of Psychiatry and Family Medicine. She has presented internationally and nationally in the areas of TMS, alexithymia, trauma, short-term psychodynamic therapy and resilience. Dr. Chan frequently collaborates with Dr. Paul Gwozdz to help TMS patients. On Dr. Gwozdz's website, he writes, "I am also pleased to announce that a PhD clinical psychologist has now joined me in treating TMS patients. Dr. Margaret Chan generally sees patients in her office but is also available remotely for out-of-state and international patients. She is a short-term psychodynamic psychologist with an expertise in anger and remains intent on helping the patient to become pain free as rapidly as possible. She has been working with TMS patients since 2010 and has shown herself to be extremely effective in treating TMS patients. She has also trained under Dr. Sarno's primary psychotherapist Dr. Arlene Feinblatt." 103 Maple Ave, Suite 101 |
| Robert Paul Evans PhD (Therapist)
Available via Phone |
| Paul Gwozdz, MD (Physician) Dr. Gwozdz is a board certified family physician in New Jersey who was cured of back pain by Dr. Sarno. He changed career paths at age 40, transitioning from working as an engineer and engineering manager to starting medical school. After completing his family practice residency in 2000, Dr. Gwozdz went to NYU to train under Dr. Sarno. He now operates a family practice in New Jersey that specializes in the treatment of TMS. In helping his patients, Dr. Gwozdz follows Dr. Sarno's techniques in how he screens and diagnoses his patients, and how he structures their treatment. He also holds lectures to educate his patients about TMS. These are generally held every five weeks on Mondays at 6:00 PM (EST). (Source) Dr. Gwozdz also spoke at the first TMS conference in Ann Arbor. He frequently refers TMS patients to TMS psychologist Margaret Chan, PhD, listed above. Board Certified in Family Practice |
| Wendy Newman, LCSW (Therapist) Wendy Newman is a therapist based in Montclair, New Jersey. She has attended the 2012 conference for TMS professionals as well as master classes to further her education and training as a TMS therapist. In describing herself and her approach, she writes, “I utilize techniques drawn from short-term dynamic, psychoanalytic and mindfulness-based approaches in order to help my clients make sense of their symptoms and discover more adaptive ways to express their authentic selves.” Wendy also has a personal connection to TMS, as her husband was a patient of Dr. John Sarno's. Wendy herself has also experienced TMS in a variety of symptoms. (Source) Available via Skype for New Jersey residents |
| Steven Peskin, MD (Physician) 277 George St |
| Thomas Nordstrom, MD (Physician) Dr. Thomas Nordstrom has been a personal patient of Dr. John Sarno, using Sarno's methods for his own pain. He says “I also incorporate it [the TMS approach] in my practice with success in a high percentage of patients. It's real and works.” He has been helping people resume their normal, active lives with extensive medical knowledge and well-honed surgical skill. Dr. Nordstrom is board-certified by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and runs The Center for Orthopedic Care in New Jersey. (Source) The Center for Orthopedic Care |
New York
| Frances Sommer Anderson, PhD (Therapist)
Dr. Anderson is a licensed psychologist and holds a Certificate of Specialization in Psychoanalysis from the New York University Postdoctoral Program in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis. She has expertise in treating people with medical illness, physical disability, and trauma. Since 1979, she has specialized in treating back pain and other stress-related physical symptoms, using an approach that integrates contemporary psychoanalytic theory, research in the neuroscience of emotional and cognitive processing, and the neurobiology of attachment, pain and trauma. She is co-author of Pathways to Pain Relief, a book about how to recover from TMS. Dr. Anderson was a speaker at the 2nd Annual TMS Conference in March 2010. (Source) Available via Skype and FaceTime |
| Jay Dennett, MD (Physician) Dermatologist 10 East 85th Street, Suite 1A |
| Additional Practitioner |
| Sharon Farber, PhD (Therapist) Sharon Farber is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the states of New York and Connecticut. She also has a PhD in Clinical Social Work from New York University School of Social Work. Dr. Farber has been seeing TMS/PPD patients for over 34 years, during which time she has seen 60 TMS/PPD patients. She has also written a book about psychosomatic issues called When the Body Is the Target: Self-Ham, Pain, and Traumatic Attachments. (Source) Available via Phone |
| Arlene Feinblatt, PhD (Therapist)
Arlene Feinblatt is Clinical Assistant Professor in the New York University School of Medicine, and was on the faculty of the New York Center for Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy and the Rusk Institute. She is now in private practice, and has been approved by Dr. John Sarno to treat patients with TMS since 1973. She is a member of the American Psychological Association, the New York State Psychological Association and the American Psychosomatic Society. In the Divided Mind, Sarno says, “Arlene Feinblatt, Ph.D. has been my colleague and coworker for over thirty years. By dint of circumstance, she is a pioneer in the development of psychotherapy for psychosomatic disorders. Since no one in the field of psychology or psychiatry has had extensive experience with the musculoskeletal pain of psychosomatic origin, and since as a consequence there is no guiding literature on the subject, and in view of the fact that that this ailment represents a public health problem of major proportions, it was essential to develop appropriate psychotherapy for these patients. Dr. Feinblatt has done that job admirably. She has also trained a large cadre of therapists over the years.” (Sarno, John. The Divided Mind. HarperCollins: New York, 2006. pgs 150-151) Available via Phone |
| Kirsten Fliegler, PsyD (Therapist) Dr. Fliegler attended Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology where she earned a Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology degree. She began working with Dr. John Sarno in 1995 and continued to treat patients at the NYU Medical Center through 2003 when she began her own private practice. During her time at the NYU Medical Center Dr. Fliegler also worked alongside TMS/PPD therapist Arlene Feinblatt. In treating her patients Dr. Fliegler seeks to "help patients increase their awareness of the mechanisms by which they may distance themselves from their feelings." (Source) Available via Phone and Skype 925 Park Avenue |
| Samuel Mann, MD (Physician) Dr. Mann is a Professor of Clinical Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College. He is also an Attending Physician at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. He received his MD from State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn. His speciality is hypertension which he treats based on its cause of genetics and lifestyle. His areas of research include the treatment of hypertension, renovascular hypertension, mind-body link, particularly as related to repressed emotions. He has written a multiple publications including the book Healing Hypertension: A Revolutionary New Approach, which is about the mind/body connection. (Source) Weill Cornell |
| Lisa Morphopoulos, LCSW (Therapist) Lisa is a psychotherapist who works with individuals, couples and groups of all ages. Having recovered from TMS symptoms herself, she understands the despair and frustration that goes along with the syndrome. She says "Finding relief and being pain-free is liberating and possible. Ultimately, learning to cope with TMS will also improve the relationship that you have with yourself." (Source) Available via Phone 286 Fifth Avenue, Suite 7K (30-31) |
| Frank Padrone, PhD(Therapist) Frank Padrone was the associate director of the psychology department and director of inpatient psychological services at Rusk Institute, New York University Langone Medical Center starting in 1983. He has worked with Dr. Sarno for over 30 years and treated many of his patients. He is a clinical associate professor at New York University School of Medicine, and received a Certificate of Specialization in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis from New York University’s Post Doctoral Program. Currently he has a private practice in New York. He has been published widely on adjustment to disability, the emotional trauma of spinal cord injury, family adjustment to disability, and sexuality and disability. His psychotherapuetic interests lie in the treatment of psychophysiologic disorders, sexual functioning and physical disability, and the development of holistic approaches to treatment (Source). 1025 Northern Blvd |
| Dan Ratner, PsyD (Therapist) A former TMS sufferer himself, Dr. Ratner is an experienced psychologist specializing in the treatment of TMS patients. Dr. Ratner is currently a supervisee of TMS therapist and author Eric Sherman, PsyD and also has a professional relationship with Ira Rashbaum, MD. In describing himself, Dr. Ratner writes, “I work to help patients gain flexibility in their emotional worlds and self-concept and have found that this is a good fit with thinking about TMS as well. I work collaboratively with patients, often in a more relaxed manner, using humor, warmth, and openness to build strong connections.” (Source) Available via Phone |
| Ira Rashbaum, MD (Physician) Dr Rashbaum is a Clinical Professor of medicine at the New York University School of Medicine and an attending physiatrist at the Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine in New York City. He has treated numerous patients with TMS since 1993. He was a former student of Dr Sarno's and was a contributing author to Dr Sarno's The Divided Mind. (Source) Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine |
| John Sarno, MD (Physician) Dr. Sarno passed away in June, 2017. His New York Time obituary can be read here. His listing here is preserved as a tribute. Please see our project, www.thankyoudrsarno.org for additional tributes from our community. Dr. John Sarno is an American physician and former professor of Rehabilitation Medicine at New York University Medical Center, and is the original proponent of TMS theory. Dr. Sarno earned his medical degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1950, and in 1965 joined the staff at the Howard A. Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine at New York University Medical Center, where he worked up until he retired in April 2012 (source). It was while he was at the Rusk Institute that Dr. Sarno discovered TMS. Since the 1970s and through his retirement in April 2012, Dr. Sarno claims to have treated over 11,000 patients. Of these 11,000, he estimates that he has cured over 90%. He is the bestselling author of four books on TMS and the mindbody connection: Mind Over Back Pain, Healing Back Pain, The Mindbody Prescription, and The Divided Mind. With the exception of Mind Over Back Pain, all of Dr. Sarno's books are available in at least four different languages (source). Dr. Sarno has has trained many physicians and therapists on how to diagnose and treat patients with TMS, including Dr. Frances Sommer Anderson, Dr. Arlene Feinblatt, Dr. Ira Rashbaum, and Dr. Peter Zafirides. Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine |
| Eric Sherman, PsyD (Therapist
Dr. Eric Sherman is a licensed psychologist practicing in New York City. He completed his clinical internship at The Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine of New York University Langone Medical Center and served on the staff of Rusk's Psychophysiological Pain Program. Dr. Sherman currently has a full-time private practice treating adults in psychoanalysis and individual psychotherapy. While on staff at The Rusk Institute, he trained psychology interns in the evaluation and treatment of psychophysiological pain disorders. He is co-author of Pathways to Pain Relief: Treating TMS pain in which he presents clinical case material to illustrate how musculoskeletal pain and other psychophysiological disorders can originate from psychological experiences as a means to protect an individual from unbearable emotional distress. Eric Sherman was a speaker at the 2nd Annual TMS Conference in March 2010. He gave two presentations entitled, "The Psychology of Mind-Bod Disorders," and "A Psychodynamic Model for Resolving Physical Pain, Based on the Work of Dr. John Sarno." (Source 1, Source 2) Available via Phone |
| Daniel Schidlowsky, LCSW (Therapist) To introduce himself in his TMS Therapist Survey Response, Daniel writes, "I am a therapist in NYC and a former patient of Dr. Sarno’s. It has been a dream of mine since beginning my own healing journey to help others heal from these symptoms. My own healing journey, along with my work as a therapist, has led me to exploring various treatment modalities including CBT, mindfulness, and Somatic Experiencing. I have a particular interest in how dissociation of varying degrees relates to the development of psychosomatic symptoms. I am so blessed to be in a position to help others on their journey of healing. I am based in New York City and am happy to work with people outside of NYC through Skype or other online platforms." Available via Skype |
| Roy Stern Seidenberg, MD (Physician) A dermatologist who has worked with Dr. Sarno. 317 East 34th St, 5th Floor |
| Laurel Steinberg, PhD, LMHC (Therapist) Dr. Laurel Steinberg is a psychotherapist treating individuals, couples, and families in New York City and Long Island. She has a personal connection to TMS/PPD, as her father suffered from chronic back pain until meeting Dr. Sarno. Dr. Steinberg completely overcame years of symptoms of migraine, which were partially triggered by TMS/PPD. She writes, "I understand the sadness, worry, isolation and frustration that one can experience when they feel ill all the time...If you are suffering with TMS, I want you to know that you, too, can overcome whatever symptoms you are currently experiencing." (Source). Dr. Steinberg is an integrative therapist who fuses cognitive and dynamic techniques with Mindfulness to best help TMS/PPD patients. (Source). Available via Phone and Zoom for Coaching Consultations (917) 574-0825 |
| J. Weltin, MD (Physician) Monsey, New York |
North Carolina
| Bruce C. Hill, MD, FACR (Physician) 300 Billingsley Road, Suite 204 |
Ohio
| Peter Zafirides, MD (Physician) Dr. Peter Zafirides is a psychiatrist in Columbus, Ohio. He is President and Co-Founder of Central Ohio Behavioral Medicine (COBM). Established in 1997, COBM is a premier behavioral healthcare practice with a multidisciplinary staff of MD, NP, RN, PhD, LISW, and LPCC clinicians. Dr Zafirides is also Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry at Ohio State University. Dr. Zafirides' specific interest is in the psychiatric aspects of chronic pain management. He been published in this area of Psychiatry. Dr. Zafirides continues to be an active speaker on Psychiatric Aspects of Chronic Pain, speaking both nationally and internationally on this subject. Dr. Zafirides has incorporated core TMS principles along with his orientation in existential psychotherapy as part of his psychiatric practice for the last 10 years. Several years ago, Dr Zafirides was fortunate enough to have spent time in New York personally learning from Dr. Sarno. 5025 Arlington Centre Boulevard, #500 |
| John Nadas, MD (Physician) Canton, Ohio |
| Additional Practitioner |
Oregon
| Additional Practitioner |
| Dave Clarke, MD (Physician) Dr Clarke is a clinical assistant professor of medicine emeritus at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), a clinical lecturer with Pacific University, is board-certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine and practiced Gastroenterology in Portland, Oregon from 1984 to 2009. He has frequently appeared on TV and radio. He says,“In 1983 I encountered a patient whose illness baffled two universities. She was cured with a few months of counseling by a psychiatrist who shared her methods of diagnosis and treatment. Subsequently I used and further developed her concepts to help over 7000 patients. My book for patients, They Can't Find Anything Wrong!, was published in 2007, enthusiastically endorsed by leading medical school professors and even translated into Hebrew for publication in Israel. I closed my practice after July, 2009 to travel the US teaching health care professionals and the public how to uncover and manage the hidden stresses that are capable of causing physical illness. I have also done over 100 television and radio broadcasts since the Fall of 2007. My long-term goal is to make stress illness a routine part of the education of health care professionals.” Dr. Clarke was also a speaker at the 2nd Annual TMS Conference March 2010. His presentation was entitled "Connecting Stress to Physical Symptoms." (Source 1, Source 2) Clinical Assistant Professor of Gastroenterology Main Wiki Page About David Clarke |
| Serena Sterling, PsyD (Therapist) Dr. Sterling received her master's and doctorate in clinical psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies. To introduce herself, she writes, "Serena Sterling is a mind-body coach who uses her education, training, and experience in clinical psychology to help her clients understand why they're thinking, feeling, and behaving in certain ways and combines that with coaching to keep people accountable to their goals. Using mind-body stress reduction techniques, including Neuro Emotional Technique and PSYCH-K in addition to her training in TMS, she can quickly help her clients identify and release the underlying emotional root issue causing physical or emotional pain. Serena is also the author of Pain: A Love Story, which explores her own story of developing juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at a young age due to repressing her emotions, how she alleviated her symptoms, and describes client cases of how she works with people to alleviate mind-body disorders. All sessions are done remotely." (Source) Available via Zoom |
Pennsylvania
| Randy Cohen, DO (Physician) Pain Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialists |
| Miriam Franco, LCSW, PsyD (Therapist) 328 S. Devon Ave |
| Larry Montemurro, PhD (Therapist) 902 West Main St |
Tennessee
| Alicia B. Batson, MD (Physician) Dr. Batson is a board-certified psychiatrist based in Nashville. She received her dual-training in internal medicine and psychiatry at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics. Dr. Batson also has personal experience with TMS, overcoming ten years of physical symptoms using the mindbody approach. In her survey response, she writes, “Having experienced debilitating MBS/TMS symptoms myself for 10 years before finding help, I fully understand what my patients are going through and am able to guide them in their recovery.” Dr. Batson provides diagnostic, educational, and therapeutic services. (Source) Centerstone of Tennessee, Inc |
| Matthew McClanahan, DO, MA (Physician) Dr. McClanahan is an osteopathic physician working for CHI-Memorial’s Integrative Medicine Associates, in downtown Chattanooga. Among numerous interests including primary care and neuromusculoskeletal medicine – both of which he is board certified in – he feels that the critical factor is to make the appropriate diagnosis, whether a patient’s presenting symptoms are related peripherally to tissue damage, centrally to autonomic windup and facilitation of protective psychophysiologic nerve pathways, or a mix of the two. As he puts it, “Being both a generalist in primary care and a specialist in neuromusculoskeletal medicine, I’m attuned to the complexities of normal physiology and normal anatomy, in addition to addressing them both from a standard western model (labs, imaging, medications, etc) and from an osteopathic paradigm (manual medicine, injections [steroid and regenerative], when to refer for rehab/surgery, and when/how to determine that we treat causes rather than symptoms). When it comes to good medical care, looking at each patient’s unique, contextual experience and health is incredibly valuable, and often overlooked in the rush of the standard medical model. In the work I do looking internally, as much or more than fixating on externals, is the essence of holistic, integrative, or “natural” medicine, as true health always flows from the inside-out. There are no side effects from changing your brain!” (Source) Center for Insight Medicine |
| Christopher Vinsant, MD (Physician) 501 20th Street Suite 606 |
Texas
| Jonna Lee Barta, PhD (Therapist) Dr. Barta is a licensed psychologist. She says "I have an individual private practice and I enjoy working with clients diagnosed with PPD / TMS. I generally require that any outstanding physical conditions are ruled out first by a physician. Consulting a medical doctor who treats or understands PPD / TMS may be warranted, but in general the client can consult any doctor of their choice. It is generally recommended that clients read Dr. Sarno's books or information written by other experts in the field before starting therapy. It is best that the client has tried the suggested methods for treatment first (journaling, using Dr. Schechter's MindBody Workbook, practicing learned techniques) before beginning treatment for PPD / TMS given they may experience symptom relief from these efforts. I received specialized training (a portion of my internship training, 1 year post doctoral training and 4 subsequent years of practice) working with clients diagnosed with chronic pain syndrome from a conservative pain management perspective. Although this treatment model is different from a psychosomatic approach, this training has given me a greater understanding of the full spectrum of pain disorders and the etiologies of pain."(Source) 8117 Preston Road, Ste. 300,
Dallas, TX 75225 |
| MaryAnn Schaffer, PhD (Therapist) One Killeen Center |
| John Sklar, MD (Physician) Dr. John Sklar practices Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation in Fort Worth, Texas. He has been treating TMS for 20 years. Here he reviews "The Presence Process" by Michael Brown. "In it is a very good description of the cause/source of our unconscious conflicts (the one's that result in TMS). Then a 10 week process is described which will begin to allow the unconscious material to be integrated/digested. I believe that it describes the single best TMS treatment protocol on the planet (and I am not one to throw about such words lightly). At any rate you should be aware of this material. I have showed it to DR. Sarno who was initially quite skeptical (after I described it to him) but later was quite impressed. He believes it is great description of the source of repressed emotions (one of "the best" that he has seen)." (Source) Board Certified in Physical Medicine/Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine |
Virginia
| Carol L. Koenig, MD (Physician) Belle Haven, Virginia |
| Lisa Barr, MD (Physician) 5665 Lowery Road Suite 100 |
Washington
| Gail DiBernardo, LCSW (Deceased) |
| David Hanscom, MD (Physician) Dr. Hanscom is an orthopedic spine surgeon based in Seattle specializing in complex spinal defomity and failed backs. He writes that his personal experience overcoming chronic pain and anxiety using mindbody principles pushed him to pursue mindbody treatment practices with his patients. Through this personal experience and from treating patients, Dr. Hanscom writes that he found that “surgery was always less than half of the solution...as chronic pain is a neurological diagnosis and rarely a structural problem surgery is seldom effective. It is my feeling that over half of spine surgeries should never be performed” (Source). Dr. Hanscom notes that although he integrates mindbody principles into his treatment approach, his “practice is limited to surgical referrals from another spine specialist such as a physiatrist or surgeon” (Source) Dr. Hanscom is also the author of the TMS/MBS book Back in Control: A Spine Surgeon’s Roadmap Out of Chronic Pain, published in 2012. Swedish Neuroscience Specialists |
| Ann Silvers, MA (Therapist) 1013 140th Street Court NW |
| Mark Strom, MD (Physician) Dr Strom has practiced medicine for more than 25 years. He served as chief of cardiac and thoracic surgery at Garfield Medical Center in Los Angeles and is an Associate in Surgery, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, at UCLA. Widely published, Dr. Strom is a nationally renowned expert in the fields of healthcare information systems, healthcare change and healthcare quality. While continuing to practice as a cardiovascular surgeon, Strom became deeply involved in the search for a solution to the burgeoning healthcare crisis in America. In 2005 Strom spent time with Dr. John Sarno at the Rusk Institute for Rehabilitative Medicine learning Dr. Sarno's unique approach to chronic pain (Tension Myositis Syndrome). The confluence of Strom's experience in these three crucial areas - traditional clinical medicine, medical acupuncture and TMS - has inspired his distinctive view of healthcare delivery, based on a fusion of the applicable tenets of all three. "We must give patients more responsibility for their own care; and most importantly, we must give both doctors and patients a doctor/patient relationship." (Source) 1370 Stewart Street |
Wisconsin
| Luke Fortney MD (Physician) Assistant Professor |
| Douglas Hoffman MD (Physician) 11134 North State Road 77 |
| Roman Y. Kaplan, MD (Physician) Oshkosh, Wisconsin |
| David Johnson, MD (Physician) Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
| Nancy Selfridge, MD (Physician)
Sun Prairie, Wisconsin |
World (non-US)
Australia
| James Alexander, PhD (Therapist) 115 Keen St |
| Mary Bayles, MSW (Therapist) Mary Bayles has 25 years experience in the field of psychology. She earned a Bachelor's degree from the University of New South Wales and a master's in social work from New York University in 1988. She also earned a Certificate of Specialization in Psychoanalysis from the National Institute for the Psychotherapies. Mary Bayles was introduced to TMS from Frances Sommer Anderson in 1999 and studied under Dr. Anderson. 2/102 Crown St |
| Additional Australia Practitioner |
| Therese Mortlock (Therapist) Therese has over 20 years of experience as a psychotherapist in Australia. She writes that her special interest is "trauma and complex trauma with workplace bullying and chronic pain as other areas of interest very much related to distressing and traumatic life events." Therese is an EMDR Accredited Practitioner, and writes that she finds the therapy helpful in TMS treatment. (Source) Available via Phone and Skype |
Canada
| Sean Graham, DC (Therapist) Satori Integrative Health Centre |
| Allen Kaplin, MD (ISTDP Therapist) 27 Arnold Crescent |
Germany
| Nir Brosh, MD (Physician) Dr. Brosh is a physician, and describes himself as "a medical doctor since 2006, and practicing both in Berlin, Germany where my main clinic is located, as well as in Israel. After suffering myself from TMS and healing through Dr. Sarno's work, I have shifted the focus of my work with patients to be based mostly on Mind-Body principles. I also base treatments on natural ways of healing, combining nutrition, supplements, herbs and lifestyle changes to optimize health and reverse disease processes. " (Source) Available via Skype Phone: +493089069269 |
Ireland
| Additional Ireland Practitioner |
Israel
| Nir Brosh, MD (Physician) Dr. Brosh is a physician, and describes himself as "a medical doctor since 2006, and practicing both in Berlin, Germany where my main clinic is located, as well as in Israel. After suffering myself from TMS and healing through Dr. Sarno's work, I have shifted the focus of my work with patients to be based mostly on Mind-Body principles. I also base treatments on natural ways of healing, combining nutrition, supplements, herbs and lifestyle changes to optimize health and reverse disease processes. " (Source) Available via Skype Phone: +972722713193 |
Italy
| Andrea Bariselli (ISTDP Therapist) Centro Clinico Brescia |
United Kingdom
| Liz Dyde, BACP (Therapist) Lifeways Complementary Health Centre Available via Phone |
| Louise Levy (Therapist) Louise has a Master's degree in Guidance Counseling and diplomas in both Clinical Advanced Hypnotherapy and Cognitive Behavioral Hypno-Psychotherapy (Hypno-CBT). Louise was one of the first practitioners to go through the SIRPA Practitioner Training Programme with Georgie Oldfield, MCSP, and became an Advanced Specialist of Chronic Pain in 2011. She says, “Working as a therapist means I am consulted on a range of conditions affecting the mind and the body. I am particularly passionate about supporting people with TMS and chronic pain as I myself suffered from severe TMS back pain for 12 years.” Louise offers both face to face and telephone consultations. Available via Phone |
| Toireasa McCann, CABP (Therapist) Integrative Body Psychotherapist |
| Georgina Oldfield, MCSP (Physiotherapist) Georgie Oldfield is a physiotherapist based in the UK. She is the founder of SIRPA (The Stress Illness Recovery Practitioners Association), an organization dedicated to educating and training practitioners and other professionals in TMS treatment. Georgie is the organizer of SIRPA's inaugural conference, “Chronic Pain: to suppress, manage, or cure?”. Georgie is the author of the 2014 TMS book Chronic Pain: Your Key to Recovery, which includes information about TMS as well as worksheets and exercises and stories from people who successfully overcame their TMS. She has also developed an online recovery program as well as a recovery CD, and runs monthly clinics in London. In her survey response, Georgie writes:
A physiotherapist is very similar to a doctor, in that they can make diagnoses and order medical tests. A physiotherapist in the UK is very similar to a Physical Therapist in the United States. Available via Phone and Skype Testimonials Lettuce Dance said, "I eventually went to see Georgie Oldfield in Huddersfield in Yorkshire. It was a bit of a slog getting there, but it was well worth it. (Even filling out the pre-appointment assessment on my family, background and past illnesses was very revealing.) I visited her in February, and felt an immediate improvement. For me, the fact that she comes from a physiotherapy background, and thoroughly understands the mechanics of one's body, was very helpful. I chose to do her programme, which I followed in a fairly informal fashion, as I was bogged down with a big work project at the time. The programme included a series of follow-up appointments, which we did via Skype: these were really good. She went to great lengths to help me. I found her sympathetic and professional." |
| Jane Parkinson, UKCP (Therapist) Jane Parkinson is a registered psychoanalytic psychotherapist in the United Kingdom. She trained at the Bowlby Centre and has over twenty years of clinical experience, 7 of those years has involved patients with TMS. In October of 2012, she attended the PPDA Conference: When Stress Causes Pain, where she developed relationships with other TMS practitioners. Parkinson uses an Attachment-based form of psychotherapy that has at its core an understanding of the importance of relationships to human growth and development throughout life. In addition, she works with TMS physician Nick Straiton, and does conduct therapy sessions using Skype.(Source) Available via Phone and Skype |
| Additional UK Practitioner |
| Nicholas Straiton, MBBS (Physician) Dr. Straiton is an English doctor based in Brighton. He writes: “I am a medical practitioner and registered osteopath who works in the NHS but also has a private practice where I treat patients suffering from musculo-skeletal disorders. For the last ten years I have been working in the NHS for the Back Pain Service at the local hospital. I have always been interested in psychosomatic medicine and a few years ago a psychotherapist colleague introduced me to Dr Sarno's books. His description of the frustration of working in a hospital environment where high tech investigations and treatment strategies fail to alleviate many people suffering from back pain mirrored exactly my own experience . I became fascinated by his approach and eventually went out to New York to sit in at his clinics at the Rusk institute in order to learn first hand the process that he uses to diagnose and treat patients with TMS. This experience was truly valuable and enriching to the degree that I would say that my practice has changed significantly since that time. I believe that many, but not all, of patients suffering with chronic back pain are manifesting emotional distress through a physical symptom and for any long lasting relief to be achieved the factors relevant to this distress need to be recognised and addressed.” (Source) Dr. Straiton also works at the Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine. This is an NHS hospital, which means that patients can be referred him for TMS treatment at the hospital without having to pay. Available via Phone |
| Additional UK Practitioner |
| DISCLAIMER: The TMS Wiki is for informational and support purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. See Full Disclaimer. |
