Survey Response: Lisa Morphopoulos, LCSW
This survey was last updated in May 2009.
Degrees/Licenses Held: L.C.S.W.
License number: R051831-1
Contact Information: (212) 642-5424
TMS Wiki username (if applicable): LisaMorphopoulos
Number of years in practice: since 1995
Number of years in practice with patients who have TMS: since 2004
Number of patients you have seen who have had TMS:
A number of people have sought me out specifically for the treatment of TMS. I have been working with a good portion of my existing practice on TMS and TMS related symptoms since I first learned about the condition in 2004.
Do you work with other professionals when helping TMS patients? If so, please describe.
I have referred patients to dermatologists and a gastroenterologist who have worked with Dr. Sarno. I regularly consult with a colleague (and suite mate) of mine who is also familiar with Dr. Sarno.
How did you first become interested in TMS?
All at once, my suite mate, a neighbor and a friend's parent told me about TMS. You know the saying, when you're ready to hear it, the message will come in loud and clear.
Have you ever suffered from TMS? (optional)
Yes, it was the worst chronic pain, horrible and consuming. And, as Dr. Sarno says, you can be pain free.
What insurance plans do you currently accept?
I am not on any insurance panels, though many do reimburse a percentage for sessions billing me as an "out-of-network provider".
Do you have a sliding scale of payment for people who are not covered by insurance?
A reduced fee is negotiable, though the fee is already relatively reasonable.
What steps should TMS clients take before contacting you?
Reading Dr. Sarno's Mindbody Prescription could be helpful.
Have you published any materials related to TMS?
I have written an unpublished list that can be used as a guide.
What have you done to educate yourself about TMS, and what plans do you have for further education about TMS?
I have read all of Dr. Sarno's books several times and researched his work online. Also, I attended his weekly group meetings for the first year after visiting him. Thereafter I have gone to his monthly alumni panel meetings on and off since 2004. This website as well as Kim Ruby's site are informative. Lately, some books I've been checking out that circumvent Dr. Sarno's succinct teachings are:
- Herbert Weiner's Perturbing the Organism: The Biology of Stressful Experience
- Skin Deep; A Mind/Body Program for Healthy Skin by Grossbart and Sherman
- Tara Brach's Radical Self-Acceptance (see pg.302)
- Blink by Malcolm Gladwell (pg.51)
- The Presence Process by Michael Brown
- What if...? My Story of Panic Attacks by K.C. Rinehart
- The Body Never Lies by Alice Miller
Are you able to conduct therapy sessions over the phone? Yes
As we are going to post your answers on the TMS Wiki, feel free to write some text to introduce yourself:
Hello, I am a psychotherapist who works with individuals, couples and groups of all ages. Having recovered from TMS symptoms myself, I understand the despair and frustration that goes along with the syndrome. 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.
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