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phillyjoe
USA
21 Posts |
 Posted - 07/01/2005 : 10:29:24
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| Greetings from a 5 year survivor of TMS. I often struggle with passing the Sarno method to others. I have a friend with back problems who does not fit the traditional TMS profile. If anything he is the complete opposite of me. He is open minded about things but I'm uncomfortable with providing him with TMS info. Should I just send him an email with this web page, tell him about the book, any suggestions and methods to approcahing others would be appreciated. Thanks. |
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Carolyn
184 Posts |
Posted - 07/01/2005 : 14:24:31
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I think all you can do is make them aware of the TMS theory, maybe tell them your story and then the rest is really up to them. My husband has a realative who has been housebound with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for 5 years. I do not know him that well but I have thought about just dropping the book in the mail to him annonymously. Sometimes people are just so defensive if you give them the book like you are invalidating their disability by suggesting they can control it. I just wonder if people might be more receptive to the idea if it doesn't require them to admit to the messangere that they believe it might be somehow in their mind. It's only important that they admit it to themselves after all.
Carolyn |
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n/a
560 Posts |
Posted - 07/01/2005 : 15:18:36
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I think when first introduced to the idea of TMS it is almost universally rejected at first. We are victims of our educational system which teaches us - thanks to the likes of Rene Decartes - that there is no connection between the mind and the body and that all physical symptoms have a physical cause. This is one reason why that many of us (at least I will speak for myself) make slow progress in our recovery.
If people don't want to believe then you cannot force them, and if you do try to force them they may dig their heels in further and become more stubborn than ever. |
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alanc
USA
18 Posts |
Posted - 07/01/2005 : 20:03:19
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| I have found that diet and health are very personal areas where you cannot lead a person unless they really want to go there. Tough to tell someone their diet is wrong, as well as health practices. Everyone thinks they are dong ight for themselves. Only when they are searching is there an inclination to persuade. You are addressing their body, the one thing they have said total control over. BTW, Peter you have had some great posts. One of my biggest problems is not having the time to think psychological, you have to force yourself do it. |
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amymae
12 Posts |
Posted - 07/01/2005 : 20:59:23
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Hi there, I agree that it is difficult to approach someone, even a close friend, w/ Sarno's theory. However, worst case scenario is that they don't accept the theory. I was slightly apprehensive about sharing it w/ others, for fear that they wouldn't understand and think I was some sort of freakshow, but I have shared it w/ a couple of people. For the most part, they've been receptive. I think it would be best to explain your own experience, and to definitely not diminish the severity of the pain they are suffering from.
Good luck to you and your friend.
amy |
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Jim1999
USA
210 Posts |
Posted - 07/01/2005 : 21:58:31
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PhillyJoe,
Welcome to the group!
Yes, it can be a struggle to tell others, because so many people will reject Dr. Sarno. Still, some will accept his ideas and get better, and that makes it worthwhile.
How bad are your friend's back problems? If they're only moderately bad, he might not feel motiviated to try something as "strange" as Sarno.
Assuming his back problems are bad, I would suggest talking to him in person. Tell your story, mentioning how the book helped you and others. Make it clear that Sarno says that the pain is physical, not imaginary. Don't be too pushy. See if he asks you to write down the name of the book for him, or offer to loan him your book. If he rejects Sarno now, perhaps there will be a time later when he will be more open.
Jim |
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Allan
USA
226 Posts |
Posted - 07/04/2005 : 19:19:37
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phillyjoe.
I would give the book to your friend. When one has everything to gain and nothing to lose, it is usually best to do it.
I gave the book to several persons with little success before I found a little secret. Tell them beforehand that the author/Dr. Sarno says that the pain is real and that it is not in your head.
It helps to precondition them.
Allan.
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Helping a friend
