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Allan
USA
226 Posts |
 Posted - 12/13/2007 : 18:51:34
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Dr. Clarke's reply, "It is common for me to treat someone with counseling alone," tells a lot about his different (and successful) approach to resolving pain.
The forum is full of posts describing partial but incomplete progress and the well known problem of "the pain comes back."
It appears that Dr. Sarno's "knowledge is the penicillin" proposal is not enougth. It may solve the problem in some cases but not all.
Dr. Clarke maintains that the emotions that create the stress must be uncovered. Sometimes this is sufficient as illustrated in his case studies, but sometimees further action is required. Some of his actions are very creative but nevertheless effective. This is an excellent book for understanding the complete process to resolving TMS pain. His desire is that it be a self help book.
Dr. Clarke has been successful in treating patients with stress illness at the rate of 400 per year for 20 years.
In his chapter in The Divided Mind, Dr. Sopher is saddened in that most of his patients (80%) reject the Dr. Sarno theory. Any of us who have tried to spread the word run into the "It's not in my head" response. Dr. Clarke avoids all this. He call it stress illness, something most patients can all relate to and understand. From there he takes a patient history to uncover the emotions. If necessary, he recommends action. The case histories are facinating.
This book is a treat. It is a page turner. It is also one of the most helpful books on the subject of TMS. I predict that it will becomd a classic.
Allan
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golden_girl
United Kingdom
128 Posts |
Posted - 12/13/2007 : 21:05:05
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I just wanted to second what Allan said - for example, Dr Clarke's book is a much easier read than Sarno books. The reservoir of rage can be a difficult thing to accept - stress illness makes it much more comprehensible.
I don't agree however, that depression and anxiety are causes of physical problems (although one may come before a physical problem as it did in my case) I believe they're symptoms of the same stresses.
Even though in the book it seems that a lot of the case stories had an almost immediate cessation of their problems on writing a letter to their parents, or realising that specific stresses were causing their physical problems - it certainly gives hope to those who are suffering when 'They Can't Find Anything Wrong'.
I read your book, Dr Clarke, and I wish I had a doctor like you 
ps I think it's wonderful that you live in Happy Valley 
"F.E.A.R.
Forgive Everyone And Remember
For Everything A Reason"
Ian Brown |
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painintheneck
USA
124 Posts |
Posted - 12/13/2007 : 22:29:20
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I'm anxiously awaiting the book but Holiday shipping is making things slower than normal darn it. Sounds like it will be worth the read.
I know some of my symptoms are directly related to stresses and trauma's I have still yet find a way to feel like I have gotten through and I welcome any help to make changes. |
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Dr Dave
USA
53 Posts |
Posted - 12/14/2007 : 16:53:38
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I am grateful for the supportive posts. Having over 7000 courageous patients share the most difficult details of their lives has enabled me to understand this condition in a lot of depth. Almost the first thing I learned was that stress illness (my term for TMS) is NOT in someone's head. The symptoms are just as real as those caused by any other disease such as ulcers, gallstones and inflamed bowels (which I also diagnose and treat regularly). I also agree with Golden Girl that depression and anxiety usually (though not always) result from other stresses. They also tend to make symptoms worse when they occur.
I appreciate seeing the reactions from those who read my book. Your ideas help enormously in my communication with the public. |
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golden_girl
United Kingdom
128 Posts |
Posted - 12/15/2007 : 07:16:40
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Dr Clarke, I forgot to ask, if I may - what kind of counselling do you refer your patients for? I'm assuming not CBT, so would it be conventional talk therapy, or psychoanalysis or..?
"F.E.A.R.
Forgive Everyone And Remember
For Everything A Reason"
Ian Brown |
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Dr Dave
USA
53 Posts |
Posted - 12/15/2007 : 12:33:52
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[quote]Originally posted by golden_girl
Dr Clarke, I forgot to ask, if I may - what kind of counselling do you refer your patients for? I'm assuming not CBT, so would it be conventional talk therapy, or psychoanalysis or..?
I don't refer to specific Mental Health clinicians. I recommend my patients contact a few mental health professionals, describe the issues they are struggling with and inquire about the practitioner's interest & expertise in that area. It is essential that you feel a personal compatibility with a therapist. Having said that, my experience has led to a bias away from psychoanalysis, away from CBT (though this is effective for some anxiety disorders) and toward those who understand the long-term impact of childhood stresses. |
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