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forestfortrees
393 Posts |
 Posted - 07/16/2009 : 19:00:18
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Hi everyone, I'm currently working with Dr. Schubiner, Dr. Schechter, Dr. Clarke, Dr. Stracks and Alan Gordon to organize a conference about TMS for next year. The last TMS conference was just for TMS professionals, but for this one, they want to have a portion of it be for patients. Everything is extremely tentative at the moment -- we haven't even chosen a location yet -- but the other members of the group asked me to put the word out to the TMS community and ask the following questions:- Would you be interested in going to a conference like this?
- What sort of events would you like to see at the conference?
Let's all put our thinking caps on and brainstorm what we would like to have at the conference! The doctors and therapists who are organizing it are really very interested in hearing our feedback. Dr. Schubiner even said, "let's have the patients come up with a design for the conference." This makes a lot of sense to me, because we know what sort of event we would want to go to.
We have an awful lot to work with. At 86, I don't think that anyone could blame Dr. Sarno for not participating, so I don't think that we can count on him (for example, he didn't attend the last conference in Ann Arbor). However, just about everyone else in the TMS world will probably be there. What would everyone like to see?
Forest
tmswiki.org |
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forestfortrees
393 Posts |
Posted - 07/16/2009 : 19:05:32
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I also brought the subject up on the TMS Wiki's mailing list, and took notes on the ideas people suggested, as well as adding a bunch of ideas of my own. Here's the link to the notes. (Incidentally, if anyone wants to join the wiki's email list, just drop me a line at "for est@ tmswiki. org" (remove the 3 spaces).) For your convenience, I'm also pasting the current version of the notes in here:
General Notes:
* We might want to have two different sessions. The first would be the basics for people who are new to TMS and would be similar to the lectures that several doctors give. The second session would be for people who have already read several books and perhaps watched one of the introductory lectures. Attendees could choose one or go to both, paying accordingly (you pay less per session if you go to both). Most of the following ideas would focus on the second session because it will be more challenging to design.
General Talks:
* "New Research Documenting the Neuro-Psycho-Biological Basis of TMS," by Howard Schubiner (this would be similar to the talk that he gave in Ann Arbor, but designed for patients.)
* A success stories patient panel
* A TMS psychotherapist talking about the role of psychotherapy in TMS treatment.
* Howard Schubiner could lead a meditation seminar for everyone.
* Presentation by a celebrity who has recovered from TMS.
Possible celebrity participants: (each name is linked to a web page that describes how the person has TMS and feels grateful for Dr. Sarno's ideas)
* Howard Stern
* 20/20 producer John Stossel
* TV Producer and comedian Jannette Barber
* WBAL TV 11 Sports Director Gerry Sandusky
* Pro golfer Ben Crane
Specific Symptom/Diagnosis talks:
* (Perhaps we could have breakout sessions for this, where different sessions would run at the same time, each focusing on a different symptom or diagnosis. People could go to the ones that were most interesting to them.)
* Nancy Selfridge on TMS and Fibromyalgia (click here and scroll down for info about Nancy).
* Abigail Steidley on pelvic pain ( http: //vulvodyniacoach.wordpress.com/ )
* Marc Sopher on running and TMS ( http: //www. tms-mindbodymedicine.com/ )
* talks on other specific symptoms and diagnoses could be given by teams made up of a recovered patient who had that symptom or diagnosis and a doctor comfortable with treating that symptom or diagnosis.
Activism ideas:
* Writing letters (using templates we provide) to your doctor(s), telling them about TMS.
* Activism brainstorming session: "coordinating activism by patients and professionals."
Forest
tmswiki.org |
Edited by - forestfortrees on 07/16/2009 21:34:58 |
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Peg
USA
284 Posts |
Posted - 07/16/2009 : 20:21:25
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Great work Forest
I think this will be an important step forward in promoting the recognition of this life changing information. I see attending a conference such as this as a way to be part of history in the making. To make a public statement to the medical community, the public, the media and the country that this approach has real value, and should be considered a viable treatment option.
As far as ideas for the conference:
How about workshops teaching the skills which help to resolve tms
1. Meditation (already mentioned)
2. Journaling tips and techniques
3. Inner child dialogue
4. Self-esteem
5. "What is thinking psychological?"
6. Laughter as the best medicine
7. Stress reduction techniques
8. Learning self care skills
9. Finding balance
10. Healing Trauma
I'll keep thinking
In questions of science, the authority of a thousand is not worth the humble reasoning of a single individual. Galileo Galilei |
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forestfortrees
393 Posts |
Posted - 07/17/2009 : 13:51:33
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Thanks! I'll add your ideas to the list!
Anyone else?
Forest
Forest
tmswiki.org |
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scd1833
USA
124 Posts |
Posted - 07/17/2009 : 21:09:15
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how about:
difficult cases w/ multiple symptoms
TMS factors in auto immune disease, cancer etc.
i'll think of more later i'm sure
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PRCalDude
49 Posts |
Posted - 07/18/2009 : 16:07:00
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Forest,
This is a good idea, but my personal experience is that some of the doctors only want people with 'MD' after their last name to do the theorizing on TMS treatment.
Given the deficiencies in Sarno's treatment methods for roughly 50% of the people, I suspect he and his various medical doctor proteges are very insular and not really open to feedback from patients.
Schubiner appears to be the guy to pick up Sarno's ball and run with it, as he appears open to feedback. Many of the others may have their egos too attached to their methods to be open-minded, but it all depends. |
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Brenda
USA
11 Posts |
Posted - 07/18/2009 : 16:49:02
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Forest--
I think this is great idea!
I had one thought when I read your post, depending on where it would be held, and assuming we all couldn't get there, maybe there could be satelite locations throughout the country where it could be Skyped in...
That way everyone could still participate...
Just a thought...
Thanks for all your doing!
Brenda |
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pandamonium
United Kingdom
202 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2009 : 09:37:22
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PRcaldude,
I think when the doctors had their first conference they may have agreed that they only wanted MDs to theorise. But this conference is a testament to their openmindedness by inviting patients and working closely with Forest. Feedback from their conference (on hearing about this community and the wiki) was that they had no idea how powerful the patients involvement could be in helping new TMSers become pain free.
Panda
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A beginner's guide to psychology: If it's not your mum's fault.... it's your dad's... |
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forestfortrees
393 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2009 : 16:55:24
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Thanks so much for your ideas, everyone! I will make sure to pass them along. I've already updated the online notes.
PRCalDude, in my experience with the doctors, they've all been quite open minded. I think that there is a broad understanding that no individual thinker has a monopoly on the truth. Just as Freud dominated the field of psychology early on and a great deal of work has been done since then (an example that we all know is that Sarno disagrees with him in some questions), I think that people understand that our understanding of TMS will evolve over time. In a young field like TMS, I think that it's a mistake to think that "we've got it all figured out." Further, the TMS docs that I have worked with all strike me as very independent thinkers.
The trend in medicine seems to be toward "evidence based" (i.e. scientifically grounded) approaches. There are a number of studies going on, and I think that people are very interested in seeing the outcomes, to see what we can learn from them.
Forest
tmswiki.org |
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Pd245
58 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2009 : 17:07:21
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I'd probably fly anywhere to see someone model, as an example, how they deal with TMS pain throughout the day. So, basically they would speak outloud their thought processes as they challenge and then conquer the pain, in different scenarios, and in different levels of fear and pain. To see the internal battle that goes on, by someone who has won the battle, would be incredible!
Not sure this is possible, but I think it would be incredibly powerful to see. |
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forestfortrees
393 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2009 : 17:10:52
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Another question... of the people who think they might be able to go, would you be more interested in something that lasted an afternoon, a whole day, or several days? We don't know where it will be held yet, but for the moment let's assume that it will be NYC.
Forest
tmswiki.org |
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Brenda
USA
11 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2009 : 19:10:36
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Hi Forest---
I would say at least a two day seminar....that way it wouldn't be so rushed...especially if you have several speakers and Doctor's...
Hopefully it can be held somewhere central, and not a real expensive city...
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HilaryN
United Kingdom
879 Posts |
Posted - 07/20/2009 : 10:08:58
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Brenda,
I think that's a great idea about people being able to attend remotely.
quote:
(pd245)So, basically they would speak outloud their thought processes as they challenge and then conquer the pain, in different scenarios, and in different levels of fear and pain. To see the internal battle that goes on, by someone who has won the battle, would be incredible!
pd, I could have a go at that one.
Hilary N |
Edited by - HilaryN on 07/20/2009 10:09:30 |
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Monte
USA
125 Posts |
Posted - 07/20/2009 : 10:31:15
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prcaldude makes a really good point.
I could participate in something like this and share differing points of view. Ones in agreement with standard tms thinking and some offering debate around currently accepted beliefs.
Would difering views be allowed to be discussed?
If this is about making progress and moving treatment/practices forward then I think this it is a must.
Monte
Monte Hueftle
monte@runningpain.com |
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flutterby
United Kingdom
79 Posts |
Posted - 07/20/2009 : 11:33:05
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| pd's idea might make a very useful video clip? |
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Peg
USA
284 Posts |
Posted - 07/20/2009 : 17:58:53
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Great ideas everyone.
scd1833---excellent ideas. At the first TMS conference, some of the physicians presented case studies of patients and they were indeed very inspiring.
As far as autoimmune diseases and cancer----I'm not sure how much the TMs docs could go into those unless they have helped patients recover from those things, but I know other authors have written about those conditions as they relate to the mindbody connection. Some of the books listed on the tmswiki discuss them. Authors like Bernie Seigel, MD, Norman Cousins and Gabor Mate, MD
Maybe we could get Bernie Seigel to speak at our conference. I've attended one of his talks and he's very inspiring.
PD245---Very interesting idea. I never would have thought of that. I think we have some amazing success stories/recoveries and I agree it would be excellent to hear a step by step of facing the obstacles to recovery and how they were overcome.
Monte and PRCalDude---Thanks for your input as well. I agree that we would benefit from a discourse with others who may see TMS or TMS recovery differently. I think it would be great to set some time aside during the conference, for a meeting of the minds as it were, where everyone's input could be heard and noted. I'm sure we can all learn from each other.
Branda---Remote attendance would be great if possible.
Thanks everyone
Peg
In questions of science, the authority of a thousand is not worth the humble reasoning of a single individual. Galileo Galilei |
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PRCalDude
49 Posts |
Posted - 07/21/2009 : 13:11:13
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quote:
Thanks for your input as well. I agree that we would benefit from a discourse with others who may see TMS or TMS recovery differently. I think it would be great to set some time aside during the conference, for a meeting of the minds as it were, where everyone's input could be heard and noted. I'm sure we can all learn from each other.
I think this guy
http://tms-recovery.com/
has the best explanation/most helpful advice I've seen so far. It's a lot more developed than what Sarno and his MD acolytes explain.
Get him to be a presenter.
Anyways, I think I'll be attending.
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marytabby
USA
545 Posts |
Posted - 07/22/2009 : 13:05:21
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| I just want to say I am interested in attending no matter where it is held! |
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forestfortrees
393 Posts |
Posted - 07/22/2009 : 13:44:46
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Thanks for your enthusiasm, Mary and PRCalDude!
Are there any other speakers, PRCalDude, who you would be interested in seeing? It would be helpful to get a sense.
I'll definitely bring all of the ideas up at the next meeting. I haven't looked for a while, but I actually don't see Scott's writings at tms-recovery as being that far out of the Sarno mainstream. I think that your description of it as "better developed" seemed apt, though.
Is that what people are interested in? Something "better developed?"
Any other ideas for subjects for talks?
Forest
tmswiki.org |
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A TMS conference for the public
