The Mind-Body Couple

What if the aches, tension, and fatigue you’ve been fighting are your emotions asking to be felt? We unpack the research on emotional suppression and show how a nervous system stuck in “danger” can translate stress into very real pain/illness—without structural damage. Drawing on studies of suppression and stress reactivity and clinical insights from neuroplastic pain work, we make the science practical, humane, and doable in everyday life. We walk through four patterns that keep feelings trapped in the body. Alexithymia makes it hard to notice and name what’s happening inside, so emotions “appear” as symptoms or outbursts. Viewing sensations as dangerous turns normal states like sadness or excitement into alarms you try to outrun. Avoidance behaviors—angry cleaning, overworking, caretaking, doom scrolling, perfectionism, sweets or alcohol—numb for a moment but teach the brain that inner experience is unsafe. Invalidation finishes the loop with self talk like “others have it worse,” which buries signals you need to actually heal. You’ll hear candid stories about misreading sensations, blowing past capacity, and how simple validation can redirect an entire day. Then we offer a clear, repeatable healing cycle. Use short embodiment practices to connect with sensations safely. Approach feelings with curiosity and compassion, noticing qualities like tight, buzzy, heavy, or warm. As safety grows, the nervous system downshifts on its own and symptoms desensitize. We talk about working within your window of tolerance, using strategic avoidance when you’re flooded, and choosing small, consistent check ins that build confidence. By learning to surf emotional waves instead of suppressing them, you teach your brain that discomfort isn’t danger—and relief follows. If this resonates, press play and try the guided check in with us. Subscribe, share this episode with someone who needs a gentler way to heal, and leave a review telling us which resistance pattern you’re rewriting next. Tanner Murtagh and Anne Hampson are therapists who treat neuroplastic pain and mind-body symptoms. They are also married! In his 20s, Tanner overcame chronic pain and a fibromyalgia diagnosis by learning his symptoms were occurring due to learned brain pathways and nervous system dysregulation. Post-healing, Tanner and Anne have dedicated their lives to developing effective treatment and education for neuroplastic pain and symptoms. Listen and learn how to assess your own chronic pain and symptoms, gain tools to retrain the brain and nervous system, and make gradual changes in your life and health! The Mind-Body Couple podcast is owned by Pain Psychotherapy Canada Inc. This podcast is produced by Alex Klassen, who is one of the wonderful therapists at our agency in Calgary, Alberta. https://www.painpsychotherapy.ca/ Tanner, Anne, and Alex also run the MBody Community, which is an in-depth online course that provides step-by-step guidance for assessing, treating, and resolving mind-body pain and symptoms. https://www.mbodycommunity.com Also check out Tanner's YouTube channel for more free education and practices: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Fl6WaFHnh4ponuexaMbFQ And follow us for daily education posts on Instagram: @painpsychotherapy Discl...

What if your most stubborn pain isn’t a broken body, but a brilliant brain trying to protect you? We open up about Tanner’s journey from spreading knee, shoulder, and back pain to a full recovery, and how the real turning point came when he reframed pain as a danger signal from the nervous system—not proof of damage. You’ll hear the messy middle too: fear, failed treatments, shrinking routines, and the isolation that follows when life gets small. We break down the five pillars that changed everything. First, evidence-based education shifted beliefs using the work of Dr. John Sarno and Dr. Howard Schubiner, plus real-world clues like symptom inconsistency and stress-linked flares. Second, brain retraining and graded exposure taught Tanner to approach sensation with safety and rebuild movement without deadlines. Third, daily nervous system regulation—breathwork, mindfulness, qigong, and somatic practices—created a calmer baseline while building capacity to feel emotions in the body without spiralling. Fourth, trauma processing addressed bullying, addiction history, and the trauma of chronic pain itself, using titrated, body-led methods and, when needed, therapeutic support. Finally, social safety sealed the change: fewer toxic ties, less pressure, clearer boundaries, less people-pleasing, and more play. The result isn’t a life without discomfort; it’s a nervous system that bounces back. Flares show up less often and fade faster because the brain has new proof that movement and emotion are safe. If you’ve been told to just live with it, this conversation offers a different path—rooted in neuroscience, practice, and patience. Subscribe, share with someone who needs hope, and leave a review to help others find these tools. What’s the first safety signal or small exposure you’ll try this week? Tanner Murtagh and Anne Hampson are therapists who treat neuroplastic pain and mind-body symptoms. They are also married! In his 20s, Tanner overcame chronic pain and a fibromyalgia diagnosis by learning his symptoms were occurring due to learned brain pathways and nervous system dysregulation. Post-healing, Tanner and Anne have dedicated their lives to developing effective treatment and education for neuroplastic pain and symptoms. Listen and learn how to assess your own chronic pain and symptoms, gain tools to retrain the brain and nervous system, and make gradual changes in your life and health! The Mind-Body Couple podcast is owned by Pain Psychotherapy Canada Inc. This podcast is produced by Alex Klassen, who is one of the wonderful therapists at our agency in Calgary, Alberta. https://www.painpsychotherapy.ca/ Tanner, Anne, and Alex also run the MBody Community, which is an in-depth online course that provides step-by-step guidance for assessing, treating, and resolving mind-body pain and symptoms. https://www.mbodycommunity.com Also check out Tanner's YouTube channel for more free education and practices: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Fl6WaFHnh4ponuexaMbFQ And follow us for daily education posts on Instagram: @painpsychotherapy Discl...

Your brain can learn safety, and that changes everything about chronic pain and illness. We’re pulling back the curtain on brain retraining—what it is, what it isn’t, and how to use it day to day without turning healing into a pressure-filled project. If you’ve ever tried a practice, felt your pain/symptom drop once, and then chased that result like a pain pill, this conversation will reset your approach in the most helpful way. We start by defining brain retraining in clear terms and grounding it in two pillars: safe self-talk and embodiment. You’ll hear how confident, kind language reduces threat while curious attention to sensation teaches your nervous system that your body is safe. From there, we unpack eight practical principles: show and tell (reassure, then gently expose), set a short-term goal of safety and a long-term goal of desensitization, spot dysregulation early, reframe control toward your response, practice curiosity on purpose, start with safety signals, take embodiment into daily life, and stay playful so threat stays low. We also add a bonus: be consistent without turning intensity into a new problem. Expect down-to-earth examples you can try today, like tension-and-release breathing, quick drop-ins during daily activities, and using a light touch of humor to soften vigilance. You’ll learn why chasing instant relief backfires, how “healing wins” compound, and what it looks like to build resilience with small, repeated reps instead of white-knuckling your way through symptoms. Whether you’re new to mind-body work or refining your practice, these tools will help you feel safer, calmer, and more connected as your brain unlearns pain and illness. If this resonates, subscribe, share with someone who needs hope, and leave a quick review to help others find the show. And if you want guided support, explore consultations at painpsychotherapy.ca and our course at mbodycommunity.com. Tanner Murtagh and Anne Hampson are therapists who treat neuroplastic pain and mind-body symptoms. They are also married! In his 20s, Tanner overcame chronic pain and a fibromyalgia diagnosis by learning his symptoms were occurring due to learned brain pathways and nervous system dysregulation. Post-healing, Tanner and Anne have dedicated their lives to developing effective treatment and education for neuroplastic pain and symptoms. Listen and learn how to assess your own chronic pain and symptoms, gain tools to retrain the brain and nervous system, and make gradual changes in your life and health! The Mind-Body Couple podcast is owned by Pain Psychotherapy Canada Inc. This podcast is produced by Alex Klassen, who is one of the wonderful therapists at our agency in Calgary, Alberta. https://www.painpsychotherapy.ca/ Tanner, Anne, and Alex also run the MBody Community, which is an in-depth online course that provides step-by-step guidance for assessing, treating, and resolving mind-body pain and symptoms. https://www.mbodycommunity.com Also check out Tanner's YouTube channel for more free education and practices: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Fl6WaFHnh4ponuexaMbFQ And follow us for daily education posts on Instagram: @painpsychotherapy Discl...

The body’s alarm system can get stuck on high when chronic pain and persistent symptoms take over, and we give that pattern a name: sensitization trauma. We unpack how symptoms, scary medical opinions, and hope-disappointment cycles teach the nervous system to brace, avoid, and shut down—and why recognizing this isn’t a setback, it’s a turning point. We start by defining sensitization trauma as the trauma caused by the onset, progression, and life impacts of chronic symptoms, then walk through three distinct stages: the frantic “fixing” phase, the spread-and-avoidance phase where anxiety and associations multiply, and the shutdown phase marked by fatigue, collapse, and the belief that “my body is broken.” Along the way, we spotlight medical trauma—conflicting diagnoses, poor communication, invalidation, and procedures that fail to help—and the telltale signs: pre-appointment anxiety, flares after visits, avoidance of care, and fight/flight/freeze in the exam room. If you’ve felt “hoped out,” you’re not alone, and there’s a path forward. Our framework rests on four pillars: education that reframes symptoms as neuroplastic and responsive to safety; safety-building practices in everyday life and medical contexts; regulation tools like grounding, orienting, and somatic tracking to calm arousal without glossing over reality; and trauma processing. We also talk sequencing—why some folks need to front-load safety and regulation before brain retraining—and share real-world examples of graded exposure to appointments, movements, and activities. If this conversation resonates, follow, share, and leave a review to help others find it—and tell us: which stage are you in, and what’s one small safety step you’ll take this week? Tanner Murtagh and Anne Hampson are therapists who treat neuroplastic pain and mind-body symptoms. They are also married! In his 20s, Tanner overcame chronic pain and a fibromyalgia diagnosis by learning his symptoms were occurring due to learned brain pathways and nervous system dysregulation. Post-healing, Tanner and Anne have dedicated their lives to developing effective treatment and education for neuroplastic pain and symptoms. Listen and learn how to assess your own chronic pain and symptoms, gain tools to retrain the brain and nervous system, and make gradual changes in your life and health! The Mind-Body Couple podcast is owned by Pain Psychotherapy Canada Inc. This podcast is produced by Alex Klassen, who is one of the wonderful therapists at our agency in Calgary, Alberta. https://www.painpsychotherapy.ca/ Tanner, Anne, and Alex also run the MBody Community, which is an in-depth online course that provides step-by-step guidance for assessing, treating, and resolving mind-body pain and symptoms. https://www.mbodycommunity.com Also check out Tanner's YouTube channel for more free education and practices: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Fl6WaFHnh4ponuexaMbFQ And follow us for daily education posts on Instagram: @painpsychotherapy Discl...

Fear quietly writes rules that shrink a life: no hard chairs, no long walks, no lifting, no plans. In this episode, we share a practical roadmap to go from bedbound and fearful to confident and moving, grounded in the science of neuroplastic pain/symptoms and the lived experience of rebuilding capacity step by step. We start with the real pivot points—those “open window” moments when symptoms ease or stamina returns and the brain shows its hand. From there, we layer in safe self-talk that actually lands, not platitudes: evidence-based lines you repeat before, during, and after activity. We bracket everything with nervous system regulation so your brain can learn while your body moves—breath work, grounding, sunlight, humor—and we use visualization as a gentle warm-up to exposure when the real-world step feels too big. Then we walk through the rule-breaker embodiment practice: tiny, tolerable exposures, conscious pauses to feel and regulate, and a gradual climb anchored in choice and safety rather than grit. To tip the scales, we pair movement with reward—music, nature, connection, even ice cream—so your predictive brain expects something good. The final lever is consistency: small reps, often, with permission to adjust during flares without abandoning the plan. You’ll hear Tanner’s story of being essentially bedbound and how a single uplifting moment unlocked a 25-minute walk, plus clear steps you can adapt to your own goals: sitting comfortably again, returning to the gym, walking farther, or reintroducing stimulating environments. If your pain or symptom has been medically cleared and fits a neuroplastic pattern, these tools help retrain the danger alarm and expand your world without pushing through high symptoms. Listen, choose one small rule to challenge this week, and track your wins—like pain not worsening with more steps or faster recovery after a flare. Those are neural milestones worth celebrating. Tanner Murtagh and Anne Hampson are therapists who treat neuroplastic pain and mind-body symptoms. They are also married! In his 20s, Tanner overcame chronic pain and a fibromyalgia diagnosis by learning his symptoms were occurring due to learned brain pathways and nervous system dysregulation. Post-healing, Tanner and Anne have dedicated their lives to developing effective treatment and education for neuroplastic pain and symptoms. Listen and learn how to assess your own chronic pain and symptoms, gain tools to retrain the brain and nervous system, and make gradual changes in your life and health! The Mind-Body Couple podcast is owned by Pain Psychotherapy Canada Inc. This podcast is produced by Alex Klassen, who is one of the wonderful therapists at our agency in Calgary, Alberta. https://www.painpsychotherapy.ca/ Tanner, Anne, and Alex also run the MBody Community, which is an in-depth online course that provides step-by-step guidance for assessing, treating, and resolving mind-body pain and symptoms. https://www.mbodycommunity.com Also check out Tanner's YouTube channel for more free education and practices: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Fl6WaFHnh4ponuexaMbFQ And follow us for daily education posts on Instagram: @painpsychotherapy Discl...

Have you found yourself avoiding more and more activities as your pain or symptoms increase? Do you have an ever-growing list of movements, positions, or situations you need to avoid "or else"? You're not alone, and there's a fascinating explanation for why this happens. Tanner and Anne dive deep into how chronic pain creates a shrinking world through avoidance behaviors. Drawing from Tanner's personal journey from being nearly bed-bound to fully active again, they explain the neurological mechanisms that create false associations between normal activities and pain/symptoms. These associations form what they call your "pain or symptom rulebook" – a collection of often unconscious restrictions that your brain believes will keep you safe. The science is compelling: your brain is an association-making machine designed for survival. Just like Pavlov's dogs salivated at the sound of a metronome, your nervous system can learn to produce pain or symptoms when you engage in activities it mistakenly believes are dangerous. The more you avoid these activities, the stronger these associations become, creating a vicious cycle that keeps you trapped. "I had so many hidden rules that I didn't realize I were doing," Tanner shares, recounting how his world gradually shrank to the point where sitting on couches felt terrifying and walking more than ten minutes seemed impossible. The irony is that this avoidance, while providing temporary relief, actually increases nervous system dysregulation and perpetuates the pain cycle. This episode provides an eye-opening framework for understanding why simply "pushing through" or "completely avoiding" pain or symptom triggers aren't effective long-term strategies. Instead, they offer a practical exercise to identify your own pain or symptom rulebook as the first step toward breaking free from these limitations. Grab a notebook and follow along to discover the hidden rules that might be governing your life. Ready to reclaim your freedom from pain? Listen now, and be sure to catch next week's episode where Tanner and Anne will share six powerful strategies to safely break your rules and expand your world again. Tanner Murtagh and Anne Hampson are therapists who treat neuroplastic pain and mind-body symptoms. They are also married! In his 20s, Tanner overcame chronic pain and a fibromyalgia diagnosis by learning his symptoms were occurring due to learned brain pathways and nervous system dysregulation. Post-healing, Tanner and Anne have dedicated their lives to developing effective treatment and education for neuroplastic pain and symptoms. Listen and learn how to assess your own chronic pain and symptoms, gain tools to retrain the brain and nervous system, and make gradual changes in your life and health! The Mind-Body Couple podcast is owned by Pain Psychotherapy Canada Inc. This podcast is produced by Alex Klassen, who is one of the wonderful therapists at our agency in Calgary, Alberta. https://www.painpsychotherapy.ca/ Tanner, Anne, and Alex also run the MBody Community, which is an in-depth online course that provides step-by-step guidance for assessing, treating, and resolving mind-body pain and symptoms. https://www.mbodycommunity.com Also check out Tanner's YouTube channel for more free education and practices: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Fl6WaFHnh4ponuexaMbFQ And follow us for daily education posts on Instagram: @painpsychotherapy Discl...

Could your morning routine be secretly sabotaging your chronic pain and illness recovery? In this illuminating episode, we explore how those critical first moments after waking profoundly impact your nervous system's regulation and pain processing throughout the entire day. When you first open your eyes, your brain is in a uniquely vulnerable state—actively scanning your environment and asking: "Am I safe today, or am I in danger?" The signals you send during this transition period can either trigger fight-or-flight responses that amplify pain or create safety cues that begin a cascade of healing. We break down exactly which common morning behaviors are keeping you locked in pain and symptom cycles and which practices can rewire your brain for relief. Many of us unknowingly start our days with habits that spike dysregulation—immediately checking phones, rushing frantically, consuming caffeine on empty stomachs, or engaging in negative self-talk about symptoms. These seemingly innocent behaviors trigger stress responses that directly increase pain and symptom sensitivity. Equally problematic are patterns that promote freeze responses: staying in bed scrolling, avoiding movement, and remaining isolated. We share personal examples of how these patterns affected our own healing journeys and how we transformed them. The good news? Simple, intentional morning practices can dramatically shift your pain experience. We provide a comprehensive toolkit of healing morning rituals including somatic movement, specific breathwork techniques, embodiment practices, thought work, and nature exposure—all designed to send powerful safety signals to your nervous system. You'll learn practical implementation strategies that don't require massive time commitments or dramatic lifestyle overhauls. Whether you're struggling with chronic pain, persistent symptoms, or simply want to optimize your nervous system regulation, this episode offers a roadmap for creating morning routines that support lasting healing. Start tomorrow with even one small change, and begin transforming your relationship with pain from the moment you wake up. Tanner Murtagh and Anne Hampson are therapists who treat neuroplastic pain and mind-body symptoms. They are also married! In his 20s, Tanner overcame chronic pain and a fibromyalgia diagnosis by learning his symptoms were occurring due to learned brain pathways and nervous system dysregulation. Post-healing, Tanner and Anne have dedicated their lives to developing effective treatment and education for neuroplastic pain and symptoms. Listen and learn how to assess your own chronic pain and symptoms, gain tools to retrain the brain and nervous system, and make gradual changes in your life and health! The Mind-Body Couple podcast is owned by Pain Psychotherapy Canada Inc. This podcast is produced by Alex Klassen, who is one of the wonderful therapists at our agency in Calgary, Alberta. https://www.painpsychotherapy.ca/ Tanner, Anne, and Alex also run the MBody Community, which is an in-depth online course that provides step-by-step guidance for assessing, treating, and resolving mind-body pain and symptoms. https://www.mbodycommunity.com Also check out Tanner's YouTube channel for more free education and practices: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Fl6WaFHnh4ponuexaMbFQ And follow us for daily education posts on Instagram: @painpsychotherapy Discl...

Ever wondered why, despite trying countless treatments, your chronic pain and illness persists? The answer might be hiding in your daily habits. Tanner and Anne reveal how our lifestyle patterns can keep us trapped in cycles of pain and symptoms—even when we're doing everything else "right." The MindBodyCouple hosts dive deep into three critical habits that maintain chronic pain. First, they explore high-intensity living—that relentless cycle of overworking, perfectionism, and ignoring basic needs that keeps our nervous systems stuck in fight-or-flight. Tanner shares his personal experience of how this pattern preceded his own chronic pain journey, feeling initially productive but eventually crossing a threshold where his body couldn't sustain it. The solution isn't abandoning intensity altogether but finding balance—slowing down, creating space for play, and blending purpose with safety. Equally problematic is low-intensity living—withdrawal, isolation, and avoidance that many fall into when pain and illness becomes overwhelming. While it seems protective, this pattern actually sends danger signals to the brain, perpetuating symptoms. Anne and Tanner offer practical strategies for mobilizing a shut-down system through purposeful action, reconnection, and gradual exposure to movement and the outside world. Perhaps most fundamental is the third habit: lack of embodiment. This disconnection from bodily sensations keeps many stuck in chronic pain cycles, constantly thinking rather than feeling and viewing the body as an unsafe place. Both hosts relate personally to this pattern, acknowledging how threatening it can feel to tune into a body experiencing pain and illness. Through gentle somatic practices and daily embodiment exercises, we can rebuild a compassionate relationship with our physical selves. Ready to transform your relationship with chronic symptoms? Start by identifying which habits resonate most strongly with you and make one small shift today. Remember, healing isn't just about removing pain—it's about changing how you live, feel, and relate to yourself. Tanner Murtagh and Anne Hampson are therapists who treat neuroplastic pain and mind-body symptoms. They are also married! In his 20s, Tanner overcame chronic pain and a fibromyalgia diagnosis by learning his symptoms were occurring due to learned brain pathways and nervous system dysregulation. Post-healing, Tanner and Anne have dedicated their lives to developing effective treatment and education for neuroplastic pain and symptoms. Listen and learn how to assess your own chronic pain and symptoms, gain tools to retrain the brain and nervous system, and make gradual changes in your life and health! The Mind-Body Couple podcast is owned by Pain Psychotherapy Canada Inc. This podcast is produced by Alex Klassen, who is one of the wonderful therapists at our agency in Calgary, Alberta. https://www.painpsychotherapy.ca/ Tanner, Anne, and Alex also run the MBody Community, which is an in-depth online course that provides step-by-step guidance for assessing, treating, and resolving mind-body pain and symptoms. https://www.mbodycommunity.com Also check out Tanner's YouTube channel for more free education and practices: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Fl6WaFHnh4ponuexaMbFQ And follow us for daily education posts on Instagram: @painpsychotherapy Discl...

Have you ever felt stuck in anxiety, shutdown, or constant stress despite your best efforts to feel better? Your nervous system may need manual intervention—and waiting for automatic regulation might not be enough. In this deeply insightful episode, Tanner and Anne tackle the crucial concept of manually regulating your nervous system when it's not naturally returning to states of safety and connection. They begin by contrasting the ideal—a flexible nervous system that moves easily between high energy and low energy states, while staying anchored in safety—with the reality many of us face: persistent dysregulation driven by trauma, lifestyle factors, and societal pressures. Tanner vulnerably shares his own journey through chronic dysregulation, describing how he remained stuck in fight-or-flight and eventually shutdown during his experience with neuroplastic pain. His healing required intentional practice across multiple domains—embodiment work, movement, social connection, purposeful action, and proper rest—highlighting that regulation often requires consistent, manual effort before becoming automatic. The hosts also share a compelling story from their producer, who transformed his physical pain and energy levels by consistently pushing himself to establish a gym routine that eventually became second nature. What makes this episode particularly valuable is the practical emphasis on taking control rather than waiting for change. For anyone experiencing chronic pain, illness, anxiety, or persistent dysregulation, the message is clear: your nervous system might need your conscious guidance to establish new patterns. Start small, remain consistent, and remember that creating a regulated nervous system is work worth doing—even when the results aren't immediate. Which regulation practice will you try today? Tanner Murtagh and Anne Hampson are therapists who treat neuroplastic pain and mind-body symptoms. They are also married! In his 20s, Tanner overcame chronic pain and a fibromyalgia diagnosis by learning his symptoms were occurring due to learned brain pathways and nervous system dysregulation. Post-healing, Tanner and Anne have dedicated their lives to developing effective treatment and education for neuroplastic pain and symptoms. Listen and learn how to assess your own chronic pain and symptoms, gain tools to retrain the brain and nervous system, and make gradual changes in your life and health! The Mind-Body Couple podcast is owned by Pain Psychotherapy Canada Inc. This podcast is produced by Alex Klassen, who is one of the wonderful therapists at our agency in Calgary, Alberta. https://www.painpsychotherapy.ca/ Tanner, Anne, and Alex also run the MBody Community, which is an in-depth online course that provides step-by-step guidance for assessing, treating, and resolving mind-body pain and symptoms. https://www.mbodycommunity.com Also check out Tanner's YouTube channel for more free education and practices: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Fl6WaFHnh4ponuexaMbFQ And follow us for daily education posts on Instagram: @painpsychotherapy Discl...

Ever wondered why changing your thoughts isn't enough to heal chronic pain? Somatic therapy might be the missing piece of your healing puzzle. We dive deep into the crucial distinction between top-down approaches (like CBT and traditional talk therapy) that focus on changing thoughts, and bottom-up approaches that work directly with body sensations and nervous system regulation. While cognitive work has value, when it comes to chronic pain, trauma, and nervous system dysregulation, you simply can't think your way out of what your body needs to process and release. The connection between trauma and chronic pain is profound - research shows even a single traumatic event more than doubles your risk of developing chronic symptoms later. Your body remembers what your mind might prefer to forget, which is why somatic approaches are so powerful for lasting healing. We break down the two essential elements of effective somatic work: exposure to difficult sensations and creating safety. Like our five-year-old daughter who gets angry at her stomach for making her cry, we all naturally resist unpleasant internal experiences. Learning to approach these sensations with curiosity while simultaneously building safety signals unique to your nervous system is the key to rewiring pain patterns. Whether you're new to somatic work or looking to deepen your practice, this episode provides practical guidance on finding the right balance between exposure and safety. We share personal examples, and concrete techniques to help you feel your way to healing. Don't miss the free embodiment practice for pain and symptoms in the episode description - it's your chance to experience this transformative approach firsthand. Subscribe to the MindBodyCouple podcast for more insights on unlearning chronic pain and reclaiming your health through the wisdom of your body. Embodiment Practice for Pain & Symptoms: https://youtu.be/HlcUQMa9A54 Tanner Murtagh and Anne Hampson are therapists who treat neuroplastic pain and mind-body symptoms. They are also married! In his 20s, Tanner overcame chronic pain and a fibromyalgia diagnosis by learning his symptoms were occurring due to learned brain pathways and nervous system dysregulation. Post-healing, Tanner and Anne have dedicated their lives to developing effective treatment and education for neuroplastic pain and symptoms. Listen and learn how to assess your own chronic pain and symptoms, gain tools to retrain the brain and nervous system, and make gradual changes in your life and health! The Mind-Body Couple podcast is owned by Pain Psychotherapy Canada Inc. This podcast is produced by Alex Klassen, who is one of the wonderful therapists at our agency in Calgary, Alberta. https://www.painpsychotherapy.ca/ Tanner, Anne, and Alex also run the MBody Community, which is an in-depth online course that provides step-by-step guidance for assessing, treating, and resolving mind-body pain and symptoms. https://www.mbodycommunity.com Also check out Tanner's YouTube channel for more free education and practices: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Fl6WaFHnh4ponuexaMbFQ And follow us for daily education posts on Instagram: @painpsychotherapy Discl...

Ever find yourself trapped in a cycle of obsessing over every twinge, googling symptoms endlessly, or talking about your pain nonstop? That mental fixation isn't just a reaction to your chronic pain and illness—it might actually be the force keeping it alive. In this transformative episode, we unveil our powerful "Go From T to S" brain retraining technique for breaking free from chronic pain and illness patterns. This simple yet profound approach helps you identify when you're feeding symptom pathways through common behaviours (the T's): Trying to fix it, Thinking about it too much, Testing it constantly, and Talking about it excessively. We then guide you through shifting to healing actions (the S's): Starving the pathway of attention, Shifting to safety signals, Showing your body it's healthy, practicing Somatic focus appropriately, and Sticking to your game plan. Tanner shares his personal journey from being bedridden with debilitating pain to experiencing his first breakthrough moment of genuine indifference toward symptoms during his honeymoon. He describes how cultivating this indifference wasn't about forced positive thinking, but about consistently redirecting his attention away from fear-based responses toward safety and regulation. Through concrete examples and practical strategies, we demonstrate how this technique helps your brain finally "forget" about chronic pain and illness by creating new, healthier neural pathways. Whether you're struggling with chronic pain, fatigue, fibromyalgia, IBS, or anxiety symptoms, this episode offers a missing piece that could transform your healing journey. The goal isn't to mask or ignore your symptoms, but to change your brain's relationship with them at a fundamental level. Check out our online course for comprehensive support in implementing these strategies into your daily life: https://www.mbodycommunity.com/ Tanner Murtagh and Anne Hampson are therapists who treat neuroplastic pain and mind-body symptoms. They are also married! In his 20s, Tanner overcame chronic pain and a fibromyalgia diagnosis by learning his symptoms were occurring due to learned brain pathways and nervous system dysregulation. Post-healing, Tanner and Anne have dedicated their lives to developing effective treatment and education for neuroplastic pain and symptoms. Listen and learn how to assess your own chronic pain and symptoms, gain tools to retrain the brain and nervous system, and make gradual changes in your life and health! The Mind-Body Couple podcast is owned by Pain Psychotherapy Canada Inc. This podcast is produced by Alex Klassen, who is one of the wonderful therapists at our agency in Calgary, Alberta. https://www.painpsychotherapy.ca/ Tanner, Anne, and Alex also run the MBody Community, which is an in-depth online course that provides step-by-step guidance for assessing, treating, and resolving mind-body pain and symptoms. https://www.mbodycommunity.com Also check out Tanner's YouTube channel for more free education and practices: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Fl6WaFHnh4ponuexaMbFQ And follow us for daily education posts on Instagram: @painpsychotherapy Discl...

Ever notice how your thoughts about pain or symptoms seem to make it worse? You're not imagining things—negative thinking patterns actually trigger and intensify chronic pain and symptoms by dysregulating your nervous system. In this revealing episode, we dive deep into the powerful connection between your thoughts and physical symptoms. Drawing from both professional expertise and personal experience, we share our own recent struggles with anxiety spirals—Anne's obsessive worrying about her horse's health and Tanner's business-related stress—and how we applied therapeutic techniques to break free. The mind-body connection isn't just theoretical. When caught in patterns of fearful, hopeless, or obsessive thinking, you create a sensitization cycle where pain/symptoms leads to dysregulation, which leads to more symptoms. These thinking habits might have been present before your symptoms developed, but they take on new power when chronic pain/symptoms enters the picture. We introduce the transformative "3R" technique—Realize, Re-examine, and Restore—a powerful framework for shifting from mind to body and breaking negative thought cycles. This Technique comes from Pain Reprocessing Therapy. The skill works because, as polyvagal theory expert Deb Dana explains, "story follows state." Your nervous system state determines the story your mind creates. The episode includes a complete guided meditation that walks you through the Three R process, teaching you to observe thoughts non-judgmentally, re-examine their validity, and restore safety by shifting awareness to your body. This practice is especially valuable for anyone caught in pain/symptom-focused thinking or symptom-checking behaviors. Ready to transform your relationship with chronic pain and illness? Listen now to discover how changing your thinking patterns can create lasting relief—and experience our guided meditation designed specifically for pain reprocessing. Your healing journey begins with understanding the power of your thoughts. Tanner Murtagh and Anne Hampson are therapists who treat neuroplastic pain and mind-body symptoms. They are also married! In his 20s, Tanner overcame chronic pain and a fibromyalgia diagnosis by learning his symptoms were occurring due to learned brain pathways and nervous system dysregulation. Post-healing, Tanner and Anne have dedicated their lives to developing effective treatment and education for neuroplastic pain and symptoms. Listen and learn how to assess your own chronic pain and symptoms, gain tools to retrain the brain and nervous system, and make gradual changes in your life and health! The Mind-Body Couple podcast is owned by Pain Psychotherapy Canada Inc. This podcast is produced by Alex Klassen, who is one of the wonderful therapists at our agency in Calgary, Alberta. https://www.painpsychotherapy.ca/ Tanner, Anne, and Alex also run the MBody Community, which is an in-depth online course that provides step-by-step guidance for assessing, treating, and resolving mind-body pain and symptoms. https://www.mbodycommunity.com Also check out Tanner's YouTube channel for more free education and practices: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Fl6WaFHnh4ponuexaMbFQ And follow us for daily education posts on Instagram: @painpsychotherapy Discl...

When chronic pain or symptoms grip your life, the real culprit often lurks beneath the surface—a nervous system stuck in a state of perpetual danger. In this illuminating episode, Tanner and Anne share five powerful, scientifically-backed techniques to regulate your nervous system and create the internal safety your body desperately needs to heal. Most of us instinctively flee from uncomfortable sensations, a natural human tendency that paradoxically keeps us trapped in pain cycles. "Safety is the cure," Tanner explains, reframing regulation not as mere calmness but as developing the flexibility to return to equilibrium when life inevitably knocks us off balance. The strategies range from deceptively simple to profoundly effective: learning to drop into and describe bodily sensations throughout your day; practicing specific somatic movements calibrated to your current state; intentionally savouring pleasant sensations to counterbalance discomfort; utilizing deep breathing with extended exhales to activate your parasympathetic system; and visualizing calming memories that trigger your body's relaxation response. What makes these approaches particularly valuable is their accessibility. None require special equipment or lengthy time commitments—most can be practiced within a few minutes while going about your day. As Tanner shares how he uses these techniques before family vacations, listeners gain practical examples of regulation in action. Whether you're struggling with chronic pain, managing anxiety, or simply feeling overwhelmed by life's demands, these five regulation strategies offer both immediate relief and long-term resilience. Your nervous system holds the key to healing—these practices help you unlock it. Try our free YouTube practices or explore our comprehensive digital course featuring over 60 somatic exercises designed to help you unlearn chronic pain and create lasting nervous system regulation. Free Releasing Emotions Practice: https://youtu.be/erFtcNRlSHM Free Somatic Movement Practice: https://youtu.be/w5Ddn2ndJNc Tanner Murtagh and Anne Hampson are therapists who treat neuroplastic pain and mind-body symptoms. They are also married! In his 20s, Tanner overcame chronic pain and a fibromyalgia diagnosis by learning his symptoms were occurring due to learned brain pathways and nervous system dysregulation. Post-healing, Tanner and Anne have dedicated their lives to developing effective treatment and education for neuroplastic pain and symptoms. Listen and learn how to assess your own chronic pain and symptoms, gain tools to retrain the brain and nervous system, and make gradual changes in your life and health! The Mind-Body Couple podcast is owned by Pain Psychotherapy Canada Inc. This podcast is produced by Alex Klassen, who is one of the wonderful therapists at our agency in Calgary, Alberta. https://www.painpsychotherapy.ca/ Tanner, Anne, and Alex also run the MBody Community, which is an in-depth online course that provides step-by-step guidance for assessing, treating, and resolving mind-body pain and symptoms. https://www.mbodycommunity.com Also check out Tanner's YouTube channel for more free education and practices: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Fl6WaFHnh4ponuexaMbFQ And follow us for daily education posts on Instagram: @painpsychotherapy Discl...

The struggle for control lies at the heart of many chronic pain conditions—but what if letting go could offer more relief than fighting ever could? When faced with persistent symptoms, our natural instinct pushes us to fight, fix, and control. We've been conditioned to believe that addressing physical problems means actively engaging with them, finding their cause, and eliminating them through sheer determination. Yet for those with neuroplastic pain and symptoms, this approach often backfires, creating a feedback loop of frustration, fear, and worsening symptoms. Drawing on Mel Robbins' powerful "Let Them" concept, we explore the counterintuitive approach of acceptance and allowing that can transform your relationship with chronic symptoms. This isn't about resignation—it's about recognizing what you genuinely can and cannot control. As Mel wisely states, "Focusing on what you can't control makes you stressed. Focusing on what you can control makes you feel powerful." Tanner shares a deeply personal story of his longest pain flare after initial recovery, describing how weeks of attempting to control and fix his symptoms led nowhere. The breakthrough came only when he genuinely surrendered the fight, creating space for his nervous system to regulate and his symptoms to naturally subside. This powerful example demonstrates how our attitude toward symptoms can be more influential than any specific technique or practice. Rather than fighting against pain and illness, we invite you to explore embodiment practices with curiosity and compassion, shift your focus toward meaningful activities aligned with your values, and remind yourself that your body is fundamentally safe and healthy. These approaches create the platform of safety from which true healing can emerge. Ready to transform your relationship with chronic symptoms? Download our free embodiment practice using the link below, or explore our comprehensive digital course featuring over 60 somatic practices and brain retraining techniques designed to support your healing journey. Embodiment Practice for Chronic Pain & Illness: https://youtu.be/FuE_XMbWEh4 Tanner Murtagh and Anne Hampson are therapists who treat neuroplastic pain and mind-body symptoms. They are also married! In his 20s, Tanner overcame chronic pain and a fibromyalgia diagnosis by learning his symptoms were occurring due to learned brain pathways and nervous system dysregulation. Post-healing, Tanner and Anne have dedicated their lives to developing effective treatment and education for neuroplastic pain and symptoms. Listen and learn how to assess your own chronic pain and symptoms, gain tools to retrain the brain and nervous system, and make gradual changes in your life and health! The Mind-Body Couple podcast is owned by Pain Psychotherapy Canada Inc. This podcast is produced by Alex Klassen, who is one of the wonderful therapists at our agency in Calgary, Alberta. https://www.painpsychotherapy.ca/ Tanner, Anne, and Alex also run the MBody Community, which is an in-depth online course that provides step-by-step guidance for assessing, treating, and resolving mind-body pain and symptoms. https://www.mbodycommunity.com Also check out Tanner's YouTube channel for more free education and practices: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Fl6WaFHnh4ponuexaMbFQ And follow us for daily education posts on Instagram: @painpsychotherapy Discl...

Depression and chronic pain create a vicious cycle that can feel impossible to break. If you're caught in this loop, you're not alone – and there's hope for healing both simultaneously. Many people experience depression as a natural response to living with chronic pain, but few understand how these conditions feed each other through nervous system dysregulation. When your system stays in a heightened state of danger for too long, it can trigger both physical symptoms and a freeze/shutdown response we recognize as depression. Throughout this episode, we share our personal experiences with this cycle and outline four key strategies to break free. We explore how purposeful action – starting with tiny steps like brief journaling or getting sunlight – can gradually mobilize your nervous system out of shutdown. We discuss true embodiment practices that create safety with all sensations rather than forcing toxic positivity. We highlight the importance of modifying activities instead of complete avoidance, and we provide guidance on creating a depression flare plan for your most difficult days. The sensitization cycle connecting pain and depression is real and brutal, but understanding this connection is the first step toward healing. Whether you experience exhaustion, low motivation, social withdrawal, or all of these symptoms alongside your chronic pain and illness, your body isn't broken – your nervous system is simply trying to protect you the best way it knows how. As someone who has personally healed from debilitating chronic pain and depression using these approaches, I can tell you that recovery is possible. Each small step you take creates momentum toward healing both conditions simultaneously. Join us as we explore this crucial mind-body connection and provide practical tools to help you reclaim your life. Ready to start healing? Check out our free emotion practice video, explore our comprehensive online course, or book a consultation with one of our therapists through the links below. Free emotion practice: https://youtu.be/CC6wTTaWJaY Tanner Murtagh and Anne Hampson are therapists who treat neuroplastic pain and mind-body symptoms. They are also married! In his 20s, Tanner overcame chronic pain and a fibromyalgia diagnosis by learning his symptoms were occurring due to learned brain pathways and nervous system dysregulation. Post-healing, Tanner and Anne have dedicated their lives to developing effective treatment and education for neuroplastic pain and symptoms. Listen and learn how to assess your own chronic pain and symptoms, gain tools to retrain the brain and nervous system, and make gradual changes in your life and health! The Mind-Body Couple podcast is owned by Pain Psychotherapy Canada Inc. This podcast is produced by Alex Klassen, who is one of the wonderful therapists at our agency in Calgary, Alberta. https://www.painpsychotherapy.ca/ Tanner, Anne, and Alex also run the MBody Community, which is an in-depth online course that provides step-by-step guidance for assessing, treating, and resolving mind-body pain and symptoms. https://www.mbodycommunity.com Also check out Tanner's YouTube channel for more free education and practices: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Fl6WaFHnh4ponuexaMbFQ And follow us for daily education posts on Instagram: @painpsychotherapy Discl...

Why do some people recover from chronic pain and illness with seemingly imperfect techniques while others follow every strategy meticulously yet struggle? The answer lies not in what you're doing, but how you're doing it. The foundation of effective healing isn't mastering complicated strategies—it's cultivating the right mindset. When we approach recovery with intensity, pressure, perfectionism, or fear, we inadvertently signal danger to our nervous systems, perpetuating the very symptoms we're trying to resolve. True healing begins with creating safety. This means embracing slowness, lightness, and ease in your practices and daily life. It means removing self-imposed healing deadlines and giving yourself permission for days off without guilt. It means slowing your walking pace, speaking more deliberately, and allowing unstructured free time—simple yet powerful ways to signal safety to your nervous system. Facing fears represents another crucial mindset shift. While strategic avoidance during intense flare-ups makes sense, perpetual avoidance reinforces your brain's perception of danger. Those who recover most successfully gradually expose themselves to feared triggers, sensations, and activities, dismantling their "rule book" of avoidance behaviors one small challenge at a time. Perhaps most fulfilling is reclaiming purposeful action. Chronic pain often disconnects us from activities that bring joy and meaning. Reconnecting with your values—whether through helping others, enjoying nature, or simply having dinner with friends—regulates your nervous system in ways meditation alone cannot. Start wherever your current capacity allows, extending compassion to yourself throughout the process. Finally, cultivate genuine hope in your recovery through whatever resonates—understanding the science, hearing success stories, or tracking "healing wins" beyond pain reduction. Notice how you're responding to symptoms with less fear, widening your world, and improving emotional regulation as evidence of your progress. This week, we challenge you to focus more on your healing mindset than on perfecting techniques. The path forward isn't about trying harder—it's about creating the internal conditions where healing naturally unfolds. Tanner Murtagh and Anne Hampson are therapists who treat neuroplastic pain and mind-body symptoms. They are also married! In his 20s, Tanner overcame chronic pain and a fibromyalgia diagnosis by learning his symptoms were occurring due to learned brain pathways and nervous system dysregulation. Post-healing, Tanner and Anne have dedicated their lives to developing effective treatment and education for neuroplastic pain and symptoms. Listen and learn how to assess your own chronic pain and symptoms, gain tools to retrain the brain and nervous system, and make gradual changes in your life and health! The Mind-Body Couple podcast is owned by Pain Psychotherapy Canada Inc. This podcast is produced by Alex Klassen, who is one of the wonderful therapists at our agency in Calgary, Alberta. https://www.painpsychotherapy.ca/ Tanner, Anne, and Alex also run the MBody Community, which is an in-depth online course that provides step-by-step guidance for assessing, treating, and resolving mind-body pain and symptoms. https://www.mbodycommunity.com Also check out Tanner's YouTube channel for more free education and practices: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Fl6WaFHnh4ponuexaMbFQ And follow us for daily education posts on Instagram: @painpsychotherapy Discl...

Have you ever wondered if your determination to overcome chronic pain might actually be keeping you stuck? This eye-opening discussion reveals how our natural tendency to fight against uncomfortable symptoms can backfire by triggering more nervous system dysregulation. Tanner and Anne expertly break down the fight response – not just physical fighting, but the tension, racing thoughts, urgent behaviors, and constant attempts to fix and figure out our symptoms. "I was perpetually in fight mode for my first two years," Tanner reveals, highlighting how many of us fall into this pattern without realizing it's counterproductive. Through practical examples and compassionate guidance, they explain why frantically researching solutions, scheduling endless appointments, and pushing through pain actually sends danger signals to your brain, perpetuating the very symptoms you're trying to eliminate. The solution? A paradoxical approach that involves allowing your sensations rather than battling them. You'll discover practical strategies for breaking free from the fight cycle – embodying sensations instead of amplifying them, using safe self-talk, and embracing short-term acceptance that signals safety to your nervous system. Perhaps most challenging is learning to embrace uncertainty rather than constantly seeking control. Whether you struggle with chronic pain, mysterious symptoms, or find yourself constantly fighting to fix your body, this episode offers a refreshing perspective that could transform your healing journey. Notice when you're going into fight mode this week and try gently stepping out of it – your nervous system will thank you. Tanner Murtagh and Anne Hampson are therapists who treat neuroplastic pain and mind-body symptoms. They are also married! In his 20s, Tanner overcame chronic pain and a fibromyalgia diagnosis by learning his symptoms were occurring due to learned brain pathways and nervous system dysregulation. Post-healing, Tanner and Anne have dedicated their lives to developing effective treatment and education for neuroplastic pain and symptoms. Listen and learn how to assess your own chronic pain and symptoms, gain tools to retrain the brain and nervous system, and make gradual changes in your life and health! The Mind-Body Couple podcast is owned by Pain Psychotherapy Canada Inc. This podcast is produced by Alex Klassen, who is one of the wonderful therapists at our agency in Calgary, Alberta. https://www.painpsychotherapy.ca/ Tanner, Anne, and Alex also run the MBody Community, which is an in-depth online course that provides step-by-step guidance for assessing, treating, and resolving mind-body pain and symptoms. https://www.mbodycommunity.com Also check out Tanner's YouTube channel for more free education and practices: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Fl6WaFHnh4ponuexaMbFQ And follow us for daily education posts on Instagram: @painpsychotherapy Discl...

What if the key to healing chronic pain isn't fixing your symptoms, but releasing the emotions trapped in your body? When our nervous systems get stuck in protection mode due to stress, trauma, or childhood experiences, physical symptoms often follow—creating a feedback loop that's difficult to break. Most of us respond to difficult emotions in ways that keep us stuck. Some disconnect completely, living "neck up" in a state of perpetual analysis (alexithymia). Others view emotions as inherently dangerous, having learned from experiences where emotions seemed overwhelming or unsafe. Many consciously avoid emotions through distraction, never allowing themselves to fully process what's happening in their bodies. Breaking this cycle requires what we call "the purge"—letting yourself fully experience and release emotional energy. This isn't always pretty. It might involve crying, shaking, or journaling raw truths. But when we allow this natural process instead of intellectualizing or ignoring our feelings, we help our nervous system regulate and begin healing. The process starts with recognizing emotions as bodily sensations. Sadness isn't just a concept—it's hollowness in your chest or a pit in your stomach. By approaching these sensations with curiosity rather than resistance, and creating safety through techniques like breathwork and self-compassion, we can release what's been trapped. This approach combines elements from pain reprocessing therapy, somatic experiencing, emotional awareness and expression therapy, and polyvagal theory. When practiced consistently, it creates a positive feedback loop—reducing resistance, releasing emotional energy, regulating your nervous system, and diminishing pain. Ready to transform your relationship with emotions and chronic symptoms? Try our free 20-minute somatic practice for releasing emotions on YouTube, or explore our comprehensive digital course "The Somatic Safety Method" with over 60 specialized practices. Your body has deep wisdom—when you listen and release what it's holding, healing becomes possible. Free Practice: https://youtu.be/CC6wTTaWJaY Tanner Murtagh and Anne Hampson are therapists who treat neuroplastic pain and mind-body symptoms. They are also married! In his 20s, Tanner overcame chronic pain and a fibromyalgia diagnosis by learning his symptoms were occurring due to learned brain pathways and nervous system dysregulation. Post-healing, Tanner and Anne have dedicated their lives to developing effective treatment and education for neuroplastic pain and symptoms. Listen and learn how to assess your own chronic pain and symptoms, gain tools to retrain the brain and nervous system, and make gradual changes in your life and health! The Mind-Body Couple podcast is owned by Pain Psychotherapy Canada Inc. This podcast is produced by Alex Klassen, who is one of the wonderful therapists at our agency in Calgary, Alberta. https://www.painpsychotherapy.ca/ Tanner, Anne, and Alex also run the MBody Community, which is an in-depth online course that provides step-by-step guidance for assessing, treating, and resolving mind-body pain and symptoms. https://www.mbodycommunity.com Also check out Tanner's YouTube channel for more free education and practices: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Fl6WaFHnh4ponuexaMbFQ And follow us for daily education posts on Instagram: @painpsychotherapy Discl...

Ever notice how your chronic pain worsens during stress but mysteriously disappears when you're deeply engaged in something meaningful? That's exactly what chronic pain recovery coach Gemma McFall discovered during her decade-long battle with debilitating back pain. From meticulous symptom tracking (she literally mapped six specific pain points daily) to endless medical treatments across continents, Gemma's healing journey dramatically shifted when she discovered the mind-body approach through Dr. John Sarno's work. Within three months, she experienced her first pain-free day – not by fighting harder against her pain, but by understanding its true origins. What makes Gemma's approach uniquely powerful is her focus on personality strengths. Rather than viewing traits like perfectionism and high achievement as problems to overcome, she helps clients recognize these as fundamental aspects of themselves that simply need balancing. Using the Gallup Strengths Finder assessment, she guides people to leverage their natural strengths while avoiding the burnout that contributes to physical symptoms. "I realized there was a direct correlation – on days when I couldn't express my 'Achiever' strength, I'd get pain. And on days when I used it too much, I'd also get pain," Gemma explains. This insight led to her development of the "4P" coaching framework: Pain understanding, Personality insights, Past experiences, and Practical tools – a comprehensive approach that meets each client exactly where they are. Whether you're mapping your own pain patterns obsessively or feeling lost in an endless cycle of treatments, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on recovery. Connect with Gemma here: Website - https://gemmamcfall.com/ Free Self Assessment - https://gemmamcfall.com/free/ LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/gemmamcfall Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gemmamcfall/ Tanner Murtagh and Anne Hampson are therapists who treat neuroplastic pain and mind-body symptoms. They are also married! In his 20s, Tanner overcame chronic pain and a fibromyalgia diagnosis by learning his symptoms were occurring due to learned brain pathways and nervous system dysregulation. Post-healing, Tanner and Anne have dedicated their lives to developing effective treatment and education for neuroplastic pain and symptoms. Listen and learn how to assess your own chronic pain and symptoms, gain tools to retrain the brain and nervous system, and make gradual changes in your life and health! The Mind-Body Couple podcast is owned by Pain Psychotherapy Canada Inc. This podcast is produced by Alex Klassen, who is one of the wonderful therapists at our agency in Calgary, Alberta. https://www.painpsychotherapy.ca/ Tanner, Anne, and Alex also run the MBody Community, which is an in-depth online course that provides step-by-step guidance for assessing, treating, and resolving mind-body pain and symptoms. https://www.mbodycommunity.com Also check out Tanner's YouTube channel for more free education and practices: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Fl6WaFHnh4ponuexaMbFQ And follow us for daily education posts on Instagram: @painpsychotherapy Discl...

Your body speaks in sensations, not words, and chronic pain or illness can be its desperate cry for safety. When your nervous system feels threatened—whether from past trauma, prolonged stress, or childhood adversity—it generates protective symptoms as alarm bells. Most of us respond to these signals with frustration, anger, and self-blame, creating a vicious cycle that only heightens nervous system dysregulation and intensifies symptoms. Breaking this pattern requires a fundamental shift in how we communicate with the hurt parts of ourselves. This episode explores the cognitive dimension of that shift through self-kindness phrases—gentle wishes like "May I care for myself during this moment of suffering" or "May I accept myself just as I am"—that provide an alternative to the harsh self-talk perpetuating our pain. These phrases differ crucially from positive affirmations because they acknowledge our struggles while opening possibilities for healing. When combined with deep breathing and regular practice, they begin rewiring our automatic responses to symptoms. Through Tanner's personal story of childhood bullying and subsequent perfectionism, we see how understanding the origins of our nervous system patterns allows us to provide precisely what our younger selves needed but didn't receive—acceptance, belonging, and unconditional worth. Ready to transform your relationship with chronic pain and illness? Practice the guided self-compassion meditation in this episode, and join us next week as we explore the somatic dimension of creating safety through touch, movement, and breathwork. For additional support, check out our digital course with comprehensive resources on nervous system regulation and self-compassion: https://www.mbodycommunity.com/ Tanner Murtagh and Anne Hampson are therapists who treat neuroplastic pain and mind-body symptoms. They are also married! In his 20s, Tanner overcame chronic pain and a fibromyalgia diagnosis by learning his symptoms were occurring due to learned brain pathways and nervous system dysregulation. Post-healing, Tanner and Anne have dedicated their lives to developing effective treatment and education for neuroplastic pain and symptoms. Listen and learn how to assess your own chronic pain and symptoms, gain tools to retrain the brain and nervous system, and make gradual changes in your life and health! The Mind-Body Couple podcast is owned by Pain Psychotherapy Canada Inc. This podcast is produced by Alex Klassen, who is one of the wonderful therapists at our agency in Calgary, Alberta. https://www.painpsychotherapy.ca/ Tanner, Anne, and Alex also run the MBody Community, which is an in-depth online course that provides step-by-step guidance for assessing, treating, and resolving mind-body pain and symptoms. https://www.mbodycommunity.com Also check out Tanner's YouTube channel for more free education and practices: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Fl6WaFHnh4ponuexaMbFQ And follow us for daily education posts on Instagram: @painpsychotherapy Discl...