In this episode, psychotherapist and author Nicole Sachs joins Mark Groves to explore the profound connection between emotional repression and chronic pain. Drawing from her personal story of healing from a debilitating spinal condition, Nicole shares how unprocessed trauma, perfectionism, and suppressed emotion get trapped in the body—manifesting as pain and illness. She introduces her groundbreaking method, JournalSpeak™, and explains how radical honesty, nervous system regulation, and self-compassion can unlock deep healing. This conversation is a wake-up call for anyone struggling with physical symptoms that traditional medicine can’t explain. If you’ve ever wondered if your pain has a story to tell, this episode is your invitation to listen.

Diagnosed with a degenerative spinal condition in her twenties, Nicole Sachs transformed her life through Mindbody medicine after discovering the work of Dr. John Sarno. What began as a personal healing journey evolved into a professional collaboration—she lectured with Sarno at NYU and supported his patients through her private psychotherapy practice. For over 20 years, Nicole has researched chronic conditions and helped countless people heal by addressing the root cause: a dysregulated nervous system stuck in fight-or-flight, attempting to suppress unresolved emotions and trauma. Her practical, science-backed approach has been featured in USA Today, Woman’s World, and the Washington Post.

Links:

• Website: https://www.yourbreakawake.com/
• Book: Mind Your Body: A Revolutionary Program to Release Chronic Pain and Anxiety Mind Your Body (Avery, February 4, 2025)
• Podcast: The Cure for Chronic Pain podcast

—This episode is sponsored by:

• Avocado Green Mattress: www.avocadogreenmattress.com
• Get an exclusive 15% discount on Saily data plans! Use code MARKGROVES at checkout. www.saily.com/markgroves

—Have a question For Mark to answer on the podcast?https://www.speakpipe.com/TheMarkGrovesPodcast

—Have a question for Mark and want an immediate answer? Mark's Dexa page: https://ask.markgroves.com

—How are your Nervous System + Attachment Style connected? https://markgroves.com/connectthedots

- Subscribe to Mark’s Substack to receive his weekly reflections and insights straight from his heart to your inbox. https://markgroves.substack.com/

—Contact us at podcast@markgroves.com for sponsor product support, questions, comments, or just to say hello!