The key to getting well from TMS is understanding and believing the diagnosis! The process occurs, we believe, for the unconscious mind to hide "unacceptable" emotions. It is a form of distraction. When this process is exposed, the symptoms begin to resolve.

The second part of the treatment process is learning to think "psychologically, not physically". By this we mean focusing on emotional tension and your internal response to external events and not on prior, conventional, mechanical or so-called structural explanations for your pain. It then becomes crucial to gradually become more physically active; this further causes the apprehension and fear to diminish.

The treatment program begins with the diagnosis, which is made at the time of the initial consultation, in most cases. A home program--materials that are educational and psychological--is advised after diagnosis and is an important part of the treatment. Patients are typically seen for a 45 minute initial consultation. Usually a followup visit at 3-4 weeks is advisable and additional followup is scheduled as required. The program of treatment is about empowering people to get well and therefore involves fewer visits than any other approach to chronic pain.

Patients with intense, long-lasting, or debilitating symptoms benefit from seeing a TMS trained psychotherapist. In the LA area I am fortunate to have developed professional relationships with several psychologists who have evolved over years of working with me into "TMS Psychologists". More than one has successfully treated his own pain via a TMS model. Some of these therapists are skilled in telephone therapy, ideally after an initial face-to-face session or two.

Therefore out of town patients may wish to schedule with Dr. Schechter to confirm the diagnosis and if able to stay in Los Angeles for several days, "quick intensive" programs can be arranged. Follow-up is done on the telephone with Dr. Schechter and the psychologist, where indicated.

While not every patient needs to see a psychologist as part of their TMS treatment, I find that the percentage of those that benefit from therapy is quite high. In my experience, I use this collaborative treatment model more than is cited in Dr. Sarno's books.

If you see a psychotherapist in your area who is not familiar with TMS, suggest they learn more about this disorder via the web site, written materials, audio-program, and DVD.