Rumination—constantly monitoring symptoms, worrying about pain, and overanalyzing every sensation—can make chronic pain worse by keeping the nervous system in a state of high alert. In this episode, therapist John Gasienica works with Leslie, a new mom struggling with chronic pelvic pain and obsessive symptom fixation. Alongside expert therapist Callie Klebanoff, they break down the Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) blueprint for stopping rumination and retraining the brain to feel safe.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why fixating on symptoms reinforces pain pathways in the brain.How symptom monitoring can do more harm than good.Practical strategies to break the cycle of overthinking pain.A real-time therapy session where Leslie learns to calm her nervous system.Key Topics & Timestamps:00:00:00 – Introduction: Why rumination fuels chronic pain00:01:00 – The cycle of symptom fixation and its impact on daily life00:02:00 – Meet Callie Klebanoff: Breaking the cycle of rumination00:03:00 – The mental load of symptom monitoring and anxiety00:04:00 – How overthinking affects the nervous system00:06:00 – Leslie’s experience: A new mom stuck in the pain-rumination loop00:07:00 – Constant symptom monitoring: How it worsens chronic pain00:09:00 – Why the brain fixates on pain and discomfort00:12:00 – Understanding intolerance of uncertainty and symptom anxiety00:18:00 – The PRT approach: Moving from overthinking to feeling safe00:23:00 – Emotional work: Addressing fear, grief, and self-doubt00:31:00 – Practical strategies to stop overthinking and retrain the brain00:39:00 – Final thoughts & next steps for listeners
Resources and Additional LinksLearn More About Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT)Subscribe for updates, resources, and insights in the world of chronic pain and Pain Reprocessing Therapy.Patient HubPractitioner HubLearn about WellBody Psychotherapy and how our certified therapists and coaches can support your healing journey: Visit WellBodyEmail Us: [email protected]

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