The moment someone tells you "you're just too sensitive," a little piece of you might shrink inside. That dismissal of your experience happens far too often for the 15-20% of us who identify as highly sensitive people. But what if your sensitivity isn't a weakness to overcome but an important aspect of who you are—one that deserves understanding, especially when chronic pain enters the picture?

Sensitivity creates a unique relationship with pain. Your heightened awareness of both internal and external stimuli means your nervous system processes the world differently. Like a smoke alarm with the sensitivity dialed up, your brain might trigger pain signals more readily than others. This doesn't make your pain any less real; it simply means your path to healing might look different too.

Throughout this episode, we share personal stories about navigating life as sensitive people (our whole household qualifies—except perhaps our fearless cat, Hermione!). Tanner opens up about his experiences from childhood through adulthood, from feeling overwhelmed in locker room roughhousing to managing financial stress differently. These aren't stories of weakness but illustrations of how differently our nervous systems can be wired.

The good news? Understanding this connection unlocks powerful healing possibilities. Rather than fighting against your sensitivity, we explore how embracing it while developing regulation skills creates lasting relief. Through embodiment practices, safety signals (like breathwork and movement), and gradual exposure to overwhelming stimuli, you can teach your brain new patterns while honoring your sensitive nature.

Your sensitivity likely gives you gifts others don't share: deeper empathy, creativity, meaningful connections, and an appreciation for beauty's subtleties. As you listen to this episode, we hope you'll begin to see your sensitivity not as something to overcome, but as an essential part of you that—when properly understood—might be your greatest strength in overcoming chronic pain and creating the life you truly desire.

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

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Your body isn't failing you - your beliefs might be. Throughout history, healers and scientists have observed how powerful beliefs can create real physical symptoms — from the "voodoo deaths" documented in 1942 to modern medical misdiagnoses that trigger health declines despite no actual disease. That same power of belief has created what we call a "pathology culture" that's making millions chronically ill.

This episode dives into fascinating research that challenges everything we think we know about chronic pain. Studies from Lithuania reveal that car accident victims rarely develop chronic whiplash syndromes compared to Western countries—simply because they don't expect to. Even more striking, German researchers found that people in simulated car accidents (with no actual impact) developed whiplash symptoms at the same rate as those in real accidents. Meanwhile, demolition derby drivers who regularly experience multiple collisions report almost no neck pain.

Why? Because what we believe about our bodies fundamentally shapes our physical experience.

We explore the misconception that structural "abnormalities" seen on medical imaging are the cause of pain. Research consistently shows these findings—bulging discs, tears, degeneration—are incredibly common in pain-free individuals. When you're told your spine has "damage," your brain interprets that as danger, amplifying pain even when your body is structurally sound.

Most chronic conditions—from fibromyalgia and back pain to IBS, headaches, and chronic fatigue—can be fully or partly neuroplastic, meaning they're generated by the brain's danger signals rather than actual damage. Understanding this opens up powerful healing pathways through belief change, brain retraining, and nervous system regulation.

Ready to challenge your beliefs about your body and take healing back into your own hands? This episode gives you the scientific foundation to start that journey. If you've been frustrated by treatments that only address your physical symptoms, this perspective could change everything.

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

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What happens after chronic pain subsides? When the symptoms that once consumed your attention finally ease, where does all that pent-up energy go? This powerful conversation with therapist and coach Anna Holtzman explores the rarely discussed "what next" chapter of the healing journey.

Anna shares her personal path from debilitating migraines to recovery through mind-body approaches, detailing the stages that transformed not just her pain experience but her relationship with herself. Through psychoeducation, journaling, and letting go of perfectionism, she discovered that healing wasn't about making her world smaller—it was about expanding into creativity, purpose, and authentic expression.

This episode challenges the common belief that we need to restrict our lives to heal. Instead, Anna reveals how symptoms often decrease when we engage fully with our passions, provided we replace our inner "drill sergeant" with a compassionate coach. She addresses the delicate balance between stillness and creative drive, offering practical insights for navigating this middle ground without triggering your nervous system.

Whether you're still in pain, beginning to recover, or fully into your "what next" chapter, this conversation provides valuable tools for channeling your energy into what truly matters.

Anna Holtzman is a licensed therapist and coach who helps creatives, entrepreneurs, and coaches move through fear and self-doubt so they can grow their work in the world without abandoning themselves.

After healing her own chronic migraines using mind-body techniques—and supporting others in chronic pain recovery for the past five years—Anna became passionate about helping people navigate the “what’s next” chapter after pain. She guides clients through the tender terrain of visibility, creative leadership, and sustainable impact, drawing on both her nervous system expertise and her past careers in publishing and television.

Through her coaching, workshops, and podcast How to Trust Yourself, Anna supports sensitive, passionate people in showing up boldly, gently, and unapologetically in their work.

She lives in Queens, NY with her husband, stepdaughter, and three orange cats.

Contact Anna Here: https://www.annaholtzman.com/?r_done=1

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

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Your body isn't damaged, but you're still feeling pain or symptoms? That's because chronic pain/symptoms often persists long after injuries heal due to a sensitized nervous system. In this illuminating episode, we unravel how your brain can misinterpret safe signals as dangerous, creating persistent pain and symptoms even when there's no structural damage.

We explore the fascinating neuroscience behind chronic pain/symptoms, explaining how different brain regions become involved when pain transitions from acute to chronic. The famous neurological principle "neurons that fire together, wire together" reveals why pain/symptom pathways strengthen over time through repetitive activation. Just as learning any skill improves with practice, your brain unfortunately becomes more efficient at producing pain/symptoms when these pathways are repeatedly activated.

The episode centers on a powerful solution: embodiment practices that help desensitize your overactive alarm system. Rather than staying trapped in fearful thoughts and rumination that fuel the pain/symptom cycle, we guide you through approaching sensations with curiosity and safety. Through deliberate nervous system regulation, slow breathing, and present-moment awareness, you can teach your brain to reappraise sensations it previously misinterpreted as threatening.

The highlight of this episode is a complete guided somatic practice where we walk you through exploring sensations with playful curiosity—like a kitten investigating a new room—rather than fear or judgment. This brain retraining exercise helps create new neural pathways that view sensations as safe rather than dangerous.

Ready to rewire your brain's pain response? Begin your healing journey by practicing embodiment consistently when symptoms are mild to moderate. For additional support, check out our digital course with over 60 somatic and brain retraining practices at mbodycommunity.com, or book a consultation with one of our therapists. Your path to freedom from chronic pain starts with understanding your nervous system and learning to create safety within.

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

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Ever found yourself frustrated that your chronic pain or symptoms aren't resolving as quickly as the success stories you've heard? You're not alone, and more importantly—you're not doing anything wrong.

The truth about neuroplastic healing is that while some people experience rapid improvement, many of us face a slower, more complex journey. After working with countless clients, we've identified several factors that can extend recovery timelines: past trauma, mental health challenges, ongoing social dangers in relationships or work, and the simple fact that long-standing symptoms create deeper neural pathways that take more time to rewire.

When most research studies showcase dramatic improvements in just 8 sessions, it's easy to feel discouraged if that's not your experience. But these studies don't capture the full spectrum of healing journeys. Your brain and nervous system are uniquely yours, shaped by your specific life experiences, and they will heal on their own timeline.

The hope-disappointment cycle many sufferers experience—getting excited about a new treatment only to be crushed when it doesn't work—can create its own layer of nervous system dysregulation that needs addressing. And when you're working to create safety in a chronically activated nervous system while simultaneously managing anxiety, trauma responses, or challenging life circumstances, healing naturally takes longer.

This isn't bad news—it's simply reality. We've seen people heal completely after years of consistent work, even when their initial progress was slow. The key is understanding that you're on your own path, focusing on your unique small wins rather than comparing yourself to others, and addressing all the factors that might be keeping your nervous system in danger mode.

Ready to embrace your healing journey with more patience and self-compassion? Subscribe to our podcast for more insights that normalize the complexities of recovery while offering practical guidance for moving forward, no matter how long it takes.

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

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Excessive people-pleasing isn't just a social habit—it's a physiological trigger for chronic pain and symptoms. In this revealing episode, we explore how constantly putting others' needs before our own creates a state of nervous system danger that manifests as physical suffering.

We unpack why people-pleasing behavior develops (it made evolutionary sense for survival) and why it's so difficult to change, especially when relationships have adapted to expect our accommodation. Through personal examples from our own relationship, we show how these patterns create resentment, dysregulation, and ultimately physical symptoms—and how changing them can lead to healing.

The heart of our conversation centers on four powerful strategies to break free from people-pleasing: practicing exposure while sitting with the inevitable discomfort, honoring your authentic values and needs, setting appropriate boundaries, and learning free expression of emotions. Each approach requires practice and patience, but together they create a pathway toward greater authenticity and physical well-being.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is our acknowledgment that changing these patterns isn't simple—it requires understanding that as we adjust our behavior, we're also retraining others who've grown accustomed to our accommodating nature. We offer practical starting points for those who recognize themselves in these patterns, while emphasizing safety considerations for those in challenging situations.

Ready to transform your relationship with yourself and others while reducing pain? This episode provides both the understanding and practical tools to begin that journey. Subscribe now and join our community course focused on mind-body healing.

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

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Ever wondered why your pain/symptom persists despite countless treatments? The missing piece might be simpler than you think. Tanner and Anne reveal how our tendency to disconnect from uncomfortable bodily sensations actually perpetuates pain and symptom cycles rather than resolving them.

Through candid stories about tax scares and zip-lining disasters, they illustrate the dramatic difference between being overwhelmed by sensations versus staying present with them. This isn't just theory—brain scans actually show people with chronic pain have decreased activation in areas that sense the body, while experiencing heightened emotional responses. The result? A brain that misinterprets safe signals as dangerous ones.

The hosts break down two essential principles for healing through embodiment: gradual exposure to uncomfortable sensations paired with creating safety signals that keep you connected without becoming overwhelmed. This delicate balance allows your nervous system to recalibrate and recognize when you're truly safe.

Whether you've been struggling with persistent pain/symptoms for years or just beginning to notice troubling symptoms, this episode offers practical wisdom for creating a healthier relationship with your body's signals.

Ready to start your embodiment journey? The hosts provide free resources to begin practicing these techniques today, guiding you toward a life where sensations no longer trigger fear but offer valuable information for your healing path.

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

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Your nervous system might be stuck in a state of high alert, creating very real pain and symptoms even when there's no physical damage. In this second part of our exploration into neuroplastic pain, we reveal the sensitization factors that make chronic symptoms more likely to develop.

We break down how chronic nervous system dysregulation—whether you're stuck in states of fight, flight, freeze, or fawn—creates the perfect conditions for neuroplastic symptoms to emerge. High-intensity living patterns like perfectionism, people-pleasing, and excessive worry aren't just personality traits but coping mechanisms that keep your system on constant alert. Conversely, low-intensity patterns of disconnection and isolation sensitize your system through understimulation.

Research shows people with histories of childhood adversity or trauma are 2.7 times more likely to develop conditions like chronic widespread pain, fibromyalgia, and IBS. We emphasize it's not about the size of traumatic events but how your unique nervous system responded to them. Even highly sensitive individuals can experience profound effects from events others might consider minor.

We also explore two often-overlooked trauma types: sensitization trauma (when developing symptoms becomes traumatic itself) and medical trauma (from negative healthcare experiences). Both perpetuate pain cycles by creating additional layers of nervous system dysregulation.

Finally, we discuss how negative beliefs about your body being "broken" or "permanently damaged" increase pain sensitivity. Understanding these factors isn't about assigning blame but creating space for recognition and validation—a crucial first step toward healing.

You don't need to match every criterion for your symptoms to be neuroplastic, and your belief that healing is possible can grow over time. By recognizing these patterns and gathering your own evidence, you're already beginning the journey of unlearning chronic pain and reclaiming your life.

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

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