S5 E12 | What Does God Look Like?: Religious Trauma and Chronic Pain

This is a long one. And a deep one. (And a good one). Most recoverers don’t say much about this, but most people acknowledge a spiritual shift as they heal from chronic pain. Today, we’re addressing that head-on. We’re making space for you to explore your sense of spirituality, of religion, and even of God.

In this Episode:

🔹 I’m not telling you what to believe. I don’t know what you “should” believe about God. Having certain religious beliefs is NOT part of chronic pain recovery.

🔹 And, existential inquiry and existential curiosity are part of the human experience. We don’t want you to repress that.

🔹 Religious trauma cuts people off from thinking spiritually and thinking expansively.

🔹 So, we’re making space – today – for you to explore your own sense of spirituality.

🔹 We discuss the definition of religious trauma.

🔹 We explore the common impacts of religious trauma.

🔹 We get into some fun childhood stories from my Catholic school days.

🔹 We consider an example of what God looks like in literature, recounting the climactic scene in Alice Walker’s The Color Purple.

🔹 And, of course, you get to reflect on you. What does spirituality mean to you?

This isn’t your typical discussion about chronic pain healing. This isn’t “10 Tools to Regulate Your Nervous System.” This is deeper. If you’re looking for a door into something meaningful, this is it.

–

Find Sean:

Sean’s Website: mindbodymedicineforchronicpain.com

Click Here to Ask Sean a Question

Sean’s Free Email List: Free Mindbody Advice and Reminders – From Me to You, Every Week

Sean’s Instagram: @mindbodymedicineforchronicpain

–

Learn About Therapy with Sean: Therapy for Chronic Pain and Symptoms

–

Other Resources Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

S2 E7 | Chronic Pain and Spirituality with Christina Wei

S3 E12 | Holiday Childhood Nostalgia …Meets Trauma

–

…and you’re listening to Mindbody Medicine for Chronic Pain.

Therapist Sean Hershey, LCSW teaches you how to use psychological and emotional modalities to heal from chronic pain. Common conditions treated: Back Pain, Neck Pain, Hip Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain, Elbow Pain, Pain from Disc Bulges, Pain from Disc Degeneration, Sciatica, Neuropathy, Chronic Headaches, Migraine, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Pelvic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Many Eczema and Skin Conditions, Many Arthritic Presentations, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Long Covid, Depression, and Anxiety.

Inspired by the pioneering work of Dr. John Sarno and all who’ve built upon his theories including: Nicole Sachs, Christina Sarno Horner, Dr. Howard Schubiner, Dr. Dan Ratner, Alan Gordon, the ATNS, and so many others.

Join us as we discuss: TMS, pain as a danger signal, the pain/threat cycle, healing through psychological work, healing through emotional work, healing through patiently attuning to your true self, trauma, healing as a work in progress, maddening frustration, glimmers of hope, elating successes... But most of all, join us because you don’t have to be alone in your pain. You don’t have to be alone in the hard work of healing. And you don’t have to be alone as this starts to work for you, and you begin to get better.

We’re all walking this path together. We’re right here with you.

If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow for future episodes, rate, leave a written review, and share it with someone who needs it. Your endorsement helps more people like you find the profound power of mindbody healing.