A completely new approach to pain
Perhaps you have been struggling with persistent or unexplained pain for months or even years. Despite seeking medical help, doctors and physical therapists may not have been able to identify a clear cause. You might be managing your headaches, back pain, neck tension, or other physical discomfort with medication and exercises—while still searching for true relief.
I work with people who experience chronic pain, especially those who have explored multiple treatment options without success. By addressing the deeper, unconscious drivers of pain, we begin to loosen its grip, dissolving the underlying reasons for its persistence.
I invite you to reflect: When did your symptoms begin? Were you going through a period of hardship, uncertainty, loss, or frustration? Were you carrying a heavy responsibility? Do you often feel the need to function rather than feel—to be kind and helpful to others while receiving little support yourself?
In my work with many individuals, I have found that chronic pain is often linked to an unconscious pattern of suppressing emotions, prioritizing others’ needs over one’s own, and holding back full self-expression. My approach focuses on helping people process these stored emotions and internalized themes somatically—through the body—leading not only to emotional relief but also to the natural easing of pain itself.
The main driver for healing pain is to understand the process deeper. Knowledge of its emotional source is essential and almost invariably leads to a “cure.
I help people who are experiencing...
Headaches
TMS: When pain has emotional roots
Chronic pain is defined as any pain that lasts longer than three months. Research shows that approximately 85 percent of back pain, 78 percent of headaches have no clear medical cause. Not all pain originates from physical conditions, injuries, or structural issues. Even when a physical injury is present, it often does not fully explain the duration, fluctuations, or intensity of the pain. Many pain syndromes are closely linked to emotional stress, trauma, or psychological tension—and this is actually good news. It means that when we are open to exploring the deeper layers of our experience, we can unlock new possibilities for healing.
In the early 1990s, Dr. John Sarno, MD, a pioneer in the mind-body field and author of The Mindbody Prescription, introduced the concept of Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS). He described it as “a harmless but potentially very painful disorder that results from specific, common emotional situations.”
Since then, our understanding of TMS has evolved significantly. Today, it is recognized under various names, including Psychophysiologic Disorders (PPD), Mind-Body Syndrome, and Neuroplastic Pain. These terms all refer to the same core idea: chronic pain is often influenced by unresolved emotions and stress, making it possible to heal not just the symptoms, but the underlying causes.
Once the patient becomes aware of their mind's strategy to divert attention away from emotions (away from vulnerability) and onto their pain, their physical symptoms usually disappear.
... when doctors can't find the cause of the pain...
- Many of my clients have tried everything to solve their chronic pain problem but just can’t get to the bottom of it.
- Some of my clients have already tried:
- Medication
- Surgery
- Physical exercises and training
- Massages
- Various healing techniques
- Dietary plans
- Supplements
- Yoga and meditation
- They’ve often experienced:
- Being gaslighted by medical professionals.
- Being misunderstood by loved ones.
- Feeling powerless and fearful about their symptom.
- Being compulsively focussed on their symptom.
- Feeling depressed or like giving up.
My approach is to go to the depth with you
My perspective is that ‘mysterious’ chronic pain is an innocent coping strategy that falls away through somatic processing. What does this mean?
The body keeps the score.
What does a session look like?
- Orientation: We begin by exploring your current situation, how you feel, and what is unfolding in your life.
- Depth Work: In a 45 minute deep dive, we work through underlying layers, using one or two modalities tailored to your needs.
- Integration: We conclude with a moment for integration—whether through mindful silence or reflection. There’s space for questions, and I may offer insights or exercises to support you beyond the session
Some client results
- ” I contacted Barbara because I had tried many treatments and nothing worked. I really liked the way she approached my problem because she did not try to solve it physically but looked for the underlying cause. I learned a lot and gained awareness about my thoughts and behavior. I no longer suffer from pain, which is such a huge relief. ” – Sally J.
- “I found it very pleasant and it has already helped a lot with the discomforts I had. I’m extremely grateful.” – Macy van E.
- “My persistent headache dissolved. More importantly; she put me in touch with my deeper feelings. This was only possible because I felt so comfortable and, above all, safe with her.” – Marie van V.
- “After years of recurring back pain and considering surgery I was very surprised that the pain left by exploring my inner world with Barbara.” – K. J.
