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John E. Sarno, MD, was a pioneer in the understanding of mind–body disorders and is best known for his conceptualization of Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS), a condition in which chronic pain and other physical symptoms arise in the absence of identifiable structural pathology. Working at the Rusk Institute at NYU for decades, Sarno observed that many patients with persistent pain did not improve with conventional medical interventions, yet showed significant recovery when psy

Psychodynamic psychotherapy is grounded in the understanding that lasting psychological change involves more than symptom relief. It requires attention to the emotional, relational, and often unconscious patterns that shape how a person experiences themselves and others. Jonathan Shedler, PhD , has written with unusual clarity about these processes, helping articulate what makes psychodynamic psychotherapy both distinct and effective. In his influential paper, The Efficacy of

Eating disorders are often thought of as problems affecting teenagers and young adults. Yet eating disorders in midlife - affecting adults in their 40s, 50s, and beyond - are more common than many realize. Disordered eating at this stage can be hidden beneath work, family, and social responsibilities, making it harder to detect and treat. Recognizing eating disorders in midlife  is essential for both physical health and emotional well-being. Why Eating Disorders Can Persist o

Eating disorders are often treated as problems of food, weight, or behavior. While these aspects are important, they rarely capture the full picture. For many individuals, eating disorder symptoms serve a psychological function - helping manage overwhelming emotions, relational stress, or a fragile sense of self. Psychodynamic psychotherapy  is a well-established and effective treatment for eating disorders because it addresses the underlying emotional and relational roots  o

Recovery from Bulimia Nervosa (BN)is not only psychological - it is also medical. Even when you feel physically “okay,” bulimia can quietly affect multiple systems in the body. Regular medical monitoring is a crucial part of protecting your health during recovery. Current clinical guidelines recommend that individuals with bulimia nervosa see a physician every 3–4 months, even when medically stable. Research suggests that up to 32% of individuals with BN experience significan

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder, affecting approximately 2–3% of adults and up to 8% of individuals with obesity (Grillo, 2002). It is characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food accompanied by a painful sense of loss of control, followed by guilt, shame, and self-criticism. While BED is often framed as a problem of eating behavior, research and clinical experience suggest that it is more accurately understood as a dis