Healing Chronic Pain with Joy: A Chat with Julie Markowitz
But what's going to make you feel better about doing it is by actually acknowledging that this is something that you don't want to do or you don't want to do, instead of being like: well, I can't do that because of the pain, or I need this because of the pain, because it's a way to disconnect from yourself.
Ever wondered how trauma can manifest as chronic pain? In this episode of The Shiftshow, host Adriana Bucci sits down with Julie Markowitz, a psychotherapist and coach, to unpack this complex relationship. Julie, who holds a Master's in Social Work and an MBA, brings her expertise to the table, shedding light on the often-overlooked connection between unprocessed emotions and physical pain. She works out of San Diego but reaches people nationwide with her trauma-informed approach to mental health care.
The conversation takes a deep dive into how our emotional landscape can affect our physical well-being. Julie explains that chronic pain is frequently a symptom of unresolved trauma and emotions. She highlights the crucial role caregivers play in teaching emotional regulation and how their influence (or lack thereof) can shape our adult lives. But it's not all heavy talk. Julie also emphasizes the importance of rediscovering childlike joy and incorporating fun into the healing process.
She believes that taking ownership of your healing journey involves recognizing what brings you happiness and making time for those activities. Adriana and Julie discuss practical ways to integrate joy into your life, offering listeners a balanced perspective on dealing with trauma and chronic pain. This episode is a must-listen for anyone struggling with chronic pain or seeking to understand the deep-seated emotional roots of their physical ailments.
Julie's compassionate insights make the complex topic of trauma and chronic pain accessible and actionable, encouraging listeners to find their own path to healing.