The Divided Mind: The Epidemic of Mindbody Disorders

by John E. Sarno

psychosomatic disorders arise from the unconscious mind, which is where emotions reside that, for the most part, we are unaware of. Not only is it not possible to directly access these emotions, but it is not necessary for successful treatment for most individuals. Successful treatment requires one to simply acknowledge that these painful, unpleasant, often threatening emotions exist. It is not necessary to “figure them out.” Treatment is about acknowledging their existence, not changing them. Stress is unavoidable and a part of life. Acceptance, then, not only means accepting one’s pain as psychosomatic, but also coming to terms with our genuine self, both the parts we like about ourselves and the parts we don’t like. Accepting our painful unconscious emotions as part of who we are is not only a step toward successful treatment but a step toward being a more whole human being.