What if I told you that the pain you’re experiencing is actually a protective mechanism that can be healed? Or that your chronic symptoms can be alleviated entirely?    Episode 1 features highlights from my interview with the incredible Nicole Sachs, LCSW: a best-selling author, psychotherapist, and internationally recognized leader in MindBody medicine.    She is the creator of JournalSpeak®, a groundbreaking practice that has transformed the lives of thousands struggling with chronic pain, anxiety, and other conditions. And as the host of the podcast The Cure for Chronic Pain and founder of BreakAwake, Nicole has created a global community for healing.   We met for the first time last summer. I asked for her approach on working with women like me, with autoimmune disease- how she explains how we might have arrived at our diagnosis, how empowerment fits into the experience of that diagnosis, and how compassion for where we’ve been can help us make new decisions for how we want to live differently going forward.   Pre-order now! Available June 2, 2026 in the U.S. and in 10 other countries on July 28th.    Get your copy wherever your favorite books are sold. A percent of the author's proceeds will benefit the Society for Women's Health Research. More about the book can be found at: www.goodgirlsbook.com   Main Topics: Empowerment in autoimmune health and breaking free from societal programming Reframing autoimmune diagnosis as a system working perfectly in protective mode The importance of understanding normal developmental responses to emotional and physical stress Strategies for women to set boundaries and reclaim their power amidst social and familial pressures How societal collective shifts can accelerate women’s healing journeys Discover how shifting perspectives from blame to empowerment can transform living with autoimmune disease.   FOR MORE ON NICOLE: JournalSpeak The Cure for Chronic Pain Podcast Nicole Sachs' Website Mind Your Body - the book   Substack: https://nicolesachs.substack.com/ Instagram @nicolesachslcsw TikTok @nicolesachslcsw YouTube @thecureforchronicpain   A WOMEN RISING® PRODUCTION Written, Directed and Produced by Sara Hirsh Bordo Editor and Consulting Producer: Eric Larner Post-Producer: Caroline Aylward  “Metamorphosis” by MILCK, Licensed courtesy of Resin8 Management