Heal Your Mind, Heal Your Body

Our emotions can get buried alive -- especially anger, fear and trauma. If we fail to express them, our body stores them, which can create a range of "mysterious illnesses." This first of a four-part series describes how many mysterious illnesses originate within the mind-body connection and what you can do about it. BTW: If you like today's episode, do me a favor and write a review! Also, I've added a FREE download for you at drskyler.net upon signing up called "Back to School Blues: 8 Ways to Reduce Your Child's Anxiety and Gut Distress."

When children hear disrespectful language directed at them, they unconsciously believe they are not worthy of being respected. Plus, they develop a belief that its okay to treat others that way, and to accept mistreatment, which has awful consequences later in life. Often I hear what my patients tell me their parents told them, and that their parents were upset when the patient was simply mirroring back similar language. It's a recipe for disease and dysfunction. Let me help you with this. BTW: I've added a new FREE offer at drskyler.net upon sign up that provides my safety-based protocol called "The 8 Mind-Body Methods to End Anxiety, GI and Autoimmune Conditions."

Often I'll ask patients, "Do you believe you can get better?" This simple question, and subsequent answer, tells me so much about how they perceive their condition. This is more than "positive thinking." Instead, I'm referring to a central core belief about what's possible for them. Without belief, the mind-body connection feeds off the anxiety. So we have to learn how to reframe anxiety and stress so that we can believe healing is possible. In this episode, I explain the term "eustress," which is useful form of stress and how it can increase our belief in healing from GI and autoimmune conditions. BTW: I've added a new FREE offer at drskyler.net upon sign up that provides my safety-based protocol called "The 8 Mind-Body Methods to End Anxiety, GI and Autoimmune Conditions."

Not to be confused with "The Silent Treatment," the power of attentive silence is about active, intent listening without trying to fix the problem. It can be hard to hold your tongue, but your job is to hold a safe space, show you care so your child or loved one can share their thoughts and emotions. You'll be surprised how the communication will connect more authentically. After all, people don't care what you know, they want to know you care. Learn more at drskyler.net and sign up for a FREE Download about the Healing Phases your child is going through.

Last episode, I explained the first four mind-body methods to end anxiety, GI and autoimmune condition by focusing on the science. Today, I introduce the next four keys, based on my Safety-Based Protocol, that deal with the psychology. I explain how gaslighting, silent treatment and attachments styles can lead to disease, and how to heal from them. By the way, my new book is now published and available on Amazon, which listed it as the No. 1 New Release in Adolescent Counseling! Sending gratefulness to you. Hope you enjoy this episode!

My new book, Empower Your Child To Heal: 8 Mind-Body Methods to End Anxiety, GI and Autoimmune Conditions, is published! So I'm dedicating my podcast this month to topics pulled from the book. Today, I explain why I wrote the book, and introduce the first of four key scientific foundations of the mind-body connection. This topic, psychoneuroimmunology, can be the doorway to healing or reinforce making them sick. Also, I'm giving away a FREE workbook at drskyler.net called "Healing Phases: Moving from Victim to Warrior" which will help you understand where you and your child are at in the healing process.

My new book, Empower Your Child To Heal: 8 Mind-Body Methods to End Anxiety, GI and Autoimmune Conditions, publishes THIS SUNDAY, October 20, so I'm dedicating my podcast this month to topics pulled from the book. Today, I open a few pages from the book and share my personal journey, including how I developed MS and the moment I decided the pain could become my purpose. Also, I'm giving away a FREE workbook at drskyler.net called "Healing Phases: Moving from Victim to Warrior" which will help you understand where you and your child are at in the healing process.

My new book, Empower Your Child To Heal: 8 Mind-Body Methods to End Anxiety, GI and Autoimmune Conditions, publishes on October 20, so I'm dedicating my podcast this month to topics pulled from the book. Today, I'll introduce the irony that occurs when a sick child seems to prefer to dwell in their victimhood rather than embrace healing. Unfortunately, while parents provide care and virtually anything they want or need, the sick child may choose to enjoy the privileges that come with their conditions -- which keeps them marinating on what they don't have instead of what's possible with healing. Listen in to learn what you can do about it. Also, I'm giving away a FREE workbook at drskyler.net called "Healing Phases: Moving from Victim to Warrior" which will help you understand where you and your child are at in the healing process.

My new book, Empower Your Child To Heal: 8 Mind-Body Methods to End Anxiety, GI and Autoimmune Conditions, publishes on October 20, so I'm dedicating my podcast this month to topics pulled from the book. Today, I'll introduce the "fight" response and how it can disrupt healing process in you and your child. Although a defense mechanism, if chronically triggered, the fight response can take the fight out of our immune system. I'm amazed at how powerful, yet destructive, the fight response has on the mind and body. Listen in to learn what you can do about it. Also, I'm giving away a FREE workbook at drskyler.net called "Healing Phases: Moving from Victim to Warrior" which will help you understand where you and your child are at in the healing process.

When your prayers are answered and your child starts feeling better, a surprising, unfortunate consequence can arise for parents. It's an uncomfortable topic for me, and any therapist, that I address in today's episode. I'm talking about enmeshment and being trauma-bonded with your child to the point that parents can feel threatened about their relationship changing. Tune in for the warning signs, and what you can do about it. Also, I'm giving away a FREE download at drskyler.net about ways to reduce the back-to-school blues! Plus, my new book, Empower Your Child To Heal, is with the editor now and will be published on October 20. But you can pre-order an ebook now on Amazon.

In my new book, Empower Your Child to Heal, I devote Ch. 1 to answering the cry so many parents experience when they have a child with gut issues or autoimmune conditions. In this episode, I'll give you the cliff notes on what could be happening and why so many medical doctors send their patients to me -- a psychotherapist. You can pre-order the ebook on Amazon, and the paperback will publish on October 20. Learn more or sign up for my newsletter at drsykler.net.

In this raw and revealing episode, I open up about my own personal journey with mind-body healing that started after a epic breakdown on a Utah hiking trail. This moment had been building up since my childhood, which would later be diagnosed as Multiple Sclerosis. Wheelchair bound and partially blind, I share a near-death moment that shook my world. This would lead to an amazing journey, which I've documented in my new book, Empower Your Child to Heal, coming soon. Pre-order available on Amazon. I invite you to listen to my story. Learn more at drsykler.net.

What's the difference between panic and anxiety attacks? Both can be debilitating and increase the likelihood of having short- and long-term mental and physical repercussions. Neither are desirable. What's the difference? Where do they come from? How do deal with them? In this episode, I'll provide the answers and some of my favorites hacks. BTW: If you like today's episode, do me a favor and write a review! Also, I've added a FREE download for you at drskyler.net upon signing up called "Back to School Blues: 8 Ways to Reduce Your Child's Anxiety and Gut Distress."

Words carry emotional energy that can either hurt or heal your child. As we know, anxiety and chronic stress leads to physiological disease. So the language we use become paramount in reducing stress, empowering your child and shaping their beliefs, attitudes and behaviors. In this episode, I'll introduce ways to reorient some emotionally-charged words, as well as list several phrases to never say to an anxious child. BTW: If you like today's episode, do me a favor and write a review! Also, I've added a FREE download for you at drskyler.net upon signing up called "Back to School Blues: 8 Ways to Reduce Your Child's Anxiety and Gut Distress."

Schooltime often rings the back to school blues bell in your child. In this episode, I'll run through five new habits that science says will help your child reduce anxiety, lower gut and GI risk and prepare for the school year. I've added a FREE download for you at drskyler.net upon signing up called "Back to School Blues: 5 Ways to Reduce Your Child's Anxiety and Gut Distress."

When it's back to school time, anxiety-ridden thoughts in our children amp up which can lead to GI and other gut-related conditions. They may tell you "everything is okay," but inside they may be wrestling with "I'm not ready," "What if I fail?" "What if nobody likes me?" In this episode, I'll explain two different camps of kids, what to look for and what you can do about it. Be sure to check out my podcast companion workbook, Why Is My Body Betraying Me? at drskyler.net/store. It's like having a one-on-one session with me. Also, I'm offering a FREE download at drskyler.net upon signing up called "Back to School Blues: 5 Ways to Reduce Your Child's Anxiety and Gut Distress."

More people (estimated 80 million) suffer from autoimmune conditions than cancer, heart disease and diabetes combined! The sad part is our medical system doesn't really know what to do about them. As we look further at how stress affects the immune system, gut-related functions, and systemic inflammation, I'll reveal one single antidote that I've personally researched and published studies about. You won't want to miss this episode! Be sure to check out my podcast companion workbook, Why Is My Body Betraying Me? at drskyler.net/store. It's like having a one-on-one session with me. Also, I'm offering two FREE downloads at drskyler.net upon signing up for my weekly newsletter, including "5 Things Every Child Wishes Their Parents Knew" and "Healing Phases: Moving From Victim to Warrior."

Our body will often tell us something is wrong before our conscious mind catches up. One seemingly unexplainable example is a bloated belly or moon face--a condition I've termed, the Cortisol Bloat. Talk about a gut response! Why, and how, does this happen? Simply put, stress disrupts our body homeostasis, which is largely governed inside the gut. Stress interrupts normal gut health, microbiome and digestive functions which causes the bloat. Over time, this exacerbates GI conditions like IBS, IBD, Crohn's and ulcerative colitis -- which can lead to more stress! In this episode, get answers to this dynamic and what you can do about it. Be sure to check out my podcast companion workbook, Why Is My Body Betraying Me? at drskyler.net/store. It's like having a one-on-one session with me. Also, I'm offering two FREE downloads at drskyler.net upon signing up for my weekly newsletter, including "5 Things Every Child Wishes Their Parents Knew" and "Healing Phases: Moving From Victim to Warrior."

Many times we have a strong urge to please others, but unfortunately it can be at our own expense -- putting our own needs behind everyone else's. While not a clinical diagnosis, people pleasing goes beyond kindness, generosity and altruism. Mothers are a prime target. We all want to love and be loved. However, when we adapt our behaviors to gain favor and sacrifice our own needs, we can get addicted to feeling useful, loved or important. But this can be harmful, especially when it becomes compulsive and lead to codependency, among other gut and GI related disorders. Listen in to learn the difference between people pleasing, codependency and what you can do about it before it causes disease. Be sure to check out my podcast companion workbook, Why Is My Body Betraying Me? at drskyler.net/store. It's like having a one-on-one session with me. Also, I'm offering two FREE downloads at drskyler.net upon signing up for my weekly newsletter, including "5 Things Every Child Wishes Their Parents Knew" and "Healing Phases: Moving From Victim to Warrior."

As amazing as the brain is, it can be fooled. When we perceive a threat, whether minor or major, the brain issues the same warning signals to the body. It can't tell if the threats are real or imagined. These limbic responses -- fight, flight and freeze -- are designed for short-term survival reactions. But if they are chronically activated in hyper-vigilance, the body cannot maintain homeostasis. That's why I say if your mind is in limbic, your body is in limbo. Tune-in to find out if you are stuck in fight or flight, and what you can do about it. Be sure to check out my podcast companion workbook, Why Is My Body Betraying Me? at drskyler.net/store. It's like having a one-on-one session with me. Also, I'm offering two FREE downloads at drskyler.net upon signing up for my weekly newsletter, including "5 Things Every Child Wishes Their Parents Knew" and "Healing Phases: Moving From Victim to Warrior."

Having empathy for others is a wonderful ally. However, if this immense sensitivity for others begins to absorb your own feelings, you could be making yourself sick. In this episode, I explain how hyper-empathetic behaviors can lead to a "frozen" limbic system response. Highly empathetic people have mirror neurons that take on the emotions of others, making them vulnerable to the stress contagion. They have a keen sense of what others are feeling which is derived from our survival mechanism reading safety cues. Often people who have experienced adverse childhood traumas and chronic invalidation develop this skill for empathy, and at a cost. Tune-in and find out how to avoid letting your empathy go too far. Be sure to check out my podcast companion workbook, Why Is My Body Betraying Me? at drskyler.net/store. It's like having a one-on-one session with me. Also, I'm offering two FREE downloads at drskyler.net upon signing up for my weekly newsletter, including "5 Things Every Child Wishes Their Parents Knew" and "Healing Phases: Moving From Victim to Warrior."

When stress occurs, sometimes there's no where to run and the survival mechanism signals "freeze," and plays possum. In this follow up episode about being functionally-frozen, I'll explain what you can do to melt this deep freeze. You'll be amazed at the difference a few simple techniques can make when we move from sensory overload and isolation to a sense of safety. Be sure to check out my podcast companion workbook, Why Is My Body Betraying Me? at drskyler.net/store. It's like having a one-on-one session with me. Also, I'm offering two FREE downloads at drskyler.net upon signing up for my weekly newsletter, including "5 Things Every Child Wishes Their Parents Knew" and "Healing Phases: Moving From Victim to Warrior."

Ever catch yourself staring into space, mentally numb or checked-out? Or feel like you're watching yourself in a movie, disconnected from reality and find yourself sitting in your car before going inside to avoid the imminent overload of demands once you walk in the door. Some men will hide-out in the bathroom. This is called being functionally-frozen which is a prolonged sensory shut-down. This functional freeze may be harmless, but it could also be a sign of a more serious issue called a dorsal vagal shut-down which can impact gastrointestinal health. In this first of a two-part series, I'll explain what's behind this sympathetic system response that can lead to mental and physical immobilization. Be sure to check out my podcast companion workbook, Why Is My Body Betraying Me? at drskyler.net/store. It's like having a one-on-one session with me. Also, I'm offering two FREE downloads at drskyler.net upon signing up for my weekly newsletter, including "5 Things Every Child Wishes Their Parents Knew" and "Healing Phases: Moving From Victim to Warrior."

From a young age, Morgan suffered from multiple conditions, diagnoses and endless doctor visits with no successful treatments. Her illness became her identity. After reaching her rock-bottom moment, she started exploring mind-body methods with me which changed everything. Listen to how Morgan turned her life around, and now is passionate about helping others use their mind to heal their body. Be sure to check out my podcast companion workbook, Why Is My Body Betraying Me? at drskyler.net/store. It's like having a one-on-one session with me. Also, I'm offering two FREE downloads at drskyler.net upon signing up for my weekly newsletter, including "5 Things Every Child Wishes Their Parents Knew" and "Healing Phases: Moving From Victim to Warrior."

Lilly's nauseous condition prevented her from keeping food down, and almost cost her a college scholarship. Her life began "spiraling" due to the pressures in life and at school as her condition worsened. Doctors continued to misdiagnose and "label" her unfortunately. Finally, her GI doctor suggested visiting me. Listen to the moment her life began to shift and her symptoms decreased while using a "soft-focus gaze." Be sure to check out my podcast companion workbook, Why Is My Body Betraying Me? at drskyler.net/store. It's like having a one-on-one session with me. Also, I'm offering two FREE downloads at drskyler.net upon signing up for my weekly newsletter, including "5 Things Every Child Wishes Their Parents Knew" and "Healing Phases: Moving From Victim to Warrior."

Did you hear? My new podcast is one of the top 10% most popular shows out of more than 3.4 million podcasts! Thank you so much for listening! Would you help spread the healing vibes by Liking, Subscribing and/or adding Comments? And, be sure to check out my podcast companion workbook, Why Is My Body Betraying Me? at drskyler.net/store. It's like having a one-on-one session with me...Now, today's podcast focuses on the secondary gains that prevent healing. Although suffering from illness, often there are hidden benefits from being sick that hold us back from moving forward. Secondary gains may include being able to skip school, homework and chores. Or it can involve receiving special attention. I'll highlight more examples in the podcast, and explain how to lovingly undermine these tactics. Also, I'm offering two FREE downloads at drskyler.net upon signing up for my weekly newsletter, including "5 Things Every Child Wishes Their Parents Knew" and "Healing Phases: Moving From Victim to Warrior."

Today's podcast is the second of two interviews with pediatric Dr. Shaista Safder where we discuss brain-gut disorders such as IBS, abdominal pain, gas, bloating and their connection to the neurological control of the GI-motility function. Sounds technical, but in simpler terms, our gut responds to how we feel. Listen as Dr. Shafder and I explain how a physical disorder can be successfully treated with psychotherapy. The irony is that it's not just "in your head." We have a second brain at play. Also, I'm offering two FREE downloads at drskyler.net upon signing up for my weekly newsletter, including "5 Things Every Child Wishes Their Parents Knew" and "Healing Phases: Moving From Victim to Warrior."

Back in 2017, pediatric Dr. Shaista Safder called me for help with, what I call now, The Miracle Patient. Dr. Safder says this young woman was one of the most challenging cases she'd ever come across. The patient complained with a lot of GI symptoms, pain and feeding intolerance. After an extensive diagnostic discovery process, Dr. Safder was "perplexed" that none of the treatment plans showed any signs of helping, and causing more complications. Dr. Safder recognized there may be other factors at play, including bio-psycho-social elements. When I received Dr. Safder's call, little did I know then that this case would forever change my practice. Learn how by listening to this fascinating story. Also, I'm offering two FREE downloads at drskyler.net upon signing up for my weekly newsetter, including "5 Things Every Child Wishes Their Parents Knew" and "Healing Phases: From Victim to Warrior."

If 90% of our thoughts each day are on repeat, imagine how our core beliefs about ourselves are damaged if most of them are ANTs. Conversely, if we turn ANTs into ALTs, the impact in our mental health and healing process will be significant, to say the least. In this episode, I'll explain how our brain changes from ANTs, accelerating the aging process and fuels the disease process. I'll share some common examples, so you can learn to catch them fast, and replace them with ALTs. Learn more at drskyler.net and receive "5 Things Every Child Wishes Their Parents Knew."

Learn how the prevalent Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs) can sabotage your self-esteem, self-efficacy and self-worth. But if we can produce ANTs, why can't we overcome them with Automatic Loving Thoughts (ALTs)? In this episode, I'll share where ANTs come from, and the importance and ramifications from cultivating ALTs in your life. This is one skill we definitely want to pass along to your children, partners, friends and to ourselves. Plus, I'll share a powerful, and proven, tool to transform ANTs to ALTs. Learn more at drskyler.net and receive "5 Things Every Child Wishes Their Parents Knew."

In this episode, I describe the most desired, yet least common, attachment style called the Lighthouse. What does it look and feel like? By learning about the Lighthouse, we can see how validation is linked to wellness, and how attachment styles described in the previous episode have failed us. A secure-attached person knows how flawed they are, and what they can do to improve. Plus, listen/watch as I explain the one gift I wish I could give every child. Then, I wrap up all these attachment styles and identify the keys to changing so you and your child can heal. Learn more at drskyler.net and receive "5 Things Every Child Wishes Their Parents Knew."

Many times, sickness (as well as healing) results from how we are treated by our parents or partners. In this episode (Part 1 of 2), I outline the most destructive "attachment" style, called "Avoidant," which can triggers the immune and limbic systems, inflammation markers and cellular immunity. The avoidant attachment style is revealed when your life experience is continually dismissed as irrelevant. The Silent Treatment, Gaslighting, and chronic invalidation, are more examples of experiencing a partner or parent who acts as if everything is more important than your thoughts and emotions. Plus, I explain the Helicopter or "Be Careful" and Bulldozer attachment styles, and related consequences. Listen/watch as I unpack these destructive process. Learn more at drskyler.net and receive "5 Things Every Child Wishes Their Parents Knew."

From seemingly harmless derogatory comments to having your emotions dismissed or met with contempt, when this pattern continues chronically we can begin to mute how we feel, become fearful about how we speak and create distance from our self. This leads to self-doubt, anxiety, depression and ultimately a physical disease related to GI conditions. Chronic invalidation is particularly harmful, and knowing the antidote becomes critical. Listen/watch as Dr. Skyler unpacks this destructive process. Learn more at drskyler.net and receive "5 Things Every Child Wishes Their Parents Knew."

Are your vibes contagious? More than you realize. We can actually "catch" cortisol from stressed individuals around us. Also, through mirror neurons, witnessing someone in a stressful event can increase your cortiscol levels as much as 40%. Not convinced? Think about how yawns are spread. Just seeing someone yawn can make you yawn. The same occurs with stress and emotions. Unfortunately, picking up stress from others can further develop the disease process. For details about Dr. Skyler, go to drskyler.net and receive "5 Things Every Child Wishes Their Parents Knew" upon subscribing.

When sick with GI or AI conditions, subconsciously we go through phases of healing, and can exhibit any of these phases at any time. Learn about these phases, including the Martyr, Victim, Survivor, Thriver and Warrior, as well as identify some of the 'secondary gains' that benefit the sick. What's the worst thing a parent can do when your child exhibits Victim/Martyr? How can you help them move to Warrior? Find out in this episode of Heal Your Mind, Heal Your Body with Dr. Skyler. For details about Dr. Skyler, go to drskyler.net and receive "5 Things Every Child Wishes Their Parents Knew" upon subscribing.

Our brain, specifically the Limbic system, is constantly surveying for trouble to keep us safe. In this episode, Dr. Skyler outlines three stress responses our limbic system uses -- fight, flight and freeze -- to protect us. However, if we get stuck in a chronic stress response, our immune system can be compromised, leading to inflammation, and fuel the disease process. Unfortunately, in today's world we have a multitude of ever-present external and internal stressors that can cause disease, specifically gastrointestinal and autoimmune conditions. Learn about this mind-body connection and what you can do about it in this episode. For details about Dr. Skyler, go to drskyler.net and receive "5 Things Every Child Wishes Their Parents Knew" upon subscribing.

What exactly is the mind-body connection? This episode takes you on a dive into the glue that binds the mind to the body. The culmination of my story from being in a wheelchair sick from Multiple Sclerosis, to my research, neuroscience, to creating wellness in hundreds of patients with anxiety, autoimmune, and GI disorders. Rarely discussed concepts, approaches and information to start putting the mind body puzzle pieces together so you can begin to create wellness.