In this episode, I sit down with Rachel Gofman, Doctor of Physical Therapy and Pelvic Pain Coach, to explore her incredible journey of healing from IC and chronic pelvic pain using a mind-body approach. After trying every diet, test, and treatment available, Rachel found her breakthrough by addressing the emotional and nervous system components of her symptoms.

Rachel now dedicates her career to helping women with conditions like IC (interstitial cystitis), vulvodynia, pudendal neuralgia heal their pain and rediscover safety in their bodies. 

We dive deep into:

• Why pain can persist long after the initial trigger, like a UTI, has resolved.
• How hypervigilance around perceived food triggers can worsen symptoms, and how to break free.
• What it means to "feel safe" in your body and why this is essential for healing chronic pain.
• Practical tools for calming the nervous system during flares.
• Why progress might feel slow and how to stay hopeful on your healing journey.

Rachel’s compassionate and expert perspective will inspire anyone struggling with chronic pelvic pain to consider the profound role of the mind-body connection in their recovery.

Rachel shares her work and resources for healing chronic pelvic pain through coaching and holistic support. Don’t miss this powerful conversation. It might just change how you view healing.

0:00 Show Intro  
0:37 Episode Intro  
1:39 Rachel Intro  
2:13 Rachel’s Journey and How She Discovered a Mind-Body Approach  
6:22 What Is Mind-Body Healing  
8:30 Navigating Food Fear  
12:06 Exposure Tools to Overcome Food Sensitivities  
15:59 Setting Realistic Time-Frame Expectations  
18:28 How to Open Yourself to Mind-Body and Understanding Language  
25:52 Integrated Healing Strategies  
27:18 Subconscious Processes and the Brain Using Context as a Trigger  
33:37 Shifting Attention to Safety  
34:49 Affirmations, Positive Thought Work, and Reframing  
38:35 Are Certain Personalities Susceptible to Chronic Pain?  
42:51 How Rachel Guides Clients to Recovery  
48:16 Where to Find Rachel  
49:33 Show Outro  

Connect with Rachel:

https://www.instagram.com/thepelvicpaincoach/

Read: The Way Out by Alan Gordon:

https://www.curablehealth.com/books/alan-gordon/the-way-out-approach-to-healing-chronic-pain 

Read: The Source by Dr Tara Swart

https://www.taraswart.com/the-source/ 

Connect with Mary:

• Go deeper with Mary’s free ebook, How to Heal your Bladder with Food.‍
• Follow Mary on Instagram ‍ https://www.instagram.com/marycotter.nutrition/
• Mary’s website https://www.marycotternutrition.com/
• The Heal your Bladder programme https://www.marycotternutrition.com/heal-your-bladder
• Disclaimer

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on marycotternutrition.com is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice from your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you may have heard on the podcast or on the website.