In this episode, Dr. David Hanscom talks with pain psychologist Les Aria about how the body’s response to sustained threat can prevent you from being the person you really are. He explains that when we are overwhelmed, the primitive parts of the brain take over and rational thinking and behavior decline. It is only when you understand this process and develop coping skills for stress that you can reconnect to your true self and have the quality of life you desire.

Les Aria, PhD is a Pain Psychologist, who has been practicing for the past 16 years with Kaiser Permanente Medical Group, Inc. He served as the Lead Pain Psychologist for Kaiser Northern California to help incorporate modern pain science, mindfulness and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). Les specializes in treating psychophysiological disorders/persistent pain and medically unexplained problems. His passion for mind body interventions promote a unique style to help patients relate differently to their suffering, and thereby shifting them into pain recovery and wellness.