Be Symptom Free offers one-to-one coaching and various tools to combat and overcome symptoms of stress-related illness. Based on the work of Dr. John Sarno and Dr. Howard Schubiner, Leon set up his own practice to support others who are living with chronic pain, and symptoms, as well as the anxiety that comes with this.

Tension Myositis Syndrome was coined by the late Dr. John Sarno and is also commonly known as a mind-body syndrome. When we have been to our GP or health care professional and we are informed there is no structural damage, no tissue damage, no organ damage, nothing is broken, and our blood work comes back clear, there is an initial sigh of relief. But what next? We are still living with chronic symptoms or pain that can at times be overwhelming.

Once we rule out the structural damage, we can then rule in TMS, or Mind Body syndrome. Next, we need to learn that our bodies are in fact fine and well, but it is rather our brain that is creating the pain/symptoms. And this has become a learned response. The brain can create all types of symptoms, and sensations based on our emotional state. In moments of fear we may experience a racing heart. Before a job interview, we may have stomach issues due to nerves. When we experience grief or loss, we can feel physical pain, or aching in our hearts. Often these sensations pass when the event is over. But what about when pain or symptoms become chronic? When we give our sensations too much attention and believe that we are broken this can have a devastating effect. It can be tough when we feel dismissed by doctors or told we have to live with something.

Western medicine is extremely advanced, but it functions on the premise that we have structural problems or diseases. So what about pain and symptoms that have become chronic or learned? Well, we must aim to unlearn our sensations. Once we fully accept that our bodies are ok and that its just our brain perceiving danger, thus creating pain/symptoms, we can begin to see results. We can work with consistent messages of safety, and somatic tracking, where we begin to see that these symptoms are harmless. They cannot hurt you. Our brain is caught in a loop. It's highly likely that you will have stopped doing certain activities or social events as you fear it's going to make you worse, or you just simply can't do it. Our beliefs, thoughts, and behaviours can keep us stuck. Quite literally.

You can hear more about my own story in the about me section. I set up my practice as I wanted to pay this work forward. If i'm not the coach for you, I can refer you to several other great TMS coaches. Most importantly, you need to find someone that's the right fit for you.