EAET (Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy)
We don’t endorse any of the resources here, but only share what exists. Please do your own research. The information within our resources is from secondary sources, and is not intended to replace medical advice from a healthcare provider. Whilst we aim to provide as much information as we can for free, some of these resources will cost you money if you take them up. If there are scholarships or funding that we can find, we cite them in the resource.
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Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET) is an evidence-based psychotherapy developed by Dr Howard Schubiner and colleagues. It is designed for people with chronic pain and medically unexplained symptoms, teaching them to identify and express previously suppressed or unprocessed emotions. EAET builds on the foundations of John Sarno’s TMS work, while incorporating structured psychotherapeutic methods validated in clinical trials.
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EAET sessions guide participants to recognise the link between repressed emotions and physical symptoms. Core techniques include:
Becoming aware of emotions such as anger, fear, guilt, or grief.
Using expressive writing, role-play, and guided recall to access and express these feelings safely.
Re-evaluating past experiences and traumas to change the brain’s perception of ongoing threat.
Practising emotional expression in the present to reduce the nervous system’s stress load.
The therapy helps to break cycles of fear and hypervigilance by directly processing the emotions the brain has been avoiding.
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EAET has been shown in randomised controlled trials to reduce pain and improve wellbeing, especially in fibromyalgia.
It differs from journalling methods like JournalSpeak because it is usually therapist-led, though self-guided applications exist.
EAET is not yet widely available as a standalone therapy in many countries, but its principles are embedded in books, courses, and free resources.
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Books: typically £15–20 / $20–25.
Reign of Pain (Coursera): free to audit. £40–50 / $50–60 for a certificate.
Therapist-led EAET sessions: typically £80–120 GBP / $100–150 USD per session.
Self-guided courses like Unlearn Your Pain: usually around £25–40 / $30–50 for the book; online course pricing varies.
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Reign of Pain Coursera course can be taken free of charge if audited without a certificate.
Low-cost entry points include Schubiner’s books (Unlearn Your Pain, Unlearn Your Anxiety and Depression).
Many free lectures and interviews with Dr Schubiner are available on YouTube.
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Nicole Sachs’ JournalSpeak Method (writing practice inspired by Sarno/EAET principles)
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Unlearn Your Pain by Dr Howard Schubiner
Unlearn Your Anxiety and Depression by Dr Howard Schubiner
Hidden from View by Dr Howard Schubiner and Dr David Clarke
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Raelan Agle’s YouTube Channel - references in stories
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The Cure for Chronic Pain (Nicole Sachs)
Feel Better, Live More with with Dr. Rangan Chatterjee - Episode: How To Heal Chronic Pain with Dr. Howard Schubiner
Like Mind Like Body - Curable Health
Tell Me About Your Pain - Curable & Alan Gordon
Pain Science Education Podcast (Joe Tatta – regularly hosts Schubiner and EAET discussions)
