Is it safe to follow Dr. John Sarno’s approach?

If you are considering Dr. John Sarno’s approach to chronic pain, a common and reasonable question is whether it is safe.

When pain has been intense, persistent, or frightening, any method that shifts focus away from the body can feel counterintuitive. You may worry about missing a serious diagnosis, ignoring physical injury, or doing harm by changing how you respond to symptoms.

Safety, however, is not just about avoiding danger. It is also about whether an approach reduces fear, supports recovery, and aligns with what modern science understands about pain.