Episode 41: Becoming Unstuck: Why Perfectionism & People-Pleasing are Making You Sick with Shenal Arimilli

In this powerful conversation, Dr. Mary sits down with fellow physical therapist and cancer survivor Shanel Arimilli to unpack how perfectionism, people-pleasing, and chronic stress patterns can silently sabotage your health. Shanel shares her personal journey—how a cancer diagnosis ultimately guided her transformation from a traditional PT to a holistic healer.Together, they explore the intersection of quantum physics, neuroscience, human physiology, and spirituality, and how true healing goes far beyond just treating symptoms. If you’ve ever felt stuck, burnt out, or like your body is begging for help while you're trying to “do everything right,” this episode will speak to you.00:00 Introduction to TMI Talk with Dr. Mary00:15 Meet Shanel Arimilli: A Journey from Physical Therapy to Healing02:14 Diving into Shanel's Cancer Journey and Healing05:46 The Power of Emotions and Intuition in Medicine07:42 Understanding Pain and Its Messages11:59 Integrating Physical and Spiritual Healing25:27 The Role of Patterns in Healing34:31 Exploring Different Types of Journaling34:46 Understanding and Connecting with Emotions40:34 The Importance of Asking for Help41:17 Healing Through Community and Self-Awareness44:01 Personal Stories of Overcoming Cancer52:06 The Power of Imagination and Self-Discovery52:50 Challenging Societal Norms and Embracing Authenticity55:36 Taking Baby Steps Towards Self-Improvement56:38 Final Thoughts and Resources for HealingYou can learn more about Shenal hereWant support for perimenopause that goes beyond hormones?Whether you (or your clients) are taking HRT but still having symptoms, not ready for it, or can’t tolerate it...there’s more we can do.I’ll be sharing practical tools from a movement and rehab perspective, focusing on the nervous system, fascia, lymph, viscera, and musculoskeletal system.If you want updates on workshops, resources, and strategies to support this phase of life more fully, would love you to join my email list.Subscribe to my email list hereI’ll see you in 2 weeks!PS:If you are interested in being a guest on the show, please fill out the form here.