Learn to cope with Physical Pain

The first reaction people who are in physical pain have to the suggestions that they should seek a talk therapy goes something like this,

"My pain is REAL, not in my head! What makes you think I should seek talk therapy?"

Pain is real.

I understand that your pain is real. I also know that because of your pain, you are now facing new and sometimes confusing challenges. Chronic pain or illness often results in changes in daily living that can lead to depression. You may have to stop working or participating in the things you love. Many pain clients suffer financial difficulties and become increasingly isolated because they are either in pain or afraid of increasing their pain through activity.

Being in pain also affects relationships.

Many people feel guilty about having to ask for help or not being able to participate in other people's lives, and sometimes families have trouble communicating about when and how to help. People in pain often don't know when to ask for help and when to try harder.  They often at time  feel overwhelmed by emotions they don't understand -- they cry suddenly and don't know why, they feel like they have to pretend to be happy even though they aren't, they are afraid of disappointing family and friends.

Feeling dependent on doctors and medication

There is another important element to chronic pain or illness -- the relationship with doctors and medical staff. Many people in chronic pain feel dependent upon their doctors and perhaps their medication. Some people don't ask for the help they need because they don't want to be perceived of as a complainer or drug seeker. They don't take pain medicine as recommended because they are afraid of developing an addiction or because they won't have that little extra they can take if the pain gets really bad.

Normal reactions

All of these reactions are perfectly normal and they can stop you from feeling better. I help people in chronic pain or illness learn better coping skills, resolve emotional conflicts, and improve communication with friends, family, medical staff.