If you’ve ever experienced chronic pain – the pain which endures week after week, month after month, year after year, you know how difficult it is. It’s even worse if you know the root cause isn’t fixable, that you have ‘forever pain’. It may vary from day to day, but it may never go away.
Living with constant pain drains you. Sleep is often disrupted, so you’re fatigued. You may be irritable, depressed or anxious – or all three. When the intensity of your pain varies for no obvious reason, you can feel even less in control of your own life. Small wonder that many with chronic pain become withdrawn and socially isolated.
Your behaviour and your feelings can change so much when chronic pain enters your life. You may feel as though you’ve had a personality
transplant. You may experience anxiety or depression. Pain affects everything, not just for you, but for those around you. Getting help to
deal with everything on your plate is the smart choice.
“Lisa has helped me gain new perspectives on my stressors, making them feel more manageable. She has also provided practical coping mechanisms that have significantly improved my ability to navigate challenges. I highly recommend her compassionate and insightful approach.”
Therapy cannot eliminate your chronic pain, but it can change the way it impacts you and your life. It works by changing the way your brain processes the pain and the messages you tell yourself.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) explores your thoughts, feelings, beliefs and values. Acceptance can be an important step in adapting to and living with pain. Letting go of your resistance can reduce stress and physical tension.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) focuses on thoughts and beliefs asking what are your attitudes towards pain and expectations of living and doing with pain. For example, visualising waves breaking on a beach, or yourself riding the waves, can help manage the pain.
Psychoeducation is useful to learn more about chronic pain. It includes problem solving and coping strategies, not just for the pain itself, but also for dealing with other people. Family, friends and work colleagues may not have a clear concept of your condition and its impacts. Expressing your needs clearly, but without damaging relationships, can change expectations and ease your burden.