Chronic Pain or Illness

At least 10% of people with mild acute Covid infection are now thought to fail to make a full recovery from their symptoms and return to their pre-existing level of functioning. Long haulers as they have been colloquially named by the peer community in the US refer to the multi symptom, multi system post viral syndrome. As a former long hauler myself, now mostly recovered, I am working with those who have not in my practice.

Living with illness, disability, and/or chronic pain can leave you feeling isolated as you navigate changing relationships, medical care, stretched finances, grief for what's been lost, fear about the future, experiences of invisibility/hypervisibility, and anger about how you've been treated. I work from a Disability Justice model, grappling with the ways in which our world often fails to provide accommodation and access, and how our lives become shaped by that lack of care and recognition.

The mind and the body are connected in in a deep way. What happens in our bodies affect the mind and vice versa. I use my knowledge of the mind-body connection to help clients develop skills and self-compassion. My background is in medical social work and I also have lived experience of chronic illness. Together, these experiences give me knowledge of navigating health care systems from both perspectives.

Living with illness, disability, and/or chronic pain can leave you feeling isolated as you navigate changing relationships, medical care, stretched finances, grief for what's been lost, fear about the future, experiences of invisibility/hypervisibility, and anger about how you've been treated. I work from a Disability Justice model, grappling with the ways in which our world often fails to provide accommodation and access, and how our lives become shaped by that lack of care and recognition.

As an individual who lives with chronic pain and illness, I understand the struggle of finding people who "get it". There is a very specific type of experience that comes with chronic illness and the frustration of not having a compassionate space to land can be overwhleming.

Living with illness, disability, and/or chronic pain can leave you feeling isolated as you navigate changing relationships, medical care, stretched finances, grief for what's been lost, fear about the future, experiences of invisibility/hypervisibility, and anger about how you've been treated. I work from a Disability Justice model, grappling with the ways in which our world often fails to provide accommodation and access, and how our lives become shaped by that lack of care and recognition.

I am a Chronic Pain/Illness/Fatigue informed therapist. I personally have these conditions myself and understand firsthand the frustration of having to cancel/reschedule events and the accompanying feelings of shame. It’s so alienating everyday activities takes more energy for us than others, as described by the spoon theory, and we are disappointed with ourselves for not being able to complete something important to us, especially as pertains to our family. Coping strategies may earn spoons.

My work in hospitals has prepared me to help people living with pain,or adjusting to life changing medical issues.

Living with chronic pain can be incredibly challenging, both physically and emotionally. Together we'll explore the complex nature of chronic pain, identify triggers and patterns, and develop personalized coping mechanisms tailored to your unique needs. Whether it's through pain management techniques, relaxation exercises, mindfulness practices, or cognitive-behavioral strategies, we'll work together to find approaches that bring you relief and empowerment.

I cured myself of a repetitive stress injury issue in college using Dr. John Sarno's mind-body medicine approach. Since then this approach has become more sophisticated and trauma-informed and I use it frequently with clients to help them heal from chronic pain and/or illness provided there is no known serious medical condition.

We offer specialized services for individuals living with a chronic medical condition or chronic pain, along with the caregivers for those individuals. We support clients through individual and group therapy, neurofeedback for pain management, and/or health coaching for holistic wellness.

I support clients in navigating the complexities of chronic pain or illness by addressing both emotional and practical aspects, including *the stress and uncertainty* of significant medical diagnoses. This includes those disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Drawing from my own experience with unexpected health challenges, I bring a personal understanding to our work. Together, we'll collaborate on ways to better your quality of life and cope with the ongoing impacts of chronic conditions.

I have helped hundreds of clients who are actively suffering from chronic pain, chronic illnesses, and debilitating disabilities. Coming-to-terms with your physical struggles, learning how to navigate life with them, and finding your personal strengths all are very useful ways to beat the depression and anxiety that these issues cause. Good therapy can help.

I work with people who are chronically ill or have pain and disability. I work from a grief model to help you grieve the "should be" in your life. I can understand that it is incredibly lonely and sad to have to grieve yourself. I am chronically ill myself and understand the ups and down's that you experience. I use EMDR to process the trauma of being chronically ill and navigate the medical and mental health system that is not set up to support success.

I have helped hundreds of clients who are actively suffering from chronic pain, chronic illnesses, and debilitating disabilities. Coming-to-terms with your physical struggles, learning how to navigate life with them, and finding your personal strengths all are very useful ways to beat the depression and anxiety that these issues cause. Good therapy can help.

Many of my clients are dealing with chronic illnesses, including lime disease, chronic fatigue, and HPA axis dysregulation. It is important to me to support these clients on their journey of acceptance and healing. The issue of chronic illness is personal to me as well as professional. My mother has survived (and thrived), with courage and grace, a chronic illness throughout her life.

Chronic health issues are not just challenging physically-they take an emotional toll. Chronic pain and chronic illness can increase feelings of anxiety about the future and feelings of isolation. Therapeutic techniques included Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can provide interventions to decrease overwhelming feelings of depression and anxiety as well as mindfulness skills to manage distress in healthy ways.

I provide compassionate support for managing & coping with health challenges, focusing on inflammatory bowel disease. With experience in addressing the emotional aspects of chronic conditions, I use evidence-based techniques to offer relief, enhance coping skills, and improve your overall quality of life. Whether you're facing chronic pain, autoimmune disorders, or other long-term health issues, I collaborate with you to develop strategies for symptom management & emotional resilience.

During graduate school I spent a year working on a chronic pain unit of a hospital. I became acutely aware of what it is like to navigate through an ableist world with a disability. I help clients grieve the loss of ability with compassion and make peace as they adjust to their new reality.

Living with illness, disability, and/or chronic pain can leave you feeling isolated as you navigate changing relationships, medical care, stretched finances, grief for what's been lost, fear about the future, experiences of invisibility/hypervisibility, and anger about how you've been treated. I work from a Disability Justice model, grappling with the ways in which our world often fails to provide accommodation and access, and how our lives become shaped by that lack of care and recognition.