Experiencing chronic pain or illness?

Chronic pain, illness, or injury can feel like you’re at war with your own body. You’re in perpetual discomfort or even debilitating pain. Skills and activities that you once took for granted are now excruciating or impossible. Your friends and family attempt to offer support but they just don’t get it and, as social events become increasingly arduous, you find yourself more and more alone. It’s as if a dark shadow has been cast over every corner of your life - and your future looks dim and uncertain. Logically, you know that life isn’t fair but… this is so unfair! You’re furious, terrified, devastated, and desperate. You’re suffering physically - but you don’t have to suffer mentally, too.

Whether you’re experiencing fibromyalgia, a concussion, interstitial cystitis, irritable bowel syndrome, an autoimmune disorder, or another issue, I’ll provide a warm and accepting environment where you can let it all out - without the concern of what anybody will think or the stress of burdening your loved ones. I’ll also be your sounding board as you contemplate various healthcare and lifestyle options. Additionally, I’ll support you as you develop the personal philosophy that will guide you for however long your symptoms may last. Plus, we’ll use evidence-based techniques to aim to improve your psychological experience and increase your sense of resilience and agency. You didn’t choose to have health issues but you can choose how to handle them.

Evidence-based treatment

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) presents valuable tools for managing the distress associated with chronic pain, illness, and injury. We’ll use CBT to address any negative thought patterns and reframe your perceptions of your symptoms as well as of yourself. CBT isn’t about forcing the “right” perspective. Rather, it’s about authentically shifting your thoughts in a direction that you determine will serve you better during this time. Furthermore, CBT is a skills-based modality - meaning that you can apply the learned techniques to any upsetting thoughts that you may experience. Discover more about CBT here. 

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a research-backed approach that uses bilateral stimulation (usually horizontal eye movements) to reprocess the overwhelming thoughts or bad memories often linked with chronic pain or illness. These thoughts or memories may relate to your physical issues or they may reflect other aspects of your life. Unprocessed trauma is “stored” in the nervous system, potentially leading not only to psychological symptoms but also pain hypersensitivity and chronic illness. Discover more about EMDR here. 

Mindfulness has been elemental to Eastern philosophy for millennia and was first adopted by Western psychology in the 1970s as part of chronic pain management. Practicing mindfulness doesn’t mean obliging yourself to blissfully accept a heartbreaking situation. Instead, mindfulness is about noticing what’s happening without judgment or criticism. By attuning to the present moment with curiosity and openness, you may find opportunities for relief. Mindfulness is also linked with increased calm, agency, and a sense of emotional strength. Discover more about mindfulness here.

A personalized toolkit

When chronic symptoms peak, you’d do almost anything to feel better - but you’re so overwhelmed by the awfulness of the moment that you can’t remember where to begin. We’ll collaborate on a personalized toolkit of practical exercises, prepared plans, and physical resources for when you’re having a flare-up. If you’re experiencing the mental anguish associated with chronic illness or pain, then contact me using the form below or email me at sue@suebedfordpsychotherapy.com to book a free consultation. I’m looking forward to connecting with you.