Typically, Chronic Pain Syndrome patients come to see a psychologist after being seen by a number of other health professionals to no avail, including internal medicine physicians, orthopedists, surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, physical therapists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, emergency room doctors (for late-night injections of powerful pain killing drugs) and others. Typically, a Chronic Pain evaluation consists of several approaches to discovering which factors play the largest role in maintaining the pain. We ask patients to keep a Pain Diary for a week or two, which helps us pinpoint which activities or emotional states are related to an increase in pain level. This also helps us observe how they are actually taking their medications. We may also perform psychological testing to determine any underlying causes of depression or anxiety which should be treated in addition to the Chronic Pain and which could be helping to maintain it. At least one Family Session is held to explore whether there have been unconscious payoffs within the family for being in pain.
I have worked for the past 6 years as an oncology social worker, serving cancer patients all over Georgia and the Southeast United States. My cancer patients have taught me the importance of determination, empowerment, and kindness towards oneself. I have a passion for working with individuals who have chronic, unremitting illness and pain, to walk alongside through the hills and valleys to achieve greater peace and satisfaction in life. If you are struggling with chronic pain or illness, call today to see if I can help you live a richer, more meaningful life.
One in five Americans identifies with a disability. Learning to cop with these challenges is possible, whether it's temporary or permanent, visible or invisible, new or life-long. Regardless of the origin of your pain, it is real. And it does not need to define your entire experience.
Chronic pain is a mind-body experience that can be exhausting and isolating. Through a personalized approach, we'll explore your unique experiences and decide on the best treatment plan, often incorporating EMDR to address emotional aspects and create more resilience and less distress - which often reduces pain! If you'd like - and only upon your request - I am happy to connect with your pain-management doctor to ensure a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to your care. Reclaim your life from chronic pain—contact me today to start your journey towards healing.
Chronic pain can be debilitating. In addition to medical treatment of chronic pain, I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to change clients disposition towards the pain. CBT comes in handy when reframing thoughts about the pain. It allows for clients to effectively dealing with the pain mentally and emotionally.
In my approach of using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for chronic pain or illness, I start by assessing how pain affects daily life. I educate clients on how thoughts and emotions can intensify pain, teaching them to challenge negative thoughts like catastrophizing. We set achievable goals for activities despite pain and practice relaxation techniques to reduce physical tension. Mindfulness helps manage pain sensations. Homework reinforces skills learned, like relaxation exercises. Regular review ensures we adjust strategies as needed. This personalized approach aims to empower clients in managing chronic pain and improving their quality of life.
Pain is so much more than a number on a Pain Scale. Your activity, your relationships, your thoughts, and your mood can all affect your experience of pain. Together we are going to examine all of the different things that make your pain worse. We will discover how you're daily activities and your beliefs around pain can fuel the cycle of pain. We will then develop tools to interrupt that cycle and do more with less pain. Please feel free to reach out to me to learn more about my approach to treating chronic pain.
Learning how to contend with and accept a new diagnosis or reality of chronic pain can be daunting. I am a firm believer in the connection between mind and body. Mindfulness can help us relate to our suffering in a new and more compassionate way.
34 Years Experience
