Chronic Pain or Illness

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.

Chronic illness, fatigue, and/or pain can be incredibly overwhelming, and isolating. Do you find yourself stressing over self-care, feeling unsupported by loved ones, struggling to balance work, rest, relationships and your passions? Do you feel fragmented from your sense of self and the things that bring you joy? You are not alone! Through mindfulness techniques, nervous system support, and expressive art practices I hope to support you in experiencing more ease, joy, and wellbeing in your life

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.

Chronic pain and illness are tough to navigate as while our medical system does a decent job at preventing death, it often fails at relieving pain and chronic illness symptoms through traditional means. I work with autoimmune disorders, fibromyalgia, and other illnesses from a somatic lens, where we acknowledge the interconnected role of the body, the mind, and trauma (including medical trauma), then find ways to navigate systems and move forward with life--revitalizing meaning and purpose.

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.

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.

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.

In my work with individuals, I support those looking to address anxiety, medical trauma, and chronic illness & pain. As someone who lives with a chronic illness, I am passionate about helping folks wherever they are in their journey of managing chronic illness and understand the complexities of navigating the healthcare system.

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.

Receiving a diagnosis; adjusting to lifestyle and medication changes; coping with related changes in mood, emotions, and relationships; managing symptoms and stress.

I have worked with individuals with chronic illnesses for many years, and can offer a compassionate space to process what it means for you. From navigating a world that is not inclusive of those with differences in abilities, the challenges of explaining a chronic illness to a new partner, and grieving the loss of a future you hoped for, I hope to provide you a space to be fully and authentically yourself.

In a world where Chronic Pain, Illness and Disease or Dis-Ease is vastly dismissed and underdiagnosed, I want to help you advocate to get the right care that you need. I want you to feel heard and validated as it can be a VERY lonely and long battle. You are not alone. What you are feeling in your body and what is happening to you is real whether it is somatic, undiagnosed and/or diagnosed.

Utilizing ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), I work with clients who live with chronic pain and/or chronic illness.

Living with health challenges affects every aspect of life, from daily routines to relationships. As a health psychologist, I help you navigate the emotional and practical impacts of illness and medical conditions. We'll work together to develop coping strategies, manage healthcare stress, and maintain quality of life. Our focus includes both practical skills for symptom management and deeper exploration of how health changes affect your life story.

From 1999-2018 I worked as a social worker in each segment of the health and mental health care system; hospitals, homecare, short term rehab, long term care, hospice, community mental health, inpatient psychiatric care, and other settings providing case management, counseling, therapy and other services to those in need. I also live with a number of chronic health conditions and am involved with the Ehlers Danlos society, Spinal Leak Foundation and Dysautonomia International.

Fibromyalgia, Food Allergies/Anaphylaxis, Headache, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, IBD (Crohn's/Colitis), Infertility, ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Migraine

With my own diagnosis of Type I Diabetes at an early age, I have learned coping strategies, skills, and developed my passion to help others similarly in coping with chronic illness. Working together we can regain our self-identity and coping with these big adjustments.