Chronic Pain or Illness

Issues resulting from medical conditions often include: grief and loss, family conflict, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, loss of routine and/or job, trauma, loss of identify, and more. In my work with these populations, I processed their feelings regarding the changes, how to incorporate the changes, while working with them to prevent their entire lives from BEING these changes.

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 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 extensive personal and professional experience with chronic pain/illness and have deep regard for the experiencers and caregivers dealing with the challenges that accompany.

We can work together collaboratively in softly challenging distorted unhelpful/exaggerated/unrealistic harsh judgements/thoughts/beliefs that appear during your pain. Just because we have a thought doesn't make it true. We can work together to accept uncomfortable emotions/pain rather than act harsh towards it. Our pain, although sometimes misguided, are trying to help us. Self compassion is powerful!

EMDR and CBT provide greater psychological flexibility in the presence of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors associated with pain. Using functional medicine, we explore how and why illness occurs & balance health by addressing the root causes of a disease. It helps us see the common pathways to disease (e.g., inflammation) the role of diet, stress, & physical activity; sciences of genes and metabolic processes; & the effects of environmental toxins on health and recovery.

I specialize in working with individuals living with chronic and invisible illnesses, as well as their caregivers. From both professional and personal experience, I understand the challenges faced by those with debilitating physical symptoms, chronic pain, fatigue, and the emotional distress that comes with these conditions. Many individuals experience isolation, diminished social connections, and feelings of invisibility. If this resonates with you, I am here to offer support and advocacy.

Living with chronic illness or pain means constantly adjusting—your plans, your energy, even your identity. The uncertainty, medical fatigue, and grief can feel overwhelming. In therapy, we focus on coping strategies that honor both your mind and body, helping you navigate flares, manage stress, and reclaim joy. I specialize in EDS, autoimmune disorders, and hypermobility conditions, providing support that acknowledges both the medical and emotional toll.

My methodology begins by investigating the intricate elements of your chronic pain experience. I analyze the nature, intensity, frequency, and impact on your daily life, using this knowledge to handcraft a holistic treatment plan tailored to your needs.

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.

I have nearly 15 years of experience helping individuals with chronic health issues learn more adaptive ways of relating to their thoughts and feelings about their symptoms and helping them to lead more enjoyable, fulfilling lives.

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 worked in medical and geriatric social work for over five years. In these practice settings, I gained familiarity with the psychosocial impact of chronic illness, chronic pain, and adjustment to changes in ability. I am familiar with many medical conditions, including cancer, POTS, macular degeneration and other forms of low vision, renal disease and organ transplant, and Alzheimer's and other dementias.

Are you living with a chronic illness or endless enduring pain? have you just received a new diagnosis for a illness you are trying to wrap your head aroud? I love to talk with folks about their feelings around illness.

Since Christine Miserandino published her "Spoon Theory" essay over 20 years ago I have been interested in the challenges of navigating life with a chronic illness or disability. Over that time I have come to understand that much of what clients are expected to achieve in "successful therapy" assumes a fully health able bodied life. My goal is to help clients grow and heal while respecting an accommodating the limitations from their illness.

Chronic illness and pain are often invisible to those about us, causing us to suffer in isolation. Those who are aware often don't understand, and aren't curious to learn. Wild Foxgloves understands and sees your suffering, and is also open to learning from you. We also invite you into the story that your body tells. In the Western Hemisphere we think of the body and mind as separate, but research tells another 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.

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.