Chronic illness/pain

It’s just not normal.

A certain amount of pain or illness is natural; but for some people, it’s much more than that.

Are your symptoms starting to get in the way of the life you want to lead?

Chronic. Debilitating. Excruciating.

Maybe nobody else can see it, but you’re feeling it. And it’s really getting to you.

And the pain is not alone.

It’s with you all the time, but it’s not alone. It runs with a host of unwelcome friends…

Never-ending doctor visits with health-care professionals who don’t seem to care or understand.

Repetitive, costly, painful procedures/surgeries.

Medications are accompanied with a never-ending list of uncomfortable, annoying, or even downright frightening side effects.

Sometimes diet changes are required to try to avoid some of the pain.

You never dreamed you would not be able physically to participate in activities that once brought you joy.

Friends and family may not understand and are insensitive. OR those who do understand but must deal with their own stress because of your health problems. This creates the sense that you’re just a burden.

And then there is the constant anxiety about the future. And grief – you grieve the loss of the person you used to be and long for the life you once led.

But you’re not alone, either.

You don’t have to suffer like this forever.

Psychotherapy can help.

I can support you – help you process the unique grief experience that chronic illness and pain creates – the one that seems never-ending, insurmountable because of multiple, permanent, and sometimes unknown losses and change.

Together, we can progress through the denial, depression, and anger toward a sense of acceptance and…

More importantly, a reinvention of yourself.

We’ll develop strategies that will enable you to pace yourself, cope with your anxieties in social situations, deal with the ruminative thoughts about your health, and communicate and relate positively with friends and family who don’t understand what you’re going through, even though they’re trying.

You don’t have to go through this alone.

Let me support you as you adapt, redefine yourself, and increase your confidence.

You can regain control and start really enjoying your life again!

Contact me at (925) 800-3394, and let’s get you on your way!