Chronic pain can limit a person’s mobility, strength and endurance both on a physical and emotional level making it challenging to perform certain tasks.   A person living with chronic pain lives with uncertainty each and every day.  This uncertainty brings with it some common patterns of response such as isolation from family and friends, mood swings and a reluctance to make plans.  There may be times when you act irrational and impulsive while other times you feel unmotivated and depressed.  The response to chronic pain differs for each person based on their age, life experience, psychological factors, and their particular chronic pain condition.

When it comes to our health, both emotional and physical, neurobiological research has given us new insights.  The study of the brain and the nervous system has provided a more comprehensive understanding of the interplay between the body, mind, and our emotions.   We can develop more effective strategies for moving forward and improving the quality of our lives when we understand not only our emotions but the impact that pain has on our body.  The reality is that all pain, whether caused by a broken leg or fibromyalgia, is processed in the same area where our emotions are regulated.  Dr. Beth Darnell explains it this way, “The areas of the brain that are associated with sensory perception, share the same real-estate with the areas of the brain that are involved in the processing of emotions.” It is this connection between emotion and pain that stimulates the stress response when pain is present. This connection makes it possible for an individual to learn and develop strategies for shifting thoughts away from the pain pathways in the brain onto a different pathway; this will alter how the body responds to pain.  Research shows that you can direct change consciously, bringing to your personal understanding, growth and expansion rather than limitation and deprivation. 

As we recognize conflicting and self-destructive behaviors, entering into clinical counselling can start the process to diminish defeating patterns of thought and behavior and begin to construct healthy responses to life.   It is the role of the therapist to assist clients to move through difficult situations of past and/or current issues.  Our counsellors will work with your emotions and the patterns of response in your life that are not bringing you the results you desire.  Since chronic pain can increase your stress levels and can fuel negative emotions, building emotional skills can help you cope with the stress related to your condition. It is important for everyone to take good care of their body with balanced nutrition, plenty of sleep, and regular exercise; however, chronic pain can make this difficult. 

Our clinical counsellors provide a professional environment for you to develop healthy responses to life and to improve your emotional well-being.  There are two options available to start the process.   We offer a free fifteen consultation where you can come in to meet with a counsellor and ask questions about the process or the other option is to begin right away by booking a counselling appointment.  The number to call is 250 881-1806.