Chronic Illness and Pain
Psychotherapy
Pat is a psychotherapist, consultant, lecturer, and support group leader
for those with chronic Illness and pain, offering Lifestyle Management,
Psychotherapy, and additional healing modalities. Pat understands that
"not everyone with a chronic illness has the same symptoms or degree of symptoms. Some
have mild complications and with a little adjustment in their diets or
schedules, they can lead a pretty "normal" life. Some have to make
bigger changes, sacrificing various activities or their work situations in
order to contend with their conditions. Others become so ill they are unable to
work at all and struggle just to meet life's daily needs. Most chronic
conditions cannot be seen with the naked eye, but nevertheless are persistently
keeping the person from enjoying life the way they once knew. For
instance, a person can battle extreme fatigue and/or cognitive
impairments on the inside, even though they may appear healthy and well on the
outside. Just the same, a person can have horrible pain and/or
dizziness, despite the fact that to the onlooker they may look strong and able.
People living with chronic conditions do not want to give up! They make efforts
to laugh, smile, look their best and enjoy life, even though they know they
will pay dearly for it. Because of this, we should not confuse their
endeavors to live life and be positive, with assuming they are feeling well or doing
better. Instead, let us commend them for their incredible courage, perseverance
and persistence that make their illnesses and injuries seem invisible to
us."
Adapted from The Invisible Disabilities Advocate
My Goal for you
My goal is for us to work as a team to create for you mental, spiritual,
emotional and physical health. My belief is that each individual is
exceptional, and has the ability to transcend imbalance and to integrate
the body and mind together toward a greater degree of health. We will
address all aspects of your life, including attitude, diet, exercise, habits,
and coping with and avoiding occupational stress and environmental hazards. My
purpose is to develop, through Lifestyle Counseling in the areas of
mind/body health, an integrated program tailored to your individual unique
requirements.
How I Can Assist You with Health Problems
I will create a personalized Lifestyle Program for you, in the following
areas:
- I will help you with self-care tools, including assessment of nutrition
and exercise, time management, and simplification of tasks.
- Accompany you to Doctor's visits to help you communicate your needs or
concerns, guide you in your search for health solutions, and assist you
with your disability application. Click here to see a helpful list for
physician visits.
- Support you in adapting to your physical and mental challenges, develop
better coping skills, as well as exploring the healing process for
recovery. I will help you maintain the medical protocol recommended by your
physician or health care provider, providing educational information and
resources including referrals when needed.
- Assist you in maintaining the medical protocol recommended by your
physician or health care provider.
- Provide you with educational information, resources, including
referrals when needed.
