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

Lifestyle Counseling

What is Lifestyle Counseling

Lifestyle Counselors are the newest generation of distinguished health care professionals. They are uniquely cross trained in multiple disciplines that most directly affect the lifestyle-change process. A Lifestyle Counselor is a teacher, guide, motivator, and fan club president for the individual engaged in the process of lifestyle change. Lifestyle Counselors are the health care professionals of choice for individuals who are serious about lifestyle change and need the guidance and support of a well-trained, knowledgeable counselor.

LCs work with their clients in a nonjudgmental and empathic way to help the clients succeed in lifestyle change, reduce the risk of preventable diseases, and improve overall quality of life. These cutting-edge health care professionals are trained to focus on the entire fabric of the individual's lifestyle. They are well prepared to assist their clients modify attitudes, cognitions, emotions, goals, and behaviors. Moreover, Lifestyle Counselors are trained to appropriately assess their clients' needs and refer those clients who would be better served by more specialized health professionals. The dedication to a multi-disciplinary approach to lifestyle change coupled with a referral network of specialized health care professionals has established Lifestyle Counselors as the newest generation of distinguished health care professionals.
Adapted from American Association of Lifestyle Counselors

How I Can Assist You

I will develop for you a personalized Lifestyle Program to help you find a solution to your difficult situation. With compassion and understanding, I will assist you in exploring better coping skills. You will adopt better strategies for daily living, and enhance your communication skills. Learn to empower yourself by gaining self-help tools to continue to grow beyond the therapy session. You will receive educational information and resources including referrals when needed.