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Coping with Pain And Chronic Illness

Published on Nov 23, 2015

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PRESENTATION OUTLINE

Coping With Pain and Chronic Illness
How Counseling Can Help
Lisa Thommen, LCPC

Photo by Joe Houghton

Finding a therapist

Where to start
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Check with your insurance for providers.

Search the internet for therapists...

If you can't afford therapy, there are Pro Bono Agencies

that can help.  

Choosing a therapist can be confusing...

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Therapists are like shoes, they should 'fit' the client.

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Therapy is an art, as well as a science. There are many types of therapists and therapies.

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The techniques discussed today are based on an integrative approach to counseling, combining years of study and experience, with a holistic 'style', including body, mind and spirit.

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Psychiatrists are Medical Doctors who can prescribe medication, as well as do therapy. Typically, they prescribe medication, and refer out for therapy.

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Psychologists have a PhD or a PsyD, and typically do research and testing, as well as counseling.

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Master's Level, Licensed Counselors are typically LCPC's (Licensed Counselors) or LCSW-C's (Licensed Social Workers. Licensure letters can vary by state.

Photo by wagaboodlemum

How Therapy Can Help People with Pain and Chronic Illness

Therapy is in no way offered as a 'cure' or fix for chronic illness, but it can sure take the edge off....

Therapy gives you a place to vent your frustrations with your illness. There is someone else there for you. Your family loves you, but they are having their own feelings, and it's tough for them to be objective.

Therapy gives you a place to process your thoughts and feelings, and 'let it out' in a safe and supportive environment.

A good therapeutic environment gives you a space to feel accepted unconditionally, so that you may function as your best self.

A good therapeutic environment gives you a space to feel accepted unconditionally, so that you may function as your best self.

Therapy can help you to become aware of your 'blind spots', and learn new ways of coping.

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No one is born knowing how to deal with everything.

Therapy can help you find new ways.

Find Space in the Pain and Fear

Where can you let go?
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Space in your thoughts,
Space in your heart,
Space in your 'space'.
Just let go...

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Breathe

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Breathe

Photo by -Reji

Imagine biting into this lemon...
What happens?

Mind-Body Connection is very strong.

We can't change our feelings. If we are sad, we cannot just 'feel' happy.

Thoughts

Behaviors

We can change our thoughts and behaviors

Which CAN change our feelings.
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Take a deep breath

Let go of tension in your body
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breathe

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Silence your thoughts to find space within them. Start with 20 seconds of silent focus on your breath....

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Try it now.

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Keep Practicing...

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"Count Colors" to bring yourself to the present moment. Name all of the colors that you see around you right now....

Visualization

Picturing Cold Scenes can help with pain
Photo by Lorenzoclick

Stress may trigger some symptoms. Minimizing stress can improve your quality of life. Some proven stress busters are yoga, exercise, sleep, and meditation. Breathing deeply and exhaling slowly can also help. Or keep in mind activities that you enjoy or that make you feel better. When stress strikes, do one or two of them.

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Guided Body Scan

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