Therapy for Chronic Pain and Illness
Chronic illness refers to conditions that persist for over a year and often require ongoing medication to manage symptoms. These symptoms can appear suddenly or remain constant, making daily activities challenging and impacting confidence and overall mental health.
Any kind of health problem that lasts for long periods can be classified as a chronic illness such as mild skin diseases, asthma, and dementia can fall under this category.
At Therapy and Co, we want you to know that you don’t need to have a well-known chronic illness to feel its impact. If your condition is affecting your life, psychotherapy can be a valuable part of your treatment and healing journey.
Having to endure repeated bouts of symptoms from a chronic illness can have a detrimental effect on anyone’s mental health. That’s why it’s essential to take care of yourself and your emotional well-being.
What Does A Chronic Illness Feel Like?
Chronic illnesses affect everyone differently, but the impact on mental health is often similar. Managing symptoms can drain your enthusiasm and energy, and you might experience ongoing anxiety or depression about your health.
Adapting to the reality of having a chronic illness is not an easy task, and you might already be failing without even realizing it. Here are a few other things to watch out for in terms of your mental health. If you’re experiencing any of these, then it might be time to consult a mental health professional.
- Feeling increased stress and concern about the outcome of your health
- Lack of motivation to do your favorite hobbies and activities
- Decreased appetite
- Difficulty forming and maintaining relationships
- Experiencing symptoms of depression
- Limited to no physical activity
- Lack of sleep and constantly feeling tired
- No longer paying attention to some basic needs like proper hygiene and self-care
What Does Therapy For A Chronic Illness Look Like?
Talk therapy can effectively improve mental health issues that arise from chronic pain or illness. Today, numerous techniques and approaches are available, and ongoing research continues to enhance our understanding of the connection between mental health and chronic illnesses.
Our therapists can help you learn and apply coping skills for managing anxiety and living with a chronic illness. By implementing these strategies, you can improve your overall emotional wellbeing. Here are a few of the approaches we use:
Insight-Oriented Therapy (Psychodynamic)
Insight-oriented therapy is based on the belief that increased self-awareness can lead to new and enriching life experiences. In this therapeutic process, the therapist and client work together to explore and understand how past feelings, beliefs, actions, and events may be shaping the present mindset and circumstances. The goal is to provide you with clarity, empowering you to make healthier, more adaptive choices that support your ongoing growth.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
This process focuses on addressing thought patterns, physical symptoms, and behaviors. Research indicates that CBT is highly effective for treating a variety of issues. Through compassionate and supportive care, we aim to create a safe space where you can begin your journey toward growth and reduce feelings of depression and anxiety. CBT can be used on its own or in combination with mindfulness and meditation techniques.
Mindfulness Practices
Through consistent practice, like meditation, we become more focused on the present and understand our experience in the here-and-now. Mindfulness teaches us to shift our attention away from negative thought patterns that lead to the unsatisfactory and problematic thoughts and behaviors and move toward positive and meaningful growth. Mindfulness can be used alone or combined with insight-oriented therapy and CBT.
We can help.
Our experienced therapists can help you improve your mental health while living with chronic pain or illness. We’ll work together to equip you with skills that help you adapt to your situation and live a fulfilling and vibrant life.
Therapy and Co Providers Who Specialize in Therapy for Chronic Pain + Illness
If you are experiencing similar
problems please contact us
(832) 315-5793