The evidence-based practice of self-compassion is one of the best markers we have for well-being. People who experience chronic pain often find that they are extremely hard on themselves and tend to be perfectionists and/or people pleasers. Self-compassion is an excellent antidote to the diseases off perfectionism and people pleasing and can also help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation common to chronic pain sufferers. I have extensive personal and professional experience with self-compassion and will teach you practical tools that you can use inside and outside sessions to begin strengthening your neural pathways for self-compassion.
One of the most important factors in successful therapy is a positive, productive, and collaborative working relationship. To foster this type of therapeutic relationship, I incorporate elements of humanistic therapy and interact authentically, genuinely, honestly, empathetically, and energetically. I believe my role as a therapist is to accept you exactly as you are, without judgment, and that this acceptance is what will enable to you to begin to change in the ways you desire.
I utilize a strengths based-positive psychology focus to uncover your positive ways of coping, talents, creativity, interests, hope, passion, and love that may have been buried while you were struggling to be free from chronic pain. We will work together to help you begin to tap into your inner resources and resilience. You will be astounded at how your experience of pain shifts as you come to trust in your innate ability to meet your life as it unfolds.