Chronic Pain Counselling
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is defined as pain lasting more than 6 months or longer than the time expected for tissue healing. Distinction is made clinically between cancer pain and non-cancer pain, as cancer pain usually worsens as the cancer spreads and increasing medications are required for palliative care. Chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP), on the other hand, is a condition where pain perception is driven by persistent pain signals coming from specific areas of the body and/or there is amplification of pain perception in the central nervous system of the brain.
It is important to appreciate that pain is an inherently subjective experience and the emotional state of an individual has a great effect on the perception of pain. Fear, anger and shame are commonly associated with amplification of chronic pain.
Chronic pain has major debilitating effects that have major repercussions for the individual, their family life and ability to be productive at work. Chronic pain patients are often prescribed opioid medications as a solution that can become part of the problem because of their abuse liability and dependence (addiction) potential.
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- joint pain
- muscle aches
- burning pain
- fatigue
- sleep problems
- loss of stamina and flexibility, due to decreased activity
- mood problems, including depression, anxiety, and irritability
How our chronic pain therapy works
When pain persists and becomes chronic it also becomes more complex and requires continuing care. Chronic pain always has a physical health component and a mental health component. We treat both aspects with or without medications. Addiction and mental health issues require a detailed assessment and then treatment by a chronic pain psychologist that includes individual sessions and at times couples or family sessions.
Psychotherapy is done from a variety of therapeutic approaches and incorporates aspects of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Rational Emotive Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, and/or Family Systems Therapy. We initially gather information about who you are and where you are at to be able to provide targeted recommendations to support you in your journey of growth despite the limitations chronic pain may impose on you.
Available Services For Chronic Pain
Health Upwardly Mobile (HUM) is a counselling and therapy provider based in Calgary. Our team includes a variety of healthcare providers including nurses, physicians, psychologists and social workers.
Follow Us :