Mindful Compassionate Counseling
Areas of Expertise
Chronic Pain Management
Chronic pain affects millions of Americans. It can be sporadic or constant and it can range from mildly irritating to completely incapacitating. The emotional effects can include depression, anxiety, anger, stress, and fatigue. It may cause a reduction in activities and lead to isolation further increasing negative feelings. The mind body connection is strong, leading to a vicious cycle of pain and a poorer quality of life. The American Psychological Association states that: “A wide range of psychological interventions have been used successfully to help people deal with pain, including biofeedback, relaxation, hypnosis, cognitive and behavioral coping skills.” I have worked with many people who have been living with chronic pain and they have reported that relaxation training was very helpful with their sleep problems; biofeedback and coping skills were helpful with daily living. I use all of these methods in my counseling practices.
Trauma
Trauma may be the result of a single horrible event such as a rape, accident, or near-death experience, or it may be caused by repeated abuse, be it verbal, emotional, or physical. Post traumatic stress disorder was previously associated with post combat war veterans, but we now realize that stress disorder is more common and is found in the general public. Symptoms of trauma include re-experiencing the event or events, problems with sleep, avoidance of memories of the trauma, negative emotions such as sadness and anger as well as increased anxiety. It can often lead to substance abuse and to problems in relationships. Cognitive therapy, biofeedback training, relaxation therapy and mindfulness are all considered to be effective treatments for people suffering with trauma. These are methods that I have incorporated into my practice to help with this and other types of stress.
Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is another very common problem. Pain and trauma often lead to this issue. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based form of counseling that helps people deal with their desire to use a drug or to drink in avoidance of the actual issue. Often, substance abuse may start with an initial injury and prescribed pain killers, which leads to the use of other drugs and/or alcohol. I have worked in a residential substance abuse program and have personally found CBT, relaxation and mindfulness training to be very helpful to people who are reliant on substances in order to deal with day to day living.
Some Forms of Therapy
Biofeedback
Biofeedback is a way to both monitor and to learn to change physiological activity. The machine that I use measures your heart rate. It is a simple clip that attaches to your earlobe which monitors the rate and has computer visuals that teach you how to alter your heart rate. The mind-body connection is well-known. If your heart is beating fast, then your mind thinks that it should be concerned. It is possible to train yourself into calming both mind and body. Biofeedback, relaxation training, and cognitive behavioral therapy are all effective ways of dealing with many problems such as pain and trauma. These forms of therapy help us to be “mindful” in the present moment and to not react based on our past.
Mindfulness
You may be wondering why I’ve included “mindfulness” in my practice, and just what is “mindfulness”? It is considered to be a way of conscious living, of being in the moment at the present time. We often react to our current situations based on our past traumas or hurts. Mindfulness means paying attention in the present moment without judgment. Feelings and sensations change and pass. If you sit, eyes closed, you may realize that pain does change. It can feel dull or sharp and it can range from a tingling sensation to a constant debilitating pain. Biofeedback, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness all work together to help people improve their quality of life.