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The symptoms and treatments of physical health conditions all vary, but they can have a similar impact on our psychological and social wellbeing. It makes sense to feel shocked and scared about a diagnosis, injury or pain, frustrated by so many extra things to think about, and angry that life feels harder than others have it. Difficult thoughts and emotions can make all the stuff that sucks about an illness feel even tougher. We might struggle to take part in the things we enjoy, or feel unable to make plans for the future. These additional challenges can make physical health challenges feel even harder to live with.
This is where a psychologist can help; to provide a confidential and safe space to explore concerns such as, 'why me, why now and why isn't it getting better?', and find a way to manage these real and understandable challenges.
Pain in the sensation that tells us that part of our body is in danger or damaged and needs protecting. All pain is real, and as it is shaped by biological, psychological and social factors, it is always a personal experience; for some people, or in some contexts, people can tolerate an immense amount of pain, or even find it pleasurable! Pain is always trying to help us, but when it becomes over-protective and life-limiting, it can become the problem. Beginning to understand how pain is a 'danger signal' created by the brain that is not always an accurate measure of tissue damage can be a first step to understanding your own pain experience. The most effective psychological treatments for pain provide the brain with evidence of safety, and reduce the threat response. You can learn more about the modern scientific understanding of pain in this podcast Tell Me About Your Pain Podcast - Curable Health
I am trained to work across the lifespan, and happy to be approached by anyone from 0-100 who feels I offer the support they are looking for.
I have a special interest in supporting children, adolescents and young adults up to the age of 25 (although science is currently suggesting that the adolescent stage of development continues to our early 30s!), as this is a key developmental stage when the brain is still under construction. This 'neuroplasticity' means it is both vulnerable to the impact of adverse events, but also primed to respond well to therapy.
As long as a child can manage to be in a room for 30-40 minutes, even if they are jiggling around, I have creative ways to adapt psychological therapies for them.
I have a lovely therapy space in the Good Life Therapy Centre in Exeter, with easy access off Jct 29 of the M5. It has a reception area with tea and coffee facilities for anyone who is waiting while a session takes place, and free parking. The Good Life Therapy Centre | Therapy Room Hire Exeter