Counseling for Coping Stategies

Well I decided to try another assault on the Monster who assaults me I went to a Counselor Friday who works with people who have chronic unrelenting pain.

My thought was to find a coping mechanism to subvert the feelings of loss, guilt, frustration and anxiety. The first session wasn't so bad. Actually she was on top of her game and did not try to undermine the seriousness of living a life where your head has the same level of pain as the pain level of a limb amputation...only we have that pain SEVERAL times each month and week.

Anyway, we'll see if this helps me to "cope" not cure, but cope better.

Trinity

I hope you find it helpful! I think this is a good avenue to explore. Last year I saw a therapist for probably six sessions. It just wasn't helpful for me. I may try a different one down the road though. Its really important to click with the person.

If anything, it affirmed for me that I was actually doing a lot of things "right" as far as coping. We tried some exercises in the realm of meditation and guided imagery, but I'm not very open to suggestion so it would take a lot of work for anything like that to have a chance of helping me.

I think this should be a part of more chronic pain treatment plans. My pain specialist has all his patients get a psych consult soon after seeing him. I thought that therapist was a quack, so I found one on my own terms.

I hate to hear when doctors send a chronic pain patient to a psychiatrist saying its all in their head though! Out of all the doctors I've seen, I had one who did that...last time I saw her. That is really the fraction of a percent sort of case. Best wishes.

Hi,

I have seen a therapist for almost as long as I have had chronic pain. My mother actually suggested it so that I could talk to somebody about what I was going through with the migraines without over burdening friends and family. It has worked well.

There are good ones and bad ones. I have been seeing my current psychologist for almost 8 years and he has been helpful in providing some coping strategies.

It can't hurt. If you get something out of it, great. Good Luck.

Pain free days,
sconesail

I do hope this helps, it sounds like you really need some emotional support!
Hugs,
Cindy