Effective Therapy for chronic Pain, chronic Illness or Autoimmune

I operate from the understanding that our physical health and mental health are exquisitely connected to our nervous system. Living with a chronic, complex illness or chronic pain condition is extremely stressful and requires moving between states of active coping and radical acceptance. Navigating a new diagnosis and life with an existing condition can be challenging, however Working with a trained psychotherapist can reduce the frequency and intensity of pain signaling, help relieve the associated stress by Integrating effective coping skills, and improve your overall quality of life. most of my clients with chronic and/or complex health conditions benefit greatly from therapy where we re-train the nervous system and improve lifestyle habits. Therapy and counseling can be an integral part of one’s support and recovery.

How can therapy help?

Therapy and support for individuals with complex health conditions should target the nervous system itself rather than just treating the exhibited symptoms. When we work together, we focus on treating all aspects of your life that may have an impact on your nervous system, so you can move toward whole-body healing and health. Unfortunately, our current healthcare system is not proactive, rather it is reactive, treating sick symptoms and neglecting the root cause. Traditional psychotherapy works by helping clients identify and manage the emotional, cognitive, and behavioral aspects of functioning. Unfortunately, many treatments ignore important lifestyle factors such as sleep, nutrition, and movement, all of which influence our physical and mental health. My holistic approach incorporates psychological and lifestyle functioning that helps improve mind and body health in a comprehensive way.

What are some examples of complex health conditions that are successfully supported in counseling?

• Long Covid & Post-Vaccination Syndrome (PVS)

• Chronic & Complex Illness (including ME/CFS, POTS, EDS, MCAS, histamine intolerance, dysautonomia, etc.)

• Fibromyalgia

• Hormonal dysregulation or deficiency

• Autoimmune disorders (Hashimoto’s, Sjogren’s, Rheumatoid Arthritis, as examples)

• Gastrointestinal/microbiome health (SIBO, IBS)

• Gut/brain disorders

• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

• Neuropathic pain

• Headache and migraine conditions

• Endometriosis, PCOS, CPID, other women’s health conditions 

The nature of chronic illness & pain

Pain is an all-too-familiar problem and one of the most common reasons people seek medical care. Unfortunately, alleviating pain isn’t always straightforward or easily remedied. It is estimated that at least 100 million adults in the United States suffer from chronic pain, according to the Institute of Medicine. The American Academy of Pain Medicine reports that chronic pain affects more Americans than diabetes, heart disease, and cancer combined. Chronic pain refers to persistent pain that lasts for weeks, months, or even years. Unlike acute pain, which typically arises from an injury or illness and resolves as the body heals, chronic pain persists beyond the normal healing time and often becomes a long-term condition in itself. It can vary greatly in intensity and can be caused by various factors such as injury, arthritis, nerve damage, or underlying health conditions.

Chronic pain can affect different parts of the body and can be characterized by sensations like dull aching, burning, shooting, or throbbing pain. It not only impacts physical well-being but can also affect emotional health, social interactions, and overall quality of life. Managing chronic pain often requires a multi-disciplinary approach involving medical treatments, physical therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and sometimes psychological support to help individuals cope with the long-term effects.

How can Psychologists & other Mental Health professionals help you with your struggles?

Mental health professionals are experts in helping people cope with the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that accompany chronic pain. Patients with chronic pain and illness may be referred to mental health professionals by other health care providers. They can help you accept and better manage your pain and suffering using a range of helpful therapeutic modalities, working alongside your medical care team.

How might you be impacted by chronic illness & Pain?

• You don’t understand what’s happening to your body

• You experience distraction, anxiety and depression

• You have impaired sleep because of symptoms or pain

• You experience Kinesiophobia (fear/avoidance of exercise and movement)

• You experience grief as a result of lost experiences and physical limitations

• You experience shame, feel burdensome or feel a sense of failure

• You feel invalidated by friends, family, colleagues

• You cannot rely on your body from day to day

• You experience chronic stress

• Medical doctors do not know what’s wrong with you

• You experience medical gaslighting by doctors especially when your labs come back normal or “in range”

• You are given conventional treatments or band-aid solutions for your symptoms without investigating the root cause

• You’ve spent hours researching on Google trying to understand and remedy your condition

• You have emotional and mental health symptoms that are worsening as your world becomes smaller and smaller

• Family and friends are frustrated with you and do not understand your suffering, leaving you feeling alone and isolated

• You’ve lost your motivation for activities and other important aspects of your life

• You avoid social situations because it’s too exhausting “faking your way through it”

• You are now limited to almost no physical activity

• Activities of daily life leave you feeling exhausted (getting the mail, making a meal, for example)

• It’s difficult to maintain your personal hygiene and self-care 

• You feel hopeless about your future

There are numerous illnesses and conditions that can cause chronic pain. Here are some common examples:

• Arthritis - Conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause chronic joint pain and stiffness.

• Back Pain - Conditions like degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and herniated discs can lead to persistent back pain.

• Fibromyalgia - A disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues.

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) - Also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), it causes persistent fatigue that is not relieved by rest, often accompanied by pain and other symptoms.

• Neuropathic Pain - Caused by damage or dysfunction of the nervous system, conditions like diabetic neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia (shingles), and nerve entrapment syndromes (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome) can lead to chronic pain.

• Migraines and Headaches - Some individuals experience frequent or chronic headaches or migraines, which can be debilitating and cause ongoing pain.

• Endometriosis - A condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing pelvic pain and discomfort.

• Interstitial Cystitis - A chronic condition causing bladder pain and pelvic pain.

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause abdominal pain and discomfort.

• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) - A chronic pain condition characterized by severe pain and inflammation, usually affecting an arm or leg after an injury.

• Cancer - Cancer itself or treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery can cause chronic pain.

• Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS) - Pain in the pelvic region that persists for six months or longer, often without a clear cause.

These are just a few examples, and chronic pain can result from a wide range of medical conditions. Each individual may experience chronic pain differently, and the management and treatment approaches can vary depending on the underlying cause and specific symptoms.

How can Psychotherapy help you?

Psychotherapy can be a valuable component in managing chronic pain by addressing the psychological and emotional aspects that often accompany it. Here are several ways in which psychotherapy can help:

• EMDR Therapy - This transformative treatment supports the processing of trauma and traumatic experiences that have negatively impacted your emotional and physical health. EMDR helps correct negative experiences giving you resolution and a healthier perspective going forward.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - CBT is widely used to help individuals with chronic pain by focusing on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that can exacerbate pain and decrease functioning. It teaches coping skills and relaxation techniques to manage pain more effectively.

• Stress Reduction - Chronic pain can be intensified by stress and anxiety. Psychotherapy can teach stress management techniques such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and breathing techniques to reduce overall stress levels, which can in turn alleviate pain.

• Emotional Support - Dealing with chronic pain can lead to feelings of frustration, sadness, or hopelessness. Psychotherapy provides a safe space to explore and express these emotions, and helps individuals develop healthy coping mechanisms.

• Behavioral Activation - Chronic pain often limits physical activity and can lead to social isolation and reduced engagement in enjoyable activities. Psychotherapy can help individuals gradually increase their activity levels and reconnect with meaningful activities, improving overall quality of life.

• Education and Empowerment - Understanding the psychological factors influencing pain perception can empower individuals to take an active role in managing their pain. Psychotherapy can provide education about the mind-body connection and how emotions and thoughts can impact pain levels.

• Improving Relationships - Chronic pain can strain relationships with family, friends, and caregivers. Psychotherapy can improve communication skills and provide strategies for effectively managing relationships despite the challenges of chronic pain.

• Acceptance and Adjustment - For some individuals, chronic pain may not completely go away. Psychotherapy, particularly approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), helps individuals accept their pain while focusing on living a fulfilling life based on their values and goals.

Overall, psychotherapy can complement medical treatments and physical therapies by addressing the psychological and emotional factors that contribute to the experience of chronic pain, thereby improving overall well-being and quality of life.

How does chronic stress and trauma lead to mystery illness?

Trauma and chronic stress can contribute to what are sometimes referred to as "mystery illnesses" or complex medical conditions in several ways:

• Impact on the Immune System - Prolonged stress and trauma can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and inflammatory conditions. This can manifest as a range of symptoms that are difficult to diagnose or understand without considering the underlying stress or trauma.

• Altered Neuroendocrine Function - Stress activates the body's fight-or-flight response, leading to the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Chronic activation of this response can disrupt normal neuroendocrine function, affecting metabolism, digestion, sleep patterns, and immune function. These disruptions can contribute to a wide array of symptoms that may seem unrelated or difficult to explain medically.

• Psychological Impact - Trauma and chronic stress can lead to psychological conditions such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These mental health issues can manifest with physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive problems, chronic pain, and fatigue.

• Behavioral Changes - Coping mechanisms developed in response to trauma or chronic stress, such as overeating, substance abuse, or lack of physical activity, can contribute to the development or exacerbation of physical health problems over time.

• Somatic Symptoms - Trauma can sometimes manifest as somatic symptoms—physical symptoms that have no clear medical cause but are related to psychological distress. These symptoms can include pain, gastrointestinal disturbances, neurological symptoms, and cardiovascular problems.

• Complex Interactions - The relationship between trauma, stress, and physical health is complex and multidimensional. Trauma can influence genetic predispositions, epigenetic changes, and overall resilience to illness, making it challenging to pinpoint a single cause for the symptoms experienced.

• Delayed Manifestation - Sometimes symptoms related to trauma or chronic stress may not appear immediately but can emerge months or even years later, complicating diagnosis and treatment.

In summary, trauma and chronic stress can contribute to mystery illnesses or complex medical conditions through their effects on the immune system, neuroendocrine function, psychological well-being, and behavior. Addressing these underlying factors may require a comprehensive approach that includes medical evaluation, psychological support, and strategies for stress management and trauma recovery.

How can talk therapy support chronic pain & chronic illness?

• Education about chronic and complex illnesses as well as mystery and invisible illnesses

• Learn self-advocacy skills and boundary setting, and identify appropriate accommodations as needed in your life

• Growing a supportive network and healthcare team (including allied professionals) 

• Nervous system regulation and re-training practices to improve distress tolerance and reduce pain sensitization

• Relaxation training techniques to soften the body’s response to pain (muscle guarding and chronic tension states)

• Focusing on kinesiophobia (fear/avoidance of movement and exercise) to improve physical conditioning

• Learning to pace yourself and identify triggers to reduce symptoms and illness flares

• Mindfulness and meditation practices to both accept and reduce chronic pain

• Improving self-acceptance and body image

• Identifying other strengths and resources as you develop healthy emotional resilience

Helpful information about psychosomatic medicine…

Psychosomatic illness refers to physical symptoms or conditions that are influenced by psychological factors such as stress, emotions, or mental health issues. The term "psychosomatic" comes from the Greek words "psyche" (mind) and "soma" (body), emphasizing the connection between mental processes and physical health.

Here are some key points about psychosomatic illness:

• Mind-Body Connection: Psychosomatic illness underscores the interaction between psychological factors and physical health. Emotional stress, unresolved conflicts, or psychological distress can contribute to the onset, exacerbation, or persistence of physical symptoms or conditions.

• Examples: Common examples of psychosomatic illnesses include tension headaches, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic pain syndromes, dermatological conditions exacerbated by stress (e.g., eczema, psoriasis), and certain cardiovascular conditions where stress plays a significant role.

• Mechanisms: The exact mechanisms by which psychological factors influence physical health vary. Stress, for example, can lead to physiological changes such as increased muscle tension, altered immune function, and hormonal imbalances, which in turn may contribute to the development of physical symptoms.

• Treatment: Treatment of psychosomatic illness often involves addressing both the psychological and physical aspects. This can include psychotherapy (such as cognitive behavioral therapy), stress management techniques (like mindfulness or relaxation exercises), medication when appropriate, and lifestyle changes to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

• Holistic Approach: Managing psychosomatic illness may require a holistic approach that considers the interconnectedness of mental, emotional, and physical health. Integrative care that involves collaboration between mental health professionals, primary care physicians, and specialists can be effective in addressing these complex conditions.

It's important to note that psychosomatic illness does not imply that symptoms are "all in the mind" or that they are not real. On the contrary, these conditions involve real physical symptoms that are influenced by psychological factors, highlighting the intricate relationship between our mental and physical health.

About Chronic Pain & Illness therapy NYC

This practice provides a range of psychological & wellness services in NYC and throughout NY state. The goal is to individualize treatment to your unique physical, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual needs. I have experience working with a broad range of symptoms and approaches in psychotherapy, including but not limited to EMDR Therapy, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Holistic Mind-Body Medicine. Therapy begins with a therapeutic consultation, where you will gain a wealth of information about your difficulties. Many people feel better after the first session. The initial consultation also lays the groundwork for future treatment as we determine the best modalities to help you heal.

Chronic pain & EMDR Therapist With Nearly 20 Years Of Experience

This practice offers supportive, compassionate and comprehensive care and also stays current on research related to mental health. My goal for you is to use my expertise and extensive training to get you back to living your life as quickly as possible.

Book An Appointment For chronic pain & Illness support Today

To get started, book an appointment or text at 212-529-8292. Integrative Psychotherapy & Wellness Manhattan can help you in your healing journey toward optimal mental health.