During our everyday consciousness, the brain has awareness and control over some body functions. (For example, we move our arms or legs using voluntary muscles. We are aware of the perceptions of the five senses.) Yet many automatic (autonomic) biological processes are going on without conscious awareness. The heart beats, the lungs breathe, and blood flows even when we are asleep. (Imagine if we had to consciously remember to breathe…we wouldn’t last long!)
The brain controls these autonomic functions with a part of the brain that evolved some 500 million years ago, that we are not consciously aware of.
Chronic pain/stress does not happen in a vacuum. It complicates people's lives, diminishes their emotional and physical capabilities, compromises coping strategies, and fatigues family and friends. Chronic pain furthers stress that can destroy relationships and careers, leaving a person isolated and feeling that no one understands them or their pain.
As a psychologist specializing in pain/stress disorders, I have trained in the relationship between pain/stress and human functioning. I can help you learn effective strategies and skills to improve your ability to adapt to pain and have healthier response to life stressors.
SO WHEN YOUR PHYSICIAN REFERS YOU TO A PSYCHOLOGIST SPECIALIZING IN THE TREATMENT OF PAIN/STRESS DISORDERS, REALIZE HOW MUCH HE OR SHE HAS INVESTED IN YOUR GETTING HOLISTIC TREATMENT.
