As a Psychotherapist specialising in chronic pain, I want to share something that is deeply important to me: my approach is rooted in empathy, understanding, and lived experience. I don’t just work with clients from a clinical perspective—I’ve lived the reality of chronic pain myself. This unique combination of professional expertise and personal experience is something I bring to every session, and it shapes the way I help others navigate their own journeys with pain.
My Personal Journey with Chronic Pain
I’ve lived with hypermobility for as long as I can remember however prior to a few years ago always thought my joint mobility was ‘normal’!! It has been a constant part of my life, presenting its own challenges and hurdles. At 26, I had knee surgery to address some of these issues, but as many of you with chronic pain know, it’s rarely as simple as fixing one part. My back pain began about six years ago when I suffered an injury during pregnancy. The combination of these experiences taught me firsthand how chronic pain can impact every aspect of life—physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Living with chronic pain isn’t just about enduring physical discomfort. It’s about managing the frustration of limitations, coping with the uncertainty of flare-ups, and navigating a world that often doesn’t understand what it’s like. There were days I felt isolated and unheard. But through my own (still ongoing) journey, I’ve learned that while pain might not go away entirely, it is possible to adapt, build resilience, and reclaim your life. That’s the mindset I bring to my work as a therapist.
No judgement here!
One of the most common fears I hear from clients is the worry of being judged or misunderstood. Chronic pain can be an isolating experience, and so many people have felt dismissed or disbelieved by others—sometimes even by healthcare professionals. I understand this feeling all too well, and that’s why I’ve made it my mission to create a safe, non-judgemental space for everyone I work with.
In my sessions, you’ll never hear phrases like “just push through it” or “it’s all in your head.” Instead, I focus on truly listening to your experience and working with you to develop tools that fit your unique needs. Chronic pain is complex and deeply personal, and I’m here to meet you where you are.
Finding Tools That Work
Healing isn’t linear. It’s not about waking up one day and suddenly being free of pain. Instead, it’s about learning to manage your pain in ways that allow you to live the life you want. Through Psychotherapy where I integrate Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and EMDR (Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing) we explore how thoughts, feelings, and behaviours interact with your pain experience. Together, we identify patterns that might be keeping you stuck and develop strategies to create positive change.
For me, part of this process is recognising that every individual’s experience with pain is different. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and that’s okay. Whether it’s building mindfulness techniques, exploring pacing strategies, or challenging unhelpful thought patterns, we’ll work together to find what works for you.
You Are Not Alone
If there’s one thing I want you to take away from this, it’s that you are not alone. Chronic pain can make you feel isolated, but there is support available. My lived experience has shown me that while the journey isn’t always easy, it’s absolutely possible to move forward and find joy again.
I’m here to help you navigate that path. Whether you’re just starting to explore pain management or you’ve been on this journey for years, know that you deserve care, understanding, and support. Let’s work together to create a plan that helps you thrive.
If this resonates with you, feel free to reach out or connect with me on Instagram @the_pain_therapist.
You’re not alone—and I’m here to help.
