WHEN PAIN GETS IN THE WAY

How do you live well with a long term health condition? We look at the support on offer and the difference it’s making.

Amanda dreams of owning her own business. The 43 year old mum of two was delighted to get a college place. But she’s had to miss classes because of chronic pain from a health condition.

Some days the pain in her feet is so severe that she can’t wear shoes and needs a walking frame.

“I hate being like this” she told MC magazine. My GP says my physical condition is stress related. I lost my dad and a friend in close succession, and I was in an abusive relationship for years. I want to study but the pain is so bad.”

Marcia is a high intensity talking therapist with Talk Liverpool. She sees many clients for whom life events have caused physical health issues which in turn have a profound effect on mental wellbeing. Or the other way round. She uses her in depth understanding of pain management to adapt the therapy and tailor sessions.

She uses her in depth understanding of pain management to adapt the therapy and tailor sessions.

“I always ask clients to identify a goal we can work towards - in Amanda’s case the goal is to stay in college. We’ve worked on changing her belief about herself, reinforcing what she’s good at and signposting her to the help she needs to get there.

When pain gets in the way

Illustration by Ella Byworth

We may spend a session looking at pacing yourself to avoid chronic fatigue. Or to educate the person around the pain that comes with their condition. And we look at how lifestyle affects mood, the importance of a good night’s sleep and eating well.

“Just feeling you’ve been heard and understood can make a difference, that’s why it’s so important to make the therapy meet the needs of the individual. It can be challenging for a therapist but it’s very rewarding.”

Amanda used to get anxious if she couldn’t attend sessions.”I’m ok now, Marcia phones me and keeps me grounded.“

Marcia applauds Amanda’s tenacity. “She’s had to fight for everything she’s had – what keeps her going is that she knows where she wants to be. We’ll help her to get there.”

Marcia Alldis is a cognitive behavioural therapist, British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies accredited.