In our second Pelvic Pain Matters webinar, Nick Wood, a consultant clinical psychologist and researcher, shared the highs and lows of his story in a session entitled: Building Healing-Focused Client-Therapist Relationships.
Themes
Become the master of your CPPS destiny / narrative
Switching your mindset from passive victim to active agent puts you in control of your personal chronic pelvic pain story, bringing resolution that little bit closer.
Medics should help patients make their voices heard
From blaming personality types to dashing hopes of permanent recovery, medics must respect patients’ lived experience and listen to the voices of those who need unfailing support to find healing.
Finding meaning in pain
Nick feels CPPS brought him back into a body he was taking for granted by ‘living in his head’ and overlooking the simple pleasures of physical activity. This realisation played a crucial part in his recovery.
Characterising / visualising pain
Nick referred to the sharp stabbing in his perineum as ‘Cling’, while the deeper bodily ache was ‘Clang’; this simple strategy helped him take charge of painful episodes, reducing the intensity and associated stress. Similarly, imagining pain and finding a counter image to soothe it can help, such as fire being dowsed with cooling ice-cream.
It’s good to talk
Gaining support from others who have beaten CPPS can boost flagging spirits. Be wary of internet forums where jaded patients can congregate and give the impression recovery isn’t possible. Also speak up at work to get the extra help you need to be comfortable doing your job.
Thanks once again to Nick Wood for his expertise, honesty and openness. It was a true exceptional webinar!
To read the an overview of the webinar click here
To watch my interview with Nick Wood click here
For more Pelvic Pain Matters Webinars please click here
