Chronic Pain Support Group
“Every day may not be good, but there's something good in every day. Focus on the good, no matter how small.”
— Alice Morse Earle
Chronic Pain… what is it?
Pain
At some point in life, we will experience pain. Pain is meant to be a short-term protective factor. When it lasts longer than necessary it takes a toll, negatively impacting one’s well-being. It’s not only physical; it also becomes emotionally stressful, directly affecting mental health.
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is persistent or recurring pain that lasts for at least three months. While persistent, it can also come and go, leaving individuals at a loss. The causes of chronic pain are numerous and include injury, medical conditions, psychological conditions, or lifestyle factors. Regardless of the intensity or frequency, chronic pain can interfere with daily living and quality of life.
Causes
Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, Migraines, Endometriosis, Pre Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), Lupus, Cancer, Diabetes, Postpartum complications, surgical procedures, Obesity, injuries, IBS, Depression, Anxiety, and PTSD are just a few situations that cause chronic pain.
Mental Health
Research shows that people who live with chronic pain are four times more likely to have depression or anxiety than those who live pain free. So, if you’re suffering physically, you’re probably also suffering emotionally. It’s common to feel isolated, sad, angry, stuck, and confused.
What can help Chronic Pain?
Medical Physician
If you experience, or think you’re experiencing, Chronic Pain, you should always consult with your medical professional. Maintaining regular support from your medical team is the best way to manage your symptoms as well as to most accurate address the cause.
Psychotherapy
Chronic pain not only takes a toll physically, but it is emotionally and mentally draining. Mental health therapy can help you develop coping skills and mindfulness tools needed to manage the physical and emotional symptoms.
Support Groups
No one can experience the pain you feel inside your body, but you don’t need to endure alone. No matter the cause of Chronic Pain, it is undoubtedly difficult to bear alone. Specialized support groups can help individuals managing Chronic Pain with processing the cause of their pain, as well as seek comfort and validation from those with similar life experiences. Our group (below) is designed to do just that. See below!
About the group
Although we can’t cure your physical ailments (even though we wish we could), we can support you emotionally through them and the chronic pain that accompanies them. Our Chronic Pain Support group is a uniquely designed to provide you with tangible coping skills and mindfulness activities to help you manage the mental, as well as some physical, symptoms. It is facilitated by a licensed clinical professional who brings in empathy, education, and skill in order to create a welcoming and healing environment that will always go at your pace. This group is completely virtual to help you feel most comfortable and to support you with your physical needs. Join other’s once a week for 60 minutes for a duration of 6 weeks who are dealing with similar life circumstances so you don’t have to be alone in this.
DETAILS
When: Weekday evenings CST
Dates: Now Enrolling!
Where: Telehealth
Who: Adults (18+); All genders
Length: Once a week for 6 weeks
Fees: $45/session
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Chronic pain is defined as persistent pain lasting more than 3 months. Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, Migraines, Endometriosis, Pre Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), Lupus, Postpartum complications, and Cancer are just a few situations that cause chronic pain.
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To get a formal diagnosis for chronic pain, you must see a medical professional.
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No! Anyone experiencing chronic pain, regardless of having a formal diagnosis from a medical professional, can participate and benefit from this group.
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This group runs once a week for 6 weeks (6 sessions in total). Each session is 60 minutes long.
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Consistency is key in making sustainable progress. Consistency is also very important in a group setting as the members benefit from each other. It is encouraged that you commit to all of the sessions. However, we understand that things happen. It is this groups agreement that you do not miss more than 1 session.
In terms of this groups cancelation policy - members are allowed 1 cancelation, made 24 hours in advance, aside from certain extenuating circumstances. Cancelations made less than 24 hours or missed sessions will result in a $45 ‘no show’ or ‘late cancelation’ fee.
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This group is completely virtual to make it easy, comfortable, and to support your health needs
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This is an excellent and very important question! We encourage you to reach out to us (below) and we’d be happy to provide you with more information.
FAQ’s:
Please fill out the contact form below to schedule a free 20 minute phone consultation to answer any questions you may have.
Interested in joining? Needing more information?
CONTACT FORM:
Facilitated by Carli
Carliann Pentz, LCSW
Carli is a licensed clinical social worker and certified yoga instructor. She received her Master’s degree from the UIC.
Carli specializes in Chronic Pain and Somatic work. grief and loss and other major life transitions. She uses a client-centered and relational approach to support your unique healing journey. In this group, Carli will use various mindfulness activities, CBT skills, and even play and art to facilitate an inclusive and supportive environment for healing and sharing.