Living with Chronic Pain

Living with chronic pain can be both physically and emotionally exhausting. That is why it is crucial to be able to access safe spaces where sharing your experience living with chronic pain can be heard and understood. In an effort to introduce more affordable mental health care to folks who struggle with chronic pain in our community, our counseling team is starting a new initiative to support community members that might be struggling with their emotional well-being as well as isolation due to chronic pain: Transforming your Pain.

Allison Lamb, our Intern Counsellor, on why it’s important to be able to share one’s experience living with chronic pain in a safe and caring environment:

People who suffer from chronic pain often experience disruptions in their ability to work, sleep, exercise, parent, and socialize. This can profoundly impact their well-being and cause anxiety, depression, and a loss of identity and self. Consequently, chronic pain can be accompanied by a myriad of emotions, including anger, grief, fear, and shame. For many, the emotional dimension of chronic pain can be more painful than the physical sensation of pain itself. Therefore, sharing one’s emotional experience of pain in a safe and caring space can offer significant relief. In addition, connecting with others who share a similar experience, for example, in a support group, can reduce the shame, isolation, and loneliness that often accompany chronic pain. Furthermore, support groups can empower people to explore new ways of coping and living more fully alongside chronic pain.

About Transforming your Pain group:

Transforming your Pain will be a closed virtual group for folks who identify as women and non-binary, ages 18+, and living with chronic pain. The program will run for 4 weeks on Tuesdays, starting in October (Oct 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th) from 6-8 pm, via Zoom. Led by our wonderful intern counselors. This will be a safe space to share one’s emotional and physical experiences in a non-judgmental and caring environment.

To register or for more information about the group, please email:
counselling@gordonhouse.org