Therapy for chronic pain, persistent physical symptoms & injury

Mind-Body Medicine for people experiencing persistent physical symptoms

Nervous system support for Chronic Pain and Illness in Colorado

Support for Chronic Pain, Illness & Neuroplastic Symptoms

  • Maybe you’re here because you’ve seen every specialist, tried every treatment, and still don’t have relief or a clear explanation of your symptoms

  • Maybe your physical therapist, or sports medicine physician recommended mental health support and/or Pain Reprocessing Therapy

  • Maybe you’re experiencing chronic pain, migraines, a prolonged recovery following injury or surgery, or been given a diagnosis of chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, IBS, or other mind-body condition

The brain and nervous system play an important role in persistent symptoms like chronic pain, mind-body illness and prolonged injury recovery. These symptoms are real, and your body isn’t broken. Research and clinical experience have shown that these conditions are deeply connected to the brain’s learned patterns, and that recovery is possible when those patterns are re-paired from fear to safety.

My work is grounded in Pain Reprocessing Therapy and Emotional Awareness & Expression Therapy to support meaningful, long-term healing and nervous system recovery. My aim is to move behind symptom management and help you reduce or even resolve these symptoms and help you get back to what you love.

Mental health therapy for injured athletes in Colorado, Washington and Idaho

Support for Physical Injury & Prolonged Recovery

Recovering from an injury can affect far more than the body, especially when recovery is prolonged or uncertain. Supporting the mental and emotional sides of physical injury and post-op rehabilitation involves collaborating with your medical team and tending to the psychological aspects of your recovery… loss of identity, community and coping strategies; fear of re-injury; and the anxiety and depression that can follow.

For some with chronic injuries, prolonged pain and uncertain prognosis, PRT and other mind-body approaches can be particularly helpful. This process can support physical healing, and also emotional resilience and a deeper sense of self and wellbeing.

Emotional expression for chronic pain and illness

Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT)

Chronic pain and persistent symptoms, often referred to as nociplastic or mindbody symptoms, are most often driven by a mix of biological, psychological and social factors (biopsychosocial). However, most of western medicine focuses only on the biological factors. For those who have tried every treatment to no avail, or chose not to undergo surgery, take medication, etc., addressing the sensitized nervous system can often offer substantial relief, if not remission of symptoms.

Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) is an evidence-based approach that uses neuroplasticity, the ability of the brain and nervous system to adapt by strengthening, weakening, or reorganizing neural connections in response to new experiences, learning, and repeated patterns. My approach is collaborative, and I often consult with PTs, OTs, and MDs to try to bridge any gaps and create a treatment approach that supports the whole person through the biopsychosocial model of health.

Have you ever noticed physical manifestations of nervousness or stress? Maybe a headache after a stressful week, or upset stomach before a big meeting, race, or performance. You likely wouldn’t go to the hospital, as it’s pretty well understood that these mental and emotional aspects of life can show up in our bodies. To go a step further, studies have shown that physical and emotional pain light up the similar areas in the brain. (1,2) Many people who develop mindbody symptoms have spent years functioning under chronic stress, over riding nervous system signals, or holding in emotional pain, words, tears, or other truth along the way.

Mindbody therapy includes emotional expression to help acknowledge and free what’s been suppressed in the name of responsibility, prioritizing others’ needs, or to keep the peace.

The Role of Emotional Expression