Understanding Chronic Pain, the Mind-Body Connection and How to Heal

In today's episode, we're talking all about chronic pain, what it is, why it happens, and, most importantly, how you can find hope and healing!

I'll start this episode by telling you how anxiety and pain act like alarm bells, signaling danger even though it is sometimes a false alarm. I'll tell you why the brain can incorrectly send out danger signals and explain the differences between neuroplastic pain and structural pain. I'll also provide you with questions to ask yourself to determine which type of pain you are experiencing. This will help you to take the necessary steps towards feeling better.

Stay tuned till the end of the episode when you’ll learn some practical ways to prevent pain and hear about Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), a powerful approach for rewiring the brain to reduce (and even eliminate) pain. 

This is the 2nd episode in a 3 part series on anxiety and chronic pain. Missed last week's episode? No worries! In it I told you about the connection between anxiety, pain, and physical symptoms. I will recap some of that info in this episode. If you also want to listen to this episode check it out: https://www.laurencounseling.com/podcast/episode/7f785e8b/the-mind-body-connection-understanding-anxiety-pain-and-physical-symptoms-in-tweens-teens-and-adults 

Resources and Support for Your Healing Journey:

1. Recommended read: The Way Out by Alan Gordon for anyone curious about PRT: https://a.co/d/0H25HZD
2. Check out last week's "Drop of Zen," short guided meditation for somatic tracking and training the brain to decrease pain: https://www.laurencounseling.com/podcast/episode/7f574a41/drop-of-zen-~-somatic-tracking-mediation-for-pain-or-anxiety
3. If you’re in CT, my colleague Kayla Defeo and I are here to help! Visit Firefly Counseling and Wellness
4. Find a clinician who can help you recover from chronic pain here: https://www.painreprocessingtherapy.com/directory-of-practitioners

I'd love to hear from YOU! Here's how to connect with me:

Find me on my website: https://www.laurencounseling.com/

Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com

Find me on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/

Join our private Facebook group where we keep the conversation going in between episodes: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/YourZenFriend

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.