Chronic Pain therapists in Cardiff, Wales Wales, United Kingdom GB
Chronic Pain or Illness
Kyle Davies
Psychologist, BSc MPhil CPsychol AFBPsS
Over the last 20 years I have worked extensively with sufferers of chronic fatigue and pain conditions such as ME, CFS, Adrenal Fatigue, Post-Viral Fatigue and fibromyalgia.
Leading edge scientific evidence suggests that symptoms of these conditions result from changes, irregularities or dysfunctions within the mid-brain and limbic-hypothalamic-pituitary system.
In academic terms this is known as the HPA axis, and is made up of the hypothalamus gland, located at the base of the brain; the pituitary gland, also located in the brain; and the adrenal glands, located on top of the kidneys. The hypothalamus links the nervous system and the endocrine system, it stimulates the pituitary gland to produce hormones and the adrenal gland to produce cortisol and epinephrine (commonly known as adrenaline).
The HPA axis is a major part of the neuroendocrine system that controls and regulates almost everything to do with human survival, including digestion and appetite, sleep cycles, the immune system, mood and emotions, sexual behaviour, body temperature, energy storage and expenditure. It also communicates with several regions of the brain, including the amygdala, which generates fear in response to danger, and with the hippocampus, which plays an important part in memory formation as well as in mood and motivation. In addition, the HPA axis forms part of a complex feedback system that is constantly responding to the environment both internally and externally. In response to the information it receives, the HPA axis regulates and controls the chemicals and hormones that affect body systems.
So what we can begin to see is that when irregularities are evident in these brain regions it wreaks havoc throughout the entire body – and this results in the experience of symptoms from mild to severe.
In order to recover from chronic fatigue and pain symptoms we need to understand and address the CAUSE of the irregularities within the HPA axis and mid-brain structures.
The first step in this process is to fully embrace the mind-body paradigm where we move away from the notion of the head and body, or psychological and physical, as being separate entities, rather we see them as one flowing interconnected system.
The next step is to redefine the nature of emotion, an energy in motion, and it’s role as a feedback mechanism within body and brain. As a complex physiological process, the emotional system directly modulates brain function. Blockages within the emotional system and the emotional memory system are coded within the mid brain structures. It is these blockages that result in hypothalamic and other mid brain irregularities and dysfunction.
My treatment protocol is underpinned by this new theoretical framework and understanding of the emotional system and it’s role, function and impact on the immune, endocrine and autonomic nervous systems via the HPA axis. The process involves implementing a series of tools and techniques that are designed to identify and unblock the emotional system and recode emotional memory.
Energy-Flow Coaching™ deals directly with the cause of symptoms and gives you the knowledge and guidance you need to take charge of your recovery and attain health and vitality.
25 Years Experience
Chronic Pain or Illness
Kamran Bedi
Therapist, Advanced Anxiety/PTSD treatment and Confidence building. Fast results. IEMT, NLP, Hypnotherapy.
I have over 10 years experience as a pilates instructor and have used NLP and Hypnosis to help people with chronic pain. I have also used IEMT to help people improve their pain challenges. With chronic illness, exploring an individuals lifestyle, emotions and past can also help relieve symptoms.
11 Years Experience
Chronic Pain or Illness
Janine & ComposurePsychology Team
Psychologist, Chartered Clinical Psychologist, HCPC & BPS registered, DClinPsy, CSAccred.(AAC), MPhil (cantab)
Dr Janine Hayward has specialist experience in supporting people living with and impacted by cancer, chronic illness and pain.
She and her team at ComposurePsychology draw from evidence based therapies including; CBT, ACT, CFT, SFT, EMDR, DBT, systemic, narrative, psychodynamic and others to help people learn how to manage treatment, create their 'new normal', live life as fully and richly as possible and make the difficult choices a long the way.
11 Years Experience
Chronic Pain or Illness
Shareen Birges
Registered Social Worker, BASS, GDYMH, MSW
I have experience working with people with chronic pain & illness & know the delicate balance that is needed to manage these issues. My person centered & strengths based practice helps me to support a person's individual needs & to support their families. I also specialise in working with individuals & their families around their cancer experience, including end of life care.
16 Years Experience
Chronic Pain or Illness
Dr Ian Anderson
Psychologist, Consultant Clinical Psychologist (HCPC registered), PhD, MSc, MSc, MSc, MA (Econ), BA (Econ) Hons
My question is if you break your leg, where is the pain? Actually, it's in your mind. The nerve receptors around the injury send messages to your brain, and your brain sends out pain messages. I really do not mean this to be facile, but all pain is interpreted by the mind. Even though pain is a real physical event, competent psychological therapy can help you process pain in such a way that you can still live your life in the way you would wish.
44 Years Experience