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Pain Management
Before seeing me for psychological intervention you should always consult your GP for physical evaluation.
Whether you’re concerned about future pain such as a visit to the dentist, having a procedure, coping better with migranes or you’re living with chronic pain – hypnotherapy can help.
Your mind and your body are linked as one and you have the ability to control the amount of pain you need to feel.
Essentially pain is a warning signal that something is wrong and needs attention, such as when you cut your hand. However there will be time, such as in childbirth, when feeling the pain can inhibit and slow down the natural process of giving birth and it’s our interpretations of the situation that can greatly enhance or inhibit the experience.
I’m sure you’ve all heard of those people who choose to put this theory to the test and walk over red hot coals without any discomfort at all. Although the conditions that allow a successful walk are described and explained in different ways, they all have one element in common: the trance state. I’m not suggesting for one moment you test this theory but add it as an example of how a person can use his or her mind to control or inhibit painful sensations.
Other factors can determine how much pain you feel compared to another person in the same circumstances:
Your emotions
For example if your pain is chronic, you may also be feeling anxious, depressed, loss of appetite, extreme fatigue and insomnia, changes in self image, uncertainty and fear. Just as pain can bring forth emotions, emotions can summon pain.
Your previous experiences or associations with pain
People often build up general patterns established in childhood. A study of soldiers wounded in WW2 found that men needed less medication than civilians with similar wounds because the soldiers associated the pain with returning home.
Your characteristics
Those of us who are assertive are more likely to feel less pain than those with a low motivation, or a poor self image, who exhibit diminished control.
Your perception of what pain signifies
Does it mean a premature end to a career as a world class footballer or a week off an unexciting job on full pay?
Whether it is chronic pain, pain due to surgery or pain due to illness, injury or disease – your mind can be actively engaged to transform, alter or displace your pain.
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