Chronic Pain Treatment in St Albans, Hertford & Online

Approximately 40% of the UK population suffers from chronic pain, which can vary in intensity from mild to severe. Chronic pain symptoms may fluctuate over time or persist consistently. It can arise from an injury or illness, lingering for months or even years. In some cases, the onset of chronic pain is gradual. Dealing with chronic pain itself can be challenging and unpleasant. However, it is further compounded by the need to make adjustments in daily life, often resulting in the inability to engage in previously enjoyed activities. Understandably, accepting these limitations can be difficult, leading to feelings of frustration, anger, irritability, stress, and sadness. Furthermore, chronic pain can strain relationships, adding another layer of stress.

You don't have to face these struggles alone. With

over fifteen years of experience specialising in

working with individuals dealing with chronic pain,

I am here to support you. Together, we can explore

strategies to manage your chronic pain, adapt to new

circumstances, and regain a sense of control,

ultimately improving your overall quality of life. It is my aim to provide you with the necessary tools and guidance to navigate the challenges associated with chronic pain, ensuring that you are not alone on this journey.

What Causes Chronic Pain?

The functioning of our nervous system and immune system is an intricate process that often goes unnoticed in our day-to-day lives. While we may not give it much thought, these systems tirelessly work in the background, ensuring our protection and survival. Behind the scenes, thousands of miles of nerve pathways and countless connections between nerves in our brain and body are constantly receiving and transmitting information. This information includes data about our environment, the internal state of our body, our thoughts, emotions, and actions. The brain, with its incredible capacity, processes this vast amount of information, making necessary adjustments to various bodily functions as needed. To accomplish this, the brain not only relies on present information but also draws upon our past experiences, fine-tuning its responses accordingly.

Chronic or persistent pain brings about significant changes in how our nervous and immune systems function. These systems become hypersensitive to all types of stimuli, causing activities or experiences that were previously pain-free to now elicit pain. Additionally, the brain initiates more pronounced "protective" reactions, such as pain, muscle spasms, muscle weakness, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties (often referred to as brain fog). These reactions can limit our ability to engage in certain activities and may persist for an extended period of time even after the activity is completed. While these responses are hardwired and serve an evolutionary purpose of protecting us, they unfortunately have a negative impact on our overall quality of life and functional abilities.

The nervous system undergoes a significant process of "rewiring" that leads to these changes, these changes can occur even without any actual damage to the body. In fact, they can persist even after an injury has fully healed. This highlights the complex nature of chronic pain, where the rewiring of the nervous system plays a major role in the experience of pain, regardless of the presence or absence of physical damage.

Psychological Therapy For Chronic Pain: What Does It Involve?

In the initial stages of therapy, it can be valuable to dedicate time with the help of your therapist to develop a deeper understanding of your challenges, their impact on your life, and your current coping mechanisms. The therapeutic setting provides a safe and non-judgmental space where you can freely express and share your difficult experiences. Additionally, you may find it beneficial to acquire coping strategies that empower you to effectively manage and regain control over your chronic pain. Extensive evidence supports the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in addressing chronic pain. Therefore, it is likely that I will incorporate concepts and coping strategies derived from these therapeutic approaches into our sessions if deemed suitable.

Seeking psychological therapy for your struggles with chronic pain does not imply that the reality of your physical experiences is being dismissed or diminished. On the contrary, I recognise that chronic pain has a genuine physiological basis and profoundly affects individuals. As evident from the earlier discussion, chronic pain extends beyond physical sensations and permeates various aspects of your life. Psychological therapy provides a supportive and non-judgmental environment where we can delve into these complexities. Together, we can explore strategies to cope with both the physical symptoms and their impact on your well-being. My goal is to assist you in gradually reclaiming activities that hold value for you, thereby expanding your life while ensuring a manageable approach.

How Long Does Psychological Therapy Last For Chronic Pain?

The duration of psychological therapy varies based on the severity of your struggles. For some individuals, significant benefits can be achieved in approximately six sessions, while others may require ongoing support over an extended period. Typically, a course of therapy may consist of six to twenty four sessions, tailored to address the specific severity of your struggles and your unique needs.

Benefits of Psychological Therapy For Chronic Pain

Scientific research and clinical expertise consistently demonstrate that Psychological Therapy for chronic pain can yield a wide range of positive outcomes, which may include:

Decreased levels of pain experienced
Enhanced functional abilities and improved overall functioning
Increased confidence in managing physical symptoms effectively
Reduction in the negative impact of chronic pain on various aspects of life
Improved overall quality of life and well-being
Amelioration of emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, anger, and stress levels
Enhanced interpersonal relationships and better communication
Greater capacity to engage in meaningful activities while minimising physical symptoms

Through the therapeutic process, individuals with chronic pain can develop valuable skills, coping mechanisms, and insights that empower them to better manage their condition and experience a more fulfilling life.

When I Should Get Help For My Chronic Pain?

Seeking therapy for chronic pain can be beneficial at any point along the journey, as these experiences can be profoundly demanding both physically and emotionally. However, it is common for individuals to turn to therapy when they find themselves in a state of despair, having exhausted medical avenues, grappling with inadequate self-management, lacking a sense of control, and experiencing significant adverse effects on their lives. These indicators strongly suggest that therapy can be a valuable resource. Yet, it is also worth considering reaching out for support during the earlier stages of your condition, as seeking assistance promptly can contribute to more effective pain management and a better overall outcome.

The Challenges Of Living With Chronic Pain

“It’s All In Your Head”

One common challenge individuals facing chronic pain often encounter is a lack of belief or understanding from healthcare providers, family members, friends, and colleagues. It is possible that you have received the message that your pain is "all in your head". This misunderstanding may partly stem from the fact that chronic pain is often invisible, making it difficult for others to grasp its reality. Additionally, doctors may struggle to identify the precise cause of the pain or provide a definitive diagnosis, further contributing to the frustration and lack of support you may experience.

Pressure To “Keep Up Appearances”

Individuals living with chronic pain often experience a sense of burden and may internalise the belief that they should be strong, independent, and not ask for help. Consequently, they may choose to hide their struggles from others. This self-imposed pressure to maintain appearances can be incredibly stressful and lead to taking on excessive responsibilities. Unfortunately, this can worsen physical symptoms and further contribute to the challenges of managing chronic pain.

Lack of Diagnosis

You may have received a clear diagnosis for your condition, or you might still be searching for answers. It is not uncommon for individuals to experience debilitating pain that medical professionals struggle to diagnose. The complexity of the human body and the involvement of multiple bodily systems can make it challenging to pinpoint the exact cause of certain conditions. Additionally, it is possible for physical investigations to reveal no abnormalities despite the presence of real physical symptoms. This frustrating situation can lead to a series of appointments where hopes are raised and then dashed when a definitive cause is not found.

Vicious Cycles

Coming to terms with chronic pain and finding effective ways to manage it can be a challenging journey. It's common to feel a sense of powerlessness as chronic pain can disrupt your life and make you feel like things are beyond your control. The emotional toll of chronic pain can be significant, leading to feelings of depression, anxiety, stress, frustration, low self-esteem, and anger. These emotional difficulties, combined with the physical symptoms, can have a profound impact on various aspects of your life, including relationships, leisure activities, and work. It's not uncommon for life to become restricted as a result, further impacting your emotional well-being. It's important to note that certain chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia, can even worsen in response to higher levels of distress. It's essential to understand that these physical health problems are not "all in your head"; they are very much real and have a physiological basis.

Lowers Confidence

Chronic pain has the ability to erode people's confidence, impacting various aspects of their lives. One area where confidence can be affected is mobility. Chronic pain can limit a person's ability to move comfortably, leading to concerns about managing in different situations. For instance, individuals may worry about visiting new places or socialising, unsure of how they will cope if their symptoms worsen while they are away from home. These uncertainties can create anxiety about navigating unfamiliar settings and the practicalities of getting back home safely.

If you would like to see a chronic pain therapist for chronic pain treatment in St Albans, Hertford or online please email me at contact@hertstherapypractice.com or complete the webform below.

Helpful Chronic Pain Resources:

https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/mental-health/mental-health-self-help-guides/chronic-pain-self-help-guide

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/pain/ways-to-manage-chronic-pain/

https://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/chronic-pain-and-fatigue-self-help/

https://www.uclh.nhs.uk/our-services/find-service/neurology-and-neurosurgery/pain-management-centre-nhnn/self-help-resources-pain-management

Contact

St Albans Rooms

21 Victoria Street

St Albans

AL1 3JJ

England

And

Hertford Well-Being

5A Great Northern Works

Hartham Lane

Hertford

SG14 1QW

England

07825910485

Contact@HertsTherapyPractice.com

How much does therapy cost?

I provide therapy on a self funded basis and can also see individuals with insurance cover. The rate for self funded sessions is £110 per 50 minutes session. For more information, please see the following page: Fees
How do I know if I need therapy?

Knowing when to seek therapy is an important step in prioritising your mental health. While everyone’s journey is unique, certain signs and experiences suggest that professional support may be beneficial. Therapy can help if you are: 1. Feeling Overwhelmed by Stress or Emotions If you’re constantly anxious, sad, or irritable, and these emotions feel unmanageable, mental health support can provide tools to regain control and balance in your life. 2. Experiencing Persistent Negative Thoughts Repetitive worries, self-doubt, or feelings of hopelessness may signal deeper issues that a therapist can help address. 3. Struggling with Relationships Conflicts, communication challenges, or feelings of disconnection in personal or professional relationships may benefit from exploring patterns and building healthier interactions. 4. Facing Major Life Transitions Significant changes, like a breakup, job loss, or becoming a parent, can be emotionally taxing. Therapy offers a safe space to process these adjustments. 5. Dealing with Physical Symptoms of Stress If headaches, fatigue, or sleep problems persist without a clear medical cause, they might be linked to emotional distress, which therapy can help alleviate. 6. Feeling Stuck or Unfulfilled A sense of emptiness, lack of purpose, or difficulty achieving goals can often stem from unresolved personal challenges. Therapy can guide you toward clarity and growth. 7. Turning to Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms Over-relying on alcohol, food, or avoidance behaviors to cope with stress or emotions could indicate the need for healthier strategies. What Therapy Can Offer You Therapy provides a non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts and feelings, identify patterns, and develop skills to cope with life’s challenges. Whether you’re dealing with a specific issue or simply seeking personal growth, therapy can help you move forward with confidence.
What happens in the first therapy session?

The first therapy session is a welcoming space designed to help you feel comfortable and supported as you take this important step toward improving your mental health. Here’s what you can expect: 1. Exploring Your Concerns I will ask about what has brought you to therapy. Whether it’s anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues, or something else, this is your chance to share your thoughts and feelings in a safe environment. 2. Learning About Your Background To better understand your situation, I will ask about your personal history, lifestyle, work, and relationships. This helps create a fuller picture of who you are and what you’re experiencing. 3. Goals We will explore your goals for therapy and we will discuss how therapy will be tailored to your needs. 4. Building a Connection The first session is a chance to see how you feel about my style and approach. I am warm and down to earth which can help create a strong therapeutic relationship, which is essential for successful outcomes. There’s no need to prepare extensively—just come as you are. It’s normal to feel a little nervous, but I am there to support you every step of the way.
What types of therapy do you offer?

I provide evidence-based psychological therapies tailored to your individual needs, including: 1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) CBT is a structured, goal-oriented approach that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. It’s highly effective for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. 2. Schema Therapy Schema Therapy helps you explore and heal deep-rooted patterns developed in childhood that may affect your relationships and emotional well-being. It’s ideal for addressing long-standing challenges such as low self-esteem, emotional dysregulation, and unhealthy relationship dynamics. 3. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) ACT helps you develop psychological flexibility by accepting difficult emotions, clarifying your values, and committing to meaningful action. It’s particularly helpful for managing anxiety, chronic stress, and life transitions. Each therapy type is designed to address different challenges, and we’ll work together to determine the approach that best suits you. Whether you’re seeking help for anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or personal growth, the tailored therapy I offer can provide the tools you need to thrive.
How many sessions will I need?

The duration of therapy depends on your individual needs, goals, and the type of mental health difficulties you’re facing. Here’s a general guide to help you understand what to expect: 1. Short-Term Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Typically lasts between 6 to 20 sessions for issues like anxiety, depression, or stress. It’s goal-oriented and focused on providing practical tools for change. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): May range from 8 to 16 sessions, depending on the complexity of your goals and challenges. 2. Medium to Long-Term Therapy Schema Therapy: Often requires a longer commitment, especially for deep-rooted patterns or longstanding difficulties like low self-esteem, emotional dysregulation, or chronic relationship issues. Therapy can last 6 months to 2 years, depending on individual progress. 3. Tailored Approach Therapy duration is always personalised. Some people feel significant improvement within a few months, while others benefit from ongoing sessions to work through complex challenges or maintain mental health over time. I will regularly review your progress and goals with you, ensuring that therapy is aligned with your needs. Whether you’re seeking help for anxiety, depression or personal growth, therapy is designed to provide support at a pace that feels right for you.
What specific regulations or qualifications do you have?

I am a fully qualified Counselling Psychologist where I am trained to a Doctoral level. I am registered with the recognised body of the HCPC. I adhere to strict ethical standards, prioritise ongoing professional development, and maintain valid insurance coverage. I ensure I deliver ethical, effective, and personalised mental health care tailored to your needs.