| How Psychology Can Help You Manage Illness & Pain |
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| by Dr. Suzanne Harris |
Most people know that psychotherapy can be helpful for
symptoms of depression or anxiety, but did you know that health
psychology is one of the fastest growing areas of psychological
practice and research? A major goal of health psychology is to
enhance the quality and enjoyment of life. To reach this goal,
therapy focuses on the development of skills that can reduce both
the psychological and physical stresses of illness or pain.
Stress reduction is vital, not just for increased comfort, but because research
suggests that there may be links between stress and the onset and progression of
illness. Stress related to health concerns comes from many sources: emotional
reactions to diagnosis and treatment, pain, financial pressures, lifestyle changes,
and disruptions in marital and family roles. Stress reduction is not simply “taking it
easier.” It involves learning a set of skills to enhance the function of the immune
system.
What can clients expect when they see a health psychologist? A client with
fibromyalgia or another pain condition may work with a therapist to learn pain
reduction techniques, develop strategies for pacing work and family activities,
explore changes in marital roles with a spouse, and address symptoms of
depression, anxiety or insomnia. Someone with cancer may focus on the emotional
reaction to the diagnosis, techniques to reduce the side effects of treatment, and
strategies to deal with the worries of family and friends. Each client’s needs are
assessed in the first sessions and therapy is designed for those specific concerns.
Persons with any kind of medical condition or chronic pain can benefit from working
with a health psychologist, even if the medical condition has been present for a long
time. Treatment is usually short-term and may be covered by insurance. The best
way to know if a psychologist or psychotherapist has expertise in health is to ask
about their specific training and experience when inquiring about an appointment.
Suzanne Harris, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist who has worked with
medical patients for over 10 years. She has training and experience in both inpatient
and outpatient care. For more information about Dr. Harris, visit www.drsueharris.
com.
symptoms of depression or anxiety, but did you know that health
psychology is one of the fastest growing areas of psychological
practice and research? A major goal of health psychology is to
enhance the quality and enjoyment of life. To reach this goal,
therapy focuses on the development of skills that can reduce both
the psychological and physical stresses of illness or pain.
Stress reduction is vital, not just for increased comfort, but because research
suggests that there may be links between stress and the onset and progression of
illness. Stress related to health concerns comes from many sources: emotional
reactions to diagnosis and treatment, pain, financial pressures, lifestyle changes,
and disruptions in marital and family roles. Stress reduction is not simply “taking it
easier.” It involves learning a set of skills to enhance the function of the immune
system.
What can clients expect when they see a health psychologist? A client with
fibromyalgia or another pain condition may work with a therapist to learn pain
reduction techniques, develop strategies for pacing work and family activities,
explore changes in marital roles with a spouse, and address symptoms of
depression, anxiety or insomnia. Someone with cancer may focus on the emotional
reaction to the diagnosis, techniques to reduce the side effects of treatment, and
strategies to deal with the worries of family and friends. Each client’s needs are
assessed in the first sessions and therapy is designed for those specific concerns.
Persons with any kind of medical condition or chronic pain can benefit from working
with a health psychologist, even if the medical condition has been present for a long
time. Treatment is usually short-term and may be covered by insurance. The best
way to know if a psychologist or psychotherapist has expertise in health is to ask
about their specific training and experience when inquiring about an appointment.
Suzanne Harris, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist who has worked with
medical patients for over 10 years. She has training and experience in both inpatient
and outpatient care. For more information about Dr. Harris, visit www.drsueharris.
com.
