Chronic Pain & Illness Counselling in Coquitlam
Support for the emotional weight of living with pain — in person or online across BC
Chronic pain and long-term illness affect far more than the body. They can reshape your identity, relationships, work and sense of future. Counselling that understands this connection can be a powerful part of healing.
The mind-body connection is real
Research consistently shows that stress, unresolved emotions and trauma can amplify pain signals and fatigue — and that pain itself creates grief, anxiety and frustration. This is not "all in your head"; it is how nervous systems work, and it means psychological support genuinely changes the experience of pain.
With background experience in occupational rehabilitation supporting clients recovering from work-related injuries, I bring a practical understanding of how physical and emotional well-being intertwine.
What counselling can help with
- Coping strategies for pain flares, fatigue and uncertainty
- Grief for the life or abilities you had before
- Anxiety about symptoms, medical appointments or the future
- Setting boundaries and asking for support without guilt
- Rebuilding identity and purpose beyond the diagnosis
- Working through trauma that may contribute to chronic pain
Working together
We use approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, CBT, Lifespan Integration, and compassion-focused methods. Counselling complements medical treatment and can be part of a team approach alongside your physicians and physiotherapists.
Frequently asked questions
Does counselling really help with chronic pain?
Yes. While counselling does not replace medical treatment, evidence-based approaches such as CBT and ACT are proven to reduce the distress and disability associated with chronic pain and improve quality of life.
I have limited energy. Can sessions be shorter or less frequent?
Absolutely. Sessions are adapted to your capacity, including online sessions from home so that travel and fatigue are not barriers to care.
Can you provide documentation for employers or insurers?
I can discuss what documentation is appropriate for your situation during our consultation. Invoices are provided for insurance reimbursement, with direct billing for FNHA and CVAP.
Take a hopeful first step
Sessions are available in person in Coquitlam or securely online anywhere in British Columbia. Book a free 20-minute phone consultation to see whether we are a good fit.
Book a Free Consultation