Living with Chronic Pain: Can It Get Better?

Sat, 01 Oct 2022 18:03:05 GMT

"Nobody really understands what I'm going through."

Chronic illness is something people can either see or they can't see. Sometimes, even the people we love just don't seem to understand.

They might even lose patience because your illness is "invisible" (e.g. IBS, diabetes, chronic pain, lupus).

And while other chronic illnesses are more visible, all of them can be limiting.

Chronic illness is also an emotional experience. We feel sad and discouraged when people don't "get it."

We feel lonely without support, anger at the unfairness, and even shame when we need to put ourselves first.

We also celebrate with overwhelming joy when we hear the words, "YOU'RE IN REMISSION!"

Support and its benefits are limited only by our imaginations.

If you have chronic illness, I bet you've felt that support is hard to find.

I'm here to remind you that you're not alone.

What to Do

1. Reach out.

Whether it's me, a friend or family member, or just someone you feel comfortable with a trust, talk to someone. If the first person doesn't work out, find the next.

2. Find a therapist.

I would love to work with you, to be someone you can talk to and feel comfortable with.

3. Find a support group.

If you can't leave home, there are a lot of online groups that are just as rewarding. If you are still unsure of who to reach out to, ask your doctor about referral recommendations.

4. Find yourself again.

Never forget who you are, the unchanging core that is you. If you can't remember your "self" pre-diagnosis, try new things! It's never too late, and nothing is ever too impractical. Turn your illness into a never-ending journey of discovery for the treasure that is you.

And reme mber: while chronic illness may have strained you - emotionally, physically, and mentally - it does not define you.

Reach out for the support you deserve today: 615.604.6853.

Am I Married to a Sex Addict? What Can I Do?

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 18:03:05 GMT

"I think my husband may be a sex addict."

"I think my wife is sleeping with other men - lots of other men."

Unfortunately, I've heard these words hundreds of times, and it always makes me sad. If you think your partner may be a sex addict, I know it's sad for you too.

I have sat with women and men who have shared your pain and heartbreak, and we both know it's real.

Your pain is real - and justified. You may feel hopeless and overwhelmed right now... but there is hope .

I have started working with couples who felt nothing but pain and anger for each other, and I've brought them back from the brink to a place of peace and love. I can help you too.

The Reality

Before the first step of recovery happens, I will tell you these five things:

You are not alone.
Sexual addiction is real.
Sexual addiction is really an intimacy disorder.
Men and women alike struggle with unhealthy compulsive sexual behaviors.
There is HOPE!

I am convinced there is HOPE. I have watched countless men and women begin my program of therapy and recovery and experience lasting life change!

Understanding you are not alone - that you have people who will not judge you and who truly care about you - is the key. And I have yet to meet a single person who regretted taking that first step.

Every single one of us has been faced with a pain we thought we'd never get over. But we did! Today, in one way or another, we're all looking back on at least one devastating problem that is now a part of our past.

What to Do

If you are reading this article and feel stunned, hurt, and uncertain about your partner's sexual addiction, start by taking these steps today:

1. Reach out to a trusted friend and an experienced professional.

This is not something you need to go through alone. Don't wait to make that call!

2. Do not accept the blame for your spouse's behaviors.

Regardless of what they tell you, their unhealthy compulsive behaviors are not your fault. Behavior that becomes compulsive and addictive in nature begins as a choice.

3. Encourage your spouse to see a professional as soon as possible.

A professional can determine if a sexual addiction is present and take the recommended steps toward healing.

Get started with a specialist at Connection Therapy Group today by calling us at 615.604.6853.

connectiontherapygroup--in-progress-edits

Living with Chronic Pain: Can It Get Better?

What to Do

Am I Married to a Sex Addict? What Can I Do?

"I think my husband may be a sex addict."

"I think my wife is sleeping with other men - lots of other men."

The Reality

Before the first step of recovery happens, I will tell you these five things:

What to Do