This comprehensive training is designed for mental health professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of, and gain practical skills for, working with clients living with chronic illness and pain. We'll begin by exploring the unique and often isolating "in-between" existence of clients who may "look fine" but are living with debilitating symptoms. You’ll learn about core concepts like "spoon theory" and the profound psychological toll of being misunderstood and invalidated by both personal relationships and the medical system.
Building on this foundational knowledge, the second part of the training will provide practical, actionable skills. We'll focus on adapting traditional therapeutic approaches to meet the unique challenges of chronic illness, such as symptom unpredictability, fluctuating energy levels, and medical trauma. You will learn how to create a safe therapeutic space through validation and empathy, and we'll discuss specific interventions designed to help clients navigate identity shifts, grief, and the emotional and relational aspects of their experience. By the end of this program, you will have a comprehensive toolkit for providing compassionate, affirming, and effective care that helps clients reframe their relationship with their chronic condition and foster a sense of empowerment.
https://frumtherapist.com/workshops/Livingin2/viewLiving in the Liminal:
Counseling Clients with Chronic Illness (Recorded)
Previously Recorded
Presenter: Christina Scott, LPCC
Course Length: 4 Hours
This workshop Offers 4 Continuing Education Credits
This webinar is recorded and will not grant live credits.
This comprehensive training is designed for mental health professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of, and gain practical skills for, working with clients living with chronic illness and pain. We'll begin by exploring the unique and often isolating "in-between" existence of clients who may "look fine" but are living with debilitating symptoms. You’ll learn about core concepts like "spoon theory" and the profound psychological toll of being misunderstood and invalidated by both personal relationships and the medical system.
Building on this foundational knowledge, the second part of the training will provide practical, actionable skills. We'll focus on adapting traditional therapeutic approaches to meet the unique challenges of chronic illness, such as symptom unpredictability, fluctuating energy levels, and medical trauma. You will learn how to create a safe therapeutic space through validation and empathy, and we'll discuss specific interventions designed to help clients navigate identity shifts, grief, and the emotional and relational aspects of their experience. By the end of this program, you will have a comprehensive toolkit for providing compassionate, affirming, and effective care that helps clients reframe their relationship with their chronic condition and foster a sense of empowerment.
Module 1: The Lived Experience (60 minutes)
Differentiating Acute vs. Chronic Pain: Examine criteria for chronic pain, explore overview of chronic illness, and discuss modern pain science.
Understanding the "Hidden Realities": Explore key concepts like spoon theory, psychological tolls, invalidation of lived experience, and internalized ableism.
Module 2: The Therapeutic Lens (60 minutes)
Re-evaluating Therapeutic Frameworks: Discuss why & how traditional models need to be adapted for clients with chronic illness.
The Power of Presence: Explore use of validation and empathetic listening to create a safe therapeutic space.
Module 3: Core Interventions (90 minutes)
Applying Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Learn how to use ACT to help clients reframe their relationship with pain.
Using Narrative Therapy: Examine how to help clients find meaning and navigate identity shifts.
Applying Positive Psychology Principles: Introduce interventions that focus on building resilience, fostering a sense of purpose, and identifying and leveraging personal strengths to cope with the daily challenges of chronic illness.
Module 4: Practical Application & Conclusion (30 minutes)
The Empowerment Toolkit: Summarize key takeaways and provide resources for continued learning.
Future-Facing Work: Discuss how to help clients set realistic, meaningful goals for the future.