“Can psychologists also help one deal with pain better?”
My mother complains of a lot of pain all over her body, though the doctors are unable to diagnose anything. Can a psychologist help?
9 Answers
PsychologistChronicPain
Yes, definitely--a psychologist can teach your mother many different types of exercises where she can learn to cognitively and emotionally cope with and manage her chronic pain more effectively. With cognitive, behavioral, and mindfulness exercises as well as placing her pain in a larger context, she can learn to live a more fulfilling life.
Yes. There are techniques such as mindfulness, EFT, and others that can help her with her pain. I'd also suggest she look into CBD oils and cream (also sold online nowadays), which helps with pain.
Be well,
Dr. Rosana Marzullo-Dove
Be well,
Dr. Rosana Marzullo-Dove
Your mother has been suffering. Physicians have been unable to diagnose a medical disorder. She , apparently, is still in much discomfort. Psychology can reduce discomfort by various methods. Your mother might be relieved to know that. Ask her. Let’s see how she responds.
Yes, a psychologist may be able to help. Pain is often associated with depression and grief. Talking about and processing feelings is very helpful. Older people are sensitive to medications and so I would not start there. Gently encourage her to talk about her emotions and experiences.
I hope this can help.
Nancy Warren, PhD
I hope this can help.
Nancy Warren, PhD
Yes, they can provide support and understanding and help people: 1) process feelings associated with loss; 2) increase acceptance of pain and related limitations; 3) increase effective coping; 4) develop a new self that has parts of their old self integrated into it; 5) seek a personally meaningful philosophy of life and spirituality consistent with it.
Yes. A psychologist can collaborate with the medical specialist involved in your mothers care. The psychologist may be able to use cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation training, and mindful meditation to help your mother better cope with pain.
Dr. Martin Keller
Dr. Martin Keller
Likely yes. Hypnosis is a fine method for reducing and managing pain, whether physical or psychogenic. You can find a specialist in this sub-area in your part of the country at the website of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH).
Pain can ruin a life - so glad she has you to help her take care of it.
Pain can ruin a life - so glad she has you to help her take care of it.
That really depends on the circumstances and the psychologist. Yet basically the answer would be, no. Sometimes doctors can only go to and from the way they were taught. Alternative medicine and holistic medicine and care might be the answer for most every patient there is. As we get older pain becomes more present and moving and exercising helps. Sitting down and lying down does not. Temperature and humidity and vitamin deficiencies are all objects of reasons for pain as we get older. Our mattresses need to be more foam and getting a good nights rest is very important. Foods we eat and liquids we drink need to be upgraded as we age. Have her become more health concerned. Change her diet, its mind and minerals and proper nutrition. Maybe tea, instead of coffee all the time, and pure water and electrolytes and a foam mattress. I know this may sound different, but worth trying.