As Christmas approaches and Christmas lights are being switched on across the country, the conversations in my pain psychology clinic (on-line and in Milton Keynes) often shift to managing the festive season without flare ups, hence the topic of this blog. The holiday season brings with it a mix of excitement and challenges for everyone,...
In my pain psychology clinics (both in-person in Milton Keynes and on-line), over time I have noticed how becoming your own best friend can be transformative in managing self-critical thoughts. I have been talking a lot about this my clinics recently, so thought I would share some of the practical strategies to cultivate self-compassion and...
Managing Migraines: A Psychological Approach When living with chronic pain like migraines, the mental and emotional toll can be just as impactful as the physical discomfort. It’s not uncommon for people to overlook the psychological factors in managing migraines, but that’s where the key to real relief might lie. As someone who has dedicated years...
As a Consultant Health Psychologist specialising in long term health conditions, I'm often asked about the role of psychological interventions in managing psoriasis. This blog will take a look at how these approaches, including hypnosis, can make a real difference for those living with this challenging skin condition. Understanding the Mind-Skin Connection Psoriasis isn't just...
As a Consultant Health Psychologist with over 25 years of experience working with chronic / persistent pain patients, I've observed how perfectionism can be a significant obstacle to managing long-term health conditions effectively. Let's explore why perfectionism can be detrimental and how we can cultivate a healthier mindset. The Pitfalls of Perfectionism in Chronic Pain...
If you’ve been living with chronic pain, you may have tried countless treatments, medications, and therapies, all in search of relief. Yet, the pain persists. For many, this journey can feel frustrating and isolating. But what if I told you that your mind could play a significant role in your experience of pain? Dr. John...
People with Chronic / Persistent Pain, Lets Ride the Waves of Wellness: Uncovering the Benefits of Beach Life Some of my clients/patients at my pain psychology and hypnotherapy clinics online or in face to face in Milton Keynes have either come back from their holidays or are about to go. We often chat about their...
Unlock your Olympic Mindset: Shared Mental Strategies of Elite Athletes and People Living with Chronic/Persistent Pain Introduction Over the past few weeks, many of us have enjoyed the Olympics. Chatting to my clients/patients during the Olympics and afterwards, in my psychology and hypnotherapy clinic in both Milton Keynes and on-line; I shared the fact that...
Quite often at this time of year, I’m discussing travelling with my patients at my chronic pain clinics both online and in-person at Milton Keynes. Living with chronic pain can be challenging, and the thought of travelling might seem overwhelming. Yet, with some careful planning and practical strategies, you can still enjoy your trips while...
Although the weather in the UK, isn’t always so hot, when it is, we often find it more difficult to sleep. As we know lack of sleep affects our chronic/persistent pain, I often asked about this, in both my face-to-face pain psychology clinic and my on-line clinic, so this article is going to talk about...