January - 2021

Jan 28, 2021
4 min

Do you Know about Caregiver Burnout?

Have you heard of caregiver fatigue or caregiver burnout? As parents, we probably all experience it to some degree, but when we are parenting a child with chronic pain it can happen more frequently and more intensely. We would do anything to help our child get better. We feel so deeply for them and the whole household can be affected by how your one child is doing each day. Sadness is a pretty common emotion for us parents of kids with chronic pain. But sometimes it can

Have you Noticed that Emotions can Amplify Pain?

Jan 21, 2021
2 min

Have you Noticed that Emotions can Amplify Pain?

I usually talk about my daughter Greta because she is the one with prominent chronic pain; however, today I will start out talking about Oliver. He is 16. Last week Oli and I we were talking about jobs he could apply for. His last job was as a server at a retirement home and, while he like it in some ways, he often felt anxious there and his back hurt from being on his feet carrying heavy things back and forth. He has an old trampoline injury to his back that flares up someti

Is your Child with Chronic Pain Highly Sensitive?

Jan 14, 2021
2 min

Is your Child with Chronic Pain Highly Sensitive?

A highly sensitive person is someone who often experiences things more intensely than others do. Sounds, lights, music, emotions, stress, pain... Perhaps your child was a highly sensitive person before they had pain. Or maybe not. This high sensitivity often has to do with a nervous system that easily flips into fight or flight syndrome. Our children with chronic pain can often be on high alert. And easily overwhelmed. When our pain flares, even Candy Crush can get too o

Jan 12, 2021
2 min

Who's in Charge?

“The best way to reduce a pain problem is to help your child learn ways to function (such as participating in school, doing homework and chores, and engaging and physical and social activities as much as possible) even while she is in pain. If a child can function even while she is in pain, she will feel in control of the pain. Feeling in control can and will reduce your child’s nervous system arousal and thus the actual amount or volume of the pain.” (from “Conquering Your C

What Part of You Needs a Little More Attention?

Jan 7, 2021
2 min

What Part of You Needs a Little More Attention?

I have been meeting with a life coach lately and she gave me some homework this week. She asked me to think about the continuous dance happening between my body, mind, and spirit and to notice which one is usually getting more attention. She said to check in with myself a few times a day to see if any of them are being neglected and needing a little more support. So I have been doing that. A few times a day. And I am realizing that my mind gets a WHOLE LOT of attention. It ge

About the Author

Hi, my name is Carla and I'm a Licensed Psychotherapist, Pain Coach, Life Coach and Teacher. If you are looking for support for parenting, chronic pain, anxiety, relationships, or stress management, click the booking link above for a free 20 min intro call. I work with children, parents, and individuals worldwide, providing support, encouragement and guidance, while creating a warm and non-judgmental environment in which we can explore and resolve the challenges you are facing.
One of the most important things you can do is ask for help when you need it. Help is one click away.

Carla Friesen
Counselling

About the Author

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