The utility of the EMDR appears to extend beyond trauma with positive results reported in the treatment of addictions, phobias, and pain (Henry 1996, Goldstein & Feske 1994, Grant 1986). As a treatment for pain EMDR offers a method of facilitating permanent changes in how pain is experienced somatically and emotionally. Knowledge and understanding of the principles underlying EMDR can also provide a guide for more effective interventions by pain specialists. While exploring the pain cycle and opportunities to interrupt current patterns during EMDR there are often related sources of emotional pain such as external criticism from those around you, internal critisism in the form of negative self talk, or struggling with how you may feel your identity has changed with the onset of the pain. In addition to interrupting the physical pain cycle Colleen works collaboratively and compassionately with her clients to alleviate the emotional pain that can accompany chronic pain conditions.
Medications and Pain Management Most would prefer not to take pain medication, however, in many cases it is deemed necessary and medically sound. Colleen has experience working with:
Individuals not currently seeking to decrease pain medication, however, would like to learn new ways of managing pain
Individuals currently seeking to decrease medications, however, may currently be uncertain if they will be discontinuing use of pain medications
Individuals seeking to discontinue use of pain medications
In all circumstances Colleen provides a myriad of techniques from various orientations for clients to employ in an effort to decrease or alleviate pain. Some the methods Colleen utilizes are:
EMDR
Visualization
Meditation
Stimulus Reduction
Integrative Therapy
DBT to increase coping skills
Referrals to complimentary modalities (IE: Physical Therapy, Massage Therapy, Pain Management Clinics, Chiropractic care ETC)
