Living with chronic pain can feel exhausting—not just physically but emotionally too. The constant discomfort may leave you drained, frustrated, or even hopeless. Pain can affect relationships, work, sleep, and your sense of self. Many men feel pressure to “push through” or “tough it out,” but inside, it can feel like carrying an invisible weight that no one else fully sees.
Counselling offers a space to acknowledge both the pain and its emotional impact, and to find new ways of coping and regaining a sense of control.
“I know how it feels to keep going when your body says stop. At times, I ignored my limits, believing I just needed more discipline. What I learned was that acknowledging pain—both physical and emotional—was not weakness, but a step toward balance and healing.“
In sessions, we’ll work on:
We map out how pain affects your life—physically, emotionally, relationally
We explore ways to restore hope and self-compassion
You set the pace: weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly sessions
Stress regulation techniques
Somatic awareness and pacing strategies
Cognitive reframing of pain-related thoughts
Practices to restore rest, connection, and meaning
Not directly. But therapy can reduce the suffering that comes with pain and help you live with more steadiness and resilience.
Counselling isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about creating a relationship with yourself and your pain that brings more peace and possibility.
Yes. Pain doesn’t just live in the body — it can shape how you show up with loved ones. Many people feel guilty for saying no, frustrated at being misunderstood, or worried about being a “burden.” Counselling can help you talk through these feelings, find ways to communicate more openly, and keep connection alive even when pain is present.
Do you have more questions? Check out my FAQ page.
You don’t have to face chronic pain alone. Counselling can help you find strength, new perspectives, and a greater sense of ease.
I offer chronic pain counselling in-person from my Nanaimo office and online for clients across BC, including Parksville, Ladysmith, and Victoria.
Here are a few resources you may find helpful if you’re looking to understand or manage chronic pain on a deeper level.
The Link Between Emotional Pain and Chronic Physical Pain
A deeper look at how emotional struggles and physical pain connect — and why addressing both matters for healing.
Counselling for Anxiety and Work-Related Stress in Nanaimo
Stress and anxiety often intensify physical symptoms. Counselling can help ease both body and mind.
The Body Keeps the Score
by Bessel van der Kolk
A leading book on how trauma and emotional pain are stored in the body — and what healing can look like.
