Behavioral Health Clinic

  I have worked with many individuals with chronic pain in clinics and in research studies. My father also lived with chronic pain. From my experiences with these individuals and communities and also based on what we know from the documentation in research is that a large percentage of people with chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia or low back pain, experience mental health concerns such as depression. This means that the two conditions can co-occur, but we are not certain about which condition is more likely to occur first. Regardless, research has shown that the way people think and feel about chronic pain can negatively impact their emotions and stress. Conversely, being more mindful on a regular basis may help people to enjoy and live their lives well in spite of chronic pain. You might be thinking: what does being mindful on a regular basis mean exactly? Everyday mindfulness is described as a tendency to frequently focus on the present moment and to be open, curious...

  As 2021 winds down and 2022 looms, millions of people are motivated to make changes in their lives. Whether you are inspired to practice more good deeds or unleash yourself from undesired traits or practices, you are not alone. New Year’s resolutions are considered a sort of do-over from the prior year, and in many cases, the same resolution gets made year after year. How do you complete your year’s plan with the same motivation as you began? Are you ready, willing, and able? First, believe that change is possible. At the same time, realize it does not happen all at once. What is your desired outcome, and why? Is this outcome for your benefit or to make someone else happy? For example, do you want to lose weight so to be healthier and more energetic, or because you think someone will like you better if you are thinner? The motivation can set the tone for your success. Doing something for yourself, such as getting healthier, is a great way to not only achieve the goal, but build y...