Frequently Asked Questions
Writing to Release Chronic Pain
Hi there! 👋 I've been getting a bunch of great questions about 𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗣𝗮𝗶𝗻, my 6-week online program that shows you, step by step, how to release tension and pain from your body and reconnect with your authentic self through expressive writing.
I thought I'd share my answers here, in case some of these questions are coming up for you too! Here goes...
Q: I've been doing mind-body healing work for chronic pain for a long time now. I've read all the books, done some courses and have made progress, but would like to make more. Would this program be appropriate for me?
A: In short, yes! Many of the folks who've gone through the program had also been doing mind-body work for a long time already, and they reported that they made new discoveries, insights and breakthroughs while going through the Writing to Release Chronic Pain program. If you've been finding my emails and Instagram posts helpful, then I believe you would find the program helpful as well.
Q: Which package should I choose? The Self-Study Program, the Group Coaching Package or the Individual Support Package?
A: It's really a personal preference. Here are some details to help you make the decision:
- The Self-Guided Program will guide you through the practices and teachings.
- The Group Coaching Package will offer the added opportunity to receive support from me in a group setting, along with peer support.
- The Individual Support Package will give you all the above plus email access to me throughout the program. Past participants have used this to ask questions and request guidance. Some have shared themes and excerpts from their writing, and I've coached them on the writing, offering personalized prompts to guide them into deeper layers of self-compassion.
Which of these options calls to you?
Q: It's painful for me to write with my hands due to stress injury, and using voice-to-text is difficult as well due to vocal strain. Is there any other way for me to do the writing in this program?
A: I have a few thoughts here:
1. I’d use whichever mode of communication is most easeful / least difficult for you.
2. I’d take it slow and gentle. For example, if speech is your easiest mode of communication, but too much speaking becomes painful, then I’d use speech and take it slow, stopping to rest when necessary. A small dose of self-expression can go a long way! And we can work up from one word to two to more…
3. While expressing externally (through writing or speech) can be very beneficial, when speech and writing are too difficult, some folks will think the words “out loud” in their head or visualize writing the words on paper. Again, starting from what is doable now, and working gradually from there.
Q: I don't have chronic pain per se. Can this program still help me?
Yes! You can use this work to help release any stress-related symptoms, coping behaviors, sensations, etc. such as phobias, insomania, dizziness, tinnitus, fatigue, etc. In other words, any symptom of a "stressed out nervous system" is one that you can work on in this program.
This program is designed to help you unravel the coping patterns that your nervous system has been using to deal with stress, deepen your relationship with yourself, and become your own best ally so that your mind and nervous system can get on the same team and work together more harmoniously.
I hope this Q & A was helpful! If you still have questions, head over here to learn more. Or...