Preparing for Surgery
Manage understandable concerns about surgery, anesthesia, recovery, and the uncertainty that comes with a major procedure.
Psychotherapy for Recovery and Resilience
Orthopedic Recovery & Chronic Pain
Pain, injury, and surgery affect more than the body. They can disrupt sleep, confidence, relationships, and everyday routines. Psychotherapy can help you navigate the emotional demands of recovery and develop practical ways to respond to persistent pain.
An Integrated Perspective
Understanding the Whole Experience
After more than two decades working in physical therapy and athletic training, I saw how people with similar injuries or procedures could have very different recovery experiences. That observation led me to study the psychological and social factors that influence how we experience pain, uncertainty, and progress.
Today, I bring that background to psychotherapy, helping clients address the thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relationships that can shape their recovery experience.
Areas of Support
How We Can Work Together
Whether you are preparing for a procedure, facing a difficult recovery, or living with chronic pain, we can tailor our work to your circumstances.
Reframing Unhelpful Thoughts
Recognize catastrophizing and other thinking patterns, then practice more balanced, realistic interpretations.
Managing Pain and Stress
Use breathing, mindfulness, and progressive muscle relaxation to respond to discomfort and reduce stress.
Strengthening Support
Identify meaningful relationships, communicate needs, and make use of encouragement and practical help during recovery.
Navigating Recovery & Rebuilding Confidence
Set realistic expectations, adapt to setbacks, and rebuild confidence as you return to meaningful activities while following medical guidance.
Athletic Identity & Injury
Injury can leave athletes disconnected from their team, uncertain of their role, or struggling with an identity built around performance. Psychotherapy can help them navigate these changes, stay connected, and recognize their value beyond sport.
A More Balanced Outlook
Changing the Story We Tell Ourselves
A difficult day does not have to define your entire recovery. Together, we can examine how we explain setbacks and practice interpretations that are more accurate and less discouraging.
Not Personal
A setback does not mean you are weak, failing, or somehow responsible for every difficulty.
Not Permanent
Today's discomfort or frustration does not necessarily predict how you will feel or function in the future.
Not Pervasive
One difficult part of recovery does not erase progress or diminish other meaningful areas of your life.
Putting It Into Practice
A Difficult Day After Surgery
The Initial Thought
“My knee is hurting more today. I must have done something wrong. I’m never going to recover properly, and this is going to affect everything I want to do.”
A More Balanced Explanation
“Recovery has its ups and downs. Having more pain today doesn’t necessarily mean I’ve done anything wrong or that my recovery is off track. This is one difficult day, not a prediction of my long-term outcome. I can follow my recovery plan, communicate with my healthcare team when needed, and focus on what I can control.”
Support Along the Way
A Guide Through Uncertainty
Preparing for what comes next
We can discuss anticipated challenges, realistic expectations, and ways to communicate concerns with your care team.
Finding steadiness through setbacks
We can build skills for managing worry, maintaining perspective, and staying connected to the people and activities that matter.
My role is to provide psychological support and a knowledgeable perspective, not to direct your medical or rehabilitation treatment.
Evidence & Further Reading
Research-Informed Care
Research suggests that physical findings alone do not always explain a person's experience of pain or predict their recovery. Psychological and social factors can also influence how people experience symptoms and navigate rehabilitation. Studies by Eugene Carragee and colleagues examining spinal MRI findings and low back pain help illustrate why imaging results should be interpreted alongside the broader clinical picture. Explore the Research & Resources page
Getting Started
Let's Talk About Your Goals
If pain, surgery, or recovery is affecting your emotional well-being, I welcome a brief conversation about how psychotherapy may help.
Request a Brief Consultation