"There are blessings, many blessings that can come from an illness like depression or physical injury that leads to a lifelong battle with chronic pain. In the midst of the darkness and the waves of despair that crash upon the shores of your consciousness, somehow you will find a place deep inside that speaks to you. This voice (light) will guide you through the perils of the healing
process so that you ultimately become the person you always wanted to be.”

–Doug Jowdy, Ph.D.

Psychological and Medical Conditions

Psychological Conditions

It is common that people with psychological conditions have lost hope in their ability to change. Depending on how long a particular issue has gone on, dealing with this form of adversity can be devastating and life altering. My approach is to use state of the art methods to build a therapeutic relationship that allows you to develop a sense of hope that your life can change. By taking small steps you will believe that change is not only possible, but that you may be able to live in a way that is beyond your expectations.

extreme sadness, depression or clinical conditions like: cyclothymia, dysthymia or bipolar disorder (Bipolar disorder is a condition I frequently work with in my practice.)
recovery from the loss of a family member, friend or pet
treatment for addiction to drugs, alcohol, prescription medication
treatment for what is called a dual diagnosis – someone who has an addiction to drugs/alcohol and a mental illness like depression
treatment of anxiety and the experience of panic attacks
treatment of insomnia
coping with trauma (i.e. car accidents) and symptoms related to experiencing abuse (physical, sexual or emotional) at any stage over the lifespan
general sense of worthlessness, being overly self-critical and feeling lonely
dealing with issues related to parents and siblings
relationship difficulties (i.e. personal, work related or your children’s teachers/coaches)
learning to deal effectively with aging parents
coping with someone who has a drug or alcohol addiction (when you are what they call the co-alcoholic)

RESOURCES FOR DEPRESSION & BIPOLAR DISORDER

RESOURCES FOR ALCOHOL AND DRUG ADDICTION

Medical Conditions

Many people including health care providers, are not familiar with how a psychologist can help with the recovery from physical conditions like chronic pain. However, more health care providers (physicians, nurses, physician assistants) see the value in a psychologist helping a person with the psychological struggles typically involved in dealing with short-term or long-term physical conditions. For example, the physicians I consult with at the University of Colorado Hospital have learned how I can help them treat people with chronic pain. My hope is that even though your doctor may not see the benefit that you will. And ideally, you inform your physician about my services.

managing chronic pain as a result of an injury, illness or a disease process
adapting psychologically (i.e. loss of identity) to a chronic illness (i.e. head injury, lupus, arthritis, cancer, peripheral neuropathy, multiple sclerosis) because your level of functioning has changed
helping with sticking with the physical medicine treatment plan (i.e. certain diet, exercise, self-monitoring, taking medications)
dealing with grief, loss, anger, irritability, impatience, resentment, regret, frustration, rage, jealousy, self-pity and the other emotions associated with injury or illness
developing the ability to identify strengths vs. limitations that will enhance the healing process
finding ways to identify a “healing mode” that will facilitate the change process
assisting the family cope with the medical condition(s)

RESOURCES