Aisling Psychology & Counselling
Dr. Willa Litvack Registered Psychologist
© 2011 AISLING
BY: NETMATRIX
Psychologists typically see three types of clients for pain management.
The first group includes those who have chronic medical conditions or who have had an injury which
has left them with a legacy of pain. Often, such individuals feel that they have no choice other than to
suffer or to take pain medications that have unwanted side-effects or are addictive. There is, however,
another option. Psychologists can help clients learn techniques to reduce the perception of pain and,
through counseling, help them lessen the impact of their medical condition on their lives and
relationships.
The second group are those who have a medical condition, such as Crohn’s disease or multiple
sclerosis, that is exacerbated by stress or other psychological factors. In addition to helping them
acquire strategies for pain management, psychologists work with these clients to identify and address
these psychological factors and to make needed changes in thinking patterns, lifestyle,or relationships.
The third group are those who have symptoms for which no medical explanation has been found,
leading them or their physicians to suspect that the cause may be psychological. Pain can have a
number of important unconscious functions. It can distract us from or allow us to avoid unpleasant
situations or demands, can be a way to get needed attention or nurturing, or can function as a signal,
letting us know that something in our emotional life is not right and needs to be addressed.
Psychologists work with these clients to clarify the role that pain plays in their life, to identify underlying
issues, and to develop healthier solutions and strategies for coping.
PAIN MANAGEMENT & CHRONIC ILLNESS
Phone: 403-244-3344 Email Administration at admin@aislingonline.com Dr. Litvack at willa.litvack@aislingonline.com
Located in northwest Calgary, near the University of Calgary, the Foothills and Alberta Childrens’ Hospitals, and Market Mall
