Unlocking your recovery: Why working with a counsellor is essential to healing after injury or illness

Are you dealing with a significant injury or life-altering chronic illness? 

Have you ever attempted to confide in a friend about how your injury or illness impacts your life, only to hear responses like…

• “Yeah, but it could have been worse…”
• “That was so long ago, though…”
• “Everything happens for a reason…”
• “Have you tried [insert suggestion]?”

And consequently, you…

• Feel burdened by guilt because some people have it worse…
• Attempt to force yourself to “get over it,” pushing through your suffering.
• Instantly feel irritation and anger toward them.
• Feel unheard, invalidated, and ultimately hurt…

If any of these match your experiences, perhaps it’s time to consider working with a mental health counsellor.

While most friends mean well, such comments can be really painful. They may send you into a cycle of overthinking, making you reluctant to open up about your struggles. This leads you into feelings of isolation and lonliness. You might find yourself grappling with emotions like resentment, rage, and bitterness, with no outlet to express them. These are all typical reactions during the recovery process from injury and illness—you’re not alone!

What happens to the negative emotions?

However, bottling up these emotions can hinder not just your mental well-being but your physical recovery too. Imagine shaking a bottle of soda—would you immediately open it? Probably not, because it would explode! Similarly, if negative thoughts about your recovery start to overwhelm you, making you feel like progress is impossible or beyond your control, coping with everyday stressors becomes more challenging, and the stress manifests physically in your body.

Just like the pressure in a bottle, the tension within you builds up. So, if you’re feeling discouraged with traditional treatments like physiotherapy or massage, or if you’re not seeing the results you expected, it might be time to release that emotional pain and stress with the help of a clinical counsellor. While counselling isn’t a magical fix for all injuries (no therapy is!), you might be surprised by how it can complement your other treatments—like gently loosening the bottle cap!

I don’t have PTSD, anxiety, or depression…

Still questioning why you should see a counsellor if you don’t have a psychological injury? I understand your hesitation! However, you don’t need to wait until you’re diagnosed with a mental health condition to start addressing these issues. So, if you’re exhausted by endless rehab sessions, exercise routines, and stress management techniques, why not give counselling a chance? What do you have to lose at this point?

I want to help you!

If you’re willing to give it a try, I’m here to support you! Helping clients navigate the challenges of recovery—from feeling socially isolated to losing hope in their progress—is something I’m deeply passionate about. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space for you to unpack those intense (often suppressed) emotions. Don’t wait any longer; take the first step toward reclaiming control of your mental health and enhancing your recovery journey! Book online or contact us for more information!