CBT For Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a debilitating long-term condition that causes the sufferer physical pain all over their body. There are many symptoms of fibromyalgia including fatigue, muscle stiffness and an increased sensitivity to pain. People with the condition can also experience sleep issues and difficulties with their memory and concentration.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition and living with fatigue and constant pain can take its toll on a person’s mental well-being. The stress of the illness can cause anxiety or depression as the sufferer feels they are unable to enjoy the everyday activities that most of us take for granted.
Sadly, there is currently no cure for fibromyalgia, but treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy have been proven to help sufferers manage their symptoms better and reduce the anxiety and depression that the condition can trigger, which can make the illness easier to live with.
Reducing fibromyalgia symptoms with CBT
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment that focuses on how a person’s thinking patterns can be influenced by their behaviours, actions and thoughts. It is used to treat a wide range of psychological conditions, and whilst fibromyalgia is a physical condition, CBT has proven effective in improving the quality of life for sufferers of chronic conditions.
Working together with a qualified CBT therapist, clients will learn techniques to address the psychological aspects of their illness. The aim is to increase the sufferer’s confidence in their ability to manage their condition by challenging unhelpful thoughts and negative behaviours with regards to the physical symptoms of pain and tiredness.
People with fibromyalgia who take steps to improve their emotional health can often see positive changes in their physical well-being as well. Through CBT, fibromyalgia sufferers can develop a different outlook towards pain, which will help to reduce anxiety and promote acceptance of their condition to help them lead a more fulfilling life.
Speak to our experienced therapists
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Interventions have successfully helped hundreds of clients understand the emotional intricacies of chronic, long-term health conditions such as fibromyalgia.
The cognitive approach can greatly improve a person’s outlook on life and give them the confidence to deal with their illness and allow them to lead a life away from their anxiety and negative thoughts.
