Living in the Liminal

Living in the Liminal: Understanding the Hidden Realities of Chronic Illness & Pain

(Part 1 of 2 - See "The Power of Presence: Counseling Clients with Chronic Illness" for Part 2)

 

2.0 CEU's

Presented by Christina Scott, MEd, LPCC-S, CIMHP, ASDCS, ADHD-CCSP, NCC

Course CEDL.0169.2.0

This training is designed for mental health professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of the unique challenges faced by individuals with invisible chronic conditions. The program will explore the often isolating "in-between" existence of clients who may "look fine" but are living with debilitating symptoms, focusing on concepts like "spoon theory," and the psychological toll of being misunderstood. We will examine the gaslighting and invalidation many clients experience from both personal relationships and the medical system, and how this impacts their mental health and therapeutic progress. By gaining a more nuanced perspective on these experiences, participants will be better equipped to provide informed, empathetic, and effective support.

Learning Objectives:

  • Differentiate between acute and chronic pain based on modern pain science, distinguishing how the two experiences are rooted in different biological and neurological processes.
  • Identify and describe at least three "hidden realities" of chronic illness, such as the psychological impact of symptom unpredictability, the constant negotiation of energy ("spoon theory"), and the emotional toll of invisible symptoms.
  • Evaluate how internalized ableism and societal biases can contribute to feelings of isolation, self-blame, and worthlessness in individuals with chronic illness.
  • Differentiate between the medical and social models of disability as they relate to chronic illness and pain, and explore how these frameworks can influence a therapist's biases and shape the therapeutic relationship.

2.0 hours of continuing education credit will be available to those who complete the entire course presentation, take and pass the post-test (70% of questions, at a minimum, must be answered correctly), and complete a course evaluation.