Because fibromyalgia has no definitive underlying pathology that we know of, it is difficult for doctors or specialists to know what to do with those affected. The research into the condition is varied and being done across many different areas of medical science and most doctors simply don’t have the capacity to keep up. This complex multi-system syndrome does not fit nicely into allopathic medicines pathology frameworks and so patients are often dismissed, ignored, misdiagnosed, misunderstood or mistreated.
The mainstream medical model has evolved into a predominantly pharmaceutical based health care system which aims for clear diagnosis and a pill to prescribe. This model only allows brief appointment times with doctors which does not allow comprehensive evaluations and investigations, let alone any useful form of ongoing support. This can be beneficial for some medical issues but for complex chronic conditions like fibromyalgia it is woefully inadequate.
Fibromyalgia coaching offers a unique and effective framework from which to tackle the challenges faced when living with fibromyalgia.
Coaches have usually lived with fibromyalgia so know first hand the complexity of symptoms, lack of effective mainstream treatments, onslaught of unsolicited advice offered and feelings of being largely misunderstood and unsupported.
As fibromyalgia specialists, coaches look at the most relevant quality research and draw on the expertise of specialist fibromyalgia doctors and other experienced coaches from around the world. They are able to explain to you in simple language what you might need to understand to identify the root causes of your symptoms, why your doctor is prescribing you certain medications, what options you have for further testing and treatment and what to ask your doctors and therapeutic team.
In addition, coaches can support you through lifestyle modifications (which sound easy but in practice can be very challenging), provide you with tools for reducing your suffering and help you to identify areas of stress, toxicity and depletion in your life.
Fibromyalgia coaches also understand the unique limitations and challenges faced when living with the condition.
You are often sore and tired and so might not be able to do as much as a healthy person would when being coached. Because of this, we go slow. We record everything in case your brain fog causes you to forget. We learn to keep track of important information and symptoms so we can track progress over time.
A holistic fibromyalgia coach considers multiple areas of your life that influence your health. These include your biology, psychology, environment, social circumstances and your spiritual life. The person you are today has been formed by all of these factors and we want to tease apart which of these might be contributing to your symptoms and stress.
The coach is an expert in coaching and in fibromyalgia, but you are the expert in you.
Coaching is not curing and beware of any coach that ever claims to be able to cure you. A good coach can inspire you to have genuine hope for improving, can empower you to take responsibility for your circumstances and your body, can guide you to set realistic goals for yourself and then support you in following through on them.
Holistic fibromyalgia coaching is a client-centered, solution-focused process whereby you define a desired future state and are supported to get there. This approach assumes that you have capacity to be an active participant in solving your problems. Your life circumstances and your personal goals will set the direction of your coaching program. Using thinking and action strategies, goals are carefully planned and habits slowly changed. Your coach will be by your side to inspire, collaborate, guide, educate and encourage you.
Overtime, this leads to achievement of your desired outcomes which further inspires you to continue to progress.
Having a coach to cheer you on can be a powerful force for positive change when you are exhausted, depleted, suffering from brain fog and ready to give up.
Famous Australian cartoonist Michael Leunig has a wonderful suggestion on how to reach our goals…
How To Get There
Go to the end of the path until you get to the gate.
Go through the gate and head straight out towards the horizon.
Keep going towards the horizon.
Sit down and have a rest every now and again,
But keep on going, just keep on with it.
Keep on going as far as you can.
That’s how you get there.
Improving the challenging symptoms of fibromyalgia can be a slow and at times frustrating process (I know first hand!). But the simple fact is that the sooner you start to change, and the sooner you stick to the changes, the sooner your life will change.
A fibromyalgia coach could be the perfect healing ally that you need.
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