Tips for Coping with a Physical Illness: Interview with Therapist Nancy Nicholson, LCSW

Having a physical illness can be emotionally and spiritually challenging. Especially during the early stages of their physical illness many people are unsure on how to go about in coping with it. To help understand what type of impact a physical illness can have on someone's overall life and for tips on coping with a physical illness, I have interviewed therapist Nancy Nicholson, LCSW.

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

"As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Kripalu Yoga Instructor, and LifeForce Yoga Practitioner, I am an advocate of what yoga really means, 'union of mind, body and spirit.' I believe that any part of that triad will affect the other parts in a positive or negative way. We want to strive to be as 'well' as we can be with the body, the childhood, the circumstances we have, and the decisions we face. This is what I work toward with any student or client.

In the past I have worked in the areas of domestic violence, adoption, grief, anxiety and depression, and I continue to see these as my specialties for therapy. My yoga teaching stresses awareness, using the breath and helping our bodies to be strong and flexible within the limits we might have. When I combine the two, yoga and therapy, we focus on how to use the breath and body as tools for peace within oneself, evaluating how one holds stress and grief in the body and learning ways to release the physical and emotional blockages."

What type of impact can a physical illness have on someone's overall life?

"Physical illness affects people in every aspect of life, far beyond the physical self. It is oftentimes combined with fear of what the future might bring; a drain on one's energy; the financial and employment realities; the social implications of feeling alone, being embarrassed or not being able to maintain relationships; worry about the effect on family; and spiritual chaos. So there is tremendous stress when what is needed is calm.

I have also heard people talk about their illness as being a 'gift' and stimulus to change priorities in one's life and to understand oneself more fully."

What are some tips for coping with physical illness?

"Coping with illness can be the challenge of one's life, whether it is a short term illness, one that is chronic, one that is forever life changing or threatening. I believe that educating oneself about the illness, finding others who have similar challenges, and looking for ways to find peace within are all important in one's dealing with an illness as well as possible. For many, this will include grieving what may be lost in one's life, and maybe replacing the losses in some way."

What type of professional help is available for someone that is having a difficult time coping with a physical illness?

"Professional assistance comes in many forms, including finding medical and/or alternative practitioners who are knowledgeable and caring. Therapy can be helpful in working through the layers of emotion, especially when an illness or injury has been sudden. Just as important will be the non-professional help. Depending on the city or community, there are support groups for many illnesses, and if not available, there may be online groups. People who have lived with similar circumstances have the real life experience and the heart to understand."

Thank you Nancy for doing the interview on tips for coping with physical illness. For more information on Nancy Nicholson or her work you can check out her website on nancynicholsonyogatherapy.com.

Recommended Readings:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/6243666/how_to_cope_with_a_life_threatening.html?cat=5">How to Cope with a Life Threatening Illness

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5983052/how_to_adjust_to_chronic_illness.html?cat=72">How to Adjust to a Chronic Illness

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/7803550/tips_for_overcoming_the_emotional_pain.html?cat=5">Tips for Overcoming the Pain of a Physical Illness