Narratives of pain and illness: the making and unmaking of identity

Workshop’s purpose

This one-day workshop will explore ways in which to understand and work with clients who present with chronic pain and serious illness. This way of working goes beyond the dualism of pain and illness being either all mind or all body and holds the story-telling aspect to be central to working with clients in a meaningful way.

In Monica’s capacity as a supervisor, she frequently encounters supervisees who are working with clients referred to them often by GPs because there is broad acknowledgement that the mind and body are interconnected.

However, this often means that GPs believe there is nothing physically wrong with clients and it is all in their mind or that there are other non-physical problems that need addressing as these impact the patient’s mood and in turn, their illness. Counsellors and psychotherapists work very hard focusing on repressed feelings and trauma or maladaptive responses and behaviour. The actual chronic pain or illness is often not talked about beyond the practice of teaching relaxation techniques and breathing exercises. These are of course useful but not usually sufficient in themselves.

Narratives of chronic pain and serious illness are understood as socially constructed and often hijacked by the medical discourse which views these simply as scientific facts about cause and effect and holds a narrative of restoration, returning the body to its former self. The transpersonal narrative holds these symptoms of illness and pain as symbolic messages of the soul and holds a quest narrative that is in search of meaning. Yet for the client, they may find themselves in a chaotic narrative, where their old life no longer makes sense under these new circumstances. Their old identity needs to be grieved while the formation of a new identity is being constructed. Meanwhile, the client finds themselves lost in liminal space and their personal narrative of pain and illness silenced.

Holding and working with narratives of pain and illness are central to this workshop and different ways of approaching this will be explored through slides and experiential exercises.

Who is it for?

This workshop is open to qualified therapists and counsellors.

Learning Outcomes

The workshop will give an overview of:

• The importance of the client as the storyteller and the narrative as a key component during therapy.
• A range of techniques used to keep the illness and pain narrative as the focus in therapy.

What to expect?

The workshop will be held in-person at the Psychosynthesis Trust building.

Participants will:

• Learn more about the theory and experiential exercises.
• Explore several techniques beyond relaxation techniques and practice in practicums.
• Be presented with reading list and selected reading.
• Questions and interaction with the trainer are encouraged throughout.

Our Approach

Psychosynthesis as applied to psychotherapy is a unique approach that combines both psychology and spirituality. It is a holistic process that helps the individual deal with patterns of behaviours which inhibit or prevent living life in meaningful and fulfilling ways. It brings us into contact with the life journey to meaning and purpose.

Assagioli was interested in theories and techniques that promoted individual potential, body/feeling/mind integration and spiritual growth. Modern psychosynthesis includes post-modern theory and power dynamics as central to the work of integration.

Ticket price

At the Trust we appreciate that each person has their own unique situation, so we invite you to select the price point that feels like it represents a fair contribution for attending this event.

There are three options to choose from when purchasing tickets: £75, £100, £150.

If you are a current Psychosynthesis Trust student and finances are a barrier to attending this workshop, please contact Kajal at events@ptrust.org.uk.

Refunds are available up to 7 days before the event. Eventbrite fee is non-refundable.

About the Trainer

Monica Zenonos is a UKCP accredited psychotherapist. She works in private practice and teaches Ethics on the Supervision Diploma at the Trust. She has worked at the Trust as a supervisor for several years as well as being an academic tutor supporting students to write dissertations. 

Monica has a Masters in Psychosynthesis Psychotherapy and a Masters in Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes (CWTP). She is a trained EMDR practitioner and has previously worked in Trauma services and supervised for suicide respite services and mental health charities. 

Monica has had a personal life-long interest in health and ill-health due to growing up with a sibling with a life-limiting condition. later working in NHS for 13 years setting up 2 Patient Advice & Liaison Services and being the co-chair of the National PALS Network. Monica also writes from the personal experience of being a cancer patient in remission.