There is a crack in everything.
That’s how the light gets in. – Leonard Cohen

For so many people dealing with chronic pain, chronic illness and pelvic health issues they become all consuming. They feel like they overtake you, become who you are, how you identify yourself. And the perseverance and motivation to seek care, treatment, medication - while very important - can also make life feel like one big waiting room.

My name is Angela Colville and I provide emotional support and therapeutic counseling services for those dealing with chronic pain/illness and pelvic health conditions. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have had my own personal journey with chronic pelvic pain. In 2009 I went on a trip to visit friends in Sydney, Australia. When I came home I felt a small but persistent pain that I thought was on the top of my right inner thigh. I went to my regular doctor and they were initially concerned about a blood clot due to my lengthy flights to and from Australia. The ultrasound did not show anything. The pain got worse and began to feel more centered internally. An exam by my gynecologist sent me on a journey that I am essentially still on. I had scans and tests. All negative.

Yet the pain persisted. I began to get regular physical therapy for what was eventually called “chronic pelvic pain” and “pelvic floor dysfunction”. I saw a pain doctor for medication. I saw several different doctors and physical therapists. I had injections. I had accupunture. I changed my diet. Many of these things helped me to a certain degree. However during this time I became very anxious, depressed, frustrated and helpless/hopeless. I kept hoping for there to be someone I could talk to about this issue – about how the chronic pain was affecting my quality of life – both physically and emotionally. Most of the assistance I received revolved around the physical aspect, not the emotional. As a clinical social worker, I am professionally in tune with the emotional needs and conditions of others and I found myself in a situation where I strongly desired this type of help for myself personally.

When I work with clients who want to support their minds and mental health along with physical health, I really listen to their individual situation. I validate feelings, how they connect to the pain/health concern and how their specific conditions affect their life in the past and present – with the goal on utilizing different methods to make positive emotional changes and improve quality of life.

Contact Angela now to set up your first appointment now!