It’s the person who has a pain experience. Not a body part.
It’s the person we help, guide, treat, encourage.
What’s their story? What is it like being them?
Deep listening clarifies.
2. The person’s lived experience.
This is what it is like to be them.
In their own words, given time and a safe space to talk.
We create that space.
3. How we perceive.
On the basis that we now understand pain as a perception, getting to grips with our perceptual mechanisms can only deepen our insights into pain as an experience.
4. Consciousness and conscious experiences.
Tied with perceptions.
Pain is one of the best examples of a conscious experience.
Love is another.
To delve into the science of consciousness is so fruitful.
You’ll discover why, when you do.
5. Biology of pain
Goes without saying.
Enables you to help the person understand their pain experiences.
And IMO, this is a key first step.
A way of starting to let go of fear and worry, and focus on shaping a positive future.
6. Society.
Pain experiences are embedded within the society in which the person lives.
Societal beliefs, opportunities, support (or lack of), messages, how it works, the political leanings, the environment.
All influence the pain experiences and what can be done.
7. Human behaviour.
We make decisions and do things in very human ways.
There’s no better place to build your understanding than the world of advertising.
8. Deep listening.
So important, I’ve mentioned it twice.
Be present with the person. We can all sense this.
Make them the centre of your world.
Then you’ll hear the need that you can go about helping them to meet.