Dr. Ingela Thuné-Boyle
Health Psychologist
Online Therapy

When someone develops a chronic illness, the challenge extends far beyond physical symptoms. It reaches into every layer of identity, daily functioning, and sense of safety in the world. This is true whether the condition is clearly diagnosable, has uncertain or unexplained causes, or is largely invisible to others.

I saw a post by a therapist on Threads recently about chronic pain that gave me real cause for concern. It had over 2.2k likes. In it, she argued that CBT for pain is “ridiculous,” that people with chronic pain simply need medical treatment, and that validation is what matters most. I found this framing extraordinary and troubling. Why? Because chronic pain is complex. Yes, validation is always necessary. Anyone living with persistent pain deserves to be believed, respected,

Relational trauma, which refers to harm occurring within human relationships, significantly impacts how people view safety, trust, and connection. Experiences like neglect, emotional abuse, betrayal, or chronic misattunement (where someone consistently fails to accurately perceive, understand, and respond to another person's emotional state) do not just harm an individual in isolation; they influence the nervous system and the internal expectations one brings into future rela

Living with a chronic illness means navigating challenges that reach far beyond physical symptoms. Fatigue, pain, unpredictability, and the ongoing need to adapt your lifestyle can create a heavy emotional and psychological burden. Over time, many people begin to feel isolated, anxious, or overwhelmed, not only by their symptoms, but by the constant impact their condition has on their routines, relationships, and quality of life.

Human beings are wired for connection. From the earliest moments of life, our nervous systems develop within the context of relationships, and this interdependence continues throughout our lifespan. One of the most profound ways we influence one another is through co-regulation; the process by which two or more people attune to each other’s internal states, providing a stabilizing influence on emotional, mental, and even physical functioning.

Health psychology is a vital and evolving field that explores how psychological, behavioural, and social factors influence physical health and illness. While traditionally associated with chronic illness, pain management, and health behavior change, health psychology also plays a critical role in addressing trauma and grief. These profoundly human experiences, which are often undetectable by medical tests, significantly impact both mental health and physical well-being.

The mind-body connection refers to the link between our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, and our physical health. This relationship is bi