Episode 2 of the "Chronic Pain Series" features Catherine Courtice, a chronic pain coach, author and survivor. In 2007, Catherine fell backwards down a flight of stairs...and her life was never the same. She was confined to her bed and couch with only doctor's appointments on her calendar within the terrifying, foreseeable future. One day she had her "catalyst moment". She was done giving power to others to decide HER fate.

Little by little, she learned to partner with her body and reframe by saying yes" to her life! Catherine supports and coaches individuals struggling with debilitating diagnoses and chronic pain through her AARC framework (acknowledge, accountability, reframe, choice).

*You can find her book "When Life Gives You Lemons, Choose the Lime: Embracing Life After Diagnosis" on Amazon.

**Connect with Alyssa on Instagram @uproot.and.uplift and Catherine @overcomechronicpain

Welcome to the first episode of the "Chronic Pain Series"!

Are you battling chronic pain, desperate for relief, hopeless, anxious, depressed, and terrified of the future? You are not alone! Unfortunately, the incessant chase for relief is insatiable and destructive.

In this episode, Alyssa talks with the incredible Dr. Daren Brooks, founder of The Bridge Total Health Recovery Center. From the trenches of chronic pain and illness himself, Daren adresses the emotional turmoil that follows this chase. By flipping the switch, one can find liberation and peace in taking back the driver's seat of their life instead of remaining a passenger to their pain.

"All of those sensations that used to crush you regularly, you're like 'I know you...sit in the back!'"-Dr. Daren Brooks

*For more information about The Bridge check out their website below

https://thebridgerecoverycenter.com/

**Connect with Alyssa on Instagram @uproot.and.uplift

*Content Warning: This episode is intended for mature audiences only and involves depictions of intense traumatic life events (attempted rape, tragic deaths (by shooting, falling, illness), and serious drug/alcohol abuse). Please listen with caution.*

In this episode, Alyssa interviews her very first guest Dr. James Flowers, PhD, LPC-S. Recounting his childhood and the extremely traumatic events throughout his life, he stands as a remarkable example of resilience and strength. He shares his "why" and passion for becoming an expert in chronic pain, PTSD, addiction, and mental health. The two discuss rejecting victimhood and the emotional impact during the recovery process for those who may identify deeply with trauma and chronic pain.

"Whatever it is that you've been through, there is a way out. There is a light and you're not alone. And you always have some way of being helped and someone will be there if you ask for it. And I'm a perfect example of that..." -Dr. Flowers

Learn more about Dr. Flowers and his incredible work at https://jflowershealth.com/ and check out his podcast "Understanding the Human Condition".

Connect with Alyssa on Instagram @uproot.and.uplift and

Dr. Flowers @jflowershealth !!