Bundaberg woman Kara J Watson has recently opened a holistic counselling service after her own experience dealing with chronic pain and stress related illness.
Kara said Evolve Holistic Counselling was dedicated to helping people live their best life, using a holistic approach to mental, physical, emotional, social and spiritual well-being.
“My goal is to support people with natural mind-body solutions for stress, nervous system health, chronic pain, and optimal wellness as a whole,” she said
According to Kara, the holistic counselling service was established 3 years after she closed her previous local business, Bundaberg Academy of the Arts, due to ongoing stress and illness derived from past trauma in her life.
“Going through test after test, little could be found diagnostically despite various widespread and debilitating symptoms,” she said.
“Eventually I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain and Chronic Fatigue.
“In search of finding support and information about my illness, I moved on to study deeply in the area of pain management and various therapeutic approaches to combat stress and improve nervous system health, physical and mental wellness, and persistent pain.”
Kara said it was through these studies that she was led down a different career path altogether, becoming an accredited holistic counsellor, mind-body practitioner, meditation therapist, pain management educator and coach.
“I also integrate my 15 years as a music educator with therapeutic practice, offering Integrative Holistic Music Therapy,” she said.
“I've been fortunate enough to have studied with some of our most sought after global pain specialists and I am presently launching a local Persistent Pain Program, to support those facing the overwhelming experience of chronic pain.”
Kara said she hoped her knowledge and support could help others who are suffering with the same symptoms she once had.
“I struggled to find the support I needed here in Bundaberg, specifically around pain education and pain management, so I hope to be part of this solution for others,” she said.
“I have progressed from being bed ridden most days with chronic illness, to being active and alive again, all through a biopsychosocial approach to pain care, and the power of mind-body medicine.
“I am deeply passionate about this work and hope to touch the lives of many locals who require support in these areas.”
Find out more about Evolve Holistic Counselling here.
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