Conquering Your Fibromyalgia Podcast
The podcast and book were started with my patients in mind. Due to time restrictions, I recognized the need for more education on fibromyalgia and related illnesses. If you have not checked out the book, the podcast is meant to supplement what was covered there. Many people worldwide will never be able to see me as their doctor, and I hope this podcast offers valuable insights, information, and wisdom from a medical doctor using a multifaceted evidence-based approach from the perspective of a pediatrician, internist, lifestyle medicine physician, and clinical lipidologist. If you are a doctor or another health care professional caring for those with invisible illnesses, I hope these serve you well. Many people have either been told or read that fibromyalgia isn't real or that it is just all in their heads. This misunderstanding, unfortunately, causes harm and is a disservice to those suffering. If you are one of the estimated more than 10 million people in the United States who are suffering from fibromyalgia, then you know it is real. If you don't have fibromyalgia, you will, at a minimum, gain a deeper understanding of what you or your loved one is experiencing. If you have fibromyalgia, you will feel validated for what you have endured. I have over 27 years of experience as a doctor and am continuing to learn about medical problems, including invisible illnesses like fibromyalgia and related problems. You can learn more by visiting www.conqueringyourfibromyalgia.com.
Conquering Your Fibromyalgia Podcast
Ep. 160 Understanding and Supporting those with Complex Medical Conditions with Psychologist Laurie Dos Santos
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Understanding and Supporting Young Adults with Chronic Health Conditions
In this episode, Dr. Michael Lenz hosts Dr. Laurie Dos Santos, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in working with adolescents and young adults. Dr. Dos Santos discusses her journey into psychology, her experience in addressing complex medical and mental health conditions such as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and the importance of building strong relationships with clients. She emphasizes the significance of validation and support, and shares insights on managing chronic illness through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Dr. Dos Santos also highlights the value of support groups and her work with Evolvin Therapy and Consulting, which offers virtual services to clients across 42 states.
00:00 Meet Dr. Lori Dos Santos: A Beacon of Hope for Young Adults
01:56 Introducing Your Host: Dr. Michael Lenz
02:27 Dr. Dos Santos' Journey into Psychology and Specialization
05:32 Understanding and Empathizing with Patients' Struggles
07:31 The Power of Support Groups in Healing
08:25 Navigating the Challenges of Invisible Illnesses
17:28 Effective Approaches for Managing Invisible Illnesses
24:47 Expanding Access to Mental Health Care with Evolvin Therapy
26:44 Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead
A Fibromyalgia Starter Pack, which is a great companion to the book Conquering Your Fibromyalgia, is now available. Dr. Michael Lenz practices general pediatrics and internal medicine primary care, seeing patients from infants through adults. In addition, he also will see patients with fibromyalgia and related problems and patients interested in lifestyle medicine and clinical lipidology. To learn more, go to ConquringYourFibromyalgia.com. Remember that while Dr. Lenz is a medical doctor, he is not your doctor. All of your signs and symptoms should be discussed with your own physician. He aims to weave the best of conventional medicine with lifestyle medicine to help people with chronic health conditions live their best lives possible. Dr. Lenz hopes that the podcast, book, blog, and website serve as a trusted resource and starting point on your journey of learning to live better with fibromyalgia and related illnesses.
