Living with chronic pelvic pain can be an isolating experience, especially for ambitious professional women who are striving to excel in their careers while managing the challenges of their health. The constant struggle to balance work commitments with self-care can take a toll, leaving many feeling overwhelmed and alone. But what if there was a way to find relief, support, and empowerment in the company of others who truly understand?

At Cheerful Heart Mental Health Counseling PLLC, we believe in the power of community and connection to facilitate healing and growth. That’s why we’re thrilled to reintroduce our reworked 12 Week Group Therapy Program, a unique opportunity for BIPOC women to come together, share their experiences, and embark on a journey of healing and empowerment. This group is for women who want more verbal processing than an EMDR group may offer.

Understanding the Complexity of Chronic Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain can stem from a variety of sources, including menstrual disorders like Endometriosis, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and Pelvic Floor Disorders such as Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and Vulvodynia. Each woman’s experience with pelvic pain is unique, influenced by factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and past medical history. However, one common thread among many women with chronic pelvic pain is the profound impact it can have on their daily lives, including their ability to work, socialize, and pursue their passions. Flare-ups of pain can be very disruptive and difficult to disclose in a variety of settings, ranging from the workplace to the bedroom.

The Role of Endometriosis in Chronic Pelvic Pain

Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing inflammation, scarring, and pain. It’s estimated that up to 10% of women of reproductive age are affected by Endometriosis, with symptoms that often result in debilitating pain. Many women with Endometriosis experience pelvic pain that worsens during menstruation, intercourse, or bowel movements, making it challenging to manage while juggling the demands of a career. Managing pelvic pain associated with Endometriosis can be particularly difficult, as it requires a multifaceted approach that addresses hormonal imbalances, lifestyle factors, pelvic floor dysfunction, and psychological well-being.

The Role of PCOS in Chronic Pelvic Pain

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, ovarian cysts, and elevated levels of androgens (male hormones). In addition to menstrual irregularities and infertility, PCOS can also cause pelvic pain, often accompanied by symptoms such as acne, weight gain, and excess hair growth. Managing pelvic pain associated with PCOS also requires a multifaceted approach.

Why Group Therapy?

While individual therapy can be incredibly beneficial, there’s something uniquely powerful about the group dynamic. In a group setting, participants not only receive support and validation from others but also have the opportunity to offer support and encouragement in return. The sense of solidarity and camaraderie that emerges can be profoundly healing, helping participants feel less alone in their journey and more empowered to take control of their health and well-being.

Research Supporting Group Therapy for Pelvic Pain

The research on group-based care for chronic pelvic pain is still growing, but what exists is encouraging, especially for women of color. A University of California, San Francisco pilot program that delivered group visits to a largely low-income, racially diverse group of women with chronic pelvic pain found that those who attended four or more sessions reported improvements in quality of life and mood, along with lower symptom severity and better sexual health (Chao et al., 2015). An earlier paper from the same team described how the group model, built around shared education and peer support, can be structured to center empowerment for women living with this kind of pain (Chao et al., 2012).

There is also a good reason to fold psychological support into pelvic pain care in the first place. One study found that nearly all patients seen at a specialized chronic pelvic pain clinic met criteria for at least one mental health condition, most often a mood or anxiety disorder, with women carrying a heavier symptom burden than men (Brünahl et al., 2017). And in a randomized trial for provoked vestibulodynia, a painful pelvic condition, cognitive-behavioral couple therapy outperformed a topical medication on pain anxiety and pain catastrophizing, the very thought patterns that tend to keep pain loud (Bergeron et al., 2021). A Cochrane systematic review of non-surgical treatments for chronic pelvic pain reached a more cautious conclusion, noting that while some psychological approaches show promise, the field still needs larger, rigorous trials to say more (Cheong et al., 2014).

What Next?

Group therapy can help regulate the nervous system through co-regulation, which may reduce pain over time. If you’re tired of navigating chronic pelvic pain on your own and yearn for a supportive community of women who understand your struggles, we invite you to join us for our upcoming 12 Week Group Therapy Program. Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out on this opportunity to find relief, support, and empowerment in the company of others.

Complete the contact form on the website to get more information and save your spot.

If you want to learn more about our other groups (GREP, G-TEP, or Group EMDR), visit the blog and services page on the website.

References

Bergeron, S., Vaillancourt-Morel, M.-P., Corsini-Munt, S., Steben, M., Delisle, I., Mayrand, M.-H., & Rosen, N. O. (2021). Cognitive-behavioral couple therapy versus lidocaine for provoked vestibulodynia: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 89(4), 316–326. https://doi.org/10.1037/ccp0000631

Brünahl, C., Dybowski, C., Albrecht, R., Riegel, B., Höink, J., Fisch, M., & Löwe, B. (2017). Mental disorders in patients with chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS). Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 98, 19–26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychores.2017.04.011

Chao, M. T., Abercrombie, P. D., & Duncan, L. G. (2012). Centering as a model for group visits among women with chronic pelvic pain. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing, 41(5), 703–710. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1552-6909.2012.01406.x

Chao, M. T., Abercrombie, P. D., Santana, T., & Duncan, L. G. (2015). Applying the RE-AIM framework to evaluate integrative medicine group visits among diverse women with chronic pelvic pain. Pain Management Nursing, 16(6), 920–929. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmn.2015.07.007

Cheong, Y. C., Smotra, G., & Williams, A. C. de C. (2014). Non-surgical interventions for the management of chronic pelvic pain. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2014(3), CD008797. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD008797.pub2