Coping With Fibromyalgia or Chronic Pain

            Coping With Fibromyalgia, Chronic  Fatigue or Chronic Pain 
                                 Saturday Oct 24 – 1:00 – 5:00 PM 

                                576 North Fletcher Rd. Gibsons, BC 
                                                Cost $35.00 
                                        eviblueth@gmail.com 
                                               604 886 8097 

 This seminar will focus on the emotional and psychological effects of Fibromyalgia and chronic illness. It should not be considered a substitute for any medical procedures you have established with your doctor.

 The facilitation of this workshop is based on my 31-year struggle with Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia; my current work as an independent counselor, as well as past work as a rehab counselor for people with mental illness; many years experience as an ESL teacher; and extensive travel and observations into how other cultures deal with these illnesses and difficulties. 

 I am living a productive life despite flare-ups and remissions and know that it is essential for people suffering to share their stories and experience the support and ideas of others. The session will begin with each person telling as much or as little as he or she chooses about his or her journey as we learn by sharing our success and our failures. We learn by hearing what worked for others. I feel we all have gifts to share and will facilitate this gathering so it is productive, relaxing, friendly and inspiring. Confidentiality will be respected at all times. The workshop will take place in my cozy spacious living room, and everyone will be encouraged to find the most comfortable posture they choose, even lying down is fine! I prefer to work with groups of 8 and hope to offer this program more than once. 

This 4-hour seminar is collaborative but will also include an innovative sampling of helping methods that I have found invaluable. These include visualization, the power of dance and music, art for creativity, and a discussion on the importance of “Nature Therapy” and daily exercise. 

The hope is that attendees who feel the ideas presented are useful will participate in an ongoing program that will delve more deeply into each aspect of gaining health. It will also be possible to work one on one in a more private setting during the following weeks. 

My philosophy is one of empowerment and I believe we often think we can’t do things that we can. Despite diminished energy and times of “brain fog” I have soldiered on and pursued many creative and humanitarian projects. There is a tendency to limit ourselves due to depression brought on by chronic pain and this sets up a cycle. The more pain we feel the less active we are. We stop seeing ourselves as vibrant individuals and become defined by our illness. The more we establish an identity as a sick person, “less than” the less active we become and the worse we feel. It takes a lot of motivation to do what is needed to feel better. Support, encouragement and specific plans are required. 

When attending the St. Paul’s Chronic Pain program many years’ ago, I was deeply impressed by the changes people experienced simply by doing daily supervised exercises, so much so that I now hike slowly, three hours once a week as well as swim and work out in the gym. 

We need to take baby steps from whatever our baseline is to move forward and explore our strengths. Our mind has “power over” and when we turn off our negative reel and replace it with hope, surprising things can happen. 

During this workshop we will have the opportunity to listen to what helped others from medications to vitamins, from long hot soaks in Epsom salts to laughter with good friends. 

Although the focus will be on seizing the potential we have to feel better, there will be time set aside to share how we cope when we are at our worst. 

This is not a “quick fix miracle” workshop. It is about focused intentions, hard work, and a belief that each one of us can find ways to improve our lives, feel stronger physically and mentally. The approach is holistic and I encourage each person to come with suggestions, feedback and an open mind. 

To register please contact: 

Evi Blueth  604-886-8097 or email

eviblueth@gmail.com

Testimonials

"I came to Mexico a burnt out wreck. From the top of my game as a journalist in the UK, yet in Mexico, my newly adopted country, I was at the bottom of the food chain. Evi came into my life on a friend's say so. I was coming through a nervous breakdown. Hiring her is one of the best moves I could have made. Why? My flight from the UK to a surprise retirement in Mexico put me in the same terrifying scenario as so many other immigrants. I was powerless and overwhelmed. My language skills were nil. I had no concept of the value of money. The traditional food was frighteningly foreign. Even the suggestion of a bus ride was a horror.. How would I pay? How would I be able to ask where to get off? My judgement was zero, even though back in the UK I had sat for many years as a judge. Evi saw me so much clearer than I saw myself. Her unique, deep understanding and years of experience with others, with my mental and physical bad news was as clear to her as sky writing. It was culture shock. She got to work. We started with half hour morning walks and vitally talks, followed by dance. Evi gentled me along as if breaking in a nervous horse. She could tell I was in an overall state of panic about everything and everyone. My hands shook badly and my mind was blank, she had to help me back to life by doing the simplest of tasks. Generous of mind and spirit Evi took out half a day just to help me experience my first Mexican bus ride. How much more hands on can you be? Now two years on, I am entirely back to my old self. Close friends say even better. Free of my profession's impossible pressures, I now revel in a new fabulous lifestyle. Smiley, bouncy and warm, Evi's counselling style is wonderfully creative and resourceful. And the joy is, like putting on a warm blanket, you feel the benefit immediately. Rosemary Grayson Feel free to contact me: ukplayone@yahoo.com

Testimonials

Letter of Reference for Evi Blueth

2014 July 23

To Whom It May Concern:

Evi Blueth has worked with me for quite awhile. She has a gentle, open-minded approach to her craft. Evi has helped me through some personal issues and for as long as I have known her she has always kept her door open to me.

Evi has had me stay with her as respite and while I was doing so, she took me hiking, saying that nature is a great communicating tool as you feel at ease when it is just you and the trees and no one to judge.

I have also done arts & crafts with her, creating gifts for friends and loved ones that they have since cherished.

Evi’s smile, her soft manner and easy-going personality, in my opinion, sets her far above the traditional counseling methods. I trust Evi Blueth to be able to help anyone in his or her time of need.

This letter of reference is a way to let whom it might interest that Evi Blueth is a kind, loving, gentle soul with whom I would trust with my struggles and pains and with anyone else’s as well.

Sincerely,

Micheal Oswald


Barb Skagfjord I can most highly recommend this wonderful woman's ability and the outstanding support she gives to each and every client. You will be delighted with her high degree of professionalism. She is a treasure.

To Whom It May Concern,

Evi counselled me online during a difficult period in my life.  She was attentive, perceptive, replied promptly and provided useful insight.

Since there was a tendency to be in denial at this time, Evi had a gentle way of enabling me to see when “I was fooling myself or rationalizing”. She interweaves humour, shares her own experiences only when needed and is a very caring counsellor.

 I felt very supported and we didn’t use SKYPE, just emails that were heartfelt, sincere and often moving.  I found encouragement as Evi enabled me to view positive outcomes at a time when I couldn’t.  Her life experience, work experience and warmth towards people make her an excellent choice.

I think Evi’s online and one and one counselling career will be a great benefit to others who are troubled and need professional guidance.

M.

Testimonials and Reference Information

Bernhard & Henriette Schmeikal

2216-39 St. SE Calgary, AB T2B 1A7 403-248-9985

March 27^th, 2014

To Whom It May Concern:

It is my pleasure to recommend Evi Blueth. During the months of February and March 2014, Evi has been a tremendous help to both my son and myself.  He had previously been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia and Multiple Personality Disorder.  We had tried for many years to get him help in Canada, but that has not been very successful.  It seemed Mexico was a better choice, however, that also proved to be very difficult, mainly because of the language barrier.  Evi was recommended by a friend and she proved invaluable as a resource and support to both my son and myself.  She has been able to develop a real connection with my son.  That was remarkable, because my son has issues with women because he suffered severe abusive situations in his marriage and one long-term relationship.  He even told me how relaxed he feels when he is with her.

She has been able to guide his thinking in a more productive way, and, although he still has a tremendously long way to go, there is at least a shimmer of hope on the horizon.  He feels more confident that he is able to manage his illness, he is not longer in complete denial, and he is working, along with Evi, on a long-term plan to wellness.

Evi approaches problems from different angles and often comes up with creative solutions. She is able to think outside the box, and has an open mind for uncommon solutions.   In complicated situation she has the talent to ask the right questions, address the problem, and assist in creating a solution.

I enthusiastically recommend Evi, and wish her the very best for the future.

Sincerely,

Henriette Schmeikal

You've given me hope and have me considering possibilities. Thank you! 

A.N.