How to live well with a long-term health condition (with Dr Dawn Johnson)

In the first episode of the new 'invite a guest' season, Rich and Ray speak to Dr Dawn Johnson about how she applies Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) to her experience of living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Dawn speaks about her journey toward diagnosis, the impact of that diagnosis upon her, and how she has made use of ACT personally, as well as in her role as a psychologist working with other people with long-term health conditions.

For anyone interested in seeking more information about Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, the Ehlers-Danlos Society is a reliable source of information and a great place to start.

In the episode, we briefly touch on Ray's self-help book for people living with long-term health conditions, 'Living with the Enemy'.

We also talk about the ACT Matrix, which is a way of using ACT to help make sense of a difficult situations. There is a great video introduction here, and a blank template for you to complete your own ACT Matrix here.

If you want to send feedback, suggest topics for future episodes or make contact for any other reason, you can do so at 2oldpsychspod@gmail.com