043: Chronic Pain in Relationships with Drs. Dustin & Kerry Brockberg

Welcome to The Communicate & Connect Podcast, where today we're diving into an essential and often overlooked topic: chronic pain in relationships, with a special focus on military and veteran families. Chronic pain is not just about the physical discomfort—it encompasses social and emotional dimensions that can significantly impact personal relationships. In this episode, our host, Elizabeth Polinsky, is joined by experts Dr. Kerry Brockberg and Dr. Dustin Brockberg to break down the complexities of living with chronic pain. Dr. Kerry Brockberg, a licensed psychologist who practices in Minneapolis, specializes in working with individuals grappling with chronic pain and various disabilities. Her work focuses on enhancing quality of life and well-being through innovative mind-body strategies. Meanwhile, Dr. Dustin Brockberg, with his extensive experience in veteran-related issues, offers valuable insights on the intersections of mental health, addiction, and chronic pain. The conversation unfolds with an exploration of what chronic pain truly entails. It's more than the everyday "ouch" we all know; it's an ongoing struggle that can persist long after initial injuries have healed, often causing physical and emotional distress. The Brockbergs shed light on how chronic pain affects not just the individual but also their loved ones, reshaping family dynamics and personal identities. This episode provides a fresh perspective by discussing the intersections of chronic pain and trauma, both common experiences in military communities. Make sure to like, review, and subscribe to get all the future episodes and help the podcast be found by others who would benefit the most.  You can sign up for Elizabeth's FREE 10-week relationship email course here.  Read the show notes for this episode here.    Free Relationship Pattern Assessment Are you having the same conversation over and over? Many couples assume they have a communication problem when they're actually stuck in a relationship pattern that keeps creating the same conflict. Take the free Relationship Pattern Assessment to identify the pattern that may be keeping you disconnected and learn what to focus on next. 👉 https://pages.communicateandconnect.com/relationship-quiz