How can Applied Behavior Analysis and Mindfulness help People with Chronic Illness? Kristen’s Story.

Kristen delves deep into the science behind behavior analysis and shares how she has used data to help her track her symptoms such as brain fog and fatigue. She also shares how mindfulness and acceptance based therapies can help people living with chronic illnesses achieve a better quality of life.

Kristen also helps other chronic illness warriors apply the principles of behavior analysis to their unique health and lifestyle management goals through 1:1 behavioral coaching. In addition to being a chronic illness warrior, Kristen is also pursuing a PhD in Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences, she is married to her high school sweetheart, and loves hiking and being outdoors with her partner and three dogs. 

Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to successfully navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources.

Links discussed in this episode:

• Kristen’s Website: Warriors Move Mountains
• Kristen’s Instagram
• The Happiness Trap: Russ Harris (explains Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)
• Cheryl’s Facebook group: Arthritis Life Podcast, Practical Tips & Positive, Realistic Support
• Arthritis Life Instagram Page
• Free Handout: Cheryl’s Master Checklist for Managing RA
• This episode is brought to you by the Beginner's Guide to Life with Rheumatoid Arthritis, an intensive online education and support program Cheryl created to empower people with the tools to confidently manage their social, emotional and physical life with rheumatoid arthritis.
• Medical disclaimer: All content found on the Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Time breakdown: 

• 01:30 – Introduction
• 03:00 – Kristen’s diagnosis story for Sjogren’s and RA
• 5:00 - What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and who are Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs)? 
• 6:30 - Explanation of how ABA can be applied across diagnoses
•  8:45 – Explaining controversy around ABA for neurodiverse populations
• 12:20  – Examples as Kristen utilizes Behavior Analysis as a patient to track symptoms: CBD tincture for fatigue and brain fog
• 15:20 - How tracking data can be a powerful tool to combat overwhelm
• 19:17 - Importance of rest and learning how to rest without guilt
• 21:40 - How thoughts, behaviors and the environment influence each other 
• 25:20 - How Kristen balances being a PhD student with her mental health 
• 27:45: Kristen’s advice for setting boundaries and learn how to say no
• 29:00 - Cheryl’s experiences having difficulty saying “no” to things when her health is going well and Kristen’s 80% rule
• 31:20 - Kristen’s experience with going to therapy and how she manages her stress through mindfulness and ACT 
• 36:00 - What does Kristen’s mindfulness practice look like on an average day
• 39:00 - How Cheryl & Kristen cope with uncertainty and find acceptance with their conditions. 
• 43:10 - Behavior Analysis Coaching with Chronic Illness: how does it work?
• 46:00 - Balancing act between accepting present and tracking data for future
• 48:00 - Life Coaching vs Certified Health Coaching versus Board Certified Behavior Analysis
• 51:00 - Final thoughts