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Thoughts on purpose,
pain, and what it means to change

Essays from a practicing psychologist. On values and what we actually care about. On living with chronic pain and what it takes to adapt. On what it looks like when medical care treats the whole person.

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Values & Meaning

Chronic Pain & Quality of Life

Pain Psychology & Clinical Practice

Psychology of Change

Purpose & Direction

Values & Meaning

The Difference Between Values and Goals (And Why It Matters)

Most people mix these up — and it's an understandable mistake. Values are a direction, a way of being. Goals are a destination, something to achieve and then move on from. Knowing the difference changes how you make decisions, how you measure progress, and whether the life you're building actually feels like yours.

February 12, 2026·6 min read

New essays, when they're ready.

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Thoughts on purpose,
pain, and what it means to change

The Difference Between Values and Goals (And Why It Matters)

Recent Posts

When Your Body Changes Everything: Identity, Loss, and What Comes Next

The Biopsychosocial Model Isn't a Philosophy. It's a Practice.

New essays, when they're ready.

Thoughts on purpose,pain, and what it means to change

The Difference Between Values and Goals (And Why It Matters)

Recent Posts

When Your Body Changes Everything: Identity, Loss, and What Comes Next

The Biopsychosocial Model Isn't a Philosophy. It's a Practice.

New essays, when they're ready.

Thoughts on purpose,
pain, and what it means to change