Dr. Issy and Krista Friesen

GMV Sleeping to CHANGEpain (5-week progressive series)

Brief overview

If you struggle with sleep, take this program. Research finds that, when people are struggling with pain and sleep, they do better when they focus on improving their sleep. This program will coach you through a pain-informed approach to improving sleep through cognitive and behavioural interventions.

These types of interventions are effective because they address the root cause of most sleep issues. The primary focus of this program will be to improve sleep, but a secondary focus will be developing the ability to suffer less in the face of disturbed sleep. 

Reference resource: https://www.sarahjamieson.ca/sleeping/

Krista Friesen
BA MSc CYT PgCPain

Krista Friesen Bio

Krista is a highly-qualified yoga and pilates teacher with more than 2000 hours of training and nearly 5 years of experience working with patients who live with chronic pain. Additionally, she holds a Master’s degree in psychology, with an emphasis on cognitive neuropsychology, and holds a Post-Graduate Certificate in Chronic Pain Management from the University of Alberta.

Krista began working with Dr. Greg Siren and The myo Clinic team in September, 2011 after being referred to Dr. Siren for assessment and treatment of her own pain. She has lived with chronic back pain for nearly 20 years and now keeps her pain well-controlled through her own practice of movement and relaxation, along with healthy diet and sleep routines. She is passionate about learning about pain, and sharing her knowledge to help others manage their own chronic pain.

In addition to her work with movement, Krista has been interested in sleep, insomnia, and sleep research for the past 10 years. She also studies and uses cognitive behavioural therapy techniques, motivational interviewing, non-violent communication, and coaching strategies in her work with chronic pain patients. Krista has a private practice for one-to-one movement and/or coaching sessions.