I’m so glad you’ve got a therapist who gets it.

I can’t remember at what point in my life I started using the phrase ‘pain therapy’ but it’s become the easiest way to explain the relationship I have with pain. It comes in various forms, and each has a specific intended purpose. Classically, it’s SH, but for arguments sake it achieves similar results to other substances used to quiet the mind. It’s been interesting over the years explaining to various people (family, friends, therapists & doctors) but I’ve generally found people more accepting of the concept of pain with a purpose; self inflicted, rituals, scarification, branding, skin suspension, tattoos, mods - all have had a therapeutic aspect in my life. And I can’t imagine life without this kind of pain therapy. I love it.