Cindy Heck graduated suma cum laude with a Bachelors degree in Psychology in 1993 and magna cum laude with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing in 1997. She earned a Masters in Counseling from MidAmerica Nazarene University, graduating with high academic achievement. Cindy has worked in the mental health field since 1992. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the states of Maryland and Kansas and has a LPC in Missouri. She has specialized in working with individuals who have chronic pain, chronic illness, obesity, and stress management issues since 1997. From this passion and personal journey, Cindy wrote and published a book entitled Yet I Will Praise Him: Devotions of Praise Through Chronic Pain. She is a national speaker who enjoys developing and leading groups and seminars for medical and mental health professionals as well as those who are physically and emotionally hurting. Cindy is board certified in pain management through the American Nurses Association. She is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors and American Society of Pain Management Nursing. She is board certified in pain management through the ANCC and a Nationally Board Certified Counselor.

 

Cindy is passionate about working with individuals who live with chronic pain and illness. She specializes in stress management with high risk populations such as individuals with heart disease, diabetes, type A personality traits, and chronic pain. She has a special heart for those who struggle with weight loss as she has successfully lost over 200 pounds. She deeply understands this journey and that of chronic pain, both professionally and personally. She is well versed in working with individuals who suffer with depression, anxiety, and trauma (physical/sexual/accident-crisis) related issues.

 

 

 

I lived with chronic pain for over twenty years. I know the anger, sadness, guilt, and worry that naturally accompanies the pain experience. I am well acquainted with the many losses: function, dreams, self-esteem, independence, finances, that come with living with pain every minute every hour, every day, every month, every year of your life. I know the questions….why won't it go away, why is this in my life, what now? I have been misunderstood, judged, labeled, and betrayed. My pain changed many things in my life. It changed me. I eventually learned I could not control my pain but I could manage it.

 

By learning and applying skills like pacing, relaxing, managing my thoughts, emotions, building healthy relationships and support system, communicating with myself and others in a healthy way, improving my sleep, and managing my stress I learned I could have a quality life despite my pain. These skills work. They changed my life and I have helped others learn them and get their life back as well. I learned some people who are labeled "noncompliant" or "stubbornly resistant" have simply lost hope on hoping for a better life. I understand just as pain is a journey, so is managing your pain and everyone is at a different stage in the journey. I consider it a privilege to partner with you in your journey. As a Registered Nurse and a patient I have been on both sides of the care delivery system. This positions me to bring multiple perspectives and help bridge the gap that often exist between providers of care and those receiving care. Most of all, I believe we serve the Great Physician who not only created you but also can recreate you. He can heal you and make you whole as we partner together.