S.T.E.P. - Chronic Pain Support Group

Hello and welcome! I’m Erica, and I live with chronic back pain.

I understand how persistent pain can impact concentration, energy levels, routines, and participation in everyday activities. Managing chronic pain often involves ongoing adaptation, patience, and learning strategies to maintain balance and well-being.

I created S.T.E.P. (Support Toward Engagement & Participation) to provide a supportive space for individuals living with chronic pain who are interested in sharing their experiences, improving daily function, building coping strategies, and connecting with others who understand the challenges of living with persistent pain.

My goal is to foster a respectful, encouraging environment where participants can share experiences, learn practical strategies, and support one another in navigating daily life with chronic pain.

In addition to my lived experience with chronic pain, I am a Psychology student preparing to apply to a Master’s program in Occupational Therapy (OT). My academic interests focus on how individuals adapt to physical and mental health challenges, and how engagement in meaningful daily activities supports well-being, resilience, and quality of life.

I volunteer with the Occupational Therapy team in the psychiatry unit of a local hospital, and I also work as a Mental Health Care Coordinator and Patient Intake Counsellor. Supporting mental health, functional well-being, and participation in everyday life is deeply important to me, both personally and professionally.

If you live with, support someone who lives with, or are interested in learning about chronic pain, please join this group! Together we can shift from pain to progress — one step at a time.