Chronic Pain Therapists in Vancouver, BC
Damian Kai Norman
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V6B
You will substantially reduce chronic pain, you will have a greater capacity for situations that once activated and triggered you.
You have gone through the standard talk therapy routes and seen some success. The self-limiting beliefs and judgmental narratives have now softened, giving way to greater compassion and understanding. However, you notice that despite your earnest efforts, you continue to play out the same recurring "unhealthy" coping mechanisms that keep you stuck in emotional dysregulation, cycles of shame, self-abandonment, and relationship patterns whether in your romantic partnerships, friendships, or family dynamics that result in you somehow not honouring your boundaries, needs, and authentic expression.
You will substantially reduce chronic pain, you will have a greater capacity for situations that once activated and triggered you.
You have gone through the standard talk therapy routes and seen some success. The self-limiting beliefs and judgmental narratives have now softened, giving way to greater compassion and understanding. However, you notice that despite your earnest efforts, you continue to play out the same recurring "unhealthy" coping mechanisms that keep you stuck in emotional dysregulation, cycles of shame, self-abandonment, and relationship patterns whether in your romantic partnerships, friendships, or family dynamics that result in you somehow not honouring your boundaries, needs, and authentic expression.
Anne-Marie Sylvester
Counsellor, RCC, MEd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V6Z (Online Only)
I focus on helping my clients process their experiences, recognize their strengths and resiliency, build awareness of patterns of stuckness, tap into their disposition towards growth and change, and cultivate skills they need to do so. I am particularly passionate about working with anxiety and stress, as well chronic physical conditions. As a former high-performance athlete who has undergone a life-changing injury leaving me with chronic pain, I bring a personal understanding of the powerful relationship between our physical health and mental health and the multi-leveled challenges that can come with major life transitions.
I focus on helping my clients process their experiences, recognize their strengths and resiliency, build awareness of patterns of stuckness, tap into their disposition towards growth and change, and cultivate skills they need to do so. I am particularly passionate about working with anxiety and stress, as well chronic physical conditions. As a former high-performance athlete who has undergone a life-changing injury leaving me with chronic pain, I bring a personal understanding of the powerful relationship between our physical health and mental health and the multi-leveled challenges that can come with major life transitions.
Iris Sharir
Psychologist, PhD, RPsych
Verified Verified
Vancouver, BC V5Z
It can be difficult to reach out and start therapy. It is important to find a psychologist who is warm and supportive and also has the training and experience to help you understand and resolve your difficulties. I have been a Registered Psychologist for almost twenty years. I have worked with teens and adults to address a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, anger, chronic pain, and the sequalae from traumatic brain injury. We will work together so that you can fully understand the nature of your symptoms, focus on your strengths, and learn new tools to address the problems that you are experiencing.
It can be difficult to reach out and start therapy. It is important to find a psychologist who is warm and supportive and also has the training and experience to help you understand and resolve your difficulties. I have been a Registered Psychologist for almost twenty years. I have worked with teens and adults to address a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, anger, chronic pain, and the sequalae from traumatic brain injury. We will work together so that you can fully understand the nature of your symptoms, focus on your strengths, and learn new tools to address the problems that you are experiencing.
Jillian Wagg
Counsellor, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V6H
I can help you to understand manage chronic pain with pain reprocessing therapy, and other tools like mindfulness and breathing.
I believe all people have the capacity to heal, grow, and build a life they are proud of. I am happy to assist you in creating a life you are proud of and using therapy as a space to process what is working and what is not and areas where you may feel stuck. I am especially experienced with anxiety and burnout, childhood trauma, chronic pain, grief, and life transitions.
I can help you to understand manage chronic pain with pain reprocessing therapy, and other tools like mindfulness and breathing.
I believe all people have the capacity to heal, grow, and build a life they are proud of. I am happy to assist you in creating a life you are proud of and using therapy as a space to process what is working and what is not and areas where you may feel stuck. I am especially experienced with anxiety and burnout, childhood trauma, chronic pain, grief, and life transitions.
MindMatters Therapy
Licensed Professional Counsellor, RCC, MA, BSc Hon
Verified Verified
Vancouver, BC V5Z
Some of my specialty areas include: bipolar disorder, problems with emotional regulation, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, stress, and relationship issues.
We all live complex lives and are having to face an ever-changing environment. This can be immensely stressful. We all experience challenges in our lives but we do not always have the clarity or skills to effectively navigate our way through them. We then either get stuck or continue to go through life living on auto-pilot. To create a meaningful life, we need to reconnect with ourselves, the things we value and fine tune our skills to attain our goals. Working through challenges in our past or those in the present in a supportive, therapeutic environment can help us build a fuller and more meaningful life.
Some of my specialty areas include: bipolar disorder, problems with emotional regulation, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, stress, and relationship issues.
We all live complex lives and are having to face an ever-changing environment. This can be immensely stressful. We all experience challenges in our lives but we do not always have the clarity or skills to effectively navigate our way through them. We then either get stuck or continue to go through life living on auto-pilot. To create a meaningful life, we need to reconnect with ourselves, the things we value and fine tune our skills to attain our goals. Working through challenges in our past or those in the present in a supportive, therapeutic environment can help us build a fuller and more meaningful life.
Janani Sankar
Psychologist, PhD, RPsych, CPsych
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V6J (Online Only)
I specialize in working with adults coping with health issues, including chronic pain, cancer, diabetes, and neurological issues.
Reaching out for mental health support can be an important first step in your journey to self-improvement; thank you for considering me in this process. I am a compassionate and kind registered psychologist in BC and ON and I am currently accepting new clients. I focus on providing evidence-based treatment to support your goals and build the kind of life you want to live. I mainly use a CBT approach in treatment but also integrate other relevant therapies (DBT, ACT) as needed. I work collaboratively with clients to help them explore and accept where they are now and build practical skills to make lasting and meaningful change.
I specialize in working with adults coping with health issues, including chronic pain, cancer, diabetes, and neurological issues.
Reaching out for mental health support can be an important first step in your journey to self-improvement; thank you for considering me in this process. I am a compassionate and kind registered psychologist in BC and ON and I am currently accepting new clients. I focus on providing evidence-based treatment to support your goals and build the kind of life you want to live. I mainly use a CBT approach in treatment but also integrate other relevant therapies (DBT, ACT) as needed. I work collaboratively with clients to help them explore and accept where they are now and build practical skills to make lasting and meaningful change.
Lauren Gelfer
Counsellor, MC, RCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V5Y (Online Only)
I specialize in helping my clients heal the root causes of anxiety and depression; address relational and attachment traumas; navigate life transitions and care for chronic pain and endometriosis.
Hi! I’m Lauren (she/her). I’m here to help you heal, grow and thrive by tapping into the inner knowing and wisdom of your body and heart, and by encouraging you to step into your power and truth. The clients who seek me out are often on journeys of self discovery or facing life transitions that open up questions and possibilities about who they are, what matters most to them, and how they want to live. I was called to this work through my personal journey of owning my unique path in life, despite it being different than the societal expectations that I grew up with.
I specialize in helping my clients heal the root causes of anxiety and depression; address relational and attachment traumas; navigate life transitions and care for chronic pain and endometriosis.
Hi! I’m Lauren (she/her). I’m here to help you heal, grow and thrive by tapping into the inner knowing and wisdom of your body and heart, and by encouraging you to step into your power and truth. The clients who seek me out are often on journeys of self discovery or facing life transitions that open up questions and possibilities about who they are, what matters most to them, and how they want to live. I was called to this work through my personal journey of owning my unique path in life, despite it being different than the societal expectations that I grew up with.
Kelsey Harris
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V5Z
I have lived experience with chronic pain and illness, and am a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
Hello! My name is Kelsey Harris and I'm a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. I have a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. I specialize in working with clients with chronic pain, chronic illness including cancer, and traumatic brain injury/post-concussion, as well as pre/postpartum mental health. I believe that we can all have hope and answers for bettering our lives as we work through these life-changing issues.
I have lived experience with chronic pain and illness, and am a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
Hello! My name is Kelsey Harris and I'm a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. I have a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. I specialize in working with clients with chronic pain, chronic illness including cancer, and traumatic brain injury/post-concussion, as well as pre/postpartum mental health. I believe that we can all have hope and answers for bettering our lives as we work through these life-changing issues.
Joseph Tse
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V6Z
I am Registered Psychologist (2491) in British Columbia. I enjoy working with adults on a variety of psychological concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress management, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I also provide treatments for individuals with chronic pain, adjustment difficulties related to health issues (e.g., brain injury, chronic diseases), sleep disorders, life transition, grief/bereavement, identity issues, anger management difficulties, and workplace stress. I am also pleased to provide services in Chinese (Cantonese & Mandarin). 我可以用英語, 廣東話 或 普通話提供心理輔導服務。
I am Registered Psychologist (2491) in British Columbia. I enjoy working with adults on a variety of psychological concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress management, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I also provide treatments for individuals with chronic pain, adjustment difficulties related to health issues (e.g., brain injury, chronic diseases), sleep disorders, life transition, grief/bereavement, identity issues, anger management difficulties, and workplace stress. I am also pleased to provide services in Chinese (Cantonese & Mandarin). 我可以用英語, 廣東話 或 普通話提供心理輔導服務。
Joshua P Paulton
Counsellor, MC, BA, CHT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V6B
I offer individual therapy for anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), chronic pain, gastrointestinal issues (eg.
Managing stress and mental health issues can be painful, costly, and take away the feeling of being yourself. Clinical counselling is a process for improving yourself and healing your mental health. Working together we can alleviate stress, gain insight, and make lasting changes. I value and honour your experiences and beliefs, and want to help support you in living healthy and true to yourself.
I offer individual therapy for anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), chronic pain, gastrointestinal issues (eg.
Managing stress and mental health issues can be painful, costly, and take away the feeling of being yourself. Clinical counselling is a process for improving yourself and healing your mental health. Working together we can alleviate stress, gain insight, and make lasting changes. I value and honour your experiences and beliefs, and want to help support you in living healthy and true to yourself.
Andrea Nicole Dasilva
Counsellor, M Ed, RCC
Verified Verified
Vancouver, BC V5Z (Online Only)
My ideal client would be someone who has been feeling stuck and down on him/herself for quite a while. Even though he/she has been trying various self-help techniques and advice from well meaning friends, the feelings of stress/anxiety/discouragement/grief/pain/overwhelm have become unbearable; a history of trauma only adds to all of this. What she/he wants most is to get back to living a full life without being dragged down by doubts, fears, and insecurities.
My ideal client would be someone who has been feeling stuck and down on him/herself for quite a while. Even though he/she has been trying various self-help techniques and advice from well meaning friends, the feelings of stress/anxiety/discouragement/grief/pain/overwhelm have become unbearable; a history of trauma only adds to all of this. What she/he wants most is to get back to living a full life without being dragged down by doubts, fears, and insecurities.
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Counsellor, MACP, RCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V6Z (Online Only)
Struggling with chronic pain, fatigue, or brain fog? As a therapist who's also navigated chronic illness, I know what it’s like to feel like you’re always pushing past your limits to get through the day. To feel like your body aches, your brain feels foggy, and the life you long to have seems out of reach. If you’ve been trying to deal with these issues on your own for a while, it might be time to bring in reinforcements. That's why I specialize in teaching skills and providing support to anyone, anywhere with online therapy. You can book in anytime you need and get supported by someone who gets it and specializes in it.
Struggling with chronic pain, fatigue, or brain fog? As a therapist who's also navigated chronic illness, I know what it’s like to feel like you’re always pushing past your limits to get through the day. To feel like your body aches, your brain feels foggy, and the life you long to have seems out of reach. If you’ve been trying to deal with these issues on your own for a while, it might be time to bring in reinforcements. That's why I specialize in teaching skills and providing support to anyone, anywhere with online therapy. You can book in anytime you need and get supported by someone who gets it and specializes in it.
Joelle Prevost
Counsellor, BSc, BEd, MCP, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V6E (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Hello! I offer online counselling in the following areas: - Trauma (abuse, accidents, and major life events). - Anxiety (social anxiety, specific phobias, death anxiety, health anxiety, general anxiety). - Chronic illness and pain (autoimmune disease, emotional management of chronic health issues, chronic pain). - Relationship Skills/Communication Skills and Boundary Setting (communication techniques, boundary-setting techniques, emotional regulation techniques). I have written two books, which you can find on Amazon: "Managing Personal, Emotional, and Social Aspects of Chronic Illness: A Workbook" and "The Conversation Guide"
Hello! I offer online counselling in the following areas: - Trauma (abuse, accidents, and major life events). - Anxiety (social anxiety, specific phobias, death anxiety, health anxiety, general anxiety). - Chronic illness and pain (autoimmune disease, emotional management of chronic health issues, chronic pain). - Relationship Skills/Communication Skills and Boundary Setting (communication techniques, boundary-setting techniques, emotional regulation techniques). I have written two books, which you can find on Amazon: "Managing Personal, Emotional, and Social Aspects of Chronic Illness: A Workbook" and "The Conversation Guide"
Carla Friesen Counselling
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
Vancouver, BC V5K
My areas of interest include chronic pain, anxiety and overwhelm, parenting, relationships, stress management, and supporting children, teens, and adults through their struggles.
Overwhelmed with parenting? Is your child struggling and needing support? Are you stressed out? Anxious? Trying to manage chronic pain/illness and not really participating in life? My name is Carla and I am here to listen, understand, and partner with you to create change. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), as well as a former teacher and school counsellor.
My areas of interest include chronic pain, anxiety and overwhelm, parenting, relationships, stress management, and supporting children, teens, and adults through their struggles.
Overwhelmed with parenting? Is your child struggling and needing support? Are you stressed out? Anxious? Trying to manage chronic pain/illness and not really participating in life? My name is Carla and I am here to listen, understand, and partner with you to create change. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), as well as a former teacher and school counsellor.
Ana Ferrari
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V5K
Welcome! I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with BCACC in private practice. I bring over 16 years of extensive experience in the mental health and personal growth fields. I practice from a trauma-informed lens to provide a warm and welcoming space. I work with adults, groups and facilitate workshops for individuals dealing with trauma, anxiety, low-mood or depression, relationship challenges, grief and loss. I also provide therapy for pain and stress management particularly after an accident or trauma. I offer mentoring and intuitive life coaching. I provide counselling in English and Spanish.
Welcome! I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with BCACC in private practice. I bring over 16 years of extensive experience in the mental health and personal growth fields. I practice from a trauma-informed lens to provide a warm and welcoming space. I work with adults, groups and facilitate workshops for individuals dealing with trauma, anxiety, low-mood or depression, relationship challenges, grief and loss. I also provide therapy for pain and stress management particularly after an accident or trauma. I offer mentoring and intuitive life coaching. I provide counselling in English and Spanish.
Dorota Hedzelek
Counsellor, PhD, RCC, CCC
Verified Verified
Vancouver, BC V5N
Recovery from pain is possible. Let's start together from understanding YOUR pain and creating a path to wellness that is unique for YOU. I am fascinated by the brain and body connection and the immense possibilities that arise when we open ourselves to learning and understanding how various psychoneurobiological mechanisms work, how our environments and circumstances have shaped us and continue to do so, and how we can harness the power of that understanding towards change. Studies indicate that many chronic pain conditions are often not the result of structural causes, but of psychoneurobiological processes that can be reversed.
Recovery from pain is possible. Let's start together from understanding YOUR pain and creating a path to wellness that is unique for YOU. I am fascinated by the brain and body connection and the immense possibilities that arise when we open ourselves to learning and understanding how various psychoneurobiological mechanisms work, how our environments and circumstances have shaped us and continue to do so, and how we can harness the power of that understanding towards change. Studies indicate that many chronic pain conditions are often not the result of structural causes, but of psychoneurobiological processes that can be reversed.
Pain Psychotherapy Canada
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Vancouver, BC V5K
In our practice, we support people in reducing or eliminating their chronic pain, chronic symptoms, depression, anxiety, or trauma symptoms. We know dealing with chronic pain, symptoms, and mental health concerns is really difficult, and often we don't see a path forward towards healing. We ensure that each client we see is provided with treatment that best matches who they are and what their concerns are. Our therapists are friendly, caring, and relatable.
In our practice, we support people in reducing or eliminating their chronic pain, chronic symptoms, depression, anxiety, or trauma symptoms. We know dealing with chronic pain, symptoms, and mental health concerns is really difficult, and often we don't see a path forward towards healing. We ensure that each client we see is provided with treatment that best matches who they are and what their concerns are. Our therapists are friendly, caring, and relatable.
Sarah Kennedy Certified Music Therapist
BHScPT, MA, MTA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V5T
Do you struggle with emotional pain and grief that you would like to process through music? I work with adults experiencing grief and loss, bereavement, life transitions, emotional pain, anxiety, depression, and stress. I use music therapy to help my clients increase self-awareness, ease pain, develop self-soothing techniques, and restore well-being. We will harness your natural love of music to create personal transformation. Music Therapy is a certified profession. I completed a masters degree with a focus on music therapy for psychological health, and my approach is trauma-informed.
Do you struggle with emotional pain and grief that you would like to process through music? I work with adults experiencing grief and loss, bereavement, life transitions, emotional pain, anxiety, depression, and stress. I use music therapy to help my clients increase self-awareness, ease pain, develop self-soothing techniques, and restore well-being. We will harness your natural love of music to create personal transformation. Music Therapy is a certified profession. I completed a masters degree with a focus on music therapy for psychological health, and my approach is trauma-informed.
Tanner Murtagh
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Vancouver, BC V5K
In my practice, I specialize in treating trauma, anxiety, chronic pain, and chronic symptoms. I focus on using mind-body approaches to support people in regulating their nervous system, approaching their emotions with a sense of safety, becoming embodied, and living life with passion. Many mental and physical health concerns are due to a dysregulated nervous system, so to heal we need to build a relationship with our nervous system using top-down and bottom-up approaches to self-regulate.
In my practice, I specialize in treating trauma, anxiety, chronic pain, and chronic symptoms. I focus on using mind-body approaches to support people in regulating their nervous system, approaching their emotions with a sense of safety, becoming embodied, and living life with passion. Many mental and physical health concerns are due to a dysregulated nervous system, so to heal we need to build a relationship with our nervous system using top-down and bottom-up approaches to self-regulate.
Amanda Huettner
Counsellor, RCC, MACP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V5K (Online Only)
My goal is for us to come together as equals, and work collaboratively to discover how you can THRIVE instead of just survive big life events such as severe injury, illness or new disability; pregnancy, infertility, IVF and parenthood; abuse, neglect, or violence (witness or survivor); gender and sexuality exploration.
My goal is for us to come together as equals, and work collaboratively to discover how you can THRIVE instead of just survive big life events such as severe injury, illness or new disability; pregnancy, infertility, IVF and parenthood; abuse, neglect, or violence (witness or survivor); gender and sexuality exploration.
See more therapy options for Vancouver
Nearby Chronic Pain Counsellors Searches for Vancouver
- Burnaby
- Coquitlam
- Delta
- New Westminster
- North Vancouver
- Pitt Meadows
- Port Coquitlam
- Port Moody
- Richmond
- Surrey
- West Vancouver
- White Rock
Chronic Pain Counsellors
How does chronic pain therapy work?
Engaging with a psychotherapist to help treat chronic pain does not mean that one’s pain is all in their head. Therapy for chronic-pain patients has been shown to benefit both the mind and the body, targeting physical symptoms and increasing daily functioning. In other words, for many, addressing their emotional health through therapy affects their physical health. A therapist can help a client challenge unhelpful thoughts about pain and develop new ways to respond to it, such as distraction or calming breathing techniques. Studies have found that therapy can be as effective as surgery for certain cases of chronic pain and many doctors recommend trying psychotherapy in advance of considering invasive surgery.
What are the most effective treatment options for chronic pain?
Stress, anxiety, depression, catastrophising, ruminating, lack of activity, and social withdrawal all make chronic pain worse. Addressing these issues, research shows, can help people gain control over their pain symptoms. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy, biofeedback, and mindfulness-based stress reduction, along with greater pain-management education, have been found to help people reduce fear and disability.
Are there new treatments for chronic pain?
Many cases of chronic pain, particularly those involving back pain, remain medically unexplained. But there is evidence that changes in the brain or nervous system are caused by previous physical ailments such as tissue damage; in such cases, the brain may continue to send out pain signals despite the physical cause having healed. To aid patients under these circumstances, a recently developed treatment known as pain reprocessing therapy (PRT) is designed to help the brain “unlearn” this response. A PRT practitioner helps individuals to reduce the “threat value” of their ongoing pain signals until they can reappraise them as less threatening and fear-inducing. They also help an individual to develop new emotional regulation skills.
How long does therapy for chronic pain take?
There is no set timeline for recovery from chronic pain, especially as there may be a range of physical and psychological causes for any individual’s discomfort, but most patients should expect to see a therapist for a number of weeks or months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions. Studies of pain reprocessing therapy found that many individuals’ experience of pain lessened in eight sessions over four weeks.