Photo of Karen Lynn Goslin, BSW, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Karen Lynn Goslin
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M6C
With over 30 years of clinical experience, I welcome Children, Teens, Adults, Couples & Families into my practice who are facing anxiety, depression, anger, trauma, grief, addiction, chronic pain/ illness, or stress from relationship conflicts. I specialize in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Relapse Prevention Therapy, and Self-Care which are personalized to your unique circumstance. I also provide a special Couple's Program and a Deeper Healing Program that addresses pain and utilizes strength to repair.
With over 30 years of clinical experience, I welcome Children, Teens, Adults, Couples & Families into my practice who are facing anxiety, depression, anger, trauma, grief, addiction, chronic pain/ illness, or stress from relationship conflicts. I specialize in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Relapse Prevention Therapy, and Self-Care which are personalized to your unique circumstance. I also provide a special Couple's Program and a Deeper Healing Program that addresses pain and utilizes strength to repair.
(647) 696-9623 View (647) 696-9623
Photo of Lana Lontos, Registered Psychotherapist
Lana Lontos
Registered Psychotherapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6C
I came to Gestalt Psychotherapy after a decade of teaching yoga and meditation workshops in Canada, Greece, Mexico and Nicaragua. I noticed that wisdom practices (such as meditation, yoga, breath-work, and reflection) lead people to face vulnerability and perhaps even pain inside their minds, hearts and bodies. Many people have insights about themselves, but they believe they can mentally figure it out on their own. We are not meant to do all the processing on our own. The therapeutic relationship allows us the support of a compassionate and trained witness so we can explore what is present.
I came to Gestalt Psychotherapy after a decade of teaching yoga and meditation workshops in Canada, Greece, Mexico and Nicaragua. I noticed that wisdom practices (such as meditation, yoga, breath-work, and reflection) lead people to face vulnerability and perhaps even pain inside their minds, hearts and bodies. Many people have insights about themselves, but they believe they can mentally figure it out on their own. We are not meant to do all the processing on our own. The therapeutic relationship allows us the support of a compassionate and trained witness so we can explore what is present.
(647) 955-2559 View (647) 955-2559
Photo of Karen Jennifer Redhill-Feinstein, MA, PhD, C, Psych, Assoc, Psychological Associate
Karen Jennifer Redhill-Feinstein
Psychological Associate, MA, PhD, C, Psych, Assoc
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M6C
I focus on issues such as anxiety, depression, loss, PTSD, relationship difficulties, workplace problems, chronic disease, injury and pain.
I believe in an empathic, collaborative approach, so that you may always be part of the therapeutic process. Psychotherapy allows for a unique relationship, whereby the focus of attention is on understanding you. It provides an opportunity for openness, trust and honesty, often difficult in other interpersonal situations. It can help you to increase your resilience to life challenges and improve relationships. I use a range of therapy modalities according to the best fit for your needs and personality. Greater meaning in life can be achieved by longer term therapy, but also brief periods of therapy which are cumulative.
I focus on issues such as anxiety, depression, loss, PTSD, relationship difficulties, workplace problems, chronic disease, injury and pain.
I believe in an empathic, collaborative approach, so that you may always be part of the therapeutic process. Psychotherapy allows for a unique relationship, whereby the focus of attention is on understanding you. It provides an opportunity for openness, trust and honesty, often difficult in other interpersonal situations. It can help you to increase your resilience to life challenges and improve relationships. I use a range of therapy modalities according to the best fit for your needs and personality. Greater meaning in life can be achieved by longer term therapy, but also brief periods of therapy which are cumulative.
(844) 402-3980 View (844) 402-3980
Photo of Marlene Rivier - The Counselling Group, MSW RSW, PhD, CCC, RP, Psychologist
The Counselling Group
Psychologist, MSW RSW, PhD, CCC, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6C
Our Masters/PhD level certified and experienced mental health professionals at The Counselling Group provide psychological assessments as well as a full range of psychotherapy, counselling and support services for children, adolescents, and adults. We offer individual, couple, family & group counselling tailored to support positive, meaningful change and growth in your life. During your free phone consultation, we will carefully match you with one of our 40 counsellors, based on your needs and availability. Our services are offered in English, French, Spanish, Arabic and several other languages.
Our Masters/PhD level certified and experienced mental health professionals at The Counselling Group provide psychological assessments as well as a full range of psychotherapy, counselling and support services for children, adolescents, and adults. We offer individual, couple, family & group counselling tailored to support positive, meaningful change and growth in your life. During your free phone consultation, we will carefully match you with one of our 40 counsellors, based on your needs and availability. Our services are offered in English, French, Spanish, Arabic and several other languages.
(343) 944-4889 View (343) 944-4889

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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.