Chronic Pain Therapists in Halifax, NS
I'll be fully present and tuned in to understand your experiences, pain, fears, and hopes.
I have worked with 100's of individuals and couples experiencing issues related to pain, stress, depression, anxiety, work, illness, grief, trauma, relationships, culture, ADHD and more. Extensive training has equipped me with skills for assessment and intervention. We will activate change quickly, but also address underlying causes and complex emotions.
I'll be fully present and tuned in to understand your experiences, pain, fears, and hopes.
I have worked with 100's of individuals and couples experiencing issues related to pain, stress, depression, anxiety, work, illness, grief, trauma, relationships, culture, ADHD and more. Extensive training has equipped me with skills for assessment and intervention. We will activate change quickly, but also address underlying causes and complex emotions.
I am now accepting new clients. ...Each of us has a story we want to be true. What kind of partner/parent/friend do I want to be? What is the work I want to do in the world? What do I want to make more central, and where do I want to learn to let go? How do I navigate this next step? If we're working together, then we’re exploring what matters most to you and how to work with the obstacles that keep you from it. And if you're coming as a couple, then we're working on how to have the kinds of conversations that currently feel out of reach.
I am now accepting new clients. ...Each of us has a story we want to be true. What kind of partner/parent/friend do I want to be? What is the work I want to do in the world? What do I want to make more central, and where do I want to learn to let go? How do I navigate this next step? If we're working together, then we’re exploring what matters most to you and how to work with the obstacles that keep you from it. And if you're coming as a couple, then we're working on how to have the kinds of conversations that currently feel out of reach.
Before becoming a counsellor, I spent over 20 years working as a pharmacist, which continues to shape my understanding of stress, chronic pain, health concerns, and the mind-body connection.
Trauma-informed, body-based therapy for teens and adults seeking greater safety, connection, and relief from overwhelm. You don’t have to be in crisis to know something isn’t quite right. You may appear to be coping on the outside while internally feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, anxious, or stuck in patterns that no longer fit. You may notice people-pleasing, difficulty setting boundaries, emotional overwhelm, or a growing sense of disconnection from yourself or others. I also work with couples who feel stuck in recurring patterns or want to strengthen their connection.
Before becoming a counsellor, I spent over 20 years working as a pharmacist, which continues to shape my understanding of stress, chronic pain, health concerns, and the mind-body connection.
Trauma-informed, body-based therapy for teens and adults seeking greater safety, connection, and relief from overwhelm. You don’t have to be in crisis to know something isn’t quite right. You may appear to be coping on the outside while internally feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, anxious, or stuck in patterns that no longer fit. You may notice people-pleasing, difficulty setting boundaries, emotional overwhelm, or a growing sense of disconnection from yourself or others. I also work with couples who feel stuck in recurring patterns or want to strengthen their connection.
I specialize in the treatment of anxiety disorders (panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, illness anxiety disorder); depression; posttraumatic stress disorder; emotional challenges related to physical health concerns ( pain, heart disease, respiratory conditions, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis); as well as other psychological conditions and concerns (i.e., perfectionism, grief, and interpersonal stress).
I practice cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), the gold-standard treatment for many psychological issues. Let's determine which strategies and skills will help you improve your quality-of-life.
I specialize in the treatment of anxiety disorders (panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, illness anxiety disorder); depression; posttraumatic stress disorder; emotional challenges related to physical health concerns ( pain, heart disease, respiratory conditions, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis); as well as other psychological conditions and concerns (i.e., perfectionism, grief, and interpersonal stress).
I practice cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), the gold-standard treatment for many psychological issues. Let's determine which strategies and skills will help you improve your quality-of-life.
I have extensive experience in helping people adjust to life altering medical conditions, including chronic pain, persistent headaches, workplace and motor vehicle accident injuries, concussions, neurological disorders, women's health issues, and a variety of other diagnoses.
After over a decade of working in multidisciplinary health care settings, I have decided to fulfill my dream of opening my own practice. Cardinal Psychology is opening in the North End of Halifax in the summer of 2026. I look forward to offering compassionate, personalized, empirically supported psychological treatment to adults in my office (with parking- and close to the Italian Market for delicious treats) or from the comfort of home via video.
I have extensive experience in helping people adjust to life altering medical conditions, including chronic pain, persistent headaches, workplace and motor vehicle accident injuries, concussions, neurological disorders, women's health issues, and a variety of other diagnoses.
After over a decade of working in multidisciplinary health care settings, I have decided to fulfill my dream of opening my own practice. Cardinal Psychology is opening in the North End of Halifax in the summer of 2026. I look forward to offering compassionate, personalized, empirically supported psychological treatment to adults in my office (with parking- and close to the Italian Market for delicious treats) or from the comfort of home via video.
Recovery from pain is possible.
I specialize in working with people living with chronic/persistent pain, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and other psychophysiologic/ mindbody disorders, as well as PTSD, anxiety and depression. I am certified in Pain Reprocessing Therapy, EMDR and a variety of other evidence-based modalities.
Recovery from pain is possible.
I specialize in working with people living with chronic/persistent pain, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and other psychophysiologic/ mindbody disorders, as well as PTSD, anxiety and depression. I am certified in Pain Reprocessing Therapy, EMDR and a variety of other evidence-based modalities.
I am also an expert in the treatment of chronic pain.
My therapeutic style is warm, genuine, collaborative and flexible. I integrate evidence-based, solution-focused approaches to promote insight, enhance coping and improve both performance and well-being. At the onset of our work together, we will establish specific goals and develop a personalized treatment plan to generate meaningful, long-lasting change.
I am also an expert in the treatment of chronic pain.
My therapeutic style is warm, genuine, collaborative and flexible. I integrate evidence-based, solution-focused approaches to promote insight, enhance coping and improve both performance and well-being. At the onset of our work together, we will establish specific goals and develop a personalized treatment plan to generate meaningful, long-lasting change.
Reaching out for therapy can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already navigating stress, uncertainty, or emotional pain.
I have experience in working with Anxiety, Depression, OCD, Trauma, life changes, BPD, Grief and more as well as extended education in working with children who are neuro-divergent, individuals with chronic pain, and in Autplay therapy. I work from a trauma-informed lens.
Reaching out for therapy can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already navigating stress, uncertainty, or emotional pain.
I have experience in working with Anxiety, Depression, OCD, Trauma, life changes, BPD, Grief and more as well as extended education in working with children who are neuro-divergent, individuals with chronic pain, and in Autplay therapy. I work from a trauma-informed lens.
While I'm here for anyone seeking guidance, my focus areas include chronic pain, chronic illness, ADHD, motivation, perfectionism, and non-clinical anxiety and depression.
In my practice, I integrate various modalities such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, strength-based, positive psychology, and I'm currently in the process of becoming a somatic experiencing practitioner. This comprehensive toolkit allows me to tailor our sessions to meet your unique needs and preferences,
While I'm here for anyone seeking guidance, my focus areas include chronic pain, chronic illness, ADHD, motivation, perfectionism, and non-clinical anxiety and depression.
In my practice, I integrate various modalities such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, strength-based, positive psychology, and I'm currently in the process of becoming a somatic experiencing practitioner. This comprehensive toolkit allows me to tailor our sessions to meet your unique needs and preferences,
My primary areas of clinical expertise lie in adult mental health, addiction, and couples therapy. I use a combination of cognitive-behavioural, motivational, and mindfulness therapies to create tailored evidence-based treatments (i.e., treatment approaches proven to be effective through research) for a variety of conditions. In addition, I have Level 2 training in the Gottman Method for couples therapy, which is one of the most evidence-based approaches to strengthen relationships. I also provide adult psychodiagnostic, legal, and behavioural assessments.
My primary areas of clinical expertise lie in adult mental health, addiction, and couples therapy. I use a combination of cognitive-behavioural, motivational, and mindfulness therapies to create tailored evidence-based treatments (i.e., treatment approaches proven to be effective through research) for a variety of conditions. In addition, I have Level 2 training in the Gottman Method for couples therapy, which is one of the most evidence-based approaches to strengthen relationships. I also provide adult psychodiagnostic, legal, and behavioural assessments.
I am a seasoned clinician in the field of mental health currently working with adults, couples and families. I am passionate about helping people take committed action towards their values and personal well-being in the face of life's challenges. I see each person as being the expert in their own life experiences.
I am a seasoned clinician in the field of mental health currently working with adults, couples and families. I am passionate about helping people take committed action towards their values and personal well-being in the face of life's challenges. I see each person as being the expert in their own life experiences.
I believe we all carry the strength to heal within us—but we do not have to walk that path alone. I specialize in supporting youth and have a strong track record of building meaningful connections that foster trust and growth. Young people often need a space beyond their immediate circle of parents, teachers, or coaches—a space where they can express themselves freely. I offer a safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental environment where healing can begin. My client-centered approach is flexible and tailored to individual needs. I also support clients of all ages navigating anxiety, depression, workplace stress, grief, and trauma.
I believe we all carry the strength to heal within us—but we do not have to walk that path alone. I specialize in supporting youth and have a strong track record of building meaningful connections that foster trust and growth. Young people often need a space beyond their immediate circle of parents, teachers, or coaches—a space where they can express themselves freely. I offer a safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental environment where healing can begin. My client-centered approach is flexible and tailored to individual needs. I also support clients of all ages navigating anxiety, depression, workplace stress, grief, and trauma.
I provide holistic counseling services to adolescents and adults in the Halifax/HRM area. I offer Mind/Body Psychotherapy, a holistic, trauma-informed, mindfulness based approach to psychotherapy for adolescents and adults, Please Note: As of Jan. 1, 2024, my fee will increase to $225.00/hr.
I provide holistic counseling services to adolescents and adults in the Halifax/HRM area. I offer Mind/Body Psychotherapy, a holistic, trauma-informed, mindfulness based approach to psychotherapy for adolescents and adults, Please Note: As of Jan. 1, 2024, my fee will increase to $225.00/hr.
I consider myself to be an eclectic practitioner. I employ many different therapeutic approaches including: Narrative, CBT, Solution Focused, Trauma Informed therapies, Mindfulness practices, ACT and Behavioural Modification strategies. I tend to work primarily from a Narrative Therapy approach, which is an approach to counselling that seeks to be respectful and non-blaming. It centres the client as the expert in their own lives and views problems as separate from the client themselves. Narrative Therapists assume clients have many skills, competencies, beliefs, values, commitments and abilities that will assist them in reducing the influence of problems in their own lives.
I consider myself to be an eclectic practitioner. I employ many different therapeutic approaches including: Narrative, CBT, Solution Focused, Trauma Informed therapies, Mindfulness practices, ACT and Behavioural Modification strategies. I tend to work primarily from a Narrative Therapy approach, which is an approach to counselling that seeks to be respectful and non-blaming. It centres the client as the expert in their own lives and views problems as separate from the client themselves. Narrative Therapists assume clients have many skills, competencies, beliefs, values, commitments and abilities that will assist them in reducing the influence of problems in their own lives.
I believe that each us carries inherent goodness inside of us, and sometimes we can become stuck. As a therapist, I see my role as creating a space where you can feel supported to explore the parts of you that are hurting and also to nurture your own inner compassion and wisdom. Working from a non-pathologizing approach, I believe that all behaviour meets a need. The work of therapy is to develop a deeper understanding of what purpose protective mechanisms like addiction, anxiety, and self-harm have played in your life, and what you need to feel supported to grow and change.
I believe that each us carries inherent goodness inside of us, and sometimes we can become stuck. As a therapist, I see my role as creating a space where you can feel supported to explore the parts of you that are hurting and also to nurture your own inner compassion and wisdom. Working from a non-pathologizing approach, I believe that all behaviour meets a need. The work of therapy is to develop a deeper understanding of what purpose protective mechanisms like addiction, anxiety, and self-harm have played in your life, and what you need to feel supported to grow and change.
Stressful situations can eat away at our ability to cope and function, or we can get stuck in unhelpful patterns of thinking, behaving, and relating to others that interfere with our living a meaningful life. It can be scary to think about making changes. I will take time to listen and understand your situation so we can identify and move towards your goals. Together, we can learn how you respond to stressful situations and relationships, and find new ways of coping to build a life worth living. I believe everyone has the capacity to heal and grow: my job is to create a space where you are empowered and supported in this journey.
Stressful situations can eat away at our ability to cope and function, or we can get stuck in unhelpful patterns of thinking, behaving, and relating to others that interfere with our living a meaningful life. It can be scary to think about making changes. I will take time to listen and understand your situation so we can identify and move towards your goals. Together, we can learn how you respond to stressful situations and relationships, and find new ways of coping to build a life worth living. I believe everyone has the capacity to heal and grow: my job is to create a space where you are empowered and supported in this journey.
Dr Birchwood, aka TheDivergenceDoctor, has worked in mental health and social services for nearly 20 years; creating practices and spaces to serve communities in a variety of ways. This provides you with a multitude of talents and experiences to help you live the life you want, in the way you want. They meld history, sociology, and psychology; giving weight to social determinants of health such as race, gender, ability, and trauma. Dr Birchwood believes knowledge is power and knowing yourself is the path to freedom. Who are you? Where have you been? How do you want to live?
Dr Birchwood, aka TheDivergenceDoctor, has worked in mental health and social services for nearly 20 years; creating practices and spaces to serve communities in a variety of ways. This provides you with a multitude of talents and experiences to help you live the life you want, in the way you want. They meld history, sociology, and psychology; giving weight to social determinants of health such as race, gender, ability, and trauma. Dr Birchwood believes knowledge is power and knowing yourself is the path to freedom. Who are you? Where have you been? How do you want to live?
When we face challenges, we tend to resort to old patterns to cope. While these patterns may have been helpful in the past, they often cause us more suffering in the present by distracting us from what really matters about ourselves, our emotions, and our relationships. This can result in a variety of mental health concerns as well as difficulties in our lives and relationships.
To help re-establish our connection to what’s important and break out of these negative cycles, we often need a "gentle-but-firm" therapeutic relationship where we can focus on the feelings and needs we’ve been neglecting.
When we face challenges, we tend to resort to old patterns to cope. While these patterns may have been helpful in the past, they often cause us more suffering in the present by distracting us from what really matters about ourselves, our emotions, and our relationships. This can result in a variety of mental health concerns as well as difficulties in our lives and relationships.
To help re-establish our connection to what’s important and break out of these negative cycles, we often need a "gentle-but-firm" therapeutic relationship where we can focus on the feelings and needs we’ve been neglecting.
Sometimes the way that we talk to ourselves and relate to others can get in the way of living a full and meaningful life. My hope is that together we can come to understand these forces and help you feel empowered to make lasting changes. On my part, I strive to bring my authenticity, humour, and curiosity into my work. I am committed to a culturally-responsive approach and welcome clients from racialized and historically marginalized backgrounds.
Sometimes the way that we talk to ourselves and relate to others can get in the way of living a full and meaningful life. My hope is that together we can come to understand these forces and help you feel empowered to make lasting changes. On my part, I strive to bring my authenticity, humour, and curiosity into my work. I am committed to a culturally-responsive approach and welcome clients from racialized and historically marginalized backgrounds.
Welcome, I’m so glad you’re here! Especially if you have not been feeling your best lately. Life can be hard but it doesn’t have to be figured out alone.
My hope is to provide you with a safe supportive space where you can be yourself. Together, we’ll work to help you feel calmer, more connected, and better equipped to navigate life’s challenges with confidence
The office is accessible, centrally located in HRM with lots of parking!
Welcome, I’m so glad you’re here! Especially if you have not been feeling your best lately. Life can be hard but it doesn’t have to be figured out alone.
My hope is to provide you with a safe supportive space where you can be yourself. Together, we’ll work to help you feel calmer, more connected, and better equipped to navigate life’s challenges with confidence
The office is accessible, centrally located in HRM with lots of parking!
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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.