Chronic Pain Therapists in 97266
Emotional and relational pain can’t be easily categorized with words like anxiety and depression. Each of us have our own stories and our pain is as unique as we are. Whether it is learning to carry the existing burden of a mental health diagnosis or exploring the sources of loneliness and worry, what helps more than labels is the ability to tell our stories in a way that is as hopeful as it is truthful. In over two decades of non-profit work I have learned to sit with people whose lives have been disrupted in the midst of their pain. As a clinician I hope to combine that empathetic human connection with evidence based practices.
Emotional and relational pain can’t be easily categorized with words like anxiety and depression. Each of us have our own stories and our pain is as unique as we are. Whether it is learning to carry the existing burden of a mental health diagnosis or exploring the sources of loneliness and worry, what helps more than labels is the ability to tell our stories in a way that is as hopeful as it is truthful. In over two decades of non-profit work I have learned to sit with people whose lives have been disrupted in the midst of their pain. As a clinician I hope to combine that empathetic human connection with evidence based practices.
Education & Experience: Licensed Clinical Social Worker, 2012. MSW, University of Chicago: Evidence Based Practice Program, 2010. BA in Psychology, Trinity Western University: Human Services Program, 2006 Tressa has worked with children, adolescents, and their families at an inpatient psychiatry unit, as well as with adults with co-occurring substance use issues and mental illness on a community mental health outreach team, and on an integrated primary care team providing group and individual counseling.
Education & Experience: Licensed Clinical Social Worker, 2012. MSW, University of Chicago: Evidence Based Practice Program, 2010. BA in Psychology, Trinity Western University: Human Services Program, 2006 Tressa has worked with children, adolescents, and their families at an inpatient psychiatry unit, as well as with adults with co-occurring substance use issues and mental illness on a community mental health outreach team, and on an integrated primary care team providing group and individual counseling.
Opal & Sage Art Therapy, Amy Swallow
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCAT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97266
If you are experiencing a difficult life transition or emotional pain, such as grief/loss, trauma, depression, anxiety, or illness, art therapy can be highly beneficial.
Opal & Sage offers individual and group art therapy and counseling services that are person-centered and strengths-based. I welcome adult clients of all ages and abilities, with any personal concerns and conflicts regarding mental health. I specialize in working with individuals with dementia, traumatic brain injury, developmental disabilities, and physical disabilities.
If you are experiencing a difficult life transition or emotional pain, such as grief/loss, trauma, depression, anxiety, or illness, art therapy can be highly beneficial.
Opal & Sage offers individual and group art therapy and counseling services that are person-centered and strengths-based. I welcome adult clients of all ages and abilities, with any personal concerns and conflicts regarding mental health. I specialize in working with individuals with dementia, traumatic brain injury, developmental disabilities, and physical disabilities.
Samantha Auclair
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, CRC, NCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97266
Waitlist for new clients
My clients often have a history of (or ongoing) trauma, including medical trauma, attachment trauma, single-incident traumatic events, and complex trauma; difficulty coping with chronic illness and/or disability (e.g., EDS, MCAS, POTS, gastrointestinal issues, cancer, autoimmune disease, mobility issues); anxiety/panic disorders; and/or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Some of my clients choose to do long-term depth work with me, while others may see me to work toward more immediate goals.
My clients often have a history of (or ongoing) trauma, including medical trauma, attachment trauma, single-incident traumatic events, and complex trauma; difficulty coping with chronic illness and/or disability (e.g., EDS, MCAS, POTS, gastrointestinal issues, cancer, autoimmune disease, mobility issues); anxiety/panic disorders; and/or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Some of my clients choose to do long-term depth work with me, while others may see me to work toward more immediate goals.
Abbie Sisouphanh
Professional Counselor Associate, MS, CRC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97266
I'm so glad you’ve found your way here. I help individuals find relief from the emotional and mental strain of anxiety, depression, grief, chronic illness, intergenerational trauma, and the challenges of navigating systemic barriers. I also provide guidance for managing work-related stress and navigating career transitions, helping you move toward a more fulfilling path. Additionally, I support those on a journey of self-discovery, empowering them to better understand themselves and build confidence in who they are.
I'm so glad you’ve found your way here. I help individuals find relief from the emotional and mental strain of anxiety, depression, grief, chronic illness, intergenerational trauma, and the challenges of navigating systemic barriers. I also provide guidance for managing work-related stress and navigating career transitions, helping you move toward a more fulfilling path. Additionally, I support those on a journey of self-discovery, empowering them to better understand themselves and build confidence in who they are.
Helen Zwiebel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MEd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97266 (Online Only)
Specialties: Consensual/Ethical Non-Monogamy, Sex and Relationship Issues, BDSM/Kink, Body Positivity, Consent, Pain Management, and SPMI.
My private practice is focused on helping people curious about and/or practicing consensual/ethical non-monogamy, solo poly, relationship anarchy, and any alternative relationship style. I am BDSM/kink-aware and LGBTQIA+ friendly.
Specialties: Consensual/Ethical Non-Monogamy, Sex and Relationship Issues, BDSM/Kink, Body Positivity, Consent, Pain Management, and SPMI.
My private practice is focused on helping people curious about and/or practicing consensual/ethical non-monogamy, solo poly, relationship anarchy, and any alternative relationship style. I am BDSM/kink-aware and LGBTQIA+ friendly.
Ilene is a licensed psychologist. She graduated from Pacific University with a doctorate in clinical psychology and Oregon State University with a master’s in public health. Her approach to therapy is integrative including psychodynamic and dialectical behavior therapy.
Ilene is a licensed psychologist. She graduated from Pacific University with a doctorate in clinical psychology and Oregon State University with a master’s in public health. Her approach to therapy is integrative including psychodynamic and dialectical behavior therapy.
Allen beleives in an eclectic approach to treatment based on client need and worldview, incorporating Mindfulnessbased CBT, Solution Focused Treatment, Motivational Interviewing, and Existential treatment modalities. His main areas of focus include Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Phase of Life Transitions, and Career and Educational Guidance. In his spare time, Allen enjoys travel with family and friends, contemplation, and creative expression in various formats.
Allen beleives in an eclectic approach to treatment based on client need and worldview, incorporating Mindfulnessbased CBT, Solution Focused Treatment, Motivational Interviewing, and Existential treatment modalities. His main areas of focus include Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Phase of Life Transitions, and Career and Educational Guidance. In his spare time, Allen enjoys travel with family and friends, contemplation, and creative expression in various formats.
Life is challenging, and for some, it feels impossible. Unwelcome and harmful thoughts and feelings make happiness a task that seems far out of reach. It can be overwhelming, and it can negatively affect the way we function in our day to day lives. If this speaks to you, I want you to know that you are not alone, and I would be honored to help you work toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
Life is challenging, and for some, it feels impossible. Unwelcome and harmful thoughts and feelings make happiness a task that seems far out of reach. It can be overwhelming, and it can negatively affect the way we function in our day to day lives. If this speaks to you, I want you to know that you are not alone, and I would be honored to help you work toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
Kalpana Krishnamurthy
Professional Counselor Associate, MS, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97266
May be you are wondering if therapy is really for you, especially if you are a person of color? As a South Asian who was once skeptical of therapy, I get it. Clients I work with are often dealing with anxiety or depression, grief and loss, parenting, exploring or navigating racial and cultural identities, exploring gender identity or preparing for gender affirming surgery, or working on their romantic relationship. Some clients aren't "working" on anything, but looking to create time each week to process, slow down, and have a regular space to check in with themselves. Where ever you are starting, I bring my curiosity and humor.
May be you are wondering if therapy is really for you, especially if you are a person of color? As a South Asian who was once skeptical of therapy, I get it. Clients I work with are often dealing with anxiety or depression, grief and loss, parenting, exploring or navigating racial and cultural identities, exploring gender identity or preparing for gender affirming surgery, or working on their romantic relationship. Some clients aren't "working" on anything, but looking to create time each week to process, slow down, and have a regular space to check in with themselves. Where ever you are starting, I bring my curiosity and humor.
Sandie Lamb-Moudy
Professional Counselor Associate, MA, PTA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97266
I offer HOPE for the challenging seasons of life. I believe in healing with the whole body and am a somatic healing professional. We are living beings with nervous systems that sometimes feel stuck in different ways. Our nervous system can create physical and/or mental challenges for us in living a satisfying life. I utilize Transforming Touch, a somatic nervous system regulation and primitive reflex integration modality, that helps people improve their distress tolerance and helps reset the nervous system. Healing is possible through the body. Contact me for whole body healing
I offer HOPE for the challenging seasons of life. I believe in healing with the whole body and am a somatic healing professional. We are living beings with nervous systems that sometimes feel stuck in different ways. Our nervous system can create physical and/or mental challenges for us in living a satisfying life. I utilize Transforming Touch, a somatic nervous system regulation and primitive reflex integration modality, that helps people improve their distress tolerance and helps reset the nervous system. Healing is possible through the body. Contact me for whole body healing
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Chronic Pain Therapists
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, catastrophizing, 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 behavioral 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.