Chronic Pain Therapists in Washington, DC
Kelsey Bates
Licensed Professional Counselor, LMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20035 (Online Only)
You are a strong woman feeling overwhelmed navigating complex health issues such as chronic illness, chronic pain, anxiety, infertility or pregnancy loss. You are an intelligent, high achieving woman who is dealing with the grief of a diagnosis, pregnancy after loss, infertility or chronic illness. You are juggling it all: a career, family, a romantic partner, friends, dating and your health. You want to figure out a way to not just survive with women's health issues but to thrive and live your life fully each day. You need support, a place to process your grief and coping skills to walk through this difficult situation.
You are a strong woman feeling overwhelmed navigating complex health issues such as chronic illness, chronic pain, anxiety, infertility or pregnancy loss. You are an intelligent, high achieving woman who is dealing with the grief of a diagnosis, pregnancy after loss, infertility or chronic illness. You are juggling it all: a career, family, a romantic partner, friends, dating and your health. You want to figure out a way to not just survive with women's health issues but to thrive and live your life fully each day. You need support, a place to process your grief and coping skills to walk through this difficult situation.
Daniel J Paulus
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20016 (Online Only)
I am a health psychologist with expertise in the treatment of chronic fear/anxiety and health conditions (pain, substance use, etc.) I have extensive research experience (95 scientific articles and book chapters; National Institutes of Health funding) which I draw upon to provide innovative and up-to-date psychological care. My practice is rooted in scientific evidence of what works, and I stay informed on the latest treatment advancements. My goal is not for you to be in therapy forever. I want to help you learn tools so that you become your own therapist. You cannot redo your past; you can make changes now for a better future.
I am a health psychologist with expertise in the treatment of chronic fear/anxiety and health conditions (pain, substance use, etc.) I have extensive research experience (95 scientific articles and book chapters; National Institutes of Health funding) which I draw upon to provide innovative and up-to-date psychological care. My practice is rooted in scientific evidence of what works, and I stay informed on the latest treatment advancements. My goal is not for you to be in therapy forever. I want to help you learn tools so that you become your own therapist. You cannot redo your past; you can make changes now for a better future.
Rachel Noble
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20008
My writing and presentations on topics such as resilience, anxiety management, chronic pain, and intimacy appear in outlets such as The Washington Post, AARP, and Inova Health Systems.
Please find more info at my website: noblepractice.com. I have unique experience working with people who struggle with complex medical concerns, chronic pain, and postpartum depression. About half of my clients fall into this category and the other half are struggling with anxiety, depression, or just feeling stuck in life.
My writing and presentations on topics such as resilience, anxiety management, chronic pain, and intimacy appear in outlets such as The Washington Post, AARP, and Inova Health Systems.
Please find more info at my website: noblepractice.com. I have unique experience working with people who struggle with complex medical concerns, chronic pain, and postpartum depression. About half of my clients fall into this category and the other half are struggling with anxiety, depression, or just feeling stuck in life.
Sammi Rosenfeld
Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC, DC LPC, MD LCPC, MSEd, CCTP
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20008
Waitlist for new clients
Some of my specialities include anxiety and depression, chronic pain, ASD, ADHD, self-esteem, eating disorders, issues of identity and more.
I am a mental health and school counselor passionate about supporting the growth of children and young adults. I am experienced with both school-age children, young adults, and adults. I have also spent a lifetime in the world of professional dance and the creative arts. My experience in dance and the body highly influences my therapeutic lens. I view integration of body and mind through multi-sensory modalities as integral to client growth. I take an integrative approach to my work; in one session we may talk, play, draw, explore the sand tray, or move. Some moments may be more directive and some may be client-led.
Some of my specialities include anxiety and depression, chronic pain, ASD, ADHD, self-esteem, eating disorders, issues of identity and more.
I am a mental health and school counselor passionate about supporting the growth of children and young adults. I am experienced with both school-age children, young adults, and adults. I have also spent a lifetime in the world of professional dance and the creative arts. My experience in dance and the body highly influences my therapeutic lens. I view integration of body and mind through multi-sensory modalities as integral to client growth. I take an integrative approach to my work; in one session we may talk, play, draw, explore the sand tray, or move. Some moments may be more directive and some may be client-led.
Natalie Chaykin Pierce
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20003
Dr. Natalie Pierce specializes in the treatment of chronic pain/illnesses, insomnia, OCD, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, body image concerns, life transitions, and depression. Dr. Pierce is board-certified in biofeedback and practices therapy primarily from CBT/ACT and positive psychology perspectives through a health psychology lens to help patients manage stress, transition after an injury or disease, and cope with pain, loss, feeling “stuck,” anxiety, and depression.
Dr. Natalie Pierce specializes in the treatment of chronic pain/illnesses, insomnia, OCD, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, body image concerns, life transitions, and depression. Dr. Pierce is board-certified in biofeedback and practices therapy primarily from CBT/ACT and positive psychology perspectives through a health psychology lens to help patients manage stress, transition after an injury or disease, and cope with pain, loss, feeling “stuck,” anxiety, and depression.
Jennifer L Pauk
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C, MPH
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20011
No matter our background or experience, we all hit a bump in the road at one point or another. Navigating challenging and stressful life events such as infertility, parenthood, academic and work transitions, relationships, trauma, chronic illness is complicated. Intense feelings of anxiety, panic, or depression may seem overwhelming an at times, we turn to short term solutions, such as procrastination, alcohol, etc, which lead us in the wrong direction. Working with clients I focus on clarifying what is important and meaningful in life and how to take steps to actively move in that direction - even when faced with challenges.
No matter our background or experience, we all hit a bump in the road at one point or another. Navigating challenging and stressful life events such as infertility, parenthood, academic and work transitions, relationships, trauma, chronic illness is complicated. Intense feelings of anxiety, panic, or depression may seem overwhelming an at times, we turn to short term solutions, such as procrastination, alcohol, etc, which lead us in the wrong direction. Working with clients I focus on clarifying what is important and meaningful in life and how to take steps to actively move in that direction - even when faced with challenges.
Dr. Laurel Wade
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20003
Dr. Wade specializes in health psychology, particularly the areas of chronic pain, adjustment to chronic illness or injury, weight management, weight loss surgery counseling, disordered eating, body image concerns, and implementing health-promoting lifestyle changes. Dr. Wade practices Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and positive psychology approaches, capitalizing on the strengths of each individual to form a collaborative and holistic treatment plan.
Dr. Wade specializes in health psychology, particularly the areas of chronic pain, adjustment to chronic illness or injury, weight management, weight loss surgery counseling, disordered eating, body image concerns, and implementing health-promoting lifestyle changes. Dr. Wade practices Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and positive psychology approaches, capitalizing on the strengths of each individual to form a collaborative and holistic treatment plan.
Safoura Moraveji
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LICSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20004 (Online Only)
Safoura Moraveji is a seasoned licensed psychotherapist who has been practicing in Maryland and the District of Columbia since 1988. Safoura's most current work has focused primarily on adults experiencing major life transitions such as divorce, family, career moves, and illness. After graduating from the University of Maryland in College Park with her master’s degree in social work, Safoura turned her attention toward psychoanalytic psychotherapy and studies in Gestalt-Existential psychotherapy. Her specialized focuses include working with adults who suffer from severe mood and panic disorders, depression, and anxiety.
Safoura Moraveji is a seasoned licensed psychotherapist who has been practicing in Maryland and the District of Columbia since 1988. Safoura's most current work has focused primarily on adults experiencing major life transitions such as divorce, family, career moves, and illness. After graduating from the University of Maryland in College Park with her master’s degree in social work, Safoura turned her attention toward psychoanalytic psychotherapy and studies in Gestalt-Existential psychotherapy. Her specialized focuses include working with adults who suffer from severe mood and panic disorders, depression, and anxiety.
Sarah S. Berger
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20015
Therapy is often about change - changing oneself or parts of one's life. Taking steps towards change requires tremendous courage, but many people find the rewards of this process well worth the effort. A supportive, helpful guide can go a long way towards making productive changes and that is where I come in. Support is my primary role; my secondary role is to help individuals identify thoughts or behaviors that are limiting progress in one's life. In addition to helping with a wide range of common symptoms like stress, anxiety, depression, I specialize in health psychology (coping with illness).
Therapy is often about change - changing oneself or parts of one's life. Taking steps towards change requires tremendous courage, but many people find the rewards of this process well worth the effort. A supportive, helpful guide can go a long way towards making productive changes and that is where I come in. Support is my primary role; my secondary role is to help individuals identify thoughts or behaviors that are limiting progress in one's life. In addition to helping with a wide range of common symptoms like stress, anxiety, depression, I specialize in health psychology (coping with illness).
Carol Lee Hilewick Phd
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20016
My goal is to help patients learn to be responders and to be in charge of themselves. Throughout treatment, a functional medicine approach is employed. Care collaboration is valued. Patients with cognitive, emotional, and behavioral challenges benefit from a variety of cognitive behavioral, neurobehavioral, and psychophysiological modalities. Patients with such conditions as emotional and physical trauma, chronic pain, addictions, brain injuries and disorders (autism, Asperger's, ADD/ADHD, motor and balance challenges, for example), sleep disorders, anxiety, and depression are treated. Individuals with neurological, autoimmune, metabolic, endocrinological, and other complex medical conditions find that the treatment modalities promote healing.
My goal is to help patients learn to be responders and to be in charge of themselves. Throughout treatment, a functional medicine approach is employed. Care collaboration is valued. Patients with cognitive, emotional, and behavioral challenges benefit from a variety of cognitive behavioral, neurobehavioral, and psychophysiological modalities. Patients with such conditions as emotional and physical trauma, chronic pain, addictions, brain injuries and disorders (autism, Asperger's, ADD/ADHD, motor and balance challenges, for example), sleep disorders, anxiety, and depression are treated. Individuals with neurological, autoimmune, metabolic, endocrinological, and other complex medical conditions find that the treatment modalities promote healing.
Annie Miller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C, LICSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20016
In my practice, I help teens and adults work through problems with insomnia, anxiety, trauma, and chronic pain.
Are you lying in bed at night with racing thoughts? Do you have trouble letting go of stress from your day? Are you having trouble falling asleep or do you wake up multiple times overnight? Are you replaying old memories from the past? Or maybe you have had chronic pain for years and you can't find relief. If you are struggling with insomnia, anxiety, trauma, or chronic pain, I am glad you're here. Dealing with these problems can be challenging but you can heal if you have the right tools. I use clinically proven techniques like EMDR, CBT for insomnia, Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), and other brain-based strategies.
In my practice, I help teens and adults work through problems with insomnia, anxiety, trauma, and chronic pain.
Are you lying in bed at night with racing thoughts? Do you have trouble letting go of stress from your day? Are you having trouble falling asleep or do you wake up multiple times overnight? Are you replaying old memories from the past? Or maybe you have had chronic pain for years and you can't find relief. If you are struggling with insomnia, anxiety, trauma, or chronic pain, I am glad you're here. Dealing with these problems can be challenging but you can heal if you have the right tools. I use clinically proven techniques like EMDR, CBT for insomnia, Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), and other brain-based strategies.
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Rebeca Rios
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20002
If you have been struggling with a health concern such as pain, insomnia, or GI distress, you may feel demoralized by the limitations of medical treatments for many health issues. You may not know that psychotherapy is an effective treatment for a number of medical conditions. As a clinical health psychologist, I specialize in chronic illness, chronic pain, disorders of brain-gut interaction (DGBIs), health anxiety, insomnia, and stress related to navigating the health care system. Therapy can help you to quiet the brain’s natural threat response to symptoms, foster resilience, and embrace life once again.
If you have been struggling with a health concern such as pain, insomnia, or GI distress, you may feel demoralized by the limitations of medical treatments for many health issues. You may not know that psychotherapy is an effective treatment for a number of medical conditions. As a clinical health psychologist, I specialize in chronic illness, chronic pain, disorders of brain-gut interaction (DGBIs), health anxiety, insomnia, and stress related to navigating the health care system. Therapy can help you to quiet the brain’s natural threat response to symptoms, foster resilience, and embrace life once again.
Carissa L Strohecker Hannum
Counselor, MA, LCPC, LPC, CCTP
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036
I have a special interest working with individuals with chronic pain, life transitions, and grief/loss.
Welcome, I truly believe that therapy is a brave and courageous choice. I strive to create a warm, empathetic, and safe environment for each client that chooses to work with me. I have a special expertise working with both adolescents and adults with mood disorders. Our relationship will be used as an element of change. Often, I will utilize aspects of our relationship to highlight barriers to change and provide a warm and directive approach to push you towards growth. My approach within our therapeutic relationship tends to be more collaborative and I commonly use interventions including mindfulness, CBT, DBT and attachment theory.
I have a special interest working with individuals with chronic pain, life transitions, and grief/loss.
Welcome, I truly believe that therapy is a brave and courageous choice. I strive to create a warm, empathetic, and safe environment for each client that chooses to work with me. I have a special expertise working with both adolescents and adults with mood disorders. Our relationship will be used as an element of change. Often, I will utilize aspects of our relationship to highlight barriers to change and provide a warm and directive approach to push you towards growth. My approach within our therapeutic relationship tends to be more collaborative and I commonly use interventions including mindfulness, CBT, DBT and attachment theory.
Wandner Health and Wellness, LLC
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20057 (Online Only)
I specialize in treating patients with acute and chronic pain, EDS, headaches, and migraines.
I am a committed and compassionate clinical psychologist with advanced training and expertise in clinical health psychology. My interests are in helping patients to understand the mind-body connection, helping them to improve their quality of life despite experiencing chronic health conditions, and improving the way that they live despite stress and hardships. I specialize in health psychology, which focuses on promoting overall well-being as well as coping with acute and chronic illnesses.
I specialize in treating patients with acute and chronic pain, EDS, headaches, and migraines.
I am a committed and compassionate clinical psychologist with advanced training and expertise in clinical health psychology. My interests are in helping patients to understand the mind-body connection, helping them to improve their quality of life despite experiencing chronic health conditions, and improving the way that they live despite stress and hardships. I specialize in health psychology, which focuses on promoting overall well-being as well as coping with acute and chronic illnesses.
Erin Etzel
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20016
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in working with people whose physical health conditions impact their mood, sleep, daily activities, relationships, and overall quality of life. I have extensive experience working with individuals living with chronic pain, fibromyalgia, or sleep disorders, as well as military veterans and trauma survivors. My ideal client is someone struggling in their experience of chronic physical illness and/or trauma survivorship who is looking for support and skills to help them live a more fulfilling life.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in working with people whose physical health conditions impact their mood, sleep, daily activities, relationships, and overall quality of life. I have extensive experience working with individuals living with chronic pain, fibromyalgia, or sleep disorders, as well as military veterans and trauma survivors. My ideal client is someone struggling in their experience of chronic physical illness and/or trauma survivorship who is looking for support and skills to help them live a more fulfilling life.
Kate Kelly
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20008
I also work with clients of all ages with depression, ADHD, self-regulation challenges, distinct learning styles, chronic illness, grief and loss, trauma, and issues of identity.
I’m the founder and director of The Center for Family Well-Being, where we aim -- through our groups, individual therapy, and classes -- to help kids, teens, adults, couples, and families fully realize their potential with confidence, understanding, and an open heart. We're a group of highly-trained holistic therapists who integrate Western psychotherapy with the wisdom of Eastern mindful awareness practice, as well as other mind-body healing methods, for greater awareness, connection, and well-being for our clients -- within themselves and with others in their lives.
I also work with clients of all ages with depression, ADHD, self-regulation challenges, distinct learning styles, chronic illness, grief and loss, trauma, and issues of identity.
I’m the founder and director of The Center for Family Well-Being, where we aim -- through our groups, individual therapy, and classes -- to help kids, teens, adults, couples, and families fully realize their potential with confidence, understanding, and an open heart. We're a group of highly-trained holistic therapists who integrate Western psychotherapy with the wisdom of Eastern mindful awareness practice, as well as other mind-body healing methods, for greater awareness, connection, and well-being for our clients -- within themselves and with others in their lives.
Robyn Osborn Pashby
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20015
, binge/emotional eating), chronic pain, diabetes management, as well as the treatment of depression, anxiety, stress, and relationship issues.
If your eating feels out of control or you just want to call a truce between loving your body while also working to be healthier, my team can help. Creating a safe, non-judgmental space to address these & other health/wellness concerns is our goal. We work simultaneously on practical, behavioral strategies to address your current eating/weight struggles as well as explore their root causes (biological, psychological, social & more). Years of dieting, pre/post surgery, medications, & all other histories are welcome. We are gentle, direct, & compassionate. With support, encouragement & evidence-based treatment, you can feel better.
, binge/emotional eating), chronic pain, diabetes management, as well as the treatment of depression, anxiety, stress, and relationship issues.
If your eating feels out of control or you just want to call a truce between loving your body while also working to be healthier, my team can help. Creating a safe, non-judgmental space to address these & other health/wellness concerns is our goal. We work simultaneously on practical, behavioral strategies to address your current eating/weight struggles as well as explore their root causes (biological, psychological, social & more). Years of dieting, pre/post surgery, medications, & all other histories are welcome. We are gentle, direct, & compassionate. With support, encouragement & evidence-based treatment, you can feel better.
Eduardo Cortina
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, SEP
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20015
Are you suffering from the effects of PTSD, anxiety, depression, sudden loss, and/or chronic pain? If so body-oriented psychotherapy may help facilitate your recovery. By working to address the root causes of nervous system imbalance, a body-psychotherapy approach can empower you with tools and skills to re-negotiate and resolve difficult and traumatic experiences. My approach in therapy is client-centered and my work is just to facilitate and provide the optimal conditions for healing to take place. I also hope to impart knowledge and skills for people to work with themselves effectively outside of therapy.
Are you suffering from the effects of PTSD, anxiety, depression, sudden loss, and/or chronic pain? If so body-oriented psychotherapy may help facilitate your recovery. By working to address the root causes of nervous system imbalance, a body-psychotherapy approach can empower you with tools and skills to re-negotiate and resolve difficult and traumatic experiences. My approach in therapy is client-centered and my work is just to facilitate and provide the optimal conditions for healing to take place. I also hope to impart knowledge and skills for people to work with themselves effectively outside of therapy.
Liz McLaughlin
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20009 (Online Only)
I also have specialized training in health psychology and can help you manage health concerns like chronic pain, sleep issues, and maladaptive eating patterns.
I offer an individualized therapy experience based on modern, evidence-based practices. Your goals may include exploring identity issues, managing life transitions, improving the quality of your relationships, or something else; I look forward to hearing your unique story. I use cognitive-behavioral, acceptance-based, and motivational enhancement-based strategies. We’ll start with a thorough assessment of what is troubling you. We’ll collaborate on identifying what is working for you and what is not, and test new strategies you can use to cope more effectively. All along, I’ll provide a safe setting where you can work things out.
I also have specialized training in health psychology and can help you manage health concerns like chronic pain, sleep issues, and maladaptive eating patterns.
I offer an individualized therapy experience based on modern, evidence-based practices. Your goals may include exploring identity issues, managing life transitions, improving the quality of your relationships, or something else; I look forward to hearing your unique story. I use cognitive-behavioral, acceptance-based, and motivational enhancement-based strategies. We’ll start with a thorough assessment of what is troubling you. We’ll collaborate on identifying what is working for you and what is not, and test new strategies you can use to cope more effectively. All along, I’ll provide a safe setting where you can work things out.
Jade Wood
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, MHSA
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036
I specialize in living with illness and/or caregiving, experiencing grief, navigating relationships, dealing with anxiety and coping with unhealed past traumas.
Life can present you with difficult situations which are hard to process and move past. These challenges are not on your timeline and affect everything. Having worked in many healthcare settings, I am familiar navigating life-changing events and grief. I understand the territory of encountering loss, coping with trauma, the complexity of the medical system and living with illness. Together we will face any changes, fears, anxiety and emotions you are experiencing, allowing you to gain more grounding and peace. I will work with you from an integrative, holistic approach to determine together what is needed for your coping, healing and self-care.
I specialize in living with illness and/or caregiving, experiencing grief, navigating relationships, dealing with anxiety and coping with unhealed past traumas.
Life can present you with difficult situations which are hard to process and move past. These challenges are not on your timeline and affect everything. Having worked in many healthcare settings, I am familiar navigating life-changing events and grief. I understand the territory of encountering loss, coping with trauma, the complexity of the medical system and living with illness. Together we will face any changes, fears, anxiety and emotions you are experiencing, allowing you to gain more grounding and peace. I will work with you from an integrative, holistic approach to determine together what is needed for your coping, healing and self-care.
See more therapy options for Washington
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.