Chronic Pain Therapists in Morrisville, NC

Photo of Gisela Weimer, Counselor in Morrisville, NC
Gisela Weimer
Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Morrisville, NC 27560  (Online Only)
I work with motivated individuals seeking relief from chronic pain as well as reduced stress and anxiety in their personal lives or at work. Chronic pain conditions that I treat include but are not limited to neck and back pain, headaches, pelvic pain, IBS, tinnitus, and fibromyalgia.
I work with motivated individuals seeking relief from chronic pain as well as reduced stress and anxiety in their personal lives or at work. Chronic pain conditions that I treat include but are not limited to neck and back pain, headaches, pelvic pain, IBS, tinnitus, and fibromyalgia.
(919) 551-6904 View (919) 551-6904
Photo of Ann Marie Sochia, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Morrisville, NC
Ann Marie Sochia
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MS, LCMHC, CHT, NLP
Verified Verified
Morrisville, NC 27560
At Waves of Change, I assist clients in making the positive changes they want to make in themselves through the utilization of hypnosis, meditation, mindfulness, mental health counseling, and technology assisted relaxation practices. All of my services are offered in a confidential, safe, and serene environment. Some of the specific issues I help clients with are; smoking cessation, weight management, depression, pain management, and stress management to name a few. Please contact me to learn more about how I can help you achieve success in reaching your goals.
At Waves of Change, I assist clients in making the positive changes they want to make in themselves through the utilization of hypnosis, meditation, mindfulness, mental health counseling, and technology assisted relaxation practices. All of my services are offered in a confidential, safe, and serene environment. Some of the specific issues I help clients with are; smoking cessation, weight management, depression, pain management, and stress management to name a few. Please contact me to learn more about how I can help you achieve success in reaching your goals.
(919) 701-6473 View (919) 701-6473
Photo of Barbara Jean Lowe, Psychologist in Morrisville, NC
Barbara Jean Lowe
Psychologist, PhD, LP, BCC, SEP
Verified Verified
Morrisville, NC 27560
Are you hurting, frustrated, or feel stuck? I honor your courage to seek wholeness & growth. I know you want relief. Enduring change through therapy can happen for you. Trauma, relationship challenges, family struggles & internal pain can be shifted! I welcome you into a space of honor, hope, safety, & power to change. I partner w/ you to achieve your goals for skillful living, belonging, & wholeness. I artfully employ therapeutic & scientific techniques that bring wellness to the heart & mind (SE, DBT, ART, CBT, IFS, EMDR, Gottman, EFT). Ages 5-75. I also offer faith integration upon request. I offer hourly sessions & intensives.
Are you hurting, frustrated, or feel stuck? I honor your courage to seek wholeness & growth. I know you want relief. Enduring change through therapy can happen for you. Trauma, relationship challenges, family struggles & internal pain can be shifted! I welcome you into a space of honor, hope, safety, & power to change. I partner w/ you to achieve your goals for skillful living, belonging, & wholeness. I artfully employ therapeutic & scientific techniques that bring wellness to the heart & mind (SE, DBT, ART, CBT, IFS, EMDR, Gottman, EFT). Ages 5-75. I also offer faith integration upon request. I offer hourly sessions & intensives.
(919) 585-1575 View (919) 585-1575
Photo of Paige Orlandi-Holmes, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Morrisville, NC
Paige Orlandi-Holmes
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MEd, LCMHC
Verified Verified
20 Endorsed
Morrisville, NC 27560
Waitlist for new clients
I enjoy helping young adults in transitions or seeking career counseling, clients overcoming trauma, anxiety, depression, pregnancy/postpartum, or chronic illness/pain, and highly sensitive people.
Accepting New Clients - (Open slots are for telehealth only); Our world today can be such a loud, chaotic, unpredictable place - and we are all feeling it, especially post COVID. Life can knock us to the ground and then lift us up to the highest of highs. None of us are immune to pain, but this is of course what makes us human. If you choose to work with me, I will be someone who can support you, encourage you to grow with self-discovery, guide you towards a greater sense of well-being, and help you feel empowered to manage life’s ups and downs.
I enjoy helping young adults in transitions or seeking career counseling, clients overcoming trauma, anxiety, depression, pregnancy/postpartum, or chronic illness/pain, and highly sensitive people.
Accepting New Clients - (Open slots are for telehealth only); Our world today can be such a loud, chaotic, unpredictable place - and we are all feeling it, especially post COVID. Life can knock us to the ground and then lift us up to the highest of highs. None of us are immune to pain, but this is of course what makes us human. If you choose to work with me, I will be someone who can support you, encourage you to grow with self-discovery, guide you towards a greater sense of well-being, and help you feel empowered to manage life’s ups and downs.
(984) 223-0061 View (984) 223-0061
Photo of Asha Simpson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Morrisville, NC
Asha Simpson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LISW-CP
Verified Verified
Morrisville, NC 27560  (Online Only)
As we progress through the stages of our lives, we often begin to realize how the experiences we've had along the way have shaped us into the person we are today. Therapy is a safe and nonjudgemental space to explore these experiences with curiosity. As a licensed Clinical Social Worker, I utilize a collaborative, solution focused, and strengths based approach informed by evidence based therapeutic treatment modalities to support clients of all backgrounds and identities in unravelling the psychological and environmental factors that have impacted you along your life journey.
As we progress through the stages of our lives, we often begin to realize how the experiences we've had along the way have shaped us into the person we are today. Therapy is a safe and nonjudgemental space to explore these experiences with curiosity. As a licensed Clinical Social Worker, I utilize a collaborative, solution focused, and strengths based approach informed by evidence based therapeutic treatment modalities to support clients of all backgrounds and identities in unravelling the psychological and environmental factors that have impacted you along your life journey.
(919) 504-5553 View (919) 504-5553
Photo of Whitney Garland, LCSW Associate in Morrisville, NC
Whitney Garland
LCSW Associate , LCSWA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Morrisville, NC 27560
Immediate openings March 2024! Whitney believes that therapy is a place where clients should feel empowered, seen, and safe. She seeks to help clients build lives they love and grow with self compassion. Whitney sees therapy as not only a place to address symptoms, but as a stepping stone toward fulfillment and wholeness. She is a down to earth clinician who is not afraid to ask difficult questions in an environment where clients feel comfortable diving into vulnerability. She is honored to sit with others in times of distress, and celebrate with others when they make strides towards their goals.
Immediate openings March 2024! Whitney believes that therapy is a place where clients should feel empowered, seen, and safe. She seeks to help clients build lives they love and grow with self compassion. Whitney sees therapy as not only a place to address symptoms, but as a stepping stone toward fulfillment and wholeness. She is a down to earth clinician who is not afraid to ask difficult questions in an environment where clients feel comfortable diving into vulnerability. She is honored to sit with others in times of distress, and celebrate with others when they make strides towards their goals.
(919) 891-6391 View (919) 891-6391
Photo of Jennifer Morris, Licensed Professional Counselor in Morrisville, NC
Jennifer Morris
Licensed Professional Counselor, MAEd, LCMHC, CCTS-I, NCC
Verified Verified
Morrisville, NC 27560  (Online Only)
Welcome! Every day we are faced with challenges that can be overwhelming and therapy can be a great way to re-center and have a private space to be honored and understood. I work with individuals ages 10-70 who struggle with unresolved trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, substance use as well as children struggling with family conflict and parenting challenges. I work to provide a personalized experience that empowers clients to improve their wellbeing through developing skills to improve relationships, increase connection, decrease negative stress responses and enhance spirituality.
Welcome! Every day we are faced with challenges that can be overwhelming and therapy can be a great way to re-center and have a private space to be honored and understood. I work with individuals ages 10-70 who struggle with unresolved trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, substance use as well as children struggling with family conflict and parenting challenges. I work to provide a personalized experience that empowers clients to improve their wellbeing through developing skills to improve relationships, increase connection, decrease negative stress responses and enhance spirituality.
(757) 693-9671 View (757) 693-9671
Photo of Audra Vann, Counselor in Morrisville, NC
Audra Vann
Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Morrisville, NC 27560
Audra Vann is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina who has been practicing since 2019. She has an B.A. Liberal Studies with a minor in French from California State University of San Bernardino (summa cum laude with highest honors, special recognition from the School of Communication for Excellence in Journalism), an M. A. Special Education with a concentration in Assistive Technology (summa cum laude with highest honors), and an M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in trauma and crisis (summa cum laude with highest honors). Some people experience more trauma than others.
Audra Vann is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina who has been practicing since 2019. She has an B.A. Liberal Studies with a minor in French from California State University of San Bernardino (summa cum laude with highest honors, special recognition from the School of Communication for Excellence in Journalism), an M. A. Special Education with a concentration in Assistive Technology (summa cum laude with highest honors), and an M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in trauma and crisis (summa cum laude with highest honors). Some people experience more trauma than others.
(919) 364-6620 View (919) 364-6620
Photo of Integrity Counseling & Wellness, PLLC in Morrisville, NC
Integrity Counseling & Wellness, PLLC
LCMHCS
Verified Verified
Morrisville, NC 27560
Accepting New Patients Immediately! Our counselors utilize an integrative approach to therapy and strive to create a trusting and open counseling environment. We are experienced in treating depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and many other concerns. Your comfort with self-expression is a top priority, so you will find our counselors are inviting and non-judgmental with those whom they serve. We enjoy providing new insight and guidance and prove to be individualized in meeting each client's needs.
Accepting New Patients Immediately! Our counselors utilize an integrative approach to therapy and strive to create a trusting and open counseling environment. We are experienced in treating depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and many other concerns. Your comfort with self-expression is a top priority, so you will find our counselors are inviting and non-judgmental with those whom they serve. We enjoy providing new insight and guidance and prove to be individualized in meeting each client's needs.
(919) 372-0850 View (919) 372-0850
Photo of Heather Bergida Thurston, Psychologist in Morrisville, NC
Heather Bergida Thurston
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Morrisville, NC 27560
Waitlist for new clients
I am a licensed clinical psychologist located in Cary, NC providing individual (ages 18-85+) and marital therapy. I have extensive experience working with survivors of traumatic events (combat, sexual assault, childhood abuse, domestic violence, car accidents, and natural disasters) and aiding them in their recovery. I am often inspired by the resilience and fortitude amongst this population. My areas of expertise are PTSD, depression, panic, anxiety, OCD, grief and loss, and emotion regulation. I also specialize in working with couples to improve communication, decrease conflict, enhance intimacy, and address infidelity.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist located in Cary, NC providing individual (ages 18-85+) and marital therapy. I have extensive experience working with survivors of traumatic events (combat, sexual assault, childhood abuse, domestic violence, car accidents, and natural disasters) and aiding them in their recovery. I am often inspired by the resilience and fortitude amongst this population. My areas of expertise are PTSD, depression, panic, anxiety, OCD, grief and loss, and emotion regulation. I also specialize in working with couples to improve communication, decrease conflict, enhance intimacy, and address infidelity.
(919) 729-5189 View (919) 729-5189
Photo of Mark E Scalco, Psychologist in Morrisville, NC
Mark E Scalco
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Morrisville, NC 27560
I take an active role within the therapy sessions to understand your issues and strengths, so that we might work toward solutions that are uniquely suited to you. I utilize a variety of techniques within a supportive and nurturing relationship. Techniques include insight-oriented, CBT, solution focused and ACT. I have worked with people of many different socioeconomic, religious, and ethnic backgrounds. I am also comfortable working with individuals of all sexual orientations. Please see my website at www.drscalco.weebly.com.
I take an active role within the therapy sessions to understand your issues and strengths, so that we might work toward solutions that are uniquely suited to you. I utilize a variety of techniques within a supportive and nurturing relationship. Techniques include insight-oriented, CBT, solution focused and ACT. I have worked with people of many different socioeconomic, religious, and ethnic backgrounds. I am also comfortable working with individuals of all sexual orientations. Please see my website at www.drscalco.weebly.com.
(919) 419-3110 x115 View (919) 419-3110 x115
Photo of Anna Vargas, Counselor in Morrisville, NC
Anna Vargas
Counselor, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Morrisville, NC 27560
I provide guidance for clients with a variety of mental health concerns including anxiety, OCD, depression, traumatic events, challenging childhoods, and feeling overwhelmed, stressed and “not good enough,” but most importantly, I enjoy helping folks navigate the challenges of being human in a world that is constantly telling us how we’re “supposed” to be. I strive to create a warm, non-judgmental and down-to-earth environment for clients to begin sharing their life experiences, expanding self-awareness, shifting perspectives, and letting go of unworkable patterns in order to move in a more meaningful and intentional direction.
I provide guidance for clients with a variety of mental health concerns including anxiety, OCD, depression, traumatic events, challenging childhoods, and feeling overwhelmed, stressed and “not good enough,” but most importantly, I enjoy helping folks navigate the challenges of being human in a world that is constantly telling us how we’re “supposed” to be. I strive to create a warm, non-judgmental and down-to-earth environment for clients to begin sharing their life experiences, expanding self-awareness, shifting perspectives, and letting go of unworkable patterns in order to move in a more meaningful and intentional direction.
(919) 298-8529 View (919) 298-8529
Photo of Micheale Collie, Licensed Professional Counselor in Morrisville, NC
Micheale Collie
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC, LCAS, CSI
Verified Verified
Morrisville, NC 27560
I welcome clients to my practice who are struggling with many of life's challenges, including substance use and addiction, anxiety, grief and loss, life transitions, family and relationship stress, and trauma. I believe no problem is too big or too small for therapy. You may identify as a high achiever who is used to getting things done and possibly caring for others. Who holds space for you?
I welcome clients to my practice who are struggling with many of life's challenges, including substance use and addiction, anxiety, grief and loss, life transitions, family and relationship stress, and trauma. I believe no problem is too big or too small for therapy. You may identify as a high achiever who is used to getting things done and possibly caring for others. Who holds space for you?
(919) 815-6384 View (919) 815-6384
Photo of Madelfia A. Abb, Licensed Professional Counselor in Morrisville, NC
Madelfia A. Abb
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
Morrisville, NC 27560
Not Accepting New Clients. Why cancer now? Hearing the diagnosis of cancer can be overwhelmingly devastating, emotionally and physically. Treatment and tests can trigger anxiety, depression, existential crisis, or the exacerbation of traumas and conflicts. It feels like your life has an expiration date and with each ache, sleeplessness, fear, and sadness they become a reminder of that “c” word taking control of your life as well as your loved ones. Are you struggling to find some sense of it all? Are you on a quest for some semblance of normalcy? Are you questioning how can you continue to create the life you want to live?
Not Accepting New Clients. Why cancer now? Hearing the diagnosis of cancer can be overwhelmingly devastating, emotionally and physically. Treatment and tests can trigger anxiety, depression, existential crisis, or the exacerbation of traumas and conflicts. It feels like your life has an expiration date and with each ache, sleeplessness, fear, and sadness they become a reminder of that “c” word taking control of your life as well as your loved ones. Are you struggling to find some sense of it all? Are you on a quest for some semblance of normalcy? Are you questioning how can you continue to create the life you want to live?
(919) 823-5809 View (919) 823-5809
Photo of Karen L Bieniek, Licensed Professional Counselor in Morrisville, NC
Karen L Bieniek
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Morrisville, NC 27560
Waitlist for new clients
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University College of Behavioral Sciences, Twin Cities, Eagan, MN. I also have been a Licensed Practical Nurse, since 1990. I have completed education in sex therapy, from University of Wisconsin-Stout, Menamonie, WI. I have been working since 2014 as a therapist. I also have experience working with veterans, and have worked in both acute inpatient psychiatric hospital and outpatient intensive therapy.
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University College of Behavioral Sciences, Twin Cities, Eagan, MN. I also have been a Licensed Practical Nurse, since 1990. I have completed education in sex therapy, from University of Wisconsin-Stout, Menamonie, WI. I have been working since 2014 as a therapist. I also have experience working with veterans, and have worked in both acute inpatient psychiatric hospital and outpatient intensive therapy.
(919) 635-9072 View (919) 635-9072
Photo of Elizabeth Pugliese, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Morrisville, NC
Elizabeth Pugliese
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC, LCAS, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Morrisville, NC 27560  (Online Only)
It can be exhausting to navigate life when isolated, facing one stressor after another, feeling depressed or anxious, or trying to recover from a traumatic experience. For many, these experiences interfere with day-to-day life such as our relationships, work, school, and more. For many, therapy can provide needed support. The most significant part of therapy is your relationship with your therapist, this is why I approach therapy by getting to know you as a whole person and use a collaborative approach to help empower your innate strengths.
It can be exhausting to navigate life when isolated, facing one stressor after another, feeling depressed or anxious, or trying to recover from a traumatic experience. For many, these experiences interfere with day-to-day life such as our relationships, work, school, and more. For many, therapy can provide needed support. The most significant part of therapy is your relationship with your therapist, this is why I approach therapy by getting to know you as a whole person and use a collaborative approach to help empower your innate strengths.
(919) 822-9118 View (919) 822-9118
Photo of Melissa Aguilar, Marriage & Family Therapist in Morrisville, NC
Melissa Aguilar
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Morrisville, NC 27560  (Online Only)
Are you feeling overwhelmed in how to manage your emotions or perhaps you are feeling overwhelmed in your relationships (marital, parent-child, parent-teenager, family, or friends)? Do you find yourself becoming irritable at small things or simply being someone you do not want to be anymore? If the answer is yes to any of those questions, I am glad you have found my page. We all have difficult times throughout our life and it is okay to need and ask for help. Difficult times or difficult symptoms vary from person to person. I am here to help guide you and find ways to alleviate your concerns.
Are you feeling overwhelmed in how to manage your emotions or perhaps you are feeling overwhelmed in your relationships (marital, parent-child, parent-teenager, family, or friends)? Do you find yourself becoming irritable at small things or simply being someone you do not want to be anymore? If the answer is yes to any of those questions, I am glad you have found my page. We all have difficult times throughout our life and it is okay to need and ask for help. Difficult times or difficult symptoms vary from person to person. I am here to help guide you and find ways to alleviate your concerns.
(919) 351-6417 View (919) 351-6417
Photo of Marilyn Bara, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Morrisville, NC
Marilyn Bara
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Morrisville, NC 27560
Not accepting new clients
My goal is to help you to resolve the problems that bring you to therapy and to help you to understand the personal and environmental factors that might have contributed to your problems. I draw from both insight-oriented and cognitive-behavioral approaches and I believe that therapy is first and foremost a collaborative partnership where the patient and therapist work together to achieve stability; restore functioning; remedy long-standing, problematic behavior patterns; and develop a platform for lifelong growth, renewed energy, self-development and enhanced relationships. I've been in practice since 1990.
My goal is to help you to resolve the problems that bring you to therapy and to help you to understand the personal and environmental factors that might have contributed to your problems. I draw from both insight-oriented and cognitive-behavioral approaches and I believe that therapy is first and foremost a collaborative partnership where the patient and therapist work together to achieve stability; restore functioning; remedy long-standing, problematic behavior patterns; and develop a platform for lifelong growth, renewed energy, self-development and enhanced relationships. I've been in practice since 1990.
(919) 842-3064 View (919) 842-3064

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Cynthia D Hughes, Marriage & Family Therapist in Morrisville, NC
Cynthia D Hughes
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Cary, NC 27513
Waitlist for new clients
I have extensive training in bereavement, chronic and terminal illness, and trauma.
Good psychotherapy requires a "match" between client(s) and therapist and avoids "stretching the client to fit the couch." Finding the right psychotherapist involves both clinical skill and personality match. A good therapist is genuine, warm, and offers a human relationship with active listening, guidance, and good advice. As a Marriage & Family Therapist, what I offer as a clinician is an active style of psychotherapy with a high regard for where you are in your journey, what your goals are, and what things can be pointed out and changed along the path to growth and improved relationships.
I have extensive training in bereavement, chronic and terminal illness, and trauma.
Good psychotherapy requires a "match" between client(s) and therapist and avoids "stretching the client to fit the couch." Finding the right psychotherapist involves both clinical skill and personality match. A good therapist is genuine, warm, and offers a human relationship with active listening, guidance, and good advice. As a Marriage & Family Therapist, what I offer as a clinician is an active style of psychotherapy with a high regard for where you are in your journey, what your goals are, and what things can be pointed out and changed along the path to growth and improved relationships.
(984) 203-6882 View (984) 203-6882
Photo of Heather Ingram, Counselor in Morrisville, NC
Heather Ingram
Counselor, MS, LCMHC, CRC
Verified Verified
Cary, NC 27513
Waitlist for new clients
Growing up with family members living with mental illness gave me a deeply personal perspective on how important compassionate high quality mental health care is for clients and families. I am passionate about helping adolescents, adults, and families with managing life transitions and coping with change, anxiety and depression, parenting, career issues, burnout, adjustment to disability and chronic illness, substance abuse, stress management, and lasting lifestyle behavioral change. I truly believe you can't heal what you don't feel, and I strive to provide a safe place for processing feelings and emotions.
Growing up with family members living with mental illness gave me a deeply personal perspective on how important compassionate high quality mental health care is for clients and families. I am passionate about helping adolescents, adults, and families with managing life transitions and coping with change, anxiety and depression, parenting, career issues, burnout, adjustment to disability and chronic illness, substance abuse, stress management, and lasting lifestyle behavioral change. I truly believe you can't heal what you don't feel, and I strive to provide a safe place for processing feelings and emotions.
(919) 343-5649 View (919) 343-5649

See more therapy options for Morrisville

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.