Photo of Paige Majko, Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, TX
Paige Majko
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA , LPC, EMDR
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78745
Hi. Thank you for your interest in my psychotherapy services. I specialize in trauma, PTSD and treating chronic pain utilizing both EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Somatic Psychotherapy. Both of these are evidence based treatment modalities with high efficacy rates. Making the decision to begin therapy is an incredibly brave act of self kindness. You can have peace, joy and happiness in your life. I would be honored to help you begin this courageous journey of transformation.
Hi. Thank you for your interest in my psychotherapy services. I specialize in trauma, PTSD and treating chronic pain utilizing both EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Somatic Psychotherapy. Both of these are evidence based treatment modalities with high efficacy rates. Making the decision to begin therapy is an incredibly brave act of self kindness. You can have peace, joy and happiness in your life. I would be honored to help you begin this courageous journey of transformation.
(832) 307-3463 View (832) 307-3463
Photo of Sarah Pendergraft, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Austin, TX
Sarah Pendergraft
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RYT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78746
We can lose touch with ourselves for a variety of reasons. Sometimes the symptoms of our issues disconnect us from ourselves, our environment, and our loved ones. I help clients reconnect with who they are, what they need, and what is most important to them. In sessions, I help clients work through trauma, addiction, chronic pain, chronic health, personal development, relationships, limiting beliefs, black-and-white thinking, judgments, and self-compassion. As a somatic therapist and yoga instructor, I help clients cultivate mindfulness and meditation skills, which can be a critical part of the therapeutic process.
We can lose touch with ourselves for a variety of reasons. Sometimes the symptoms of our issues disconnect us from ourselves, our environment, and our loved ones. I help clients reconnect with who they are, what they need, and what is most important to them. In sessions, I help clients work through trauma, addiction, chronic pain, chronic health, personal development, relationships, limiting beliefs, black-and-white thinking, judgments, and self-compassion. As a somatic therapist and yoga instructor, I help clients cultivate mindfulness and meditation skills, which can be a critical part of the therapeutic process.
(512) 233-6018 View (512) 233-6018
Photo of Kelly Pastori, Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, TX
Kelly Pastori
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78704
Trauma and abuse: spiritual, emotional, sexual, physical, racial; Nervous system psychoeducation, anxiety/depression; Boundaries and codependency; Sexual identity development, Evangelical fundamentalist Purity culture recovery; White identity development; Chronic illness, unidentified physical pain and stress, psychosomatic stress.
At the heart of my work, I approach therapy from a relational, psychodynamic therapy model, which means I believe the relationship between the client and therapist can be a transformative component in the growth process. I am a LPC combining modern neurobiology with holistic somatic healing, the psychodynamic therapeutic relationship, and body-based practices to create an experiential awakening on a bodily, psychological and emotional level. I work from a somatic-centered therapeutic approach, meaning that I believe that the body tells the stories and narratives. For more information, my website is: www.kellypastori.com
Trauma and abuse: spiritual, emotional, sexual, physical, racial; Nervous system psychoeducation, anxiety/depression; Boundaries and codependency; Sexual identity development, Evangelical fundamentalist Purity culture recovery; White identity development; Chronic illness, unidentified physical pain and stress, psychosomatic stress.
At the heart of my work, I approach therapy from a relational, psychodynamic therapy model, which means I believe the relationship between the client and therapist can be a transformative component in the growth process. I am a LPC combining modern neurobiology with holistic somatic healing, the psychodynamic therapeutic relationship, and body-based practices to create an experiential awakening on a bodily, psychological and emotional level. I work from a somatic-centered therapeutic approach, meaning that I believe that the body tells the stories and narratives. For more information, my website is: www.kellypastori.com
(512) 598-5003 View (512) 598-5003
Photo of Shanna Willner, Counselor in Austin, TX
Shanna Willner
Counselor, MA, PMP, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78757
I work with anxiety, PTS/D, chronic pain, medical trauma, abuse, and illness including insomnia, migraine, and body system issues.
You can heal. I'm an ally and guide in the process. I work with pts/d and trauma, anxiety, chronic pain, and attachment interruption. My work integrates psychotherapy, bio-psychology, behavioral change, and holistic practice, and I use the lense of attachment theory to guide us. We will dismantle the barriers that block you from living your fullest life, however you define that, and we'll help you build new pathways to travel forward. Together, we use our relationship, your self-knowledge and life-knowledge, and my specialized training to move your life into something personally satisfying. I expect to open an office 6/24
I work with anxiety, PTS/D, chronic pain, medical trauma, abuse, and illness including insomnia, migraine, and body system issues.
You can heal. I'm an ally and guide in the process. I work with pts/d and trauma, anxiety, chronic pain, and attachment interruption. My work integrates psychotherapy, bio-psychology, behavioral change, and holistic practice, and I use the lense of attachment theory to guide us. We will dismantle the barriers that block you from living your fullest life, however you define that, and we'll help you build new pathways to travel forward. Together, we use our relationship, your self-knowledge and life-knowledge, and my specialized training to move your life into something personally satisfying. I expect to open an office 6/24
(424) 206-6738 View (424) 206-6738
Photo of Melanie Somerville, Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, TX
Melanie Somerville
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78704
I bring compassion, curiosity, and sensitive expertise to my work with adults. A mindful approach allows for attention to the present moment as the foundation for insight and change. Are you finding it difficult to prioritize or care for your mental health? Do you have a history of trauma? Encountering overwhelming life changes? Struggling with chronic pain? My broad experience can be the key to making sense of your world and regaining your equilibrium. In addition, I bring my life experience and work as a professional counselor to offer supervision to LPC interns using the Integrated Development Model and a Psychodynamic approach.
I bring compassion, curiosity, and sensitive expertise to my work with adults. A mindful approach allows for attention to the present moment as the foundation for insight and change. Are you finding it difficult to prioritize or care for your mental health? Do you have a history of trauma? Encountering overwhelming life changes? Struggling with chronic pain? My broad experience can be the key to making sense of your world and regaining your equilibrium. In addition, I bring my life experience and work as a professional counselor to offer supervision to LPC interns using the Integrated Development Model and a Psychodynamic approach.
(512) 960-3591 View (512) 960-3591
Photo of Heidi Hoarau, Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, TX
Heidi Hoarau
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78701  (Online Only)
Feeling anxious or depressed is often the result of chronic stress, unresolved trauma or grief. I work with adults who struggle with intense emotions or have coped through numbing them. Some suffer from physical discomfort or chronic pain, while others struggle in their relationships, or engage in behaviors that both soothe and hurt them. If that resonates with you, I would love to offer you my attention and guiding skills to help you explore and make sense of your inner experiences in order to heal wounds and access more calm, clarity, confidence, compassion, and connection with yourself and others, so that you may feel more alive!
Feeling anxious or depressed is often the result of chronic stress, unresolved trauma or grief. I work with adults who struggle with intense emotions or have coped through numbing them. Some suffer from physical discomfort or chronic pain, while others struggle in their relationships, or engage in behaviors that both soothe and hurt them. If that resonates with you, I would love to offer you my attention and guiding skills to help you explore and make sense of your inner experiences in order to heal wounds and access more calm, clarity, confidence, compassion, and connection with yourself and others, so that you may feel more alive!
(346) 534-5831 View (346) 534-5831
Photo of Emily (Holden) Belcher, Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, TX
Emily (Holden) Belcher
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78750
I have a special passion for helping those suffering from trauma, chronic pain, and eating disorders.
It is my strong belief that my role as a therapist is to create a safe and nonjudgmental space for each client where they can explore their inner selves, values, and life experiences in order to actualize their goals and hopes for their lives. I work in a collaborative way to assist clients in safely exploring and processing difficult thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This process is specifically tailored to the unique needs of each individual and how they wish to show up in their lives. I am committed to creating an environment where people of all cultures and backgrounds are treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.
I have a special passion for helping those suffering from trauma, chronic pain, and eating disorders.
It is my strong belief that my role as a therapist is to create a safe and nonjudgmental space for each client where they can explore their inner selves, values, and life experiences in order to actualize their goals and hopes for their lives. I work in a collaborative way to assist clients in safely exploring and processing difficult thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This process is specifically tailored to the unique needs of each individual and how they wish to show up in their lives. I am committed to creating an environment where people of all cultures and backgrounds are treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.
(512) 812-7817 View (512) 812-7817
Photo of Lisa Z Warren, Psychologist in Austin, TX
Lisa Z Warren
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78717  (Online Only)
I work with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, sleep problems, chronic pain, and serious mental illness. I am here to support you or your loved one on the journey to health and provide you with tools and strategies to help you weather personal, professional, and parenting storms, whether through therapy or a thorough psychological assessment. I am currently taking clients age 16 and up. All services are for people of any sexual orientation and at all points on the gender spectrum. Psychological evaluation offered in person including pre-surgical assessment for those seeking gender-affirming procedures.
I work with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, sleep problems, chronic pain, and serious mental illness. I am here to support you or your loved one on the journey to health and provide you with tools and strategies to help you weather personal, professional, and parenting storms, whether through therapy or a thorough psychological assessment. I am currently taking clients age 16 and up. All services are for people of any sexual orientation and at all points on the gender spectrum. Psychological evaluation offered in person including pre-surgical assessment for those seeking gender-affirming procedures.
(512) 842-6711 View (512) 842-6711
Photo of Brittany (Neece) Whallen, Marriage & Family Therapist in Austin, TX
Brittany (Neece) Whallen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LPC-S, LMFT-S
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78759
Many of our clients come to us for issues including: Relationship struggles; Grief and Loss (including the death or loss of a loved one, loss of a job, and divorce); Anxiety; Depression; Traumatic experiences; EMDR; Life transitional issues; Difficulty within the family system; and Chronic Pain (Specifically pelvic pain).
We all go through complicated situations, some of which we don’t feel adequately prepared to handle. Most of us were never taught how to navigate these difficult struggles in healthy, constructive ways. That's why we are here. My clinical team works with a diverse variety of clientele to provide affordable counseling services to individuals, couples, and families. We want to work with you to help you overcome obstacles that you are facing, improve on aspects in your current life situation, and provide a sense of strength and hope during times that you may feel lost. Please call us for a free phone consultation.
Many of our clients come to us for issues including: Relationship struggles; Grief and Loss (including the death or loss of a loved one, loss of a job, and divorce); Anxiety; Depression; Traumatic experiences; EMDR; Life transitional issues; Difficulty within the family system; and Chronic Pain (Specifically pelvic pain).
We all go through complicated situations, some of which we don’t feel adequately prepared to handle. Most of us were never taught how to navigate these difficult struggles in healthy, constructive ways. That's why we are here. My clinical team works with a diverse variety of clientele to provide affordable counseling services to individuals, couples, and families. We want to work with you to help you overcome obstacles that you are facing, improve on aspects in your current life situation, and provide a sense of strength and hope during times that you may feel lost. Please call us for a free phone consultation.
(512) 814-6027 View (512) 814-6027
Photo of Samaritan Center in Austin, TX
Samaritan Center
LCSW, LMFT, LPC, LAC
Not Verified Not Verified
Austin, TX 78758
We serve all ages and address a variety of issues including family violence, child abuse, sexual assault, stress, addiction, divorce, depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, TBI, pain, insomnia, grief, aging, relationships, career and life transitions.
Samaritan Center has been saving lives and giving hope to Central Texas families for more than 45 years. We envision a healthy and compassionate community where every individual achieves mental, physical, spiritual and social well-being. We heal hearts, provide hope, and enhance lives with a holistic approach to mental health for all ages, whole families and the military community. Since 2007, we have supported veterans and military families through our Hope for Heroes program. With 14 counselors and 2 acupuncturists, we have a unique approach to treating individuals and families.
We serve all ages and address a variety of issues including family violence, child abuse, sexual assault, stress, addiction, divorce, depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, TBI, pain, insomnia, grief, aging, relationships, career and life transitions.
Samaritan Center has been saving lives and giving hope to Central Texas families for more than 45 years. We envision a healthy and compassionate community where every individual achieves mental, physical, spiritual and social well-being. We heal hearts, provide hope, and enhance lives with a holistic approach to mental health for all ages, whole families and the military community. Since 2007, we have supported veterans and military families through our Hope for Heroes program. With 14 counselors and 2 acupuncturists, we have a unique approach to treating individuals and families.
(512) 271-4072 View (512) 271-4072
Photo of Brooke Robb, Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, TX
Brooke Robb
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78704
I work with people who want help improving their relationships, or who want relief from the pain of their self-criticism, loneliness, or overwhelming feelings—usually some combination of these. Some of the people I work with want to feel more fully alive. Many of them want to learn how to deepen their connections with others and feel more at ease just being themselves in the world.
I work with people who want help improving their relationships, or who want relief from the pain of their self-criticism, loneliness, or overwhelming feelings—usually some combination of these. Some of the people I work with want to feel more fully alive. Many of them want to learn how to deepen their connections with others and feel more at ease just being themselves in the world.
(737) 210-3636 View (737) 210-3636
Photo of Marty Romero Brickley, M.Ed., LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, TX
Marty Romero Brickley, M.Ed., LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78745
Life Problems * Depression * Anxiety * Life Transitions * Pain Grief & Loss * Marital & Relationship Issues * Fears & Phobias * Parenting Issues * Trauma/PTSD * Existential Issues.
I provide counseling for individuals, couples, marriages and families. I also provide individual sessions for Meridian Tapping and iRest® Yoga Nidra Meditation. I integrate Imago, Meridian Tapping and meditation to empower you in learning to navigate your life and relationships. I guide you in exploring body feelings, emotions and beliefs as well as your relationship systems. I will guide you in learning how to become safe with yourself and how to be empowered in the present while living in the world. I look forward to working with you. I will treat your concerns with the utmost respect and with complete confidentiality.
Life Problems * Depression * Anxiety * Life Transitions * Pain Grief & Loss * Marital & Relationship Issues * Fears & Phobias * Parenting Issues * Trauma/PTSD * Existential Issues.
I provide counseling for individuals, couples, marriages and families. I also provide individual sessions for Meridian Tapping and iRest® Yoga Nidra Meditation. I integrate Imago, Meridian Tapping and meditation to empower you in learning to navigate your life and relationships. I guide you in exploring body feelings, emotions and beliefs as well as your relationship systems. I will guide you in learning how to become safe with yourself and how to be empowered in the present while living in the world. I look forward to working with you. I will treat your concerns with the utmost respect and with complete confidentiality.
(512) 354-2813 View (512) 354-2813
Photo of Elizabeth Dossman, Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, TX
Elizabeth Dossman
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78746  (Online Only)
I have extensive experience with depression, anxiety, chronic illness, substance abuse, LGBTQ and mood disorders.
A variety of approaches and techniques can be productive in the self-discovery process. My first priority is to create a comfortable setting – regardless of geography – that makes each individual at ease in sharing his or her significant life experiences. A feeling of respect, non judgmental attitude and positive regard will be felt when meeting with me. With this atmosphere set, the ability to develop new perspectives, coping mechanisms and problem-solving skills will prosper. I will help you transform your thinking in a way that enables you to find new purpose, deeper meaning and a more authentic relationship.
I have extensive experience with depression, anxiety, chronic illness, substance abuse, LGBTQ and mood disorders.
A variety of approaches and techniques can be productive in the self-discovery process. My first priority is to create a comfortable setting – regardless of geography – that makes each individual at ease in sharing his or her significant life experiences. A feeling of respect, non judgmental attitude and positive regard will be felt when meeting with me. With this atmosphere set, the ability to develop new perspectives, coping mechanisms and problem-solving skills will prosper. I will help you transform your thinking in a way that enables you to find new purpose, deeper meaning and a more authentic relationship.
(512) 410-1283 View (512) 410-1283
Photo of Deborah Vanko, Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, TX
Deborah Vanko
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78748  (Online Only)
For 30 years I have helped couples and individuals to create a satisfying, loving, conflict-free life by overcoming past or present obstacles. Everyone deserves to be happy and free of emotional pain. I believe empowering people to take charge of their life is liberating. I use a wide variety of counseling approaches customized to fit the individual. These include expressing emotion, identifying helpful and dysfunctional thinking/beliefs and changing behavior or developing strategies to create success. I am an open-minded therapist accepting the diversity of client lifestyle and gender.
For 30 years I have helped couples and individuals to create a satisfying, loving, conflict-free life by overcoming past or present obstacles. Everyone deserves to be happy and free of emotional pain. I believe empowering people to take charge of their life is liberating. I use a wide variety of counseling approaches customized to fit the individual. These include expressing emotion, identifying helpful and dysfunctional thinking/beliefs and changing behavior or developing strategies to create success. I am an open-minded therapist accepting the diversity of client lifestyle and gender.
(512) 515-9483 View (512) 515-9483
Photo of Garrett Lathan, Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, TX
Garrett Lathan
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78750
Pain, mental suffering, and relational anguish are a part of life. The question is, what are these experiences saying for you? Desire might be inhibited, hidden by anxiety, or revealed through a symptom, but living without it seems impossible. Psychoanalysis is the process of finding out how to live with what cannot be lived without.
Pain, mental suffering, and relational anguish are a part of life. The question is, what are these experiences saying for you? Desire might be inhibited, hidden by anxiety, or revealed through a symptom, but living without it seems impossible. Psychoanalysis is the process of finding out how to live with what cannot be lived without.
(512) 359-5948 View (512) 359-5948
Photo of Emily E Harrison, Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, TX
Emily E Harrison
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78703  (Online Only)
I specialize in acting as a companion on illness, trauma, or grief journeys.
Are you grappling with the impacts of a loss, medical diagnosis, or trauma? Loss is common to the human experience, but when it stems from the death of a loved one or a cancer diagnosis, it can be especially isolating and overwhelming. You’re asking big questions: Will I always feel like this? Is this normal? When will my suffering end? And despite trying therapy in the past or talking to your friends and family, it’s felt like no one has truly understood your experience. You’re craving warmth, safety, and radical unconditional regard—somewhere all of your emotions, questions, and fears can be freely shared and expressed.
I specialize in acting as a companion on illness, trauma, or grief journeys.
Are you grappling with the impacts of a loss, medical diagnosis, or trauma? Loss is common to the human experience, but when it stems from the death of a loved one or a cancer diagnosis, it can be especially isolating and overwhelming. You’re asking big questions: Will I always feel like this? Is this normal? When will my suffering end? And despite trying therapy in the past or talking to your friends and family, it’s felt like no one has truly understood your experience. You’re craving warmth, safety, and radical unconditional regard—somewhere all of your emotions, questions, and fears can be freely shared and expressed.
(512) 692-4782 View (512) 692-4782
Photo of Susan Bushong, Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, TX
Susan Bushong
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78731
Chronic pain and illness, sleep problems and sexual addiction and food problems are my specialties. I have over 40 years of experience, an advance certification in compulsive sexual problems and I am a certified weight loss specialist. I also have extensive training in treating anxiety and depression as well as problems in relationships. I am extensively trained in treating chronic pain and sleep problems through hypnotherapy and brief solution focused therapy. I have worked in Europe, India and the United States.
Chronic pain and illness, sleep problems and sexual addiction and food problems are my specialties. I have over 40 years of experience, an advance certification in compulsive sexual problems and I am a certified weight loss specialist. I also have extensive training in treating anxiety and depression as well as problems in relationships. I am extensively trained in treating chronic pain and sleep problems through hypnotherapy and brief solution focused therapy. I have worked in Europe, India and the United States.
(512) 337-3357 View (512) 337-3357
Photo of Paige Bartholomew, Marriage & Family Therapist in Austin, TX
Paige Bartholomew
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78746  (Online Only)
Individual Counseling and Couples. Have you spent years in 'talk therapy', without seeing much real change? It’s probably time to try something new. Psychologists are learning there is a more successful way to heal. Deeper wounds can't be reached through talk-therapy alone. We must heal in a multidimensional way. It's about taking a gentle, deep look at the sub-conscious imprints in the body, mind, heart and soul levels to find out exactly where the pain lies. You and I will gently pave the way to clear them. Sessions are 65 minutes long, with free text check-ins 24/7. Insurance is accepted!
Individual Counseling and Couples. Have you spent years in 'talk therapy', without seeing much real change? It’s probably time to try something new. Psychologists are learning there is a more successful way to heal. Deeper wounds can't be reached through talk-therapy alone. We must heal in a multidimensional way. It's about taking a gentle, deep look at the sub-conscious imprints in the body, mind, heart and soul levels to find out exactly where the pain lies. You and I will gently pave the way to clear them. Sessions are 65 minutes long, with free text check-ins 24/7. Insurance is accepted!
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Photo of Cristina Peck, Marriage & Family Therapist in Austin, TX
Cristina Peck
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78759
Issues include chronic pain, burnout, coping with cancer, parenting, relationship and communication skills, and more.
Are you experiencing burnout? Do you over-book or overwork yourself, believing you have no choice? Do you prioritize other people's needs or problems before your own? Caring physicians, nurses, social workers, therapists, caregivers and parents need extra help in deciding how much they can offer and when to pull back to avoid burnout. You may need help if you are an adult child of an alcoholic or grew up in a chaotic or unpredictable home.
Issues include chronic pain, burnout, coping with cancer, parenting, relationship and communication skills, and more.
Are you experiencing burnout? Do you over-book or overwork yourself, believing you have no choice? Do you prioritize other people's needs or problems before your own? Caring physicians, nurses, social workers, therapists, caregivers and parents need extra help in deciding how much they can offer and when to pull back to avoid burnout. You may need help if you are an adult child of an alcoholic or grew up in a chaotic or unpredictable home.
(512) 948-3538 View (512) 948-3538
Photo of Scott Ashley Van Camp, Marriage & Family Therapist in Austin, TX
Scott Ashley Van Camp
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78756  (Online Only)
My mission is to empower all those I serve to achieve their most fulfilling life. I provide strength-based, trauma-informed, & client-centered services to adults, adolescents, couples, & families. If you are seeking support in any of the following areas, I can help: anxiety • depression • loneliness • grief • trauma • relational challenges • ocd • adhd • career challenges • substance use • family issues • technology dependence • chronic pain • work-life balance • processing difficult moods & emotions • resilience • communication • acceptance (of self & others) • healthy boundaries. I work with you to create individualized goals.
My mission is to empower all those I serve to achieve their most fulfilling life. I provide strength-based, trauma-informed, & client-centered services to adults, adolescents, couples, & families. If you are seeking support in any of the following areas, I can help: anxiety • depression • loneliness • grief • trauma • relational challenges • ocd • adhd • career challenges • substance use • family issues • technology dependence • chronic pain • work-life balance • processing difficult moods & emotions • resilience • communication • acceptance (of self & others) • healthy boundaries. I work with you to create individualized goals.
(323) 673-5378 View (323) 673-5378
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.