Photo of Kristina Sarkisova, MSSW, LMSW
Kristina Sarkisova
Licensed Master Social Worker, MSSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78756  (Online Only)
Whether emotional, physical, or both: your pain is 100% real, it matters, and it carries important information.
I'm a multi-cultural, bilingual (English/Español), trauma-sensitive and caring psychotherapist. I'm passionate about neurobiology and the mind-body connection, and I have experience using this integrated approach with clients going through grief, trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relationship struggles. I find it especially fulfilling to work with people who live with disabilities, chronic illness, and/or chronic pain. I know first-hand how challenging it can be to sustain a loss of health, and I consider it a privilege to support you in the many ways this may be impacting your life.
Whether emotional, physical, or both: your pain is 100% real, it matters, and it carries important information.
I'm a multi-cultural, bilingual (English/Español), trauma-sensitive and caring psychotherapist. I'm passionate about neurobiology and the mind-body connection, and I have experience using this integrated approach with clients going through grief, trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relationship struggles. I find it especially fulfilling to work with people who live with disabilities, chronic illness, and/or chronic pain. I know first-hand how challenging it can be to sustain a loss of health, and I consider it a privilege to support you in the many ways this may be impacting your life.
(512) 982-6027 View (512) 982-6027
Photo of Noelle Prax, MA
Noelle Prax
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MA
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78748
Trauma can be a difficult subject to talk about. Often we minimize or compare our experiences with those of our friends who are somehow more valid. We struggle to name our trauma, but trauma includes impactful events like not having our needs met growing up or a significant break-up. Chronic trauma is stored in the body and can manifest as feeling on edge, feeling overstimulated, or people-pleasing. As a former EMT, I understand how these experiences can manifest somatically. I specialize in complex trauma and attachment wounds, and support individuals through life transitions, grief, medical trauma, chronic illness, and OCD.
Trauma can be a difficult subject to talk about. Often we minimize or compare our experiences with those of our friends who are somehow more valid. We struggle to name our trauma, but trauma includes impactful events like not having our needs met growing up or a significant break-up. Chronic trauma is stored in the body and can manifest as feeling on edge, feeling overstimulated, or people-pleasing. As a former EMT, I understand how these experiences can manifest somatically. I specialize in complex trauma and attachment wounds, and support individuals through life transitions, grief, medical trauma, chronic illness, and OCD.
(737) 345-4693 View (737) 345-4693
Photo of Ashley Konermann, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Ashley Konermann
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78703
My specialization in treatment includes Trauma, Abuse, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Grief & Loss, Chronic Pain & Illness, Eating Disorders, Self-Esteem and Self-Compassion, Relationship Skills, and navigating through life transitions.
You are here because you have made a loving choice for yourself-starting the process of exploring the imbalances in your life and seeking harmony. I believe my life experiences have given me the empathy and compassion to walk with you on a journey to mend. Since you are the expert of your own healing, I can help you identify and obtain goals. We can work together to discover or rediscover your best self and challenge your unhealthy self.
My specialization in treatment includes Trauma, Abuse, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Grief & Loss, Chronic Pain & Illness, Eating Disorders, Self-Esteem and Self-Compassion, Relationship Skills, and navigating through life transitions.
You are here because you have made a loving choice for yourself-starting the process of exploring the imbalances in your life and seeking harmony. I believe my life experiences have given me the empathy and compassion to walk with you on a journey to mend. Since you are the expert of your own healing, I can help you identify and obtain goals. We can work together to discover or rediscover your best self and challenge your unhealthy self.
(737) 379-1296 View (737) 379-1296
Photo of Robin Marie Hendershot - Robin Hendershot, LPC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Robin Hendershot, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78746
I assist clients with: Depression/Anxiety, Life Skills (effective communication, financial literacy), LGBT issues, Healthy Relationships & Boundaries, Chronic Pain & Illness, and Grief & Loss.
Hello and welcome. I am currently accepting new patients for Individual and Couples Counseling. If you are searching for a therapist, I imagine you are experiencing some feelings of pain and disconnection. We all want to be loved, seen, and understood; but oftentimes in life we find ourselves engaging in unhealthy relationship patterns, unhelpful communication styles, and harmful behaviors. Therapy offers a powerful tool for growth, connection, and insight. The heart of successful therapy is the client-therapist relationship. I would be honored to speak with you about your goals to see if I can be of service to you.
I assist clients with: Depression/Anxiety, Life Skills (effective communication, financial literacy), LGBT issues, Healthy Relationships & Boundaries, Chronic Pain & Illness, and Grief & Loss.
Hello and welcome. I am currently accepting new patients for Individual and Couples Counseling. If you are searching for a therapist, I imagine you are experiencing some feelings of pain and disconnection. We all want to be loved, seen, and understood; but oftentimes in life we find ourselves engaging in unhealthy relationship patterns, unhelpful communication styles, and harmful behaviors. Therapy offers a powerful tool for growth, connection, and insight. The heart of successful therapy is the client-therapist relationship. I would be honored to speak with you about your goals to see if I can be of service to you.
(512) 572-3210 View (512) 572-3210
Photo of Elizanda de la Sota, Psychologist
Elizanda de la Sota
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78746
I have special training in Pain Management, Mind-Body Issues in Health, Sex Therapy, Mindfulness Based therapy.
If you want to create change in your life and prefer a therapist who is dynamic and directive, then I could be a good fit for you. Clients who do well with me want to understand themselves and are willing to be challenged and are committed to growth. I am best suited to dealing with depression, anxiety, health issues, substance abuse problems, and relationship issues. I have special training in Pain Management, Mind-Body Issues in Health, and Sexual Dysfunction
I have special training in Pain Management, Mind-Body Issues in Health, Sex Therapy, Mindfulness Based therapy.
If you want to create change in your life and prefer a therapist who is dynamic and directive, then I could be a good fit for you. Clients who do well with me want to understand themselves and are willing to be challenged and are committed to growth. I am best suited to dealing with depression, anxiety, health issues, substance abuse problems, and relationship issues. I have special training in Pain Management, Mind-Body Issues in Health, and Sexual Dysfunction
(512) 379-6526 View (512) 379-6526
Photo of Eric Swanholm, PhD, Psychologist
Eric Swanholm
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78750
I am specially trained and have experience working with individuals with chronic pain conditions, inclusive of specific/generalized pain and migraine headaches.
I have provided evaluation and treatment for individuals who experience difficulties from the combination of psychological symptoms and chronic medical conditions. In particular, I have worked extensively with individuals experiencing both chronic pain (specific or generalized chronic pain, fibromyalgia, migraine headaches) and symptoms of depressive/anxiety-related disorders. I have worked extensively with individuals experiencing chronic medical conditions and personality-related disorders. Often, chronic pain, leads to development or worsening of psychological symptoms. Whether an individual's psychological symptoms existed prior to or developed after his or her chronic medical condition, I offer treatment toward an increase quality of life.
I am specially trained and have experience working with individuals with chronic pain conditions, inclusive of specific/generalized pain and migraine headaches.
I have provided evaluation and treatment for individuals who experience difficulties from the combination of psychological symptoms and chronic medical conditions. In particular, I have worked extensively with individuals experiencing both chronic pain (specific or generalized chronic pain, fibromyalgia, migraine headaches) and symptoms of depressive/anxiety-related disorders. I have worked extensively with individuals experiencing chronic medical conditions and personality-related disorders. Often, chronic pain, leads to development or worsening of psychological symptoms. Whether an individual's psychological symptoms existed prior to or developed after his or her chronic medical condition, I offer treatment toward an increase quality of life.
(817) 383-2914 View (817) 383-2914
Photo of Dyan Haspel-Johnson, PSY, Psychologist
Dyan Haspel-Johnson
Psychologist, PSY
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78745  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I use hypnosis to treat everything from pain and chronic illness to anxiety and self-esteem.
Are you looking for greater balance and harmony in your life? I am aware of the interaction between mind, body, and spirit and how challenges to these components can be opportunities for growth, strength, and wisdom. We are all unique individuals so my approach to each person varies to suit each particular issue and patient. By focusing on your core values, I will actively help you to reach your potential. I see therapy as a collaborative process with myself here to facilitate the building of your resources and strengths to empower you.
I use hypnosis to treat everything from pain and chronic illness to anxiety and self-esteem.
Are you looking for greater balance and harmony in your life? I am aware of the interaction between mind, body, and spirit and how challenges to these components can be opportunities for growth, strength, and wisdom. We are all unique individuals so my approach to each person varies to suit each particular issue and patient. By focusing on your core values, I will actively help you to reach your potential. I see therapy as a collaborative process with myself here to facilitate the building of your resources and strengths to empower you.
(424) 294-8970 View (424) 294-8970
Photo of John Kauffroth, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
John Kauffroth
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78727  (Online Only)
Maybe you’re hitting up against some loneliness and isolation right now. Or maybe some old burdens are affecting your current life. Lets talk. I don't have any platitudes about positive thinking, but your story matters to me. The thing is, I really enjoy helping people cultivate resilience and self- compassion. Depression, Chronic Pain, Anxiety, Anger that’s hard to control, all these are adversities that we humans grapple with. I've been doing this for a minute. I can say for sure that there is no cookie-cutter solution. It's more about connection. My focus is to create the space for someone to know they aren’t alone in this.
Maybe you’re hitting up against some loneliness and isolation right now. Or maybe some old burdens are affecting your current life. Lets talk. I don't have any platitudes about positive thinking, but your story matters to me. The thing is, I really enjoy helping people cultivate resilience and self- compassion. Depression, Chronic Pain, Anxiety, Anger that’s hard to control, all these are adversities that we humans grapple with. I've been doing this for a minute. I can say for sure that there is no cookie-cutter solution. It's more about connection. My focus is to create the space for someone to know they aren’t alone in this.
(512) 886-6651 View (512) 886-6651
Photo of India Gardner, MA, LPC-A, LPC Intern
India Gardner
LPC Intern, MA, LPC-A
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78753  (Online Only)
My specialties include TBIs and concussions, acquired and congenital disabilities, chronic illness and pain, racial identity and affirmation, mood and anxiety concerns and life transitions.
I'm India! Thank you for taking the first step on your therapeutic journey of healing and restoration with me! I'm the Founder and Therapist of Couch Conversations and Consulting, a fully online private practice offering quality mental health telehealth services for clients who prefer virtual sessions or may not be able to meet for in person sessions and are seeking a collaborative, compassionate and empowering therapy experience on the road to healing and restoration from the comfort of their own homes. I aim for my work as a therapist to be living proof of the benefits that therapy can be for one’s overall mental health.
My specialties include TBIs and concussions, acquired and congenital disabilities, chronic illness and pain, racial identity and affirmation, mood and anxiety concerns and life transitions.
I'm India! Thank you for taking the first step on your therapeutic journey of healing and restoration with me! I'm the Founder and Therapist of Couch Conversations and Consulting, a fully online private practice offering quality mental health telehealth services for clients who prefer virtual sessions or may not be able to meet for in person sessions and are seeking a collaborative, compassionate and empowering therapy experience on the road to healing and restoration from the comfort of their own homes. I aim for my work as a therapist to be living proof of the benefits that therapy can be for one’s overall mental health.
(737) 232-4769 View (737) 232-4769
Photo of Pamela Steele, MS, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Pamela Steele
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78746
Primarily, I have worked in the areas of chronic pain, stress reduction, trauma, anger management, anxiety, depression, PTSD, abuse, family relations, and self-empowerment.
Breathe... Now breathe again. Let go of negative emotions and thoughts, and allow more of what you really, really want. No matter what obstacles are presenting in your life experience right now, we can begin an integrative journey together, with a simple breath. Feelings and emotions are true indicators to help guide you to what you want more of in life. We can focus and become more aware of choices and positive options, and ultimately remove self-limiting beliefs. We can learn to make decisions with more clarity and awareness, leading you to a more joyful and fuller life.
Primarily, I have worked in the areas of chronic pain, stress reduction, trauma, anger management, anxiety, depression, PTSD, abuse, family relations, and self-empowerment.
Breathe... Now breathe again. Let go of negative emotions and thoughts, and allow more of what you really, really want. No matter what obstacles are presenting in your life experience right now, we can begin an integrative journey together, with a simple breath. Feelings and emotions are true indicators to help guide you to what you want more of in life. We can focus and become more aware of choices and positive options, and ultimately remove self-limiting beliefs. We can learn to make decisions with more clarity and awareness, leading you to a more joyful and fuller life.
(512) 882-1766 View (512) 882-1766
Photo of Bryan Snead - DeepWatersLPC, LPC, LMFT, Licensed Professional Counselor
DeepWatersLPC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78732  (Online Only)
At DeepWatersLPC we specialize in helping people just like you to overcome depression and anxiety, traumatic experiences, relational distress and struggles, and even chronic pain.
DeepWatersLPC helps people navigate their emotional deep waters toward relief and hope with effective, client centered, skilled therapy. What would it be like to wake up in the morning and be excited about the day? To have hope? To experience more than just relief, but real joy?
At DeepWatersLPC we specialize in helping people just like you to overcome depression and anxiety, traumatic experiences, relational distress and struggles, and even chronic pain.
DeepWatersLPC helps people navigate their emotional deep waters toward relief and hope with effective, client centered, skilled therapy. What would it be like to wake up in the morning and be excited about the day? To have hope? To experience more than just relief, but real joy?
(737) 352-4987 View (737) 352-4987
Photo of Beth Garrison, PhD, Psychologist
Beth Garrison
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78759
, headaches, chronic pain.
My approach is practical, solution-focused and based on listening carefully to your concerns. And then, we roll up our sleeves, and work together to transform your situation. With over 20 years of experience as a psychologist, I use cognitive-behavioral therapy: I listen, I give feedback, we discuss obstacles to change and creative ways around them. We move at the pace that works for you. You may surprise yourself: a small change in perspective can sometimes transform your life.
, headaches, chronic pain.
My approach is practical, solution-focused and based on listening carefully to your concerns. And then, we roll up our sleeves, and work together to transform your situation. With over 20 years of experience as a psychologist, I use cognitive-behavioral therapy: I listen, I give feedback, we discuss obstacles to change and creative ways around them. We move at the pace that works for you. You may surprise yourself: a small change in perspective can sometimes transform your life.
(512) 271-3727 View (512) 271-3727
Photo of Daniel J Paulus, PhD, Psychologist
Daniel J Paulus
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78704  (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.
(484) 209-1315 View (484) 209-1315
Photo of Brandy Goins, Phd,ABD, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Brandy Goins
Licensed Professional Counselor, Phd,ABD, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78730  (Online Only)
Are you frustrated, perhaps feeling a bit angry? In addition, you feel like no one understands you or they say the wrong thing to you without thinking of the impact. Dealing with chronic illness and pain is a consistent struggle. Sometimes getting through a day to just support a decent lifestyle is excruciating. The isolation is troubling because a social life feels so out of reach. Top that off with a relationship and a healthy sex life seems impossible at the moment. Everyday feels like a marathon of how much can be done while feeling a consistent exhaustion that never goes away. Waking up feeling refreshed seems like a fantasy.
Are you frustrated, perhaps feeling a bit angry? In addition, you feel like no one understands you or they say the wrong thing to you without thinking of the impact. Dealing with chronic illness and pain is a consistent struggle. Sometimes getting through a day to just support a decent lifestyle is excruciating. The isolation is troubling because a social life feels so out of reach. Top that off with a relationship and a healthy sex life seems impossible at the moment. Everyday feels like a marathon of how much can be done while feeling a consistent exhaustion that never goes away. Waking up feeling refreshed seems like a fantasy.
(248) 965-0474 View (248) 965-0474
Photo of Dr. Lauren Necesario Smith, PsyD, HSPP, Psychologist
Dr. Lauren Necesario Smith
Psychologist, PsyD, HSPP
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78746
I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, life transitions, and chronic pain in teens to older adults.
You find yourself wanting to stay busy because slowing down makes you think too much about everything. You notice guilt or shame come up when you want to say no to someone. These days, yelling or slamming doors is the only thing that helps when that irritable or angry feeling takes over your body. You wish you could find other ways to deal but it seems like nothing is helping and you don't know what to do.
I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, life transitions, and chronic pain in teens to older adults.
You find yourself wanting to stay busy because slowing down makes you think too much about everything. You notice guilt or shame come up when you want to say no to someone. These days, yelling or slamming doors is the only thing that helps when that irritable or angry feeling takes over your body. You wish you could find other ways to deal but it seems like nothing is helping and you don't know what to do.
(765) 232-3965 View (765) 232-3965
Photo of Allison Ray Benavides, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Allison Ray Benavides
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78704  (Online Only)
If you have a body & heart that hurts, I’m here to hold, help & hear your pain.
If you’re in chronic pain (physical or emotional), feel left out of life, or find yourself doubting your value or ability, I could be a good fit. My clients find me because they struggle managing pain, illness or fatigue. They often are depressed, anxious & isolate, with insomnia, grief or panic. They can struggle at work, home, socially & in their own headspace & heart. There can be layers of trauma. All of my clients come to me with hope, seeking a higher quality of life. I love my work because I get to see this happen - the models I teach are effective & work. If you want out of this downward spiral, I can teach you how too.
If you have a body & heart that hurts, I’m here to hold, help & hear your pain.
If you’re in chronic pain (physical or emotional), feel left out of life, or find yourself doubting your value or ability, I could be a good fit. My clients find me because they struggle managing pain, illness or fatigue. They often are depressed, anxious & isolate, with insomnia, grief or panic. They can struggle at work, home, socially & in their own headspace & heart. There can be layers of trauma. All of my clients come to me with hope, seeking a higher quality of life. I love my work because I get to see this happen - the models I teach are effective & work. If you want out of this downward spiral, I can teach you how too.
(210) 971-4414 View (210) 971-4414
Photo of De Sellers, LPC, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor
De Sellers
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78701
I draw on a wide range of psychological theories and techniques to assist my clients in cutting through the confusion and beliefs that may be holding them back from achieving their personal and professional goals. I encourage pragmatic solutions to the complexities of modern life. My practice focuses on adults, both individuals and couples. Common topics include: depression and anxiety, relationships, stress management, mid-life, chronic pain/health concerns, confidence/self esteem, parenting, addiction and recovery, sexual identity, aging. I also give individual consultations on career choice, career advancement, improving work performance, managing employees, project completion.
I draw on a wide range of psychological theories and techniques to assist my clients in cutting through the confusion and beliefs that may be holding them back from achieving their personal and professional goals. I encourage pragmatic solutions to the complexities of modern life. My practice focuses on adults, both individuals and couples. Common topics include: depression and anxiety, relationships, stress management, mid-life, chronic pain/health concerns, confidence/self esteem, parenting, addiction and recovery, sexual identity, aging. I also give individual consultations on career choice, career advancement, improving work performance, managing employees, project completion.
(512) 649-0444 View (512) 649-0444
Photo of Nahal Delpassand, Psychologist
Nahal Delpassand
Psychologist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78731
Some of my areas of interest include chronic illness, disability, depression, anxiety, disordered eating, body image, life transitions, and advocacy/mentorship.
I am currently in private practice, in central Austin. I help to empower clients by guiding them to acknowledge rather than suppress their emotional experiences. Psychotherapy, I believe, is analogous to emotional strength training and creates space for understanding the nuanced relationship between thoughts, feelings and behaviors. In my experience, when emotional muscles are strengthened and emotional awareness is applied to everyday acts of living, clients grow and become more self-reflective. This increased self-awareness helps clients to more clearly identify what drives both progress and stagnation
Some of my areas of interest include chronic illness, disability, depression, anxiety, disordered eating, body image, life transitions, and advocacy/mentorship.
I am currently in private practice, in central Austin. I help to empower clients by guiding them to acknowledge rather than suppress their emotional experiences. Psychotherapy, I believe, is analogous to emotional strength training and creates space for understanding the nuanced relationship between thoughts, feelings and behaviors. In my experience, when emotional muscles are strengthened and emotional awareness is applied to everyday acts of living, clients grow and become more self-reflective. This increased self-awareness helps clients to more clearly identify what drives both progress and stagnation
(512) 379-6353 View (512) 379-6353
Photo of Lisa Cavedo, MS, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lisa Cavedo
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78759  (Online Only)
I specialize primarily in the treatment of chronic illness, trauma, abuse, and mood disorders.
I offer individual therapy to adults with treatment specialization in: chronic illness, trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, as well as relational and family issues. I utilize a multidimensional background allowing me to meet the client where they are at emotionally; helping to explore barriers to progress, while also creating a safe place for the client to challenge themselves and begin to release the emotional weight that has been holding them back.
I specialize primarily in the treatment of chronic illness, trauma, abuse, and mood disorders.
I offer individual therapy to adults with treatment specialization in: chronic illness, trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, as well as relational and family issues. I utilize a multidimensional background allowing me to meet the client where they are at emotionally; helping to explore barriers to progress, while also creating a safe place for the client to challenge themselves and begin to release the emotional weight that has been holding them back.
(512) 400-3569 View (512) 400-3569
Photo of Rebecca Davenport, LCSW, CEAP, PA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rebecca Davenport
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CEAP, PA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78704
I work with individuals, couples, families and groups, across the life cycle, addressing concerns including (but not limited to); anxiety/depression, interpersonal skills, work/life balance, parenting, chronic/acute illness, and relationships issues for heterosexual, queer, gay and lesbian couples.
I collaborate with clients to resolve problems in living, to promote emotional growth and to facilitate personal and professional success. My therapeutic style is warm, direct and interactive. I believe that each of us can make mindful choices to create a gratifying life, to care for ourselves, our families and relationships. We can practice skillfully and create meaning in the difficulties and catastrophes that can complicate our course.
I work with individuals, couples, families and groups, across the life cycle, addressing concerns including (but not limited to); anxiety/depression, interpersonal skills, work/life balance, parenting, chronic/acute illness, and relationships issues for heterosexual, queer, gay and lesbian couples.
I collaborate with clients to resolve problems in living, to promote emotional growth and to facilitate personal and professional success. My therapeutic style is warm, direct and interactive. I believe that each of us can make mindful choices to create a gratifying life, to care for ourselves, our families and relationships. We can practice skillfully and create meaning in the difficulties and catastrophes that can complicate our course.
(512) 540-5571 View (512) 540-5571
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Chronic Pain Therapists

How does chronic pain therapy work?

Engaging with a psychotherapist to help treat chronic pain does not mean that one’s pain is all in their head. Therapy for chronic-pain patients has been shown to benefit both the mind and the body, targeting physical symptoms and increasing daily functioning. In other words, for many, addressing their emotional health through therapy affects their physical health. A therapist can help a client challenge unhelpful thoughts about pain and develop new ways to respond to it, such as distraction or calming breathing techniques. Studies have found that therapy can be as effective as surgery for certain cases of chronic pain and many doctors recommend trying psychotherapy in advance of considering invasive surgery.

What are the most effective treatment options for chronic pain?

Stress, anxiety, depression, catastrophizing, ruminating, lack of activity, and social withdrawal all make chronic pain worse. Addressing these issues, research shows, can help people gain control over their pain symptoms. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, and mindfulness-based stress reduction, along with greater pain-management education, have been found to help people reduce fear and disability.

Are there new treatments for chronic pain?

Many cases of chronic pain, particularly those involving back pain, remain medically unexplained. But there is evidence that changes in the brain or nervous system are caused by previous physical ailments such as tissue damage; in such cases, the brain may continue to send out pain signals despite the physical cause having healed. To aid patients under these circumstances, a recently developed treatment known as pain reprocessing therapy (PRT) is designed to help the brain “unlearn” this response. A PRT practitioner helps individuals to reduce the “threat value” of their ongoing pain signals until they can reappraise them as less threatening and fear-inducing. They also help an individual to develop new emotional regulation skills.

How long does therapy for chronic pain take?

There is no set timeline for recovery from chronic pain, especially as there may be a range of physical and psychological causes for any individual’s discomfort, but most patients should expect to see a therapist for a number of weeks or months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions. Studies of pain reprocessing therapy found that many individuals’ experience of pain lessened in eight sessions over four weeks.