Chronic Pain Therapists in Washington, DC

Photo of Rachel Noble, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Rachel Noble
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20008
My writing and presentations on topics such as resilience, anxiety management, chronic pain, and intimacy appear in outlets such as The Washington Post, AARP, and Inova Health Systems.
Please find more info at my website: noblepractice.com. I have unique experience working with people who struggle with complex medical concerns, chronic pain, and postpartum depression. About half of my clients fall into this category and the other half are struggling with anxiety, depression, or just feeling stuck in life.
My writing and presentations on topics such as resilience, anxiety management, chronic pain, and intimacy appear in outlets such as The Washington Post, AARP, and Inova Health Systems.
Please find more info at my website: noblepractice.com. I have unique experience working with people who struggle with complex medical concerns, chronic pain, and postpartum depression. About half of my clients fall into this category and the other half are struggling with anxiety, depression, or just feeling stuck in life.
(202) 900-6633 View (202) 900-6633
Photo of Sammi Rosenfeld, NCC, DC LPC, MD LCPC, MSEd, CCTP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Sammi Rosenfeld
Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC, DC LPC, MD LCPC, MSEd, CCTP
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20008
Waitlist for new clients
Some of my specialities include anxiety and depression, chronic pain, ASD, ADHD, self-esteem, eating disorders, issues of identity and more.
I am a mental health and school counselor passionate about supporting the growth of children and young adults. I am experienced with both school-age children, young adults, and adults. I have also spent a lifetime in the world of professional dance and the creative arts. My experience in dance and the body highly influences my therapeutic lens. I view integration of body and mind through multi-sensory modalities as integral to client growth. I take an integrative approach to my work; in one session we may talk, play, draw, explore the sand tray, or move. Some moments may be more directive and some may be client-led.
Some of my specialities include anxiety and depression, chronic pain, ASD, ADHD, self-esteem, eating disorders, issues of identity and more.
I am a mental health and school counselor passionate about supporting the growth of children and young adults. I am experienced with both school-age children, young adults, and adults. I have also spent a lifetime in the world of professional dance and the creative arts. My experience in dance and the body highly influences my therapeutic lens. I view integration of body and mind through multi-sensory modalities as integral to client growth. I take an integrative approach to my work; in one session we may talk, play, draw, explore the sand tray, or move. Some moments may be more directive and some may be client-led.
(202) 935-7358 View (202) 935-7358
Photo of Kelsey Bates, LMHC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kelsey Bates
Licensed Professional Counselor, LMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20035  (Online Only)
As your therapist who has navigated life with chronic illness and pain, I can provide space, emotional support, real life tools and solution focused techniques to improve your day to day.
You are a strong woman feeling overwhelmed navigating complex health issues such as chronic illness, chronic pain, anxiety, infertility or pregnancy loss. You are an intelligent, high achieving woman who is dealing with the grief of a diagnosis, pregnancy after loss, infertility or chronic illness. You are juggling it all: a career, family, a romantic partner, friends, dating and your health. You want to figure out a way to not just survive with women's health issues but to thrive and live your life fully each day. You need support, a place to process your grief and coping skills to walk through this difficult situation.
As your therapist who has navigated life with chronic illness and pain, I can provide space, emotional support, real life tools and solution focused techniques to improve your day to day.
You are a strong woman feeling overwhelmed navigating complex health issues such as chronic illness, chronic pain, anxiety, infertility or pregnancy loss. You are an intelligent, high achieving woman who is dealing with the grief of a diagnosis, pregnancy after loss, infertility or chronic illness. You are juggling it all: a career, family, a romantic partner, friends, dating and your health. You want to figure out a way to not just survive with women's health issues but to thrive and live your life fully each day. You need support, a place to process your grief and coping skills to walk through this difficult situation.
(202) 618-9881 View (202) 618-9881
Photo of Natalie Chaykin Pierce, PsyD, Psychologist
Natalie Chaykin Pierce
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20003
Pierce provides education about stress physiology, how stress and emotions interact with chronic pain, and how biofeedback and specific relaxation techniques can help.
Dr. Natalie Pierce specializes in the treatment of chronic pain/ illnesses, insomnia, OCD, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, body image concerns, life transitions, and depression. Dr. Pierce is board-certified in biofeedback and practices therapy primarily from CBT/ACT and positive psychology perspectives through a health psychology lens to help patients manage stress, transition after an injury or disease, and cope with pain, loss, feeling “stuck,” anxiety, and depression.
Pierce provides education about stress physiology, how stress and emotions interact with chronic pain, and how biofeedback and specific relaxation techniques can help.
Dr. Natalie Pierce specializes in the treatment of chronic pain/ illnesses, insomnia, OCD, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, body image concerns, life transitions, and depression. Dr. Pierce is board-certified in biofeedback and practices therapy primarily from CBT/ACT and positive psychology perspectives through a health psychology lens to help patients manage stress, transition after an injury or disease, and cope with pain, loss, feeling “stuck,” anxiety, and depression.
(703) 952-5233 View (703) 952-5233
Photo of Jennifer L Pauk, LICSW, LCSW-C, MPH, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jennifer L Pauk
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C, MPH
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20011
No matter our background or experience, we all hit a bump in the road at one point or another. Navigating challenging and stressful life events such as infertility, parenthood, academic and work transitions, relationships, trauma, chronic illness is complicated. Intense feelings of anxiety, panic, or depression may seem overwhelming an at times, we turn to short term solutions, such as procrastination, alcohol, etc, which lead us in the wrong direction. Working with clients I focus on clarifying what is important and meaningful in life and how to take steps to actively move in that direction - even when faced with challenges.
No matter our background or experience, we all hit a bump in the road at one point or another. Navigating challenging and stressful life events such as infertility, parenthood, academic and work transitions, relationships, trauma, chronic illness is complicated. Intense feelings of anxiety, panic, or depression may seem overwhelming an at times, we turn to short term solutions, such as procrastination, alcohol, etc, which lead us in the wrong direction. Working with clients I focus on clarifying what is important and meaningful in life and how to take steps to actively move in that direction - even when faced with challenges.
(202) 831-7718 View (202) 831-7718
Photo of Daniel J Paulus, PhD, Psychologist
Daniel J Paulus
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20016  (Online Only)
I am a health psychologist with expertise in the treatment of chronic fear/anxiety and health conditions ( pain, substance use, etc.) I have extensive research experience (95 scientific articles and book chapters; National Institutes of Health funding) which I draw upon to provide innovative and up-to-date psychological care. My practice is rooted in scientific evidence of what works, and I stay informed on the latest treatment advancements. My goal is not for you to be in therapy forever. I want to help you learn tools so that you become your own therapist. You cannot redo your past; you can make changes now for a better future.
I am a health psychologist with expertise in the treatment of chronic fear/anxiety and health conditions ( pain, substance use, etc.) I have extensive research experience (95 scientific articles and book chapters; National Institutes of Health funding) which I draw upon to provide innovative and up-to-date psychological care. My practice is rooted in scientific evidence of what works, and I stay informed on the latest treatment advancements. My goal is not for you to be in therapy forever. I want to help you learn tools so that you become your own therapist. You cannot redo your past; you can make changes now for a better future.
(484) 209-1315 View (484) 209-1315
Photo of Dr. Laurel Wade, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Laurel Wade
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20003
Dr. Wade specializes in health psychology, particularly the areas of chronic pain, adjustment to chronic illness or injury, weight management, weight loss surgery counseling, disordered eating, body image concerns, and implementing health-promoting lifestyle changes. Dr. Wade practices Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and positive psychology approaches, capitalizing on the strengths of each individual to form a collaborative and holistic treatment plan.
Dr. Wade specializes in health psychology, particularly the areas of chronic pain, adjustment to chronic illness or injury, weight management, weight loss surgery counseling, disordered eating, body image concerns, and implementing health-promoting lifestyle changes. Dr. Wade practices Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and positive psychology approaches, capitalizing on the strengths of each individual to form a collaborative and holistic treatment plan.
(571) 462-6539 View (571) 462-6539
Photo of Safoura Moraveji, LCSW-C, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Safoura Moraveji
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LICSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20004  (Online Only)
From storytelling and writing a blends her practice of spirituality and psychotherapy to provide comprehensive mental health care for pain management, chronic illnesses, and end of life transitions.
Safoura Moraveji is a seasoned licensed psychotherapist who has been practicing in Maryland and the District of Columbia since 1988. Safoura's most current work has focused primarily on adults experiencing major life transitions such as divorce, family, career moves, and illness. After graduating from the University of Maryland in College Park with her master’s degree in social work, Safoura turned her attention toward psychoanalytic psychotherapy and studies in Gestalt-Existential psychotherapy. Her specialized focuses include working with adults who suffer from severe mood and panic disorders, depression, and anxiety.
From storytelling and writing a blends her practice of spirituality and psychotherapy to provide comprehensive mental health care for pain management, chronic illnesses, and end of life transitions.
Safoura Moraveji is a seasoned licensed psychotherapist who has been practicing in Maryland and the District of Columbia since 1988. Safoura's most current work has focused primarily on adults experiencing major life transitions such as divorce, family, career moves, and illness. After graduating from the University of Maryland in College Park with her master’s degree in social work, Safoura turned her attention toward psychoanalytic psychotherapy and studies in Gestalt-Existential psychotherapy. Her specialized focuses include working with adults who suffer from severe mood and panic disorders, depression, and anxiety.
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Photo of Sarah S. Berger, PhD, Psychologist
Sarah S. Berger
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20015
Therapy is often about change - changing oneself or parts of one's life. Taking steps towards change requires tremendous courage, but many people find the rewards of this process well worth the effort. A supportive, helpful guide can go a long way towards making productive changes and that is where I come in. Support is my primary role; my secondary role is to help individuals identify thoughts or behaviors that are limiting progress in one's life. In addition to helping with a wide range of common symptoms like stress, anxiety, depression, I specialize in health psychology (coping with illness).
Therapy is often about change - changing oneself or parts of one's life. Taking steps towards change requires tremendous courage, but many people find the rewards of this process well worth the effort. A supportive, helpful guide can go a long way towards making productive changes and that is where I come in. Support is my primary role; my secondary role is to help individuals identify thoughts or behaviors that are limiting progress in one's life. In addition to helping with a wide range of common symptoms like stress, anxiety, depression, I specialize in health psychology (coping with illness).
(240) 847-3693 View (240) 847-3693
Photo of Annie Miller, MSW, LCSW-C, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Annie Miller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C, LICSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20016
In my practice, I help teens and adults work through problems with insomnia, anxiety, trauma, and chronic pain.
Are you lying in bed at night with racing thoughts? Do you have trouble letting go of stress from your day? Are you having trouble falling asleep or do you wake up multiple times overnight? Are you replaying old memories from the past? Or maybe you have had chronic pain for years and you can't find relief. If you are struggling with insomnia, anxiety, trauma, or chronic pain, I am glad you're here. Dealing with these problems can be challenging but you can heal if you have the right tools. I use clinically proven techniques like EMDR, CBT for insomnia, Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), and other brain-based strategies.
In my practice, I help teens and adults work through problems with insomnia, anxiety, trauma, and chronic pain.
Are you lying in bed at night with racing thoughts? Do you have trouble letting go of stress from your day? Are you having trouble falling asleep or do you wake up multiple times overnight? Are you replaying old memories from the past? Or maybe you have had chronic pain for years and you can't find relief. If you are struggling with insomnia, anxiety, trauma, or chronic pain, I am glad you're here. Dealing with these problems can be challenging but you can heal if you have the right tools. I use clinically proven techniques like EMDR, CBT for insomnia, Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), and other brain-based strategies.
(301) 259-3127 View (301) 259-3127
Photo of Dr. Harold David Goodman, DO
Dr. Harold David Goodman
DO
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20007
Trained by John Sarno, MD, the pioneer of this field and author of Healing Back Pain, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to my practice.
Struggling with anxiety, chronic pain, or unexplained symptoms that persist despite various treatments? Tried medications, chiropractic care, massages, acupuncture, injections, or even surgery, only to find temporary relief? Spent considerable time and money searching for a solution, only to grow frustrated? Imagine being free from these symptoms and living a normal life without relying on drugs or invasive treatments. If you've undergone therapy but still experience pain, you might be the ideal patient for my practice. For more than 33 years I have helped individuals become symptom-free through mind-body medicine.
Trained by John Sarno, MD, the pioneer of this field and author of Healing Back Pain, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to my practice.
Struggling with anxiety, chronic pain, or unexplained symptoms that persist despite various treatments? Tried medications, chiropractic care, massages, acupuncture, injections, or even surgery, only to find temporary relief? Spent considerable time and money searching for a solution, only to grow frustrated? Imagine being free from these symptoms and living a normal life without relying on drugs or invasive treatments. If you've undergone therapy but still experience pain, you might be the ideal patient for my practice. For more than 33 years I have helped individuals become symptom-free through mind-body medicine.
(240) 820-2539 View (240) 820-2539
Photo of Ryan Wright, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ryan Wright
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20006
I provide therapy for people who seek emotional support for symptoms of depression, anxiety, chronic pain/ illness, bipolar or mood disorders, and schizophrenia.
Are you feeling hopeless? Are depression or anxiety affecting your ability to thrive? Talking about what is “really going on” with family, friends, and doctors can be complicated. When hard-to-solve challenges start to get in the way of expectations for work and personal relationships, it can be difficult to determine what steps need to be taken to improve the situation. It is easier to make positive changes and move forward with the help of an experienced, professional, objective confidant. Hope is here, let's talk through your challenges.
I provide therapy for people who seek emotional support for symptoms of depression, anxiety, chronic pain/ illness, bipolar or mood disorders, and schizophrenia.
Are you feeling hopeless? Are depression or anxiety affecting your ability to thrive? Talking about what is “really going on” with family, friends, and doctors can be complicated. When hard-to-solve challenges start to get in the way of expectations for work and personal relationships, it can be difficult to determine what steps need to be taken to improve the situation. It is easier to make positive changes and move forward with the help of an experienced, professional, objective confidant. Hope is here, let's talk through your challenges.
(240) 221-1950 View (240) 221-1950
Photo of Rebeca Rios, PhD, Psychologist
Rebeca Rios
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20002
If you have been struggling with a health concern such as pain, insomnia, or GI distress, you may feel demoralized by the limitations of medical treatments for many health issues. You may not know that psychotherapy is an effective treatment for a number of medical conditions. As a clinical health psychologist, I specialize in chronic illness, chronic pain, disorders of brain-gut interaction (DGBIs), health anxiety, insomnia, and stress related to navigating the health care system. Therapy can help you to quiet the brain’s natural threat response to symptoms, foster resilience, and embrace life once again.
If you have been struggling with a health concern such as pain, insomnia, or GI distress, you may feel demoralized by the limitations of medical treatments for many health issues. You may not know that psychotherapy is an effective treatment for a number of medical conditions. As a clinical health psychologist, I specialize in chronic illness, chronic pain, disorders of brain-gut interaction (DGBIs), health anxiety, insomnia, and stress related to navigating the health care system. Therapy can help you to quiet the brain’s natural threat response to symptoms, foster resilience, and embrace life once again.
(240) 201-2237 View (240) 201-2237
Photo of Ethel Sayles, LCSW-C, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ethel Sayles
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LICSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20007  (Online Only)
I have specialized training in Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) and Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET).
Are you dealing with a chronic health condition such as back pain, headaches/migraine, fibromyalgia, tendonitis, IBS, or other medically unexplained symptoms? If so, please know there is cause for hope. Neuroscience now reveals that many chronic pain conditions are linked to changes in the brain rather than disease in the body. This type of brain based pain, which can be referred to as neuroplastic or psychophysiologic, is benign and treatable. Through therapy, you can learn psychological and emotional techniques to regain your health.
I have specialized training in Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) and Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET).
Are you dealing with a chronic health condition such as back pain, headaches/migraine, fibromyalgia, tendonitis, IBS, or other medically unexplained symptoms? If so, please know there is cause for hope. Neuroscience now reveals that many chronic pain conditions are linked to changes in the brain rather than disease in the body. This type of brain based pain, which can be referred to as neuroplastic or psychophysiologic, is benign and treatable. Through therapy, you can learn psychological and emotional techniques to regain your health.
(301) 205-5649 View (301) 205-5649
Photo of Laura Dover Wandner - Wandner Health and Wellness, LLC, Psychologist
Wandner Health and Wellness, LLC
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20057  (Online Only)
I specialize in treating patients with acute and chronic pain, EDS, headaches, and migraines.
I am a committed and compassionate clinical psychologist with advanced training and expertise in clinical health psychology. My interests are in helping patients to understand the mind-body connection, helping them to improve their quality of life despite experiencing chronic health conditions, and improving the way that they live despite stress and hardships. I specialize in health psychology, which focuses on promoting overall well-being as well as coping with acute and chronic illnesses.
I specialize in treating patients with acute and chronic pain, EDS, headaches, and migraines.
I am a committed and compassionate clinical psychologist with advanced training and expertise in clinical health psychology. My interests are in helping patients to understand the mind-body connection, helping them to improve their quality of life despite experiencing chronic health conditions, and improving the way that they live despite stress and hardships. I specialize in health psychology, which focuses on promoting overall well-being as well as coping with acute and chronic illnesses.
(240) 617-3769 View (240) 617-3769
Photo of Dr. Erin Etzel, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Erin Etzel
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20016
I use evidence-based practices, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET) for chronic pain.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in working with people whose physical health conditions impact their mood, sleep, daily activities, relationships, and overall quality of life. I have extensive experience working with individuals living with chronic pain, fibromyalgia, or sleep disorders, as well as military veterans and trauma survivors. My ideal client is someone struggling in their experience of chronic physical illness and/or trauma survivorship who is looking for support and skills to help them live a more fulfilling life.
I use evidence-based practices, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET) for chronic pain.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in working with people whose physical health conditions impact their mood, sleep, daily activities, relationships, and overall quality of life. I have extensive experience working with individuals living with chronic pain, fibromyalgia, or sleep disorders, as well as military veterans and trauma survivors. My ideal client is someone struggling in their experience of chronic physical illness and/or trauma survivorship who is looking for support and skills to help them live a more fulfilling life.
(410) 618-0933 View (410) 618-0933
Photo of Jade Wood, MA, LMFT, MHSA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jade Wood
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, MHSA
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036
I specialize in living with illness and/or caregiving, experiencing grief, navigating relationships, dealing with anxiety and coping with unhealed past traumas.
Life can present you with difficult situations which are hard to process and move past. These challenges are not on your timeline and affect everything. Having worked in many healthcare settings, I am familiar navigating life-changing events and grief. I understand the territory of encountering loss, coping with trauma, the complexity of the medical system and living with illness. Together we will face any changes, fears, anxiety and emotions you are experiencing, allowing you to gain more grounding and peace. I will work with you from an integrative, holistic approach to determine together what is needed for your coping, healing and self-care.
I specialize in living with illness and/or caregiving, experiencing grief, navigating relationships, dealing with anxiety and coping with unhealed past traumas.
Life can present you with difficult situations which are hard to process and move past. These challenges are not on your timeline and affect everything. Having worked in many healthcare settings, I am familiar navigating life-changing events and grief. I understand the territory of encountering loss, coping with trauma, the complexity of the medical system and living with illness. Together we will face any changes, fears, anxiety and emotions you are experiencing, allowing you to gain more grounding and peace. I will work with you from an integrative, holistic approach to determine together what is needed for your coping, healing and self-care.
(510) 681-0947 View (510) 681-0947
Photo of Joanne Assarsson, LICSW, LCSW-C, LCSW, OSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Joanne Assarsson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C, LCSW, OSW-C
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20007  (Online Only)
I specialize in helping adults (and their caregivers) who are challenged by acute and chronic medical illness including cancer, transplant recipients and those with functional GI disorders. Within this area of expertise, it is common for a variety of concerns to arise including anxiety, depression, medical trauma, loss, grief, work/life balance and life transitions. My approach is consistently compassionate, flexible, interactive and supportive. You can expect to leave our sessions with strategies and tools that can be used immediately focused on your unique concerns.
I specialize in helping adults (and their caregivers) who are challenged by acute and chronic medical illness including cancer, transplant recipients and those with functional GI disorders. Within this area of expertise, it is common for a variety of concerns to arise including anxiety, depression, medical trauma, loss, grief, work/life balance and life transitions. My approach is consistently compassionate, flexible, interactive and supportive. You can expect to leave our sessions with strategies and tools that can be used immediately focused on your unique concerns.
(202) 519-7921 View (202) 519-7921
Photo of Kristin Drouin, LICSW, APHSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kristin Drouin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, APHSW-C
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20002
I specialize in working with individuals of all ages who are navigating illness, grief, loss, trauma, and professional burnout. My passion for supporting children, teens, young adults and families impacted by a life-limiting medical diagnosis is informed by the years I spent as a pediatric social worker. In my bereavement work, I support clients affected by all manner of death, with a particular focus on grief after the death of a parent, young child or sibling.
I specialize in working with individuals of all ages who are navigating illness, grief, loss, trauma, and professional burnout. My passion for supporting children, teens, young adults and families impacted by a life-limiting medical diagnosis is informed by the years I spent as a pediatric social worker. In my bereavement work, I support clients affected by all manner of death, with a particular focus on grief after the death of a parent, young child or sibling.
(202) 335-6360 View (202) 335-6360
Photo of Danielle Miro, PhD, ABPP-Rp, Psychologist
Danielle Miro
Psychologist, PhD, ABPP-Rp
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20015  (Online Only)
When your body is in distress, your mind and mood suffer. Whether you want to address your weight, pain, disordered eating, stress, living with a chronic disease, recovering from an illness, or adjusting to a new medical condition, I can help. I also support care partners of those with chronic illness. As a board-certified rehabilitation psychologist, I emphasize a holistic approach to well-being and support people in leading a values-filled life that recognizes personal strengths, reduces shame and promotes self-compassion, encourages collaboration, and meets you where you are non-judgmentally.
When your body is in distress, your mind and mood suffer. Whether you want to address your weight, pain, disordered eating, stress, living with a chronic disease, recovering from an illness, or adjusting to a new medical condition, I can help. I also support care partners of those with chronic illness. As a board-certified rehabilitation psychologist, I emphasize a holistic approach to well-being and support people in leading a values-filled life that recognizes personal strengths, reduces shame and promotes self-compassion, encourages collaboration, and meets you where you are non-judgmentally.
(202) 873-8048 View (202) 873-8048
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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.