Chronic Pain Therapists in Johnson County, IA
Rachael L Carr
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Iowa City, IA 52240
Waitlist for new clients
This unresolved trauma can contribute to anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and physical pain, profoundly affecting daily life.
Using relatable language, dry humor and co-regulation, I will guide you to gradually reconnect with inner resources in body and mind, as well as those present in & integral to our environments. As appropriate, I will guide you through reprocessing past experiences to gain new insights into present situations, towards shifting core understandings.
This unresolved trauma can contribute to anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and physical pain, profoundly affecting daily life.
Using relatable language, dry humor and co-regulation, I will guide you to gradually reconnect with inner resources in body and mind, as well as those present in & integral to our environments. As appropriate, I will guide you through reprocessing past experiences to gain new insights into present situations, towards shifting core understandings.
Perhaps you’re further along in your journey, providing care for a spouse or loved one living with chronic illness or dementia.
Regardless of where you find yourself, life’s transitions can stir up stress, anxiety, depression, and even past trauma. Whether you are experiencing chronic pain or dealing with grief or ambiguous loss, I am here to offer support. I take a multicultural, person-centered approach to counseling, tailoring my methods to meet your unique needs.
Perhaps you’re further along in your journey, providing care for a spouse or loved one living with chronic illness or dementia.
Regardless of where you find yourself, life’s transitions can stir up stress, anxiety, depression, and even past trauma. Whether you are experiencing chronic pain or dealing with grief or ambiguous loss, I am here to offer support. I take a multicultural, person-centered approach to counseling, tailoring my methods to meet your unique needs.
I have experience working with career development, stress management, self-esteem, personal development and identity, trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, domestic violence, relationship conflicts, substance use, and chronic and terminal illness.
It can be very challenging and difficult to talk to someone about your mental health. Reaching out to a therapist is a brave first step towards healing. I aim to provide a warm, safe, and non-judgmental environment where I assist my client in constructing a treatment plan that works best for their current needs and lifestyle. In session, I utilize a combination of Person-Centered, Narrative, Cognitive-behavioral, and Solution Focused approaches to meet my client’s individualistic or holistic needs. I also specialize in the technique of brain-spotting and am currently working to earn certification.
I have experience working with career development, stress management, self-esteem, personal development and identity, trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, domestic violence, relationship conflicts, substance use, and chronic and terminal illness.
It can be very challenging and difficult to talk to someone about your mental health. Reaching out to a therapist is a brave first step towards healing. I aim to provide a warm, safe, and non-judgmental environment where I assist my client in constructing a treatment plan that works best for their current needs and lifestyle. In session, I utilize a combination of Person-Centered, Narrative, Cognitive-behavioral, and Solution Focused approaches to meet my client’s individualistic or holistic needs. I also specialize in the technique of brain-spotting and am currently working to earn certification.
Adina Joy Levitt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Iowa City, IA 52240
Areas of focus: trauma, PTSD, stress, anxiety, grief, medically unexplained pain, & spirituality.
Are you curious about the mind-body connection? In addition to talk therapy, we may use a variety of somatic tools to release chronic internal barriers, explore your life experiences, & to regulate your nervous system. Some of these include: mindfulness, grounding, breathwork, guided imagery, dance/movement & exploring where you hold stress in your body.
Areas of focus: trauma, PTSD, stress, anxiety, grief, medically unexplained pain, & spirituality.
Are you curious about the mind-body connection? In addition to talk therapy, we may use a variety of somatic tools to release chronic internal barriers, explore your life experiences, & to regulate your nervous system. Some of these include: mindfulness, grounding, breathwork, guided imagery, dance/movement & exploring where you hold stress in your body.
I have experiencing working with neurodiversity, grief and loss, chronic illness, depression, anxiety, the LBGTQ community, and trauma.
I offer a safe space where you will be seen as an individual with unique needs. Together we will build a relationship that is focused on your healing.
I have experiencing working with neurodiversity, grief and loss, chronic illness, depression, anxiety, the LBGTQ community, and trauma.
I offer a safe space where you will be seen as an individual with unique needs. Together we will build a relationship that is focused on your healing.
Anne K. Wiser
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, MSW, LISW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Online Only
In addition to Trauma, EMDR is effective for Chronic Pain, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, Tinnitus and Long Covid.
With compassion and in a non-judging atmosphere, I partner with you to help you develop your personal wisdom and achieve the changes you aspire to. Prior to becoming a psychotherapist, I conducted brain research. My knowledge of how the brain functions guides my psychotherapy practice. I have 14 years experience helping people with a wide range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, unstable mood, low self-esteem, trauma & abuse including PTSD.
In addition to Trauma, EMDR is effective for Chronic Pain, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, Tinnitus and Long Covid.
With compassion and in a non-judging atmosphere, I partner with you to help you develop your personal wisdom and achieve the changes you aspire to. Prior to becoming a psychotherapist, I conducted brain research. My knowledge of how the brain functions guides my psychotherapy practice. I have 14 years experience helping people with a wide range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, unstable mood, low self-esteem, trauma & abuse including PTSD.
Areas I specialize include anxiety, depression, childhood sexual abuse, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, childhood trauma, cutting and self-harm, grief and loss, domestic violence, Emotional Intensity Disorder, addiction, couples counseling, stress management, adolescents, eating disorders, EAP services, and chronic mental illness.
All of us have some hard and difficult times in life and we need some help. Although this can be humbling, it usually pays off in the end. I am a very flexible and laid back person and am here to help you with whatever it is you are struggling with. There will be no judgment and we will work on what only you want to work on. I believe there is no magic answer to everything and not everything works for everybody, so it is you and I trying to figure out what works best for you.
Areas I specialize include anxiety, depression, childhood sexual abuse, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, childhood trauma, cutting and self-harm, grief and loss, domestic violence, Emotional Intensity Disorder, addiction, couples counseling, stress management, adolescents, eating disorders, EAP services, and chronic mental illness.
All of us have some hard and difficult times in life and we need some help. Although this can be humbling, it usually pays off in the end. I am a very flexible and laid back person and am here to help you with whatever it is you are struggling with. There will be no judgment and we will work on what only you want to work on. I believe there is no magic answer to everything and not everything works for everybody, so it is you and I trying to figure out what works best for you.
I have worked in a variety of mental health settings over a period of 20+ years including residential treatment for children and adults, supported living services for adults with mental illness, chemical dependency treatment, emergency/crisis counseling, biblical counseling in church settings, hospital programs for adults with chronic mental illness and vocational counseling.
I specialize in treating women struggling with depression and anxiety as well as a host of other mental health and life transition issues. I use a cognitive behavioral, biblical approach to address these issues and strive to bring about significant change in each client that is served.
I have worked in a variety of mental health settings over a period of 20+ years including residential treatment for children and adults, supported living services for adults with mental illness, chemical dependency treatment, emergency/crisis counseling, biblical counseling in church settings, hospital programs for adults with chronic mental illness and vocational counseling.
I specialize in treating women struggling with depression and anxiety as well as a host of other mental health and life transition issues. I use a cognitive behavioral, biblical approach to address these issues and strive to bring about significant change in each client that is served.
Currently, my clinical interests include: anxiety disorders, stress management, mood and affect management difficulties, adjustment difficulties, chronic pain, parenting issues, and children’s behavioral issues.
I view effective helping as a partnership that develops in the context of a safe, non-judgmental relationship. I work with clients to help them develop the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve the goals that they have identified as being important.
Currently, my clinical interests include: anxiety disorders, stress management, mood and affect management difficulties, adjustment difficulties, chronic pain, parenting issues, and children’s behavioral issues.
I view effective helping as a partnership that develops in the context of a safe, non-judgmental relationship. I work with clients to help them develop the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve the goals that they have identified as being important.
Rochelle Renee Honey-Arcement
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, MSW, MA
Verified Verified
North Liberty, IA 52317
Waitlist for new clients
As human beings, we crave connection from our earliest moments, yet sometimes we experience pain that prompts us to protect ourselves or creates suffering.
Through respectful, compassionate exploration, and trauma informed practice, we will work together to meet the goals that are important to you. By combining Humanistic practices, Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness, Expressive Therapies and Internal Family Systems I will provide support, tools, and skills as your partner during this collaborative process.
As human beings, we crave connection from our earliest moments, yet sometimes we experience pain that prompts us to protect ourselves or creates suffering.
Through respectful, compassionate exploration, and trauma informed practice, we will work together to meet the goals that are important to you. By combining Humanistic practices, Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness, Expressive Therapies and Internal Family Systems I will provide support, tools, and skills as your partner during this collaborative process.
His research and writing on the impact of chronic illness and chronic pain on individual, couple, and family functioning have received national recognition.
David specializes in: Depression; Anxiety; Stress Management; and Relationship Issues (premarital & marital problems, communication, co-parenting, financial stress, affairs, infidelity, divorce, sexual health)
His research and writing on the impact of chronic illness and chronic pain on individual, couple, and family functioning have received national recognition.
David specializes in: Depression; Anxiety; Stress Management; and Relationship Issues (premarital & marital problems, communication, co-parenting, financial stress, affairs, infidelity, divorce, sexual health)
Meet Our Chronic Pain Therapists
I am a licensed psychologist with over two decades of experience in the treatment of depression, anxiety, panic attacks, stress management, chronic pain, insomnia, low self-esteem, trauma, abuse, addiction, anger management, relationship issue, marital conflict and stress related illness.
I try to work very cost efficiently. I recognize therapy is very expensive and few people can afford to have years of therapy. Within the first two sessions, I will reframe your distress into a theory of psychological well being and outline a specific treatment plan.
I am a licensed psychologist with over two decades of experience in the treatment of depression, anxiety, panic attacks, stress management, chronic pain, insomnia, low self-esteem, trauma, abuse, addiction, anger management, relationship issue, marital conflict and stress related illness.
I try to work very cost efficiently. I recognize therapy is very expensive and few people can afford to have years of therapy. Within the first two sessions, I will reframe your distress into a theory of psychological well being and outline a specific treatment plan.
Unresolved traumas can persist as anxiety, depression, substance abuse, physical pain or illness, and other distressing symptoms that wreak havoc on our daily lives.
Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all experience, so we will work together to create a plan that works for you. I combine traditional therapeutic approaches (cognitive-behavioral therapy, rational-emotive behavior therapy, dialectical behavior therapy) with alternative approaches (brainspotting, pain reprocessing therapy, trauma-informed yoga).
Unresolved traumas can persist as anxiety, depression, substance abuse, physical pain or illness, and other distressing symptoms that wreak havoc on our daily lives.
Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all experience, so we will work together to create a plan that works for you. I combine traditional therapeutic approaches (cognitive-behavioral therapy, rational-emotive behavior therapy, dialectical behavior therapy) with alternative approaches (brainspotting, pain reprocessing therapy, trauma-informed yoga).
I offer counseling/psychotherapy for a range of mental health problems including trauma/PTSD, depression, anxiety, eating and body image disorders, relational concerns, life transitions, and have expertise helping people to manage chronic health conditions,
including chronic pain, diabetes, overeating and obesity, addiction, smoking cessation, and coping with terminal diagnoses.
I am passionate about helping others reach their true potential and I am incredibly excited to have the opportunity to work with you to overcome mental health problems, trauma, grief and loss, relationship problems and other life struggles and transitions. Individuals from all backgrounds are welcome - care is confidential and non-judgmental. My goal is to help you become the best possible version of yourself.
I offer counseling/psychotherapy for a range of mental health problems including trauma/PTSD, depression, anxiety, eating and body image disorders, relational concerns, life transitions, and have expertise helping people to manage chronic health conditions,
including chronic pain, diabetes, overeating and obesity, addiction, smoking cessation, and coping with terminal diagnoses.
I am passionate about helping others reach their true potential and I am incredibly excited to have the opportunity to work with you to overcome mental health problems, trauma, grief and loss, relationship problems and other life struggles and transitions. Individuals from all backgrounds are welcome - care is confidential and non-judgmental. My goal is to help you become the best possible version of yourself.
I specialize in supporting individuals who are navigating grief and healing from trauma, as well as those in the queer and trans community and those living with chronic illness.
Finding a therapist who truly sees you and meets you where you are can make all the difference. I strive to create a space where you can show up as your authentic self—without judgment, without pretense. Whether you're navigating personal challenges or feeling the weight of societal pressures, you don’t have to do it alone. Together, we can explore your unique experiences, build coping strategies, and work toward a sense of healing and empowerment.
I specialize in supporting individuals who are navigating grief and healing from trauma, as well as those in the queer and trans community and those living with chronic illness.
Finding a therapist who truly sees you and meets you where you are can make all the difference. I strive to create a space where you can show up as your authentic self—without judgment, without pretense. Whether you're navigating personal challenges or feeling the weight of societal pressures, you don’t have to do it alone. Together, we can explore your unique experiences, build coping strategies, and work toward a sense of healing and empowerment.
I specialize in trauma, anxiety, depression, grief and loss and can help people with chronic pain and illnesses.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Therapist and Registered Art Therapist. I am certified in EMDR and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy. I have been helping people of all ages navigate mental health and life challenges for over 25 years. Together, we can tailor your therapy to meet your individual needs so you can move beyond whatever is holding you back and begin to experience the relief and change you are seeking. My approach is non-judgmental, compassionate and collaborative.
I specialize in trauma, anxiety, depression, grief and loss and can help people with chronic pain and illnesses.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Therapist and Registered Art Therapist. I am certified in EMDR and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy. I have been helping people of all ages navigate mental health and life challenges for over 25 years. Together, we can tailor your therapy to meet your individual needs so you can move beyond whatever is holding you back and begin to experience the relief and change you are seeking. My approach is non-judgmental, compassionate and collaborative.
My goal is to help reduce the confusion and pain and walk alongside you in your journey to healing.
I currently offer individual counseling services to children, teens, and adults. I specialize in areas such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, college lifestyle, athletic performance anxiety, peer relationships, and geriatric care. Together we can work to find an approach that best suits you!
My goal is to help reduce the confusion and pain and walk alongside you in your journey to healing.
I currently offer individual counseling services to children, teens, and adults. I specialize in areas such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, college lifestyle, athletic performance anxiety, peer relationships, and geriatric care. Together we can work to find an approach that best suits you!
Our distinct hands-on experience-based approach is designed to empower clients to analyze their situations, make connections, and find their own solutions through personal and physical experiences. It is effective because it embraces the philosophy that humans learn best by doing. Clients have reported that they have been able to change and grow more effectively and quickly than through traditional approaches.
Our distinct hands-on experience-based approach is designed to empower clients to analyze their situations, make connections, and find their own solutions through personal and physical experiences. It is effective because it embraces the philosophy that humans learn best by doing. Clients have reported that they have been able to change and grow more effectively and quickly than through traditional approaches.
As a clinical psychologist & certified yoga instructor, I am passionate about taking a holistic & tailored approach when working with clients. I am committed to helping you get out of your “analysis paralysis” & into your life. I want to help you to discover your freedom in how you relate to your mind (& body!) & share the secret your brain has been keeping from you your whole life: Your thoughts are not your boss. I aim to help not only reduce the symptoms interfering with your life, but also to help optimize your mental health/well-being to live a life aligned with how you want to be in the world.
As a clinical psychologist & certified yoga instructor, I am passionate about taking a holistic & tailored approach when working with clients. I am committed to helping you get out of your “analysis paralysis” & into your life. I want to help you to discover your freedom in how you relate to your mind (& body!) & share the secret your brain has been keeping from you your whole life: Your thoughts are not your boss. I aim to help not only reduce the symptoms interfering with your life, but also to help optimize your mental health/well-being to live a life aligned with how you want to be in the world.
Children, adolescents, and adults who have faced challenging experiences in their lives or who are currently facing challenging experiences in their lives need and deserve to exist in spaces where they feel safe, can be heard and are accepted as they are. They often come to therapy because they believe they deserve to heal from their past experiences or cope with current experiences for themselves and those around them. Many of them also come to believe that they are inherently worthy of existing in a space that is safe and accepting of their authentic selves, which can be very freeing.
Children, adolescents, and adults who have faced challenging experiences in their lives or who are currently facing challenging experiences in their lives need and deserve to exist in spaces where they feel safe, can be heard and are accepted as they are. They often come to therapy because they believe they deserve to heal from their past experiences or cope with current experiences for themselves and those around them. Many of them also come to believe that they are inherently worthy of existing in a space that is safe and accepting of their authentic selves, which can be very freeing.
See more therapy options for Johnson County
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.