Chronic Pain Therapists in Cambridge, MA
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Leslie Bosworth
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified
Verified
Chronic pain
and chronic
illness
are my other areas of expertise.
Currently accepting new clients and families via telehealth. I am a licensed independent clinical social worker with over 15 years working in Harvard affiliated healthcare settings.
Collaborative Health Psychology
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I am a clinical health psychologist who specializes in treating people coping with anxiety,
chronic pain
, stress, medical issues, mood disorders, and difficulties adjusting to life changes.
I believe that each person is unique, and therefore no one approach is right for everyone. I strive to integrate a variety of techniques and perspectives from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness based therapies, relaxation training, biofeedback, clinical hypnotherapy, and supportive therapy to create a treatment that is tailored to the individual I am working with.
For more information please visit my website at collaborativehealthpsychology.com
Saul Rosenthal
Psychologist, PhD, BCB, BCB-HRV, BCN
Verified
Verified
I integrate evidence-based biopsychosocial approaches to anxiety, depression,
pain
, headache and migraine, sleep, stress, Internet addiction and executive function deficits.
As of January 2023, I have very limited availability. I have over 20 years of experience working with a variety of health issues. I focus on optimizing health and healthy decision making, collaborating with clients in a way that's meaningful and long-lasting. Together, we work toward managing medical stress and the emotional challenges that have become barriers to personal growth. Health is an evolving, personal state blending both body and mind. My goal is for my clients to discover how to move toward true health and embrace their potential.
Stephanie Campbell
Occupational Therapist, OTD, OTR/L
Verified
Verified
I specialize in chronic
illness
and general mind-body wellness.
As an occupational therapist my focus is on helping you participate in the areas of your life that are most important to you. Some of my clients have a new diagnosis of chronic
illness
and the ways they have approached life are no longer working for them. Others are looking to change habits rooted in perfectionism or over-working. Whatever your personal goals, I hope to help you pursue wellness and achieve a balance between your body, brain, and goals.
Total Hypnosis
CHP
It is especially effective for conditions that have an emotional base or aspect, such as
Fibromyalgia
, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, mood problems, depression, compulsions, food and environmental sensitivities, anger, and stress.
My practice is about solving problems, from relatively simple ones like smoking, weight control, or sleep issues, to deeper ones like fears and phobias, and, complex, chronic illnesses that almost invariably have multi-faceted emotional roots. Of course, chronic illnesses can rarely be dealt with as easily and quickly as, say, insomnia, smoking cessation, teeth grinding, or TMJ problems. Habits and simple fears and phobias mostly respond very well to the application of skilled Direct-Suggestion hypnosis. However, Healing Hypnosis, my specialty, is a more intensive and deeper process. That aims to get to the root of problems.
Laura Medrano
Counselor, LMHC
Verified
Verified
Every one of us has endured
pain
in our lives. Those events can affect our sense of inner security and the ability to mobilize our strengths. Whatever your history may be, transforming the way your mind, body and soul remember the
pain
, will put you on the path of more freedom to be your preferred self, and experience your relationships and your life to the fullest. Therapy could be that safe space where you can envision a desired life and future for yourself, breathe new hope and possibilities, and develop effective coping strategies that can be carried out outside our sessions.
Kel Thomas
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
Dr. Thomas (they/them) is a queer, transgender (non-binary and transmasculine), chronically ill, disabled, and non-monogamous psychologist and they often work with clients from these communities, as well as fellow care workers and others who engage in social-justice work. They are also sex-work and kink affirming and liberation is at the core of all their work. Dr. Thomas works with adults with a variety of concerns and has specialties in treating: Grief, depression, anxiety,
chronic pain
, interpersonal trauma in childhood, non-traditional relationships and non-traditional families in distress.
Not accepting new clients
Jennifer O'Flynn
Psychologist, EdM, PhD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I also have a particular interest and specialized experience working with students and individuals struggling with
chronic pain
/
illness
and am certified in
Pain
Reprocessing Therapy (PRT).
I work with individuals struggling with a variety of life stressors and mental health concerns. Having worked and trained in college mental health centers, an inpatient hospital and integrative medicine, I'm able to work with a wide range of presenting concerns and diagnoses. I have experience working with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, motivation issues, ADHD,
chronic pain
and
illness
, identity development/exploration, sexual health, body image, eating concerns, perfectionism, life transitions, relationship issues, and academic concerns.
Maria Mandalos
MA, LMHC, MT-BC
Verified
Verified
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Board-Certified Music Therapist, who has experience working with infants, children, adolescents, and their families. I specialize in diagnoses related to neurological disorders, including traumatic brain injuries, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, learning disabilities, developmental and speech delays. My areas of interest also include: post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, social-emotional challenges, grief, low self-esteem, conflicts related to major life transitions, life threatening diseases, and
chronic pain
.
Marsha Vannicelli
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
I understand the importance of developing resilience-to-change in order to effectively cope with major life transitions (marriage, birth of a child, loss of a loved one, divorce, retirement, new job). Without such resilience, life can feel overwhelming, self esteem becomes precarious, and mood can dip dramatically. Through my warm, direct, highly international approach, I collaborate with my clients to address the behaviors that continue to cause
pain
. My books, teaching and supervision have provided training for 100s of other clinicians to help their clients to feel more empowered in relationship and to fulfill their potential
LaTonya Zibi
Counselor, PhD, LMHC, LPC, MDiv, MTS
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
In having a better understanding of ourselves we have the opportunity to build blocks to creating a meaningful life. If you are seeking to better understand yourself or your desires, to heal from
pain
, to accomplish goals, to regain your life, I can help. I encourage patience in your self-understanding as we work together. Therapeutic alliance is important to me. My goal is to establish a collaborative process where there is flexibility, individuality, and safety.
Lawrence Kron
Psychologist, PhD, JD
Verified
Verified
I understand the importance of developing resilience-to-change in order to effectively cope with major life transitions including losses and endings (divorce, retirement, serious medical
illness
) as well as beginnings (new relationships, marriage, birth of a child, starting a career). Without such resilience, life can feel overwhelming, self esteem becomes precarious, and mood can dip dramatically. As a licensed clinical psychologist, with more than 30 years experience, my clients value my warm, collaborative approach to relationship issues, executive stress, mid-life issues, inter-generational conflicts, and self-defeating behaviors that keep people stuck.
Not accepting new clients
Maya Hanelin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified
Verified
People come to me for many reasons including relationship issues, life transitions, trauma, spiritual exploration, chronic
illness
, anxiety, and depression.
Helping people live a life of authenticity and ease is at the heart of my work. We all need a safe and supportive place to feel heard, move through challenges and develop insight. I meet my clients where they are and encourage them toward their goals with compassion, hope, and kindness. On this therapeutic journey we learn to identify and embrace strengths, integrate new skills and self-understanding, and come into a deeper knowing of ourselves.
Pam Greenberg
Counselor, LMHC
Verified
Verified
Our
pain
is there for a reason, to point out patterns and behavior that are no longer working, and to open the gateway to a greater sense of happiness and wholeness.
I strive to get to know you in your totality— your strengths as well as your vulnerabilities, your dreams as well as your disappointments. Whether you are an adult seeking counseling for yourself or looking for support for a child or teen, I bring a wealth of experience working with issues ranging from depression and anxiety to behavioral concerns or school resistance. My approach is warm and compassionate, yet focused on helping each client make the changes needed to live a happier, more fulfilled life.
Not accepting new clients
Mark Davila-Witkowski
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified
Verified
**Hello. My practice is currently full and I am unable to welcome new patients at this time.** Together we'll consider the experiences you've had so that we understand how you have arrived at this point in your life. This understanding, coupled with learning to experience the wide array of feelings that your life has brought you, are our aims. This work heals emotional
pain
, deepens relationships, and changes troubling behaviors. Through the work of therapy, my clients describe fuller and more satisfying lives and I have seen it bring them greater peace of mind.
Discovery Learning Associates
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MEd, RCTC, COFT
Verified
Verified
Utilizing EEG biofeedback (neurofeedback), therapeutic music and hypnosis, we have a creative approach to individualize a treatment plan for every client. Our practice consists of both children and adults. Primarily the children come to work on ADD/ADHD or autistic spectrum disorders. The adults come for an array of issues: anxiety, depression, migraines,
chronic pain
and sleep problems. In addition, we work with clients for peak performance, i.e., eradicating barriers from even higher executive, academic, athletic or artistic excellence.
Alice Clark
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
It's finally time to make changes... It takes great courage to recognize that you're caught in patterns that keep you stuck and unhappy. And even more courage to reach out for support. I have worked with many people during difficult times to create meaning, ease and clarity in their lives, even in their darkest moments. I specialize in working with people who struggle with depression, anxiety, relationship issues,
chronic pain
, and eating disorders as well as those who suffer in the aftermath of trauma. I also work with the GLBTQ community.
Not accepting new clients
Andrea DeBarros-Jensen
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
Dr. DeBarros-Jensen works with adults providing psychotherapy that integrates different approaches. Her areas of interest include: Anxiety, depression, trauma, marginalization stress, identity development, self-compassion, and interpersonal issues. Dr. DeBarros-Jensen also has extensive Health Psychology training, helping people with
chronic pain
, challenges with medication management, and terminal
illness
.
Paul Reynolds
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Verified
Welcome. People seek psychotherapy for a variety of reasons, such as relief from anxiety, loneliness, or grief. Others feel stuck or disconnected. Perhaps patterns of unsatisfying relationships or difficulties deepening relationships have emerged. Psychotherapy provides a unique opportunity to explore personal issues in an environment of trust and respect. I appreciate the courage it takes to work through problems. Emotional
pain
can signal that one is called upon to make changes or understand things in a new light. I am interested in helping others express themselves more openly, feel more connected to others, and enhance capacities for making authentic choices.
Not accepting new clients
Amanda Gasser-Wingate
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I have particular experience with individuals and couples facing the challenges of caregiving and maintaining intimacy when coping with a major
illness
.
**I am not currently accepting new patients.** I provide individual and couples therapy for adults who want to change how they go through life. I work with people on issues related to depression, anxiety, relationships and intimacy, work-related stress, family conflicts, self-esteem issues, grief and loss, and navigating major life transitions. I adapt my work based on your unique needs, strengths, and interests. I use techniques from several different treatment modalities, including psychodynamic psychotherapy (developing insight) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (identifying and working to live in alignment with your values).
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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.