Chronic Pain Therapists in Chevy Chase, MD
Dr. Amanda Rhodes
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Waitlist for new clients
I’m an NIH-trained Clinical Health Psychologist who specializes in adolescents and adults experiencing chronic and acute illness or pain as well as caregivers of loved ones with medical conditions. I am the Supervising Psychologist and Director at Bethesda-Chevy Chase Psychological Services. In therapy, my approach is collaborative and experiential, aiming to help individuals break free from the grip of pain, empowering them to embrace meaning and vitality in their lives.
I’m an NIH-trained Clinical Health Psychologist who specializes in adolescents and adults experiencing chronic and acute illness or pain as well as caregivers of loved ones with medical conditions. I am the Supervising Psychologist and Director at Bethesda-Chevy Chase Psychological Services. In therapy, my approach is collaborative and experiential, aiming to help individuals break free from the grip of pain, empowering them to embrace meaning and vitality in their lives.
Carissa L Strohecker Hannum
Counselor, MA, LCPC, LPC, CCTP
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
I have a special interest working with individuals with chronic pain, life transitions, and grief/loss.
Welcome, I truly believe that therapy is a brave and courageous choice. I strive to create a warm, empathetic, and safe environment for each client that chooses to work with me. I have a special expertise working with both adolescents and adults with mood disorders. Our relationship will be used as an element of change. Often, I will utilize aspects of our relationship to highlight barriers to change and provide a warm and directive approach to push you towards growth. My approach within our therapeutic relationship tends to be more collaborative and I commonly use interventions including mindfulness, CBT, DBT and attachment theory.
I have a special interest working with individuals with chronic pain, life transitions, and grief/loss.
Welcome, I truly believe that therapy is a brave and courageous choice. I strive to create a warm, empathetic, and safe environment for each client that chooses to work with me. I have a special expertise working with both adolescents and adults with mood disorders. Our relationship will be used as an element of change. Often, I will utilize aspects of our relationship to highlight barriers to change and provide a warm and directive approach to push you towards growth. My approach within our therapeutic relationship tends to be more collaborative and I commonly use interventions including mindfulness, CBT, DBT and attachment theory.
Sarah S. Berger
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
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).
Susan Schwerd
Counselor, MEd, LCPC
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, MD 20815 (Online Only)
My clients can learn self-hypnosis, a powerful tool to regulate chronic pain and extreme anxiety, helping them reclaim control over their lives.
My goal is to facilitate your healing, growth, and transformation. Rooted in the psychodynamic orientation, my therapeutic approach is "active eclectic", utilizing cognitive behavioral, Adlerian, and solution-focused interventions. I facilitate change by helping clients understand the underlying reasons why they feel conflicted and by helping identify patterns of behavior that are keeping them stuck. Together we work to develop new ways to respond to present day challenges.
My clients can learn self-hypnosis, a powerful tool to regulate chronic pain and extreme anxiety, helping them reclaim control over their lives.
My goal is to facilitate your healing, growth, and transformation. Rooted in the psychodynamic orientation, my therapeutic approach is "active eclectic", utilizing cognitive behavioral, Adlerian, and solution-focused interventions. I facilitate change by helping clients understand the underlying reasons why they feel conflicted and by helping identify patterns of behavior that are keeping them stuck. Together we work to develop new ways to respond to present day challenges.
John W Cornelius
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MS, MSW, LCSW-C, LICSW
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
For traumatic stress, I help individuals reduce symptoms of hyperarousal, panic, numbness, and pain in response to relationship and life challenges.
I help individuals work on life issues tied to anxiety and depression, relationship difficulties, stress symptoms tied to childhood trauma, and families struggling with behavioral challenges. I teach communication skills that help with difficult relationships. These skills include helping my clients improve their power, voice, and contact with significant others. I employ many approaches in psychotherapy, including psychodynamic, gestalt, somatic experiencing (SE), accelerated experiential dynamic (AEDP), cognitive behavioral (CBT) and emotionally focused couples therapy (EFT).
For traumatic stress, I help individuals reduce symptoms of hyperarousal, panic, numbness, and pain in response to relationship and life challenges.
I help individuals work on life issues tied to anxiety and depression, relationship difficulties, stress symptoms tied to childhood trauma, and families struggling with behavioral challenges. I teach communication skills that help with difficult relationships. These skills include helping my clients improve their power, voice, and contact with significant others. I employ many approaches in psychotherapy, including psychodynamic, gestalt, somatic experiencing (SE), accelerated experiential dynamic (AEDP), cognitive behavioral (CBT) and emotionally focused couples therapy (EFT).
Crystal Marcus August
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, CGP
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
My personal experience in my young adult years with parental illness and loss have made me especially helpful with issues of chronic illness, loss and grief.
I work with adults, adolescents, and couples, often in transition or crisis. If we work together, you will become more fully self-aware and present as you improve and deepen your relationships with others. I am a warm and engaged participant in the psychotherapy and problem-solving process and as such, I am continually awed by each person's story and the unique reservoirs found to deal with life's difficulties.
My personal experience in my young adult years with parental illness and loss have made me especially helpful with issues of chronic illness, loss and grief.
I work with adults, adolescents, and couples, often in transition or crisis. If we work together, you will become more fully self-aware and present as you improve and deepen your relationships with others. I am a warm and engaged participant in the psychotherapy and problem-solving process and as such, I am continually awed by each person's story and the unique reservoirs found to deal with life's difficulties.
Nancy F. Hensler, PhD, PLLC
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Through 25 years' experience in university, hospital and outpatient settings, I have developed specializations in Trauma & Abuse, Sexual & Relationship Violence, Women's Empowerment, Mindful Living, & the College Experience. Trained by a pioneer in complex trauma treatment, I assist survivors regain their sense of security and self. My past career research informs my continuing passion for mentoring women in their multiple roles and across their lifespans. I help individuals, couples & groups manage stress, anxiety, depression, and pain; navigate major life events and losses; & repair/strengthen their relationships.
Through 25 years' experience in university, hospital and outpatient settings, I have developed specializations in Trauma & Abuse, Sexual & Relationship Violence, Women's Empowerment, Mindful Living, & the College Experience. Trained by a pioneer in complex trauma treatment, I assist survivors regain their sense of security and self. My past career research informs my continuing passion for mentoring women in their multiple roles and across their lifespans. I help individuals, couples & groups manage stress, anxiety, depression, and pain; navigate major life events and losses; & repair/strengthen their relationships.
Adele Natter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
I specialize in intensive, focused individual psychotherapy for anger issues, relationship problems, anxiety, mood disorders, emotional regulation, and self-management; Asperger's and ASD; trauma and abuse history; shame; and treatment of pain and unexplained medical symptoms.
I take a serious approach to serious problems. Behaviors you've tried to stop -- anger outbursts, self-criticism, self-sabotage, etc.-- damage your life, work, and relationships. I offer a therapy of insight, depth, and relationship in an interactive and intensive style, so we can get to the root of the problem and give you relief as quickly as possible. With your capacities we heal the broken parts to achieve the goals you identify, in an atmosphere of safety and acceptance in which you can be yourself without fear of shame, blame, or judgment. Contact me and start to take charge of your life!
I specialize in intensive, focused individual psychotherapy for anger issues, relationship problems, anxiety, mood disorders, emotional regulation, and self-management; Asperger's and ASD; trauma and abuse history; shame; and treatment of pain and unexplained medical symptoms.
I take a serious approach to serious problems. Behaviors you've tried to stop -- anger outbursts, self-criticism, self-sabotage, etc.-- damage your life, work, and relationships. I offer a therapy of insight, depth, and relationship in an interactive and intensive style, so we can get to the root of the problem and give you relief as quickly as possible. With your capacities we heal the broken parts to achieve the goals you identify, in an atmosphere of safety and acceptance in which you can be yourself without fear of shame, blame, or judgment. Contact me and start to take charge of your life!
Victoria Washington
Counselor, MS, LCPC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chevy Chase, MD 20815 (Online Only)
My mission as an IFS-trained therapist is to help you understand and heal the different parts of yourself that may be in conflict or pain. Whether you are dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, I am here to support you. IFS stands for Internal Family Systems. It is a model that views each person as having a system of sub-personalities that have their own thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and motivations. Some of your parts may be wounded by past experiences and carry negative emotions such as anger, fear, shame, or guilt. Other parts may try to protect you from those emotions by avoiding, pleasing, or numbing.
My mission as an IFS-trained therapist is to help you understand and heal the different parts of yourself that may be in conflict or pain. Whether you are dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, I am here to support you. IFS stands for Internal Family Systems. It is a model that views each person as having a system of sub-personalities that have their own thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and motivations. Some of your parts may be wounded by past experiences and carry negative emotions such as anger, fear, shame, or guilt. Other parts may try to protect you from those emotions by avoiding, pleasing, or numbing.
Carole Stovall
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Do you want a better life with more choices and success- every day? I am honored to work with clients to help them address life issues, trauma, anxiety, depression, medical illness & pain, relationship and general life issues to better live the life they chose. I work with you in a collaborative and interactive way. We work to help you understand what has happened in your life, but more importantly, how to address and create the meaningful changes, the life success, and happiness, that is most important to you to have your best life.
Do you want a better life with more choices and success- every day? I am honored to work with clients to help them address life issues, trauma, anxiety, depression, medical illness & pain, relationship and general life issues to better live the life they chose. I work with you in a collaborative and interactive way. We work to help you understand what has happened in your life, but more importantly, how to address and create the meaningful changes, the life success, and happiness, that is most important to you to have your best life.
Restore Tranquility, LLC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
At Restore Tranquility we provide psychotherapy for anxiety, trauma/PTSD, depression, chronic pain, sexuality/gender identity and relationship issues.
I work with people who are overwhelmed with life, worried about the future and stretched thin. Many tend to feel stuck in their careers or personal relationships at a time when they should be enjoying the life they have built. There are so many things that can interfere with our ability to live the happy, healthy, meaningful lives we most want to live. Do you struggle to make sustainable changes in your life?
At Restore Tranquility we provide psychotherapy for anxiety, trauma/PTSD, depression, chronic pain, sexuality/gender identity and relationship issues.
I work with people who are overwhelmed with life, worried about the future and stretched thin. Many tend to feel stuck in their careers or personal relationships at a time when they should be enjoying the life they have built. There are so many things that can interfere with our ability to live the happy, healthy, meaningful lives we most want to live. Do you struggle to make sustainable changes in your life?
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Marissa Keilson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
As your therapist I will work carefully and thoughtfully to assist you in addressing the issues that have brought you pain, fear, uncertainty or self-doubt. The individuals I work with may have a history of trauma, challenging life circumstances or anxiety and depression. I create a safe and positive space to process emotions, receive support and develop new coping skills to become healthier, happier and at peace with yourself. Our relationship as therapist and client is the foundation to build upon as your strengthen your relationship with yourself and build stronger relationships throughout your life.
As your therapist I will work carefully and thoughtfully to assist you in addressing the issues that have brought you pain, fear, uncertainty or self-doubt. The individuals I work with may have a history of trauma, challenging life circumstances or anxiety and depression. I create a safe and positive space to process emotions, receive support and develop new coping skills to become healthier, happier and at peace with yourself. Our relationship as therapist and client is the foundation to build upon as your strengthen your relationship with yourself and build stronger relationships throughout your life.
Tamar Kaplan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chevy Chase, MD 20815 (Online Only)
I specialize in working with adults going through life stage transitions, specifically older adults ages 65+ as well as Millennial/Gen Z young professionals. I help people with anxiety, stress, depression, career changes, chronic illness, low self-esteem, and loneliness. I work with people who have been in therapy before as well as people who are trying therapy for the first time- both are wonderful and both are welcome!
I specialize in working with adults going through life stage transitions, specifically older adults ages 65+ as well as Millennial/Gen Z young professionals. I help people with anxiety, stress, depression, career changes, chronic illness, low self-esteem, and loneliness. I work with people who have been in therapy before as well as people who are trying therapy for the first time- both are wonderful and both are welcome!
Noëlle Opsahl
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Engaging in self-care is one of the most powerful choices we can make in our lives. Taking care of our mental health is one essential aspect of self-care. Choosing to address emotional pain can feel daunting. Ever imagine it could also feel rewarding? Psychotherapy can provide a unique opportunity to foster growth, compassion, and self-acceptance. As a clinical psychologist, my goal is to guide you on your personal journey, and help you embrace your most authentic self so you can live a life that’s meaningful to you and take value-based actions. Please visit my website to learn more: www.drnoelleopsahl.com
Engaging in self-care is one of the most powerful choices we can make in our lives. Taking care of our mental health is one essential aspect of self-care. Choosing to address emotional pain can feel daunting. Ever imagine it could also feel rewarding? Psychotherapy can provide a unique opportunity to foster growth, compassion, and self-acceptance. As a clinical psychologist, my goal is to guide you on your personal journey, and help you embrace your most authentic self so you can live a life that’s meaningful to you and take value-based actions. Please visit my website to learn more: www.drnoelleopsahl.com
Caroline Friedman
Counselor, LGPC, NCC, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
There are moments in life when things feel overwhelming and we struggle to find the answers to how to move forward. This can sometimes make us feel stressed, stuck, angry, anxious, or depressed. These feelings can also end up affecting our relationships, work, or life in general. I am a therapist who works collaboratively to find ways to help you explore what's happening in a supportive, caring, and non-judgmental environment. We'll work together to help you realize and build on your existing strengths and develop new emotional and behavioral strategies, especially self-compassion.
There are moments in life when things feel overwhelming and we struggle to find the answers to how to move forward. This can sometimes make us feel stressed, stuck, angry, anxious, or depressed. These feelings can also end up affecting our relationships, work, or life in general. I am a therapist who works collaboratively to find ways to help you explore what's happening in a supportive, caring, and non-judgmental environment. We'll work together to help you realize and build on your existing strengths and develop new emotional and behavioral strategies, especially self-compassion.
Mary Anne Tamula
Psychological Associate, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chevy Chase, MD 20815 (Online Only)
Life is tough. Life throws you a curveball, an unexpected job loss, a medical diagnosis, a loved one dying, a child too difficult to handle, another failed relationship, and the list is endless. Yet the world around you keeps going, it seems there is no option to pause. We live in a busy world, with all its difficult circumstances. A sense of hopelessness, helplessness ensues. Yet, a part of you knows it can be different. You wouldn't be reading this if you weren't looking for a way to make it better. Somehow. If you need just a gentle push, an ounce of encouragement, or a ton of compassion, I am here for you. We will work together
Life is tough. Life throws you a curveball, an unexpected job loss, a medical diagnosis, a loved one dying, a child too difficult to handle, another failed relationship, and the list is endless. Yet the world around you keeps going, it seems there is no option to pause. We live in a busy world, with all its difficult circumstances. A sense of hopelessness, helplessness ensues. Yet, a part of you knows it can be different. You wouldn't be reading this if you weren't looking for a way to make it better. Somehow. If you need just a gentle push, an ounce of encouragement, or a ton of compassion, I am here for you. We will work together
Margo Ruth Aron
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C, LICSW
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
I am an experienced psychotherapist trained in psychoanalytic psychotherapy. I received my advanced training at the Washington Center for Psychoanalysis. I have been practicing for 20 years and work with adults ages 20 and over. I have worked extensively with patients suffering from depression, anxiety, relationship issues, work related problems, marital issues and issues of low self esteem. I also have an expertise in couples therapy.
I am an experienced psychotherapist trained in psychoanalytic psychotherapy. I received my advanced training at the Washington Center for Psychoanalysis. I have been practicing for 20 years and work with adults ages 20 and over. I have worked extensively with patients suffering from depression, anxiety, relationship issues, work related problems, marital issues and issues of low self esteem. I also have an expertise in couples therapy.
Jennifer Hamady
Counselor, MA, NCC, LCPC
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, MD 20815 (Online Only)
Welcome! I am a state licensed and nationally board-certified therapist specializing in self-expression, creativity, communication and anxiety issues. I also focus on confidence and self-worth, relationships, purpose and career transitions, and work with a range of clients including creatives, executives, couples and others interested in achieving joy, peace and meaning in their professional and personal lives. I am the author of three books on the psychology of performance, write regularly for Psychology Today on matters of creative expression, and present workshops, lectures and master classes on the same.
Welcome! I am a state licensed and nationally board-certified therapist specializing in self-expression, creativity, communication and anxiety issues. I also focus on confidence and self-worth, relationships, purpose and career transitions, and work with a range of clients including creatives, executives, couples and others interested in achieving joy, peace and meaning in their professional and personal lives. I am the author of three books on the psychology of performance, write regularly for Psychology Today on matters of creative expression, and present workshops, lectures and master classes on the same.
Nathan Dickerson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCPC
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Nathan L. Dickerson Jr. is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maryland who has been practicing since 2018. He has a BA in Psychology from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and studied General Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Capella University. Nathan believes in working from a systemic, collaborative, strengths-based therapeutic approach to help clients acknowledge the various unique contexts which impact their lives and connecting with their strengths.
Nathan L. Dickerson Jr. is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maryland who has been practicing since 2018. He has a BA in Psychology from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and studied General Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Capella University. Nathan believes in working from a systemic, collaborative, strengths-based therapeutic approach to help clients acknowledge the various unique contexts which impact their lives and connecting with their strengths.
Laura Place
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Chevy Chase, MD 20815 (Online Only)
You've been on a journey just to figure out who you are and even though some of the pieces have come together, you could use a hand figuring out what to do with those pieces. Or you know just who you are and what you want for your life, but you can't seem to figure out how to manage the day to day challenges of adulting that everyone else seems to breeze through. You know you want and need a change, but you're not sure how to get there-and you've gotten pretty discouraged when you try without getting the results you need. I'm here to be a skilled and experienced guide to help you along any and all of those journeys.
You've been on a journey just to figure out who you are and even though some of the pieces have come together, you could use a hand figuring out what to do with those pieces. Or you know just who you are and what you want for your life, but you can't seem to figure out how to manage the day to day challenges of adulting that everyone else seems to breeze through. You know you want and need a change, but you're not sure how to get there-and you've gotten pretty discouraged when you try without getting the results you need. I'm here to be a skilled and experienced guide to help you along any and all of those journeys.
See more therapy options for Chevy Chase
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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.