Chronic Pain Therapists in Grand Rapids, MI
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Laurie Schmit
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
My specialty areas are trauma, grief, anxiety, life adjustments,
chronic pain
/illnesses, health anxiety, professional development, burnout, and imposter syndrome.
Welcome! Congratulations on taking this step towards lasting change! To have landed right here, right now, part of you is ready to do what's necessary to heal your past. With me as your therapist, we'll create the safety necessary to move through the
pain
and into the freedom for you to take ownership of your life. My style is compassionate & collaborative. I work well with diverse adults to move from surviving into thriving. I've also worked extensively with helping professionals: counselors, MDs, PAs, nurses, OT/PT/STs, LMTs, and love it! Mentoring and development for MSWs is a passion of mine, and I offer licensure supervision.
Kathleen J Cramer
Psychologist, PhD, LP
Verified
Verified
Dr Cramer is a licensed clinical psychologist with 11 years of experience as a psychotherapist. She is also a registered nurse. She is a compassionate therapist who strives to create a close and supportive relationship with each patient. She has a strong belief in treating the whole person, utilizing psychotherapy with a focus on wellness, inner peace, spirituality and cultivating a deeper awareness with ones inner self. She has experience in the treatment of a wide range of problems, trauma and stress, relationship/marital or couple problems, issues related to
chronic pain
, and patients in recovery from substance abuse/addiction.
Dana Lynn-Eliott Pendergrass
Masters Social Worker, LMSW
Verified
Verified
I understand the role that
illness
,
pain
, sleep disorders, parenting, & caregiver stress play on a person’s mental health and quality of life.
“ What now ? ” It doesn’t matter whether you have struggled with anxiety, depression, and general mood instability throughout your life, or if an unexpected event has catapulted you into crisis and you are struggling to stay afloat. Both situations are difficult but neither need to feel hopeless. I am offering you a life ring and an anchor so you can regain confidence in your course. My background includes medical social work, school social work, and severe and chronic mental health issues which provides me a unique perspective and I have the ability to relate well with caregivers, parents, adults, and children.
Lisa Ensfield
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
Chronic pain
can feel like a never-ending battle. You may feel like you’ve tried everything and nothing has helped. That takes a toll. My specialty as a health psychologist focused on
pain
management is to help people manage the frustration, fear, and grief that come along with
chronic pain
, to help make lasting improvements in quality of life. When it comes to managing
pain
, having a therapist who specializes in
pain
matters.
Shannon L Hays
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified
Verified
I firmly believe its best to be a guide on the side, not.a sage on the stage. I work with children, adolescents, emerging adults, adults and families. My specialties are ADHD and related neurodivergent concerns, Complex Trauma, Eating disorders of all kinds, anxiety, substance use,
chronic pain
and more. Additionally, I am an open and affirming individual and therapist, I have extensive experience assisting members of the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly Gender identity and transition. I take a strengths-based, person-centered approach to therapy, with an emphasis on compassion and creativity.
Nicholas J Comai
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Adults with anxiety, depression, PTSD, adjustment disorders (difficult life transitions), mood/emotion management struggles, and substance use disorders, paired with LGBTQIA stressors, equality/diversity advocacy, relationship challenges, young adult/professional struggles, performance pressure/stress,
chronic pain
/physical health conditions,and grief/loss.
I began my journey into the helping profession by directly reaching out to individuals experiencing chronic homelessness in the streets, camps, and surrounding areas of Grand Traverse County as a member of a local Street Outreach team. I continued by earning both bachelor and master degrees in clinical social work from Ferris State University, while gathering diverse experience in a range of settings and roles in the Kent County area; including community living supports, family case management, inpatient psychiatric hospitalization, crisis residential, home-based family therapy, outpatient individual therapy, and private practice.
Sollars and Associates
Psychologist, LP
Verified
Verified
Psychological evaluation/testing available - educational (developmental, learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD), medical (bariatric surgery,
pain
procedures ), work disability (evaluation for disability), and career (job clearance testing).
WE OFFER TELE-THERAPY - BOTH VIDEO AND TELEPHONE-BASED. We find understanding and insight are key to change and growth. We're a group of licensed psychotherapists in Metro Detroit who share a passion for helping others in their journey toward personal growth. Some journeys are brief, others take more time. Under the clinical direction of Franklin Sollars, PhD, LP, our therapists offer confidential and caring treatment for a variety of issues and concerns. Treatment for all ages - children, adolescents, adults and elders, is available. We work together with clients to bring about healing, change in behavior, and new perspectives.
Shannon Wendling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified
Verified
I work with a variety of concerns including gender identity,
chronic pain
, chronic
illness
, trauma, self-esteem, grief and loss, ADHD, depression, and anxiety.
I acknowledge that making the decision to pursue therapy can be a really big step. Dedicating time and effort toward improving mental wellbeing and focusing on oneself is not an easy task. It is for this reason that I strive to provide a safe, compassionate, and nurturing environment in which clients can feel comfortable leaning into their vulnerabilities. I am dedicated to ensuring that anybody who visits my office feels seen, heard, and validated.
Kaili Ball
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
Additionally, I hold a Certificate in Sex Therapy from the University of Michigan with over 150hrs of specialized training & education in sexual health & wellbeing (LGBTQ+, concerns with desire/libido,
pain
, trauma, & more).
The decision to start therapy can be overwhelming & anxiety provoking. You may be wondering how therapy can help or who the right therapist is. You're not alone! My hope is to help you feel comfortable & confident in your decision to be here. I have over eight years of clinical experience working with depression, anxiety, life transitions, mood disorders, family &/or relational conflict, grief, complex medical diagnoses, & trauma. I strive to create an environment in which we identify where change is needed while highlighting the strengths you already possess. I value building trust, fostering connection, & embracing vulnerability.
Amy K Byerley
Psychologist, PhD, LP
Verified
Verified
Do you feel stuck, lost, or disconnected from the life you had imagined? Perhaps you struggle with anxiety, depression, relationship or parenting issues, chronic
illness
or health concerns, spirituality, loss/grief, or LGBTQ+ issues. I individually tailor treatment to each client’s needs and goals, identifying what matters most to you. In therapy, we will work to empower you to take the next steps in the direction of your personal values.
Janet Claire Goldner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified
Verified
I work with both families and adults including those experiencing relationship stress, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, challenging life transitions, chronic
illness
as well as those struggling with the issues surrounding adoption.
Cultivate calm- it may be easier than you think! Life can be messy and the challenges and transitions that we all must travel through can be very burdensome. As my favorite author Brene’ Brown said “You don’t have to go it alone, no one was meant to”. I’m here to help. I’m here to support. I’m here to facilitate you truly seeing the courage and strength inside.
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West Michigan Wellness Group
Koinonia Counseling Center, PLLC.
Harbor Psychological Associates
Uplift & Inspire Counseling and Consulting LLC
Katharine Yugo
Jessica Fealk
Ashley Dykstra
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified
Verified
I work with all ages struggling with a wide variety of challenges, including anxiety, depression, adoption, parenting, chronic
illness
, trauma, grief and loss, and more.
I work with children, teens, adults, and families struggling with a variety of challenges. I have experience working with families and children pre and post-adoption. I have been trained as a Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) Practitioner specializing in supporting foster and adoptive families heal trauma through developing trust. Additionally, I have experience counseling individuals, families, and caregivers navigate terminal and chronic illnesses. I counsel caregivers and families through anticipatory grief as well as after the loss of a loved one. Trauma, anxiety, and depression are additional areas of focus.
Michelle Muenzenmeyer
Limited Licensed Psychologist, MA, LLP, CMHC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Do you find yourself setting the same goals without achieving them? In the
pain
and suffering, there is opportunity for growth and change. You've taken a step forward by looking into treatment, congratulations! I offer a trusting and compassionate approach to allow my clients to feel vulnerable with their struggles. I have worked with clients who have suffered with depression, grief, relationship issues, anxiety, life stage changes, obesity, binge eating and more. At the end of treatment, some clients report feeling more resilient with painful emotions which leads to healthier relationships and a more fulfilling life.
Shannon Bruin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified
Verified
Shannon believes that laughter and joy aide in the therapeutic process and values use of a variety of therapeutic interventions in order to engage beauty and
pain
together.
Shannon is bilingual in Spanish and earned her Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Michigan State University and her Masters Degree in Social Work and Masters Degree in Public Administration from Grand Valley State University. She has over 12 years of experience working from a trauma-informed perspective with youth and adults.
Bridget Gottlieb, LMSW, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified
Verified
Even though transitions are a part of all of our lives, they sometimes stir up old
pain
or are just too overwhelming to navigate without some help. You deserve the time and support to work through it and counseling can provide that for you. I believe in a person centered, interpersonal, cognitive behavioral and strength based counseling approach. I have over 16 years of experience using these approaches working with individuals of all ages dealing with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, relationship issues, chronic illnesses and transitions at all stages of life.
Trista Williams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW , CAADC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Hey there! I know that therapy can feel intimidating. My goal is to come alongside and partner with you while we work through the different pains that life can bring us. I have experience working with individuals going through various struggles: depression, anxiety, relational conflict, faith issues, substance use, stress, grief,
chronic pain
, life transitions, self esteem. My approach to therapy is person centered and based on individual needs and goals. I will take time to develop a relationship with you to build trust and have this be a safe space.
Katie Hauge
Counselor, LPC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
My specialty areas include trauma and PTSD, women’s issues including perinatal counseling,
chronic pain
/adapting to physical health issues, depression, anxiety, grief, relationship concerns, ADHD, existential concerns, and identity.
My goal as your therapist is to support and empower you toward your goals and promote healing. I believe in listening to your story, helping you uncover your priorities, and offering the tools to help you decide next steps. This may involve utilizing the healing power of exercise, art, or play; it may also involve processing your thoughts on a deeper level verbally or through writing. I believe optimal health encompasses the whole person physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and creatively. I see all these areas as connected. Because every person is unique, I will tailor our time to your individual needs and interests.
John R Curphey
Marriage & Family Therapist, MDiv, MA, LMFT
Verified
Verified
There has been a major shift for men in our culture. In a previous generation it was considered wise to "cut off" from your emotional self. That style is no longer effective for men. Today men are seeking greater self-awareness. They need to be more aware of their emotions so that they can navigate relationships with strength and wisdom. I have a relaxed style and I believe humor is a part of the healing process. I am interested in helping men move from distress, confusion and
pain
to clarity, peace, and self-acceptance. (I am working part-time and therefore, can only accept a limited number of clients. Thank you for patience).
Not accepting new clients
Melissa A Lidderdale
Psychologist, PhD, LP
Verified
6 Endorsed
Verified
6 Endorsed
I also specialize in treating
chronic pain
, mood disorders, relational concerns, coping with
illness
, and life transitions.
Life presents us with challenges and opportunities that sometimes require consultation. Often, change and healing are facilitated by assistance from caring others. I have repeatedly witnessed the resiliency of the human spirit. I am eager to meet with clients motivated for change and curious about the possibility of having more satisfying lives. I believe that psychotherapy requires trust and a working relationship. I am a compassionate listener and tailor my approach to best match the uniqueness of each client. I approach problems from a strengths-based, holistic perspective that considers a client's relevant biological, developmental, social, and cultural factors.
Grand Rapids, MI 49544
Not accepting new clients
Rachel J. Hipp
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, MA, AcHT
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
There is hope and healing waiting for you! It's time to uncover the patterns that are holding you back from reaching your highest potential and find healing at the root cause of your
pain
.
Flipping through the latest Netflix releases, you search endlessly for the next "binge-worthy" series to numb you out for the rest of the weekend. This has been your default for far too long. You know all of the things you are “supposed” to be doing. You’ve tried all the self-help tricks, but you feel stuck in your head and unable to move forward in your life. You’ve had glimmers of the life you want before, but it always seems just out of reach.
See more therapy options for
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.