Chronic Pain Therapists in Philadelphia, PA
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Matthew CP Purinton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
Matt utilizes the unique knowledge gleaned from his life experience: thirty-five years of living with a disability, twenty-seven years of which have been spent dealing with
chronic pain
.
Matt is a client-centered therapist, who, meeting his clients where they are, helps them to develop and accomplish their goals. He utilizes a systems-based conceptualization of group behavior to help his clients deal with issues in their work and home lives. Utilizing an eclectic blend of interventions to customize treatment to the client's needs, Matt helps his clients develop insights about themselves and their life circumstances, allowing them to discover new coping skills and uncover hidden resources. Matt helps all of his clients overcome their obstacles, develop resiliency, and think outside the box.
Arcline Associates Counsel Services, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified
Verified
Smile! Our specialties include GeriCare© (older adults with complicated grief/loss); chronic
illness
/
pain
; depression; relationships; coping; acceptance; D&A. Conflict Resolution: Adolescent behavioral & school conflict; bicultural, acculturation, assimilation, ethnicity socialization conflict; identity & intergenerational conflict. Stress/Anger Mgmt. Occupational Stress: Welcome Law Enforcement, First Responders, Hospital & Crisis Workers; Aviation Personnel. Parent Child Interaction. Marriage Family Couples Counseling. Emphasis on Family Systems, Relational, Interpersonal, Ecological Theory. Trauma Informed, DBT/CBT. PA Medicare & CHIPS Welcome!
Jessica Dean Russo
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Verified
Life can be difficult at times, sometimes overwhelming. We may not trust ourselves to walk the path that is best for us, second-guessing and blocking our innate knowing of what is right and wrong. I work with adults, children and couples, providing a safe environment of warmth and unconditional positive regard, so that each person can have the space to discover who he or she is and what steps are needed to better manage conflicts. I work with those suffering from low self-esteem, trauma, relational and transition issues,
chronic pain
and addiction.
Wendy Lee Forman
PhD
Therapy is an interactive process,and I connect easily and well with people of all ages who are struggling with depression, anxiety,relationships and family issues,chronic
illness
or grief. I am a practical person with a good sense of humor and considerable empathy, employing a variety of useful techniques depending on specific problems and goals.
Sam Sperling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Your life has become exhausting. You have so much to do and your efforts never feel like they are enough. You would like to take time to slow down and focus on yourself for a change, but when will that realistically happen? There will always be something else to get done and you can’t seem to catch a break. Maybe your
pain
is taking the driver's seat, unsure of when your next flare up will strike. Maybe you've made your world smaller in hopes of having more control, but things continue to feel not quite right. You feel stuck in this place for what feels like an eternity and feeling uncertain about the future has become your jam.
Nancy Roth
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified
Verified
Many of my clients are interested in improving their health through weight management, smoking cessation,
pain
management or other behavior changes.
I believe that everyone has strengths--and that everyone encounters challenges. During difficult times, I can help you find new ways of understanding what's happening, additional resources for support and enhanced coping skills that build on your existing strengths. I work primarily with adults, individually, in couples or as families.
Sophie Doar
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified
Verified
I have extensive experience working with trans/gender-expansive individuals, trauma survivors, those struggling with chronic pelvic
pain
and relationship issues.
Therapy allows us to uncover the inner tools and wisdom that help us to get "unstuck" from the patterns that keep us from experiencing the fullness of life. Whether you struggle with depression, anxiety, grief, trauma,
chronic pain
, matters of sexual or gender identity, or some other life transition, together we will uncover the ways in which your unique inner life informs your experience of the world around you.
Waitlist for new clients
Morgan Rakay
Counselor, MA, LPC, BC-DMT
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I often view my work as supporting bodies in transition - in whatever form that comes. Many of my clients are those with medical
illness
or injury, caregivers, mothers, or trauma survivors who are faced with the impact that change in their physical self has on their mental and emotional well-being. Clients often wish to explore the mind-body connection, integrate non-verbal approaches, or find a new perspective on therapy. I also work with infants and children who deserve the same compassionate care, but don't benefit from verbal therapy in the same way.
Courtney Gable
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, NCC, LAC-NJ, CYT
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
My inclusive work focuses on: Helping people to feel safe, and to feel seen and valued for who they are, wherever they are; those struggling with trauma,
chronic pain
, grief and loss, PTSD, depression and anxiety; phobias, racing thoughts, crossroads and upheaval; as well as Body Image, with a specific focus on Body Neutrality and Health At Every Size (HAES) – all with mindfulness, compassion, and acceptance.
Anne Nisenzon
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
I have extensive experience in
pain
coping, stress management, adjustment to major life changes, and insomnia therapy.
Sometimes life throws obstacles at you that are out of your control, but that does not mean you cannot live your optimally healthy life. Being truly healthy includes emotional, social, mental and physical well-being. When these aspects of life are out of balance due to health problems, work stress, or personal issues, it can feel like your whole world is falling apart. Working through these challenges and learning the best coping tools can help you put it back together. I strive to help you move through challenges in achieving a healthy mind and body using practical, evidence-based strategies and compassionate tailored care.
Yaacov J Kravitz
Psychologist, EdD
Verified
Verified
I have a special interest in working with
chronic pain
patients.
I am a psychologist who is enthusiastic about helping people struggling with emotional stress, anxiety, addiction, depression, physical
pain
or chronic
illness
who have tried a variety of solutions that have not been helpful. If you feel that you are encountering barriers to living the life you want, then I will help you learn how to make changes and live a more vibrant, mindful and compassionate life. Encountering frustration, disappointment, sadness or fear is our common human experience. I will give you tools to help you calm your mind, confront your negative habits and live your life fully.
Irene S Fisher
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Verified
Clients see me as a warm, nonthreatening person with whom they can talk openly. Individuals seek my help for a variety of reasons: in order to resolve emotional unrest due to relationship issues, to gain insight into themselves and develop more adaptive ways of coping with psychological conflicts and life challenges, and to learn cognitive/behavioral strategies to better manage physical
pain
, anxiety, depression and stress. My goal is to work with a person who is typically in a great deal of emotional
pain
at the outset, but through our collaboration, is then able to make healthier choices that enhance rather than hurt their life.
Kelly N Craney
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
The majority of my clients are people who have struggled to find relief from traditional medicine (and traditional approaches to addressing complex ailments/struggles). I am grateful that these individuals find relief here. Many of my patients have been able to resolve complex challenges in just a few months of biweekly sessions. Areas of specialized care & success include, but are not limited to: trauma,
chronic pain
, nerve damage, complex medical conditions, grief, spiritual development, struggles with weight, stomach/GI issues, insomnia, anxiety, depression, medication intolerance, and some areas of addiction.
Susan Bendersky Sacks
MSN, PMHCNS, BC, RN
Verified
Verified
I have over 38 years of experience in Clinical Hypnosis and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I am a Masters prepared, Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist, focusing on weight loss, anxiety, IBS,
chronic pain
, anger management and depression. I am certified in Hypnosis, and Albert Ellis' Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), which offers direct techniques to increase self esteem, reduce anger, depression, anxiety, shame and guilt, and interrupt long-standing self-sabotaging emotions and beliefs. My clients average 3-7 sessions, which run 60 minutes. I would describe myself as down to earth, easy to talk to, and compassionate.
Clearing The Way Hypnotherapy
MSN, CRNP, FNP, BC, CHT
Verified
Verified
When you enjoy a hypnotherapy experience you benefit from a deeply relaxed, yet mentally focused state. You remain in control while allowing abundant opportunities for positive growth. The term "hypnosis" is derived from the Greek "hypnos", meaning sleep. In reality you are awake enjoying a brainwave state similar to peaceful meditation. In Lisa's practice each client's uniqueness is intuited. Hypnotherapy can help with smoking cessation, stress /
pain
release, preparation for medical procedures, childbirth preparation, Irritable bowel, and much more. It can also be a profound tool for introspection, personal clarity and growth.
Theodore Meyer
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA , LPC
Verified
Verified
I specialize in working with people that have sought relief from anxiety, depression, OCD,
chronic pain
, and NPD/emotional abuse.
I view the mental health recovery process as similar to climbing a mountain: the first steps may feel overwhelming at times, however, therapy is a partnership where I can provide tools that help my clients get where they would like to go, while also building resiliency and strength for the future. Throughout the process, I will provide encouragement and at times, remind you to look back at how far you have come. Furthermore, I provide a non-judgmental and empathic space for this journey to occur.
Elizabeth R. Weisman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Facing our fears and our
pain
is not easy but avoidance only prolongs and increases suffering.
THE ONLY WAY OUT IS THROUGH (Robert Frost)... It is human to suffer and it is human to face challenges. When the suffering becomes too great, and the challenges too large, good therapy can play a key role in bringing about change. If you decide to work with me, I would consider it an honor to become part of your journey towards increased health and well-being. When you come to therapy, you will be treated with respect. I bring many years of experience as a therapist, providing both brief evidence-based interventions and long term psychodynamic approach. I will work carefully with you to define and achieve your personal goals.
Robert Campbell
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Verified
I tend to view psychotherapy as relatively similar to physical therapy. You may come in with a few minor aches and pains or maybe you’ve come in with a major injury and are unable to function. My role is to not just ease your
pain
but work with you to gradually get back on your feet and on your way to becoming your best self. Therapy can be a big step and I hope to help you achieve insight through a collaborative therapeutic relationship. You are the expert in your own experience!
Waitlist for new clients
Amanda Adams
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MS
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
On the outside looking in it looks like you have it all together. But really you're in survival mode, wondering why it seems easier to everyone else. You feel alone, like you're losing your mind. You are constantly looking out for the needs of others, to the point where you neglect your own basic needs. You have no idea where your
illness
ends and where you start. Each day you push through, hoping for relief. Depression, anxiety, chronic health struggles, and patterns of generational trauma are really good at convincing us that we are alone. But that is a lie that only keeps us trapped and isolated; you are not alone.
Philadelphia, PA 19150
& Online
Waitlist for new clients
Dr. Alishia Kalos
Psychologist, PsyD, CST
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
I am a doctoral licensed psychologist and certified sex therapist with specialized experience in addressing sexual and relational concerns such as intimacy, communication, desire, arousal,
pain
, kink, atypical sexual interests, and sexual behavior challenges as well as postpartum stress, cancer, major health-related changes, or chronic
illness
.
Therapy is an invaluable opportunity for individuals and couples to learn about themselves and the relationships that they want to cultivate. Whether you are thinking about working through a particular issue, hoping to gain clarity and focus in future decisions, or considering a short-term "check-up", I will work with you in a safe, non-judgmental space that cultivates compassion, healing, and growth. I believe in the power of building on each person/couple's strengths and discovering, through a collaborative approach, new ways to adapt and grow.
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.