Chronic Pain Therapists in Pittsburgh, PA
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Cynthia B. Kinney
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSCP, LPC
Verified
Verified
Life during these times can be overwhelming. Multiple issues build up inside of us and can become compounded. We hold all of these stresses in our body and it is easy to feel anxious, depressed, sick and unhappy. I have extensive training and experience working with stress related issues, particularly work and family overload,
chronic pain
and
illness
, aging, dealing with the effects of Alzheimer's disease, and grief. I will help you to develop your inner strength and spirituality. We will explore your thoughts and feelings to solve your life problems and to use these skills so that you heal and thrive.
Not accepting new clients
Vanessa Royse
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I work with individuals who have a wide range of concerns from depression and anxiety to issues in relationships, grief, loneliness,
chronic pain
, and stress. Clients get results with me because my approach is practical, creative, and empowering, and I work hard to help clients gain new tools to overcome their challenges. Together we will find ways to better understand the road blocks that are preventing you from moving forward, and to develop healthier coping strategies and behaviors that will improve your life and well-being.
Kimberly June
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LMT, CST
Verified
Verified
I treat
chronic pain
resulting from old injuries, traumatic brain injury, whiplash, chronic headache/migraine, concussion and facial trauma using Cranio-Sacral Therapy and Energy Integration and Alignment, a technique I developed over the past 5 years.
I am a holistic psychotherapist, trained in medical hypnotherapy,EMDR, Energy Psychology (TFT/EFT), Family Constellation work, and energy and shamanic healing in private practice in Pittsburgh. I work primarily with adults with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and
chronic pain
. I have trained extensively in the integration of different therapeutic modalities in order to facilitate healing and integration of the body, mind and spirit. I am also a student of meditation and teach the "Awakening the Light Body" meditation curriculum offered as both a pathway of personal transformation and as a therapeutic treatment model.
Ann-Michele Corbi Potvin
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, BC-DMT, GL-CMA, RYT
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
My thesis research was on the psychological/emotional aspects of
chronic pain
and I have experience in providing perinatal support.
I take a humanistic approach to therapy and believe that we make meaning out of the events of our lives; we are capable of engaging our creativity and its healing processes. There are times when we need support to pause, breathe, and listen to our inner wisdom. I will serve as a guide and support, encouraging you to maintain or regain ownership of your own life narrative. My approach is also contemplative, relational, and existential. I often utilize cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to support you in decreasing struggle and living in alignment with your values.
Waitlist for new clients
Under the Fig Tree Christian Counseling /Mediation
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified
Verified
Certified in EMDR for trauma/PTSD, addiction, weight loss,
chronic pain
, smoking cessation, physical & sexual abuse and any unresolved life events for all ages.
Experienced in ministry, trained in multi-modalities of psychotherapy, schooled in Theology, Licensed in Clinical Social Work, Certified in desensitizing trauma & anxiety (EMDR, Brainspotting, CBT), authorized to mediate divorce & custody agreements, written group therapy curriculum (grief, addiction, & hoarding), 35+yrs under guided prayer & direction by Church clergy, & devoted her life work to Faith by studying healing of the mind, body, and soul from a Spiritual/Biblical perspective. Mary guides a unique approach for those seeking peace, hope & healing through counseling/therapy. The ideal client for this practice wants change.
David Prybock
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
My areas of specialization include: Anger Management,Anxiety/Stress, Depression,Eating Disorders, Grief/Loss, Life Transition, Men's Issues,
Pain
Management, Relationships/Trust Issues, Self-Esteem/Shame Issues, Self Improvement, Sexual Issues, including Sex Addiction, Substance Abuse Issues, Trauma and Trauma-Related Issues, and Weight Management.
Do you want to improve your relationship, have less stress, or simply gain insight about yourself so that you can be happier and live a more fulfilling life? Change is difficult, especially when we try to do it alone. I am a Licensed Psychologist who offers individual and group therapy that are designed to help you be happier. My aim is to provide you with the knowledge and skills that will help you achieve change. Working together, we will utilize the strengths you already have and target those aspects of yourself that you want to change the most.
Not accepting new clients
Fran Meenan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
Neither trauma nor depression, panic, grief, workplace stress, or even chronic
illness
and
pain
can stop us from feeling restored, reconnected and open to life and relationships.
I am currently unable to accept new clients. I have been a psychotherapist for over 20 years. Painful past experiences, whether they occurred in childhood or recently, influence our moods, behavior and relationships often in surprising ways. These experiences can intensify depression, anxiety and panic, marital stress, self esteem issues, health crises and other conditions. I work with those struggling with the difficulties that follow recent and past experiences of stress or abuse. Negotiating the changes in our world and healing some of the broken places in our lives is challenging.
Not accepting new clients
Ellen Freise-March
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSCP, LPC, NCC, CCTP
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
The focus of my counseling is to provide support and help for individuals of all ages to discover their strengths as they work through life's challenges. My clinical experience and training enable me to provide palliative and hospice support counseling to individuals who are currently aggressively treating their life-threatening
illness
or those individuals who have transitioned to hospice care.
Stephanie M. Vargo
MA
I currently work with healing systems that have proven effective for issues like anxiety, addiction, chronic
illness
and
pain
, and spiritual crisis.
I offer experience, compassion and respect to all clients. I have over 30 years experience as a psychotherapist specializing in hypnosis, the treatment of addiction and trauma and managing loss and change. I am a Reiki Master and am trained in other mind/body/energy treatment modalities. I am experienced in existential/phenomenological philosophy and psychology. I specialize in mind/body work and can teach you to manage stress, increase awareness, gain confidence and overcome obstacles in your life. I have a gentle and powerful approach that increases energy and motivation.
Katherine Hammond Holtz
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Verified
I enjoy working with individuals who are interested in promoting well-being in themselves and in relation to others. Mindfulness instruction is available as a key component of my therapy should this focus be desired. Studies have shown that a regular practice of mindfulness supports an enriched experience of life, feelings of well being, better ability to cope with stress and
pain
, reduced panic, anxiety, and fear and better concentration. I currently only offer tele-health, accessible from the comfort of your own home or office.
Amy Lohr
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
With over 14 years of experience in psychotherapy, I specialize in treating issues related to trauma, spiritual & religious abuse, chronic
illness
/
pain
, eating disorders and grief & loss.
Have you been feeling lonely, disconnected or not like yourself? Maybe there are issues from the past that you haven't dealt with that you would like to heal without feeling overwhelmed. Or possibly you feel swept away by your emotions and don't know how to get them under control. Perhaps you are feeling stuck, frustrated or tired. Oftentimes these issues can lead to anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. My specialty is in helping you identify & address the root issues, develop the skills to deal with those issues, while getting in better relationship with yourself and with God through Christian-based counseling.
Gwen F Melnick
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Verified
Verified
Would you like to feel less overwhelmed, anxious, sad, fearful, depressed or unsure of yourself? Are you going through a life transition, dealing with chronic
illness
, or are unproductive behaviors holding you back? Perhaps you’re unhappy at work/school, experiencing grief/loss, uncertain about your professional goals, or dissatisfied with your relationships. Life issues may seem insurmountable. Once you begin therapy with me, we'll work collaboratively to increase your self-understanding & insight. I'll help you identify & effectuate necessary life changes (step by step), embrace self acceptance, or move toward a little of both.
Makenzie White
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW, MPH
Verified
Verified
I have over ten years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with disabilities. I have experience with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, and developmental or intellectual disabilities. As well as experience with more specific diagnosis such as but not limited to Prader Willi Syndrome, Autism and Asperger's, Brain Injuries, Cerebral Palsy etc. I also have experience working with adults with Schizophrenia, as well as individuals with anxiety, OCD, and
chronic pain
or illnesses. I am willing to work with individuals with varying levels of communication skills or those who use communication devices.
Nancy L. Ritsko
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdD, LPC
Verified
Verified
I can be of help to you if you have any of the following issues relating to: intrapersonal; relationships; communication; establishing and maintaining boundaries; emotional support; self-esteem; management of anger; living within your financial means; addictions; grief and loss;
chronic pain
; peace of mind. I began my career in counseling as a school counselor and have a good track record with individuals of all ages. As a "seasoned" counselor (read "older"), I have helped individuals, couples, and families successfully navigate the issues that contribute to their
pain
and distress. You and I will work together as a team.
David E Levit
Psychologist, PSY
Verified
Verified
I addition to providing psychotherapy for most mental health issues as well as stress management, I also have a Diplomate in
pain
management from the American Academy of
Pain
Management.
I was born and raised in Pittsburgh. I earned my doctorate at Nova University School of Professional Psychology, my Master's Degree at Duquesne University, and my Bachelor's Degree from Washington and Jefferson College. I completed an APA approved internship at the VA Medical Center in Salem Virginia. My almost thirty years experience is in both inpatient and outpatient psychotherapy, and have worked in private practice since 1985. I have extensive experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. I treat a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, relationship issues, anger management, ADD/ADHD/ODD, loss, behavioral management, and thought disorders.
Not accepting new clients
Casey Harvilla
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, ATR-BC, LPC
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I have experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults experiencing trauma, anxiety, and depression, as well as adolescents living with
chronic pain
and
illness
.
Life can be chaotic, overwhelming, and leave us feeling stuck or questioning what to do next. These feelings can be difficult to describe and process on our own, and you shouldn’t feel alone in your journey. As a Registered and Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), I am trained in using art making and creativity within the therapeutic process to serve as an option when words are not enough. My therapeutic approach is tailored to meet you where you are in your healing process and provide you with the tools to reclaim the chaos in your life and begin experiencing life the way you deserve.
Joanne R Bissell
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CCM
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I believe in a holistic approach which respects the importance of a healthy mind, body, and spirit. My client base includes individuals with chronic
illness
and
pain
, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and stage of life issues.
Not accepting new clients
Catherine Maihoefer
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, NCC, LPC
Verified
Verified
My focus is on you. I offer intensive psychotherapy and modern psychoanalytic therapy as a way of helping you achieve symptom relief, develop insight and create lasting change. My clients are people who are struggling with: anxiety, depression, adjustment to physical
illness
, life transitions, grief, trauma, sexuality or personality issues and conflicts. If you are experiencing difficulties, please give me a call. Let's see how we can work together to get you some relief.
Clara H Gautier
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
I am a clinical psychologist experienced in addressing anxiety, stress, depression, self esteem, relationship issues, adjustment to life changes, social isolation, trauma and PTSD, coping with
pain
and illnesses, and other challenges.
My aim is to form a supportive, accepting, and respectful relationship as the foundation for change. Through the development of new outlooks and skills, therapy can help us to get out of ruts, suffer less, enjoy more, and find life more satisfying.
Akiko Motomura
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
I offer individual psychotherapy for adults, adolescents, and children. I work with adults with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, as well as other difficulties or experiences of
pain
that are hard to categorize. I work with adolescents and children who have similar worries or fears.
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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.