Chronic Pain Therapists in Whitchurch-Stouffville, ON
![Photo of Susie Santacroce, RP(Q), CTRS, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/81de27f2-e16f-4b92-9ea5-5a31998ff41d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Susie Santacroce
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RP(Q), CTRS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Whitchurch-Stouffville, ON L4A (Online Only)
I specialize in working with adolescents and adults with anxiety, chronic pain and depression, as well as adults in their 20's-30's moving through big life transitions.
Are you stuck in a cycle of emotional or chronic pain leading to low energy, depressed mood or social withdrawal? Everyone experiences challenges like this at some point in life but when cycles of emotional or physical pain, anxiety or depression become too great they can be all-consuming and difficult to manage alone. Finding the right support to break the cycle you are stuck in will allow you to experience more joy and meaning in your life.
I specialize in working with adolescents and adults with anxiety, chronic pain and depression, as well as adults in their 20's-30's moving through big life transitions.
Are you stuck in a cycle of emotional or chronic pain leading to low energy, depressed mood or social withdrawal? Everyone experiences challenges like this at some point in life but when cycles of emotional or physical pain, anxiety or depression become too great they can be all-consuming and difficult to manage alone. Finding the right support to break the cycle you are stuck in will allow you to experience more joy and meaning in your life.
![Photo of Rui Tian, MA, PCPain, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6e5d1db7-aff4-482f-b008-987206bb6dec/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rui Tian
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, PCPain
Verified Verified
Whitchurch-Stouffville, ON L4A (Online Only)
practicing psychotherapy, clinical supervision, life coaching, consultation, training, and counselling through individual, couple family, and group formats. expertise in imental health (e.g. anxiety, depression, trauma); addictions (substances, problem gambling, eating, sex, and internet); concurrent disorders; developmental disability (ASD, MID, LD, ADHD, ODD); dual diagnosis; rehabilitation (MVA, WSIB, OWN, LTD, RTW, mTBI, and traumatic injuries); chronic illness ( chronic pain and other chronic medical conditions); return to work, parenting (child and youth); couples and marital relationship, personal wellbeing/development.
practicing psychotherapy, clinical supervision, life coaching, consultation, training, and counselling through individual, couple family, and group formats. expertise in imental health (e.g. anxiety, depression, trauma); addictions (substances, problem gambling, eating, sex, and internet); concurrent disorders; developmental disability (ASD, MID, LD, ADHD, ODD); dual diagnosis; rehabilitation (MVA, WSIB, OWN, LTD, RTW, mTBI, and traumatic injuries); chronic illness ( chronic pain and other chronic medical conditions); return to work, parenting (child and youth); couples and marital relationship, personal wellbeing/development.
![Photo of Lauren Wallis, MA, CCC, RP , Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53674430-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Lauren Wallis
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, CCC, RP
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Whitchurch-Stouffville, ON L4A
Waitlist for new clients
You might be finding yourself amidst some of life’s biggest stressors, such as loss, transitions, illness, trauma, and emotional stress. For many people, these issues can make them feel stuck, lost and like giving up. I care deeply for the wellbeing of my clients and I work to provide my clients with an open, accepting space where they can be with someone who is carrying their pain alongside them. I also offer supervision and consultation for therapists and students.
You might be finding yourself amidst some of life’s biggest stressors, such as loss, transitions, illness, trauma, and emotional stress. For many people, these issues can make them feel stuck, lost and like giving up. I care deeply for the wellbeing of my clients and I work to provide my clients with an open, accepting space where they can be with someone who is carrying their pain alongside them. I also offer supervision and consultation for therapists and students.
![Photo of Charlie Gray - Beneath The Surface, MA Hons, CRPO, CCPA, OCGC, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b42b568a-d971-44b3-bcb6-1e6f7bd21e71/1/320x400.jpeg)
Charlie Gray - Beneath The Surface
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA Hons, CRPO, CCPA, OCGC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Whitchurch-Stouffville, ON L4A (Online Only)
You are brave for taking this big step for yourself! This is a safe space where I will support you in exploring your experiences and relationships, and find tools to regulate emotions, cope & balance. My work alongside individuals is compassionate & engages the mind & body to move through the joys & challenges of life. Mental health challenges such as anxiety can show up in our body as digestive problems/IBS, muscle tension, exhaustion, pain, headaches, etc. - often related to or intensified by stress & trauma. Sessions include breathwork, mindfulness, the nervous system, attachment, somatic work, IFS, nature & cognitive strategies.
You are brave for taking this big step for yourself! This is a safe space where I will support you in exploring your experiences and relationships, and find tools to regulate emotions, cope & balance. My work alongside individuals is compassionate & engages the mind & body to move through the joys & challenges of life. Mental health challenges such as anxiety can show up in our body as digestive problems/IBS, muscle tension, exhaustion, pain, headaches, etc. - often related to or intensified by stress & trauma. Sessions include breathwork, mindfulness, the nervous system, attachment, somatic work, IFS, nature & cognitive strategies.
![Photo of Elizabeth Hepworth, MAABS, RP, OAMHP, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3522834c-7362-4204-8cd8-7fbd70397d65/2/320x400.jpeg)
Elizabeth Hepworth
Registered Psychotherapist, MAABS, RP, OAMHP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Whitchurch-Stouffville, ON L4A (Online Only)
Are you feeling stuck in an unhealthy pattern and overwhelmed by your feelings? Are you looking to understand and move into a better relationship with yourself? I can help. I have been in private practice for 27 years and have helped thousands of individuals develop an intimate understanding of their emotions and then act and move forward. I have recently transitioned to an online platform and am accepting new clients. I like to educate my clients, and I understand therapy and growth are not easy, but neither is remaining in pain. You are not alone and do not need to know the answers; let's discover your next steps together.
Are you feeling stuck in an unhealthy pattern and overwhelmed by your feelings? Are you looking to understand and move into a better relationship with yourself? I can help. I have been in private practice for 27 years and have helped thousands of individuals develop an intimate understanding of their emotions and then act and move forward. I have recently transitioned to an online platform and am accepting new clients. I like to educate my clients, and I understand therapy and growth are not easy, but neither is remaining in pain. You are not alone and do not need to know the answers; let's discover your next steps together.
![Photo of Dr. Peter Gaskovski, PhD, CPsych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b7640631-8241-4077-bdb4-8f694b9ce1f7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Peter Gaskovski
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
Whitchurch-Stouffville, ON L4A (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I work with individual adults with depression, anxiety, grief, chronic pain, loss of motivation, occupational and life stress, and cognitive symptoms.
The best way around our difficulties isn’t to go around them, but to see them with new understanding and to transform them. With over twenty years of experience as a Clinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist, I will work to restore your hope by equipping you with the insight, compassion and skills to grow beyond the challenges you’re facing.
I work with individual adults with depression, anxiety, grief, chronic pain, loss of motivation, occupational and life stress, and cognitive symptoms.
The best way around our difficulties isn’t to go around them, but to see them with new understanding and to transform them. With over twenty years of experience as a Clinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist, I will work to restore your hope by equipping you with the insight, compassion and skills to grow beyond the challenges you’re facing.
![Photo of Brittany Creighton, RSW, MSW, BSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/043a4b9b-0127-41fc-9e00-447b2cbdf9e1/2/320x400.jpeg)
Brittany Creighton
Registered Social Worker, RSW, MSW, BSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Whitchurch-Stouffville, ON L4A (Online Only)
I specialize in working with people to become better versions of themselves so they can lead more fulfilled lives. Together we can work to recognize the strengths and resilience you have within, so you can apply it to your everyday reality. I'll help you get out of bed in the morning and feel joy in life and your relationships again. Book a 15 minute consult with me and lets see if we can grow together!
I specialize in working with people to become better versions of themselves so they can lead more fulfilled lives. Together we can work to recognize the strengths and resilience you have within, so you can apply it to your everyday reality. I'll help you get out of bed in the morning and feel joy in life and your relationships again. Book a 15 minute consult with me and lets see if we can grow together!
![Photo of Antonia Gall - Antonia Gall - Registered Nurse Psychotherapy, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9582254e-6d4d-478b-851d-cb54e2b0dbe4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Antonia Gall - Registered Nurse Psychotherapy
Registered Psychotherapist
Verified Verified
Whitchurch-Stouffville, ON L4A
Are things getting you down? Are you feeling stuck trying to figure out life's challenges? Are you unsure of what to do or how to cope with the stressors in your life. At a time in our life were more people than ever are experiencing depression, anxiety and stress as a result of the significant changes that are happening in the world today. There is hope and meaning even in the darkest places. And I want to walk beside you through your challenges and explore ways to help you move forward in your life. Together, we will discover what you really want in your life and set those priorities to obtain it.
Are things getting you down? Are you feeling stuck trying to figure out life's challenges? Are you unsure of what to do or how to cope with the stressors in your life. At a time in our life were more people than ever are experiencing depression, anxiety and stress as a result of the significant changes that are happening in the world today. There is hope and meaning even in the darkest places. And I want to walk beside you through your challenges and explore ways to help you move forward in your life. Together, we will discover what you really want in your life and set those priorities to obtain it.
![Photo of Alan Eisenstat, PhD, CPsych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fae5876-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
In my practice, I strive to provide a safe and supportive environment in which my clients can work toward their goals. I employ evidence-based methods, meaning that I integrate current research findings with my clinical expertise to determine the most effective course of therapy. While my theoretical orientation is largely cognitive-behavioral (CBT), I also draw on solution-focussed, experiential, and humanistic approaches. My main areas of expertise include depression, anxiety problems, stress management, and anger management.
In my practice, I strive to provide a safe and supportive environment in which my clients can work toward their goals. I employ evidence-based methods, meaning that I integrate current research findings with my clinical expertise to determine the most effective course of therapy. While my theoretical orientation is largely cognitive-behavioral (CBT), I also draw on solution-focussed, experiential, and humanistic approaches. My main areas of expertise include depression, anxiety problems, stress management, and anger management.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Kerry McRorie, MEd , MACP, RP, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/754c8227-9f7d-4c5e-8b9f-71f1ddb0fdaa/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kerry McRorie
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd , MACP, RP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Markham, ON L3R
If you are an individual adult looking to heal attachment wounds, process trauma, or cultivate strategies to manage anxiety, depression, grief, chronic pain, or chronic illness, I would love the opportunity to see if we would be a good therapeutic fit for one another. Many people who contact me have been told they may be an ideal candidate for EMDR. Others may have sought traditional talk therapy for their developmental trauma in the past but are now curious about a different evidence-based treatment that combines both a top-down (cognitive) and a bottom-up (somatic) approach.
If you are an individual adult looking to heal attachment wounds, process trauma, or cultivate strategies to manage anxiety, depression, grief, chronic pain, or chronic illness, I would love the opportunity to see if we would be a good therapeutic fit for one another. Many people who contact me have been told they may be an ideal candidate for EMDR. Others may have sought traditional talk therapy for their developmental trauma in the past but are now curious about a different evidence-based treatment that combines both a top-down (cognitive) and a bottom-up (somatic) approach.
![Photo of Susie Showers, MA, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e8cec1ef-09f9-4b98-a839-a598a5a94c82/1/320x400.jpeg)
Susie Showers
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Markham, ON L3P (Online Only)
How does loneliness show up in your relationships? Are you more a fight-type, freeze-type or a fawn-type? Without clear boundaries you might be falling into people-pleasing habits, stuck feeling rigid, uncreative, and alone in your responsibilities. You may have unexplainable physical sensations of constriction, pain or numbness that ramp up with stress. I use somatic techniques and creative arts therapies to help you access your innate playfulness and flexibility so you can relax into intimacy in your connections, to others and to your body.
How does loneliness show up in your relationships? Are you more a fight-type, freeze-type or a fawn-type? Without clear boundaries you might be falling into people-pleasing habits, stuck feeling rigid, uncreative, and alone in your responsibilities. You may have unexplainable physical sensations of constriction, pain or numbness that ramp up with stress. I use somatic techniques and creative arts therapies to help you access your innate playfulness and flexibility so you can relax into intimacy in your connections, to others and to your body.
![Photo of Robyn Schachter - York Region Stress and Anxiety Clinic, MEd , CHyp, RP, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46b446a9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
York Region Stress and Anxiety Clinic
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd , CHyp, RP
Verified Verified
Aurora, ON L4G
Our therapists are highly trained in resolving trauma based issues and helping clients to release intense emotional pain and fear.
The York Region Stress and Anxiety Clinic is an integrative facility focused on mental health and well-being. Our highly trained and Registered Psychotherapists offer individual, couples, and family counselling and psychotherapy to the York Region Community. We utilize well-researched and cutting edge treatment methods for the treatment of stress, anxiety, panic, depression, trauma/PTSD, and relationship conflicts. All of our therapists have additional training or certification in particular specialty areas to deliver the best care possible
Our therapists are highly trained in resolving trauma based issues and helping clients to release intense emotional pain and fear.
The York Region Stress and Anxiety Clinic is an integrative facility focused on mental health and well-being. Our highly trained and Registered Psychotherapists offer individual, couples, and family counselling and psychotherapy to the York Region Community. We utilize well-researched and cutting edge treatment methods for the treatment of stress, anxiety, panic, depression, trauma/PTSD, and relationship conflicts. All of our therapists have additional training or certification in particular specialty areas to deliver the best care possible
![Photo of Olfat Sakr, RP, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8eb4aa62-1e4b-4cb0-bd7f-14c842e595cc/1/320x400.png)
Olfat Sakr
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Markham, ON L3P (Online Only)
” I believe that our faith and/or spirituality play an important role in helping us find meaning and purpose while navigating loss, pain, and the struggles we face in life.
My third culture kid (TCK) upbringing nurtured in me an interest in cross-cultural dialogue and interfaith work, and I eventually became passionate about peacebuilding. I facilitated cross-cultural dialogue among university students from different countries and worked with unaccompanied refugee youth from various African countries. This has equipped me with the ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds. Inner peace is essential for peaceful relationships with others, and I learned this after witnessing the trauma of the revolution and its aftermath.
” I believe that our faith and/or spirituality play an important role in helping us find meaning and purpose while navigating loss, pain, and the struggles we face in life.
My third culture kid (TCK) upbringing nurtured in me an interest in cross-cultural dialogue and interfaith work, and I eventually became passionate about peacebuilding. I facilitated cross-cultural dialogue among university students from different countries and worked with unaccompanied refugee youth from various African countries. This has equipped me with the ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds. Inner peace is essential for peaceful relationships with others, and I learned this after witnessing the trauma of the revolution and its aftermath.
![Photo of Dr. Sangeeta Arya Tanwar, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49f978a5-30ab-44d9-b947-49e7f96821c4/1/320x400.jpeg)
I provide treatment for adults with issues of depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Skin Picking, Body Image Issues, Fears/ Phobia, Chronic pain, Eating Disorders/disordered eating, interpersonal challenges, anger, adjustment to life transitions and parenting, stress and sleep issues. I also provide WSIB and return to work assessment service.
I provide treatment for adults with issues of depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Skin Picking, Body Image Issues, Fears/ Phobia, Chronic pain, Eating Disorders/disordered eating, interpersonal challenges, anger, adjustment to life transitions and parenting, stress and sleep issues. I also provide WSIB and return to work assessment service.
![Photo of Marisol Cartagena - Marisol Cartagena | New Hope Grief Centre, MDiv, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/df945296-f3da-41c1-9b0d-dba15480bcbb/1/320x400.png)
Marisol Cartagena | New Hope Grief Centre
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MDiv
Verified Verified
Markham, ON L6C
Do you struggle with grief that affects your ability to function? Do you feel lost on how to get through the day after the loss of someone you love? Do you hope the pain can get better? Lighter? Now more than ever, people are feeling heartbroken, stuck, and overwhelmed about how to cope with grief. Not taking time for yourself to process and manage your loss can lead to additional stress and problems to your emotional, physical, social, and spiritual well-being. We believe there is hope and answers to finding a way to live life after a loss.
Do you struggle with grief that affects your ability to function? Do you feel lost on how to get through the day after the loss of someone you love? Do you hope the pain can get better? Lighter? Now more than ever, people are feeling heartbroken, stuck, and overwhelmed about how to cope with grief. Not taking time for yourself to process and manage your loss can lead to additional stress and problems to your emotional, physical, social, and spiritual well-being. We believe there is hope and answers to finding a way to live life after a loss.
![Photo of Aaron Laye, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3a19fbb5-5685-4d30-8930-b642509ccf4a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Aaron Laye
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Markham, ON L3R
Waitlist for new clients
There may be times when your stress interferes with what you want in your life. You may be experiencing a mix of anxiety, panic, burnout, physical pain, sadness, anger or frustration with others and/or yourself. You may have noticed a pattern you're unhappy with or a specific situation that replays in your mind. The stress you're experiencing may be related to a difficult time in your past, your present, including injury, health anxiety, work or sport performance, anticipating the future, or a combination. It's not easy to reach out for help, so taking action by contacting a professional is you being courageous!
There may be times when your stress interferes with what you want in your life. You may be experiencing a mix of anxiety, panic, burnout, physical pain, sadness, anger or frustration with others and/or yourself. You may have noticed a pattern you're unhappy with or a specific situation that replays in your mind. The stress you're experiencing may be related to a difficult time in your past, your present, including injury, health anxiety, work or sport performance, anticipating the future, or a combination. It's not easy to reach out for help, so taking action by contacting a professional is you being courageous!
![Photo of Maryam Ashkan, MA, RP, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4adec040-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Maryam Ashkan
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Markham, ON L3R
Waitlist for new clients
I provide comprehensive treatment to people who are struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, emotional regulation, chronic pain, insomnia and relationship issues.
When your past lives on, you aren’t being fair to your future! You may feel like you are reliving the same old story and stuck in a repetitive pattern of negative thoughts, behaviour, and emotions with no way out. As a therapist, I walk with you to revisit these old stories and guide you to change this pattern. We will have an open conversation where you bring the knowledge of your life and I bring the knowledge of how a change can happen. My experience as a therapist has taught me that people need to be understood in an open, nonjudgmental, supportive and nurturing environment. Part of my job is to provide this environment.
I provide comprehensive treatment to people who are struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, emotional regulation, chronic pain, insomnia and relationship issues.
When your past lives on, you aren’t being fair to your future! You may feel like you are reliving the same old story and stuck in a repetitive pattern of negative thoughts, behaviour, and emotions with no way out. As a therapist, I walk with you to revisit these old stories and guide you to change this pattern. We will have an open conversation where you bring the knowledge of your life and I bring the knowledge of how a change can happen. My experience as a therapist has taught me that people need to be understood in an open, nonjudgmental, supportive and nurturing environment. Part of my job is to provide this environment.
![Photo of Jinglan (Maggie) Xie, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/09c0336a-1540-4f3e-a876-b9f74baa48c0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jinglan (Maggie) Xie
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Aurora, ON L4G
Life is short yet long; sometimes, happiness feels fleeting, and most of the time, we face various challenges: a family of origin, academic pressure, romantic relationships, marriage, parenting, career anxiety, illness, grief, life transitions, etc. When facing these big and small "hurdles," do you also find yourself pulled by different voices within, in need of a place where you can be seen and heard? Fate may play tricks on us, but who knows if this is not an opportunity for growth? I am willing to create a safe, warm space where we can listen to those voices, understand our different needs and find meaning in our experiences.
Life is short yet long; sometimes, happiness feels fleeting, and most of the time, we face various challenges: a family of origin, academic pressure, romantic relationships, marriage, parenting, career anxiety, illness, grief, life transitions, etc. When facing these big and small "hurdles," do you also find yourself pulled by different voices within, in need of a place where you can be seen and heard? Fate may play tricks on us, but who knows if this is not an opportunity for growth? I am willing to create a safe, warm space where we can listen to those voices, understand our different needs and find meaning in our experiences.
![Photo of Kimberley Cochrane, MA, dipTIRP, RP, TEB, SEP, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4093545a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kimberley Cochrane
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, dipTIRP, RP, TEB, SEP
Verified Verified
Markham, ON L3P
Everyone experiences emotional pain and may feel anxious or depressed at different times in life. During these times, it is comforting to know that someone is there to listen and hold your heart with care, kindness and sensitivity. Deciding to work with a psychotherapist and somatic practitioner is a courageous step towards understanding yourself and getting to the roots of what may be troubling you. I will see you, perhaps in ways that you've never been seen, and we will make sense of your patterns and struggles, and help you work through the layers of your life to see the beauty that exists within you.
Everyone experiences emotional pain and may feel anxious or depressed at different times in life. During these times, it is comforting to know that someone is there to listen and hold your heart with care, kindness and sensitivity. Deciding to work with a psychotherapist and somatic practitioner is a courageous step towards understanding yourself and getting to the roots of what may be troubling you. I will see you, perhaps in ways that you've never been seen, and we will make sense of your patterns and struggles, and help you work through the layers of your life to see the beauty that exists within you.
![Photo of Diana Korsounski, LCSW, MSW, BHSc, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ded4976d-5e64-499a-b5f7-aed41e92ea12/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have 15+ years of experience in the mental health field, specializing in mental health & wellness, as well as chronic mental illness, and working with both Men and Woman.
“With a heart like that, you deserve the world.” (R.M. Drake) - Don’t we all deserve to be the very best version of ourselves, the Best You that there can be. Together, we can examine common negative thinking patterns; in addition, we can work on developing better coping strategies aimed at enhancing personal positive reasoning skills and attitude.
I have 15+ years of experience in the mental health field, specializing in mental health & wellness, as well as chronic mental illness, and working with both Men and Woman.
“With a heart like that, you deserve the world.” (R.M. Drake) - Don’t we all deserve to be the very best version of ourselves, the Best You that there can be. Together, we can examine common negative thinking patterns; in addition, we can work on developing better coping strategies aimed at enhancing personal positive reasoning skills and attitude.
See more therapy options for Whitchurch-Stouffville
Nearby Chronic Pain Counsellors Searches for Whitchurch-Stouffville
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Chronic Pain Counsellors
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, catastrophising, 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 behavioural 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.