Chronic Pain Therapists in Wellington
![Photo of Samuel Lindsay, PsychD, MNZCCP , Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e1762d06-ef2e-4616-a367-4bb0c87c2e9f/1/320x400.jpeg)
I bring experience from working with people who have experienced chronic pain and all the difficulties that come with that.
We all want to live a life full of meaning and purpose. But sometimes our thoughts and feelings, habits, and attitudes seem to get in the way. The struggle with thoughts and feelings often leads to self-limiting choices and habits. Whatever difficulties you may be experiencing, there is always the potential for change. Reaching out to someone with a compassionate ear and practical suggestions is a first step in the right direction. I am passionate about helping people who are struggling, using tools I have learned through years of study, combined with my own personal life experiences and qualities.
I bring experience from working with people who have experienced chronic pain and all the difficulties that come with that.
We all want to live a life full of meaning and purpose. But sometimes our thoughts and feelings, habits, and attitudes seem to get in the way. The struggle with thoughts and feelings often leads to self-limiting choices and habits. Whatever difficulties you may be experiencing, there is always the potential for change. Reaching out to someone with a compassionate ear and practical suggestions is a first step in the right direction. I am passionate about helping people who are struggling, using tools I have learned through years of study, combined with my own personal life experiences and qualities.
![Photo of Debra Jayne Fraser - Psychology&Counselling Partners Ltd, Dr Deb Fraser, PhD](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a92bbf81-c114-49a7-9a4a-f30df2ec08e1/2/320x400.png)
Psychology&Counselling Partners Ltd, Dr Deb Fraser
PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wellington 6011 (Online Only)
I have over 35yrs experience in the trauma field and over 15yrs in the pain self-care area.
I work with people on their healing journey who are over 20yrs who are not finding meaning in their life struggles. It may be despondency, fear, difficulties in relationships, a lack of self-compassion and/or other issues that fuel their troubles. Within the therapeutic relationship we explore what's been previously unheard and unacknowledged to find a place of safety, ease and peace inside and out. Difficult feelings are signals to unmet needs, and together we explore and work through unfinished business and grief to arrive at needs being met, self-acceptance and previously untapped positive energy (prev as a Health Psychologist).
I have over 35yrs experience in the trauma field and over 15yrs in the pain self-care area.
I work with people on their healing journey who are over 20yrs who are not finding meaning in their life struggles. It may be despondency, fear, difficulties in relationships, a lack of self-compassion and/or other issues that fuel their troubles. Within the therapeutic relationship we explore what's been previously unheard and unacknowledged to find a place of safety, ease and peace inside and out. Difficult feelings are signals to unmet needs, and together we explore and work through unfinished business and grief to arrive at needs being met, self-acceptance and previously untapped positive energy (prev as a Health Psychologist).
![Photo of Naomi Carleton, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/22cfc229-110f-40eb-8e95-e9861f777176/1/320x400.png)
Naomi has worked in both the public and private sectors and worked in several areas across her career including private practice, pain and injury rehabilitation, health psychology and children and adolescents.
Naomi is an Australian and NZ registered psychologist with 18 years experience working with adults, adolescents and children. Naomi is known for her warmth, understanding and approachability. She enjoys supporting and working alongside her clients to improve their quality of life and help them achieve their own personal goals.
Naomi has worked in both the public and private sectors and worked in several areas across her career including private practice, pain and injury rehabilitation, health psychology and children and adolescents.
Naomi is an Australian and NZ registered psychologist with 18 years experience working with adults, adolescents and children. Naomi is known for her warmth, understanding and approachability. She enjoys supporting and working alongside her clients to improve their quality of life and help them achieve their own personal goals.
![Photo of Dr. Adrienne Wootton, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/15b28ec5-6b6c-4436-8620-c2471253bbc7/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have special interests in adjustment to physical health and pain conditions, childhood emotional trauma, and mental wellbeing for medical professionals.
Registered Clinical Psychologist with a kind and perceptive approach. Experienced in working with adults from all walks of life. I offer expert psychological assessment and treatment that is: focused on you as a person, tailored to the ways you learn and live, and based in science. New client queries usually responded to within 7 days. Available in-person Wednesdays and Fridays. Online by arrangement Thursdays.
I have special interests in adjustment to physical health and pain conditions, childhood emotional trauma, and mental wellbeing for medical professionals.
Registered Clinical Psychologist with a kind and perceptive approach. Experienced in working with adults from all walks of life. I offer expert psychological assessment and treatment that is: focused on you as a person, tailored to the ways you learn and live, and based in science. New client queries usually responded to within 7 days. Available in-person Wednesdays and Fridays. Online by arrangement Thursdays.
![Photo of Anne Holleron, PBANZ, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ef44cf5d-3173-456f-a91f-b396b3b63490/1/320x400.jpeg)
I offer a safe, warm, confidential environment where you will be seen as a whole person. I will talk with you about any present or historical challenges you have by exploring your thoughts and emotions as we pay attention to and work therapeutically with what is also happening within your body. Physical signs we may observe together during your session can include changes in breathing, muscular tension, numbness, emotion, pain and differences in temperature as can happen during anxiety, depression and trauma. How we work together will depend on what issues are significant for you and what your needs are for each session.
I offer a safe, warm, confidential environment where you will be seen as a whole person. I will talk with you about any present or historical challenges you have by exploring your thoughts and emotions as we pay attention to and work therapeutically with what is also happening within your body. Physical signs we may observe together during your session can include changes in breathing, muscular tension, numbness, emotion, pain and differences in temperature as can happen during anxiety, depression and trauma. How we work together will depend on what issues are significant for you and what your needs are for each session.
![Photo of Angela Carter, NZAFT, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46b01749-b47b-4746-bac5-deb4758dc941/1/320x400.png)
As Bessel van der Kolk notes, trauma is specifically an event that overwhelms the central nervous system, altering the way we process and recall memories. “Trauma is not the story of something that happened back then," he adds. "It's the current imprint of that pain, horror, and fear living inside people.” I am a well-established health professional who has dedicated my professional life working on releasing trauma in a natural, nurturing way, returning my clients to their natural state of wholeness. I call this "The Journey Home". I work from a neuroscience perspective. Harmonizing all aspects of our being Mind, Body and Soul
As Bessel van der Kolk notes, trauma is specifically an event that overwhelms the central nervous system, altering the way we process and recall memories. “Trauma is not the story of something that happened back then," he adds. "It's the current imprint of that pain, horror, and fear living inside people.” I am a well-established health professional who has dedicated my professional life working on releasing trauma in a natural, nurturing way, returning my clients to their natural state of wholeness. I call this "The Journey Home". I work from a neuroscience perspective. Harmonizing all aspects of our being Mind, Body and Soul
![Photo of T Melanie Lake, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/375a2ffa-9f70-4a02-9eb5-8d98a4baa6ef/2/320x400.jpeg)
People experiencing stress, insomnia, dealing with illness & cognitive deficits, as well as loss & grief can benefit from therapy.
Welcome. Seeking psychological help is a courageous step & I aim to make it accessible, understandable & effective for clients. Please feel free to email me. I am a Doctorate-level qualified Clinical Psychologist who can help with assessment & therapy for mental health needs, personal problems or relationship issues. I work in a transparent way, explaining what we do & why, to increase your insight & engagement in your therapy. A good “fit” between client & psychologist is key & I would encourage you to look until you find that. I offer evidence-based strategies & coping skills, or can advise self-help or other resources at times.
People experiencing stress, insomnia, dealing with illness & cognitive deficits, as well as loss & grief can benefit from therapy.
Welcome. Seeking psychological help is a courageous step & I aim to make it accessible, understandable & effective for clients. Please feel free to email me. I am a Doctorate-level qualified Clinical Psychologist who can help with assessment & therapy for mental health needs, personal problems or relationship issues. I work in a transparent way, explaining what we do & why, to increase your insight & engagement in your therapy. A good “fit” between client & psychologist is key & I would encourage you to look until you find that. I offer evidence-based strategies & coping skills, or can advise self-help or other resources at times.
![Photo of Vicky Clothier - Restoring Minds Therapy , Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/85024da1-34ea-447f-809f-a3e059b302c8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Therapy is a place to feel known and understood, a place to overcome painful experiences, and explore new ways of being with yourself and others.
Therapy is a place to feel known and understood, a place to overcome painful experiences, and explore new ways of being with yourself and others.
![Photo of Tommy Livingston, MCouns, NZAC - Provisional, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9f9a2afd-a9dd-4b48-91ba-78555b2fd1ae/2/320x400.jpeg)
Counselling is for everyone — whether you’re stressed or overwhelmed by current challenges, or you want to address some things that have been hanging over you for many years. As a counsellor, I play a unique role. Because I’m separate to your friends and family, I can offer a fresh perspective, which can be helpful and empowering. I’m trained to listen to your story with empathy, to identify areas that you may not be able to see, and to help you to make meaningful changes that allow you to build a healthy and fulfilling life. I help some of my clients to unpack their life story in a safe and supported way.
Counselling is for everyone — whether you’re stressed or overwhelmed by current challenges, or you want to address some things that have been hanging over you for many years. As a counsellor, I play a unique role. Because I’m separate to your friends and family, I can offer a fresh perspective, which can be helpful and empowering. I’m trained to listen to your story with empathy, to identify areas that you may not be able to see, and to help you to make meaningful changes that allow you to build a healthy and fulfilling life. I help some of my clients to unpack their life story in a safe and supported way.
![Photo of Ashley Raju (Maharani Movement), MCouns, NZAC - Provisional, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/63fbec8b-5a67-4d20-886a-4e1aee46440c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ashley Raju (Maharani Movement)
Counsellor, MCouns, NZAC - Provisional
Verified Verified
Wellington 6023 (Online Only)
Kia ora, Ni sa Bula Vinaka and Namaste, I’m Ashley. I use an anti-oppressive, holistic, trauma-informed lens centered around those most impacted by patriarchy, sexism, misogyny, and colonization. I support women, femmes, and non-binary people of color through identity struggles, cultural assimilation, and trauma including racial, intergenerational, and sexual. I use Indigenous wellness models and trauma-informed yoga to foster healing and provide strategies for nervous system regulation & body reconnection. My focus is on easing anxiety, depression, sensory overwhelm, and a deeper understanding for highly sensitive people.
Kia ora, Ni sa Bula Vinaka and Namaste, I’m Ashley. I use an anti-oppressive, holistic, trauma-informed lens centered around those most impacted by patriarchy, sexism, misogyny, and colonization. I support women, femmes, and non-binary people of color through identity struggles, cultural assimilation, and trauma including racial, intergenerational, and sexual. I use Indigenous wellness models and trauma-informed yoga to foster healing and provide strategies for nervous system regulation & body reconnection. My focus is on easing anxiety, depression, sensory overwhelm, and a deeper understanding for highly sensitive people.
![Photo of Sally Green - Insight n Beyond, MCouns, MNZAC, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1e826404-ab66-463a-a977-708c80610965/2/320x400.jpeg)
Insight n Beyond
Counsellor, MCouns, MNZAC
Verified Verified
Wellington 6011
Waitlist for new clients
My modality of work is IFS style / Ego State informed EMDR, Narrative and Somatic therapy. I work with people on all sorts of things that life may throw up. My work challenges a lot of your thought processes while teaching you skills. While in my work talking can be involved you still have the choice of what you wish to share and what you wish to work on. All my work, is respectful of you as a person and your needs, even though it can be challenging at times. Success is the work you take away and use to help yourself. I provide psychoeducation and tools to help you. All my work is collaborative.
My modality of work is IFS style / Ego State informed EMDR, Narrative and Somatic therapy. I work with people on all sorts of things that life may throw up. My work challenges a lot of your thought processes while teaching you skills. While in my work talking can be involved you still have the choice of what you wish to share and what you wish to work on. All my work, is respectful of you as a person and your needs, even though it can be challenging at times. Success is the work you take away and use to help yourself. I provide psychoeducation and tools to help you. All my work is collaborative.
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![Photo of Arran Milne, MSc, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47beb26f-dc71-499b-8d23-b846e23075ce/1/320x400.png)
I am a Clinical Psychologist who enjoys working with people of all ages, genders and difficulties. I particularly enjoy working with young people and young adults who are struggling with their mental health in our challenging world.
I am a Clinical Psychologist who enjoys working with people of all ages, genders and difficulties. I particularly enjoy working with young people and young adults who are struggling with their mental health in our challenging world.
![Photo of Rae Navanua](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44f74dbb-61a7-4e14-ac04-cbfcbd1e9910/2/320x400.png)
Whether you’re looking to learn new skills and strategies, improve your mental health, or seeking a listening ear, I have the experience and expertise to help. I offer a range of talking therapies and coaching for any emotional or mental health concern. You deserve to be valued, respected and celebrated for who you are individually. I'll partner with you to enhance your wellbeing. You can expect me to work collaboratively with you to create space for authentic and open communication.
Whether you’re looking to learn new skills and strategies, improve your mental health, or seeking a listening ear, I have the experience and expertise to help. I offer a range of talking therapies and coaching for any emotional or mental health concern. You deserve to be valued, respected and celebrated for who you are individually. I'll partner with you to enhance your wellbeing. You can expect me to work collaboratively with you to create space for authentic and open communication.
![Photo of Sander Maximilian Leona Sollie - Mind Matters Most - Sander Sollie, MSc, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/862213a8-70c3-46eb-b7db-53d497823e2e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Whether you’re interested in personal development and change, organizing and exploring group dynamics or learning and training, you might just have found what you were looking for. There is a way to overcome any problem and a personalised approach guided by excellent clinical skills, is the best and most effective way to reach that goal. Improve your performance, quit smoking, lose weight, lift your mood, face your challenges, reduce anxiety and help yourself to become who you want to be.
Whether you’re interested in personal development and change, organizing and exploring group dynamics or learning and training, you might just have found what you were looking for. There is a way to overcome any problem and a personalised approach guided by excellent clinical skills, is the best and most effective way to reach that goal. Improve your performance, quit smoking, lose weight, lift your mood, face your challenges, reduce anxiety and help yourself to become who you want to be.
![Photo of Renata Barros, MA, NZAC - Provisional, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/af22433a-e30c-475d-b730-bbb3a21f77ae/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am specialised in clinical care and have extensive practice with complex cases, including anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma issues. I have worked in public health and private practice in Brazil and NZ and was responsible for carrying out mental health services and managing clinical teams. Currently, I work at my private practice in Wellington. I am a Provisional Member of the NZAC and Member of the Centre for Lacanian Analysis in NZ. I have a Master’s in Social and Institutional Psychology (recognised level 9 NZQA), Specialisation in Clinical Care, and Bachelor’s degree in Psychology (recognised level 7 NZQA).
I am specialised in clinical care and have extensive practice with complex cases, including anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma issues. I have worked in public health and private practice in Brazil and NZ and was responsible for carrying out mental health services and managing clinical teams. Currently, I work at my private practice in Wellington. I am a Provisional Member of the NZAC and Member of the Centre for Lacanian Analysis in NZ. I have a Master’s in Social and Institutional Psychology (recognised level 9 NZQA), Specialisation in Clinical Care, and Bachelor’s degree in Psychology (recognised level 7 NZQA).
![Photo of Anne Kemp, MA, MNZAC, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5eb42331-3593-4bdc-93e7-0375d53e7c3e/1/320x400.png)
My focus as a counsellor is providing a safe space where you can feel free to express yourself without fear of judgment no matter what issue brought you to counselling. I understand how personal the decision to seek counselling can be, and my goal is to help you feel heard, respected, and understood throughout our journey together. In our sessions, I will listen attentively and empathize deeply with any challenges or difficulties you may be facing. Together, we will work towards a deeper understanding of your experiences and develop a plan to help you make sense of the world around you.
My focus as a counsellor is providing a safe space where you can feel free to express yourself without fear of judgment no matter what issue brought you to counselling. I understand how personal the decision to seek counselling can be, and my goal is to help you feel heard, respected, and understood throughout our journey together. In our sessions, I will listen attentively and empathize deeply with any challenges or difficulties you may be facing. Together, we will work towards a deeper understanding of your experiences and develop a plan to help you make sense of the world around you.
![Photo of Kelly Lawrence, MSc, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b4e2e41-5b93-42dd-9035-d8f2a9151b0b/1/320x400.jpeg)
So often we talk or act in ways we wouldn't choose to if we were being our authentic selves. I use a 'parts approach' to help my clients make sense of their mind and bodies. With awareness, they learn to respond to stressors in their life with more choice and freedom.
So often we talk or act in ways we wouldn't choose to if we were being our authentic selves. I use a 'parts approach' to help my clients make sense of their mind and bodies. With awareness, they learn to respond to stressors in their life with more choice and freedom.
![Photo of Tertia Catherine Myers, MA, NZPsS Member, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/740ad55d-2ff6-4e63-84d2-475069252246/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tertia Catherine Myers
Psychologist, MA, NZPsS Member
Verified Verified
Wellington 6011
Waitlist for new clients
I work with people who are experiencing everyday issues as well as people who are struggling with more complex mental health issues. Sometimes there isn't something "wrong", but things don't feel okay or "right". Sometimes we know what we should say or do, but find ourselves doing or saying something opposite to what we intended. Sometimes we think that we know ourselves or someone else and then realise that we really don't. I'm here to help you accept who you are and the ways that you are. Through self-acceptance many challenges can be overcome.
I work with people who are experiencing everyday issues as well as people who are struggling with more complex mental health issues. Sometimes there isn't something "wrong", but things don't feel okay or "right". Sometimes we know what we should say or do, but find ourselves doing or saying something opposite to what we intended. Sometimes we think that we know ourselves or someone else and then realise that we really don't. I'm here to help you accept who you are and the ways that you are. Through self-acceptance many challenges can be overcome.
![Photo of Megan Carter - Megan Carter, Ocean Psy Clinical Psychology , MPsych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/35012654-a8d5-4d19-bc95-74cb14f77d9d/3/320x400.jpeg)
Megan Carter, Ocean Psy Clinical Psychology
Psychologist, MPsych
Verified Verified
Wellington 6037 (Online Only)
It takes a lot of courage to reach out to a person you don’t know to work through challenges. I will meet you with compassion, for you, and hold space for your human experiences. We will build safety and trust together as we seek to acknowledge, understand, heal, and integrate what you have been through. I am passionate about supporting the diverse humans I work with to build resilience, cope, and process their experiences. I support my clients to live a life where their minds are a bit kinder to them.
It takes a lot of courage to reach out to a person you don’t know to work through challenges. I will meet you with compassion, for you, and hold space for your human experiences. We will build safety and trust together as we seek to acknowledge, understand, heal, and integrate what you have been through. I am passionate about supporting the diverse humans I work with to build resilience, cope, and process their experiences. I support my clients to live a life where their minds are a bit kinder to them.
![Photo of Tam Korodi, MA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/39d1a557-81b3-469a-aa8e-a0ae8a050bfb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hi, I'm Tam! I am an attachment expert, specialising in relationship issues. Whether you're single and seeking your happily-ever-after, trying to save your marriage, or picking yourself up after a shattering divorce or breakup, I can help you. I also work with clients who have toxic and high-conflict familial or professional relationships. For my single female clients, I offer my signature 10-session program designed to help you find the right partner and build a healthy, lasting relationship. I provide online sessions to both individuals and couples using the most up-to-date scientific methods.
Hi, I'm Tam! I am an attachment expert, specialising in relationship issues. Whether you're single and seeking your happily-ever-after, trying to save your marriage, or picking yourself up after a shattering divorce or breakup, I can help you. I also work with clients who have toxic and high-conflict familial or professional relationships. For my single female clients, I offer my signature 10-session program designed to help you find the right partner and build a healthy, lasting relationship. I provide online sessions to both individuals and couples using the most up-to-date scientific methods.
See more therapy options for Wellington
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.