Chronic Pain Therapists in Mission Viejo, CA
My ideal client faces anxiety, depression, trauma, or addiction, seeking a supportive and understanding environment to explore their challenges. They may have cultural or military-related issues, severe mental illness, or need help with social skills. Their goals include managing symptoms, improving emotional regulation, enhancing interpersonal effectiveness, and achieving overall well-being. They are motivated to engage in therapy, open to evidence-based approaches like CBT, DBT, and EMDR, and committed to positive changes. They want to regain control, build resilience, and cultivate a healthier, more fulfilling future.
My ideal client faces anxiety, depression, trauma, or addiction, seeking a supportive and understanding environment to explore their challenges. They may have cultural or military-related issues, severe mental illness, or need help with social skills. Their goals include managing symptoms, improving emotional regulation, enhancing interpersonal effectiveness, and achieving overall well-being. They are motivated to engage in therapy, open to evidence-based approaches like CBT, DBT, and EMDR, and committed to positive changes. They want to regain control, build resilience, and cultivate a healthier, more fulfilling future.
Debbie Alexander
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Mission Viejo, CA 92692 (Online Only)
I am convinced that the greatest tool to healing is being seen and heard with compassion, and remind my patients that they are not alone; this is the ultimate balm to the wounds of trauma and pain.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who treats depression, anxiety and panic attacks, grief, trauma and PTSD, chronic pain and illness (i.e. Parkinson's and cancer), divorce recovery, parenting skills, managing life transition stages, aging, LGBTQIA+ support, stress, weight loss struggles, self-esteem, and communication skills. My approach to therapy is based on a foundation of building a relationship and connection with patients, in order to provide a safe place to talk about the hard things in Iife.
I am convinced that the greatest tool to healing is being seen and heard with compassion, and remind my patients that they are not alone; this is the ultimate balm to the wounds of trauma and pain.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who treats depression, anxiety and panic attacks, grief, trauma and PTSD, chronic pain and illness (i.e. Parkinson's and cancer), divorce recovery, parenting skills, managing life transition stages, aging, LGBTQIA+ support, stress, weight loss struggles, self-esteem, and communication skills. My approach to therapy is based on a foundation of building a relationship and connection with patients, in order to provide a safe place to talk about the hard things in Iife.
Kelly V Karjoo
Psychologist, PsyD, CMNCS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mission Viejo, CA 92692 (Online Only)
Our past experiences can have a very lasting effect on our lives & unfortunately don't magically disappear once we remove ourselves from the people or environment inflicting pain. The impact of these experiences can follow us for the rest of our lives if we don't take the necessary action to release ourselves & ensure a brighter present & future. These painful experiences can cause many issues if not addressed: relationships, depression, anxiety, anger, difficulty at work, etc. Often times trauma and health issues go hand in hand, or sometimes it hard to know which came first, the physical pain or the emotional pain.
Our past experiences can have a very lasting effect on our lives & unfortunately don't magically disappear once we remove ourselves from the people or environment inflicting pain. The impact of these experiences can follow us for the rest of our lives if we don't take the necessary action to release ourselves & ensure a brighter present & future. These painful experiences can cause many issues if not addressed: relationships, depression, anxiety, anger, difficulty at work, etc. Often times trauma and health issues go hand in hand, or sometimes it hard to know which came first, the physical pain or the emotional pain.
The following are types of disorders that can be treated with the use of VR: • Phobias (all types) • Generalized anxiety • Social anxiety • OCD • Depression and others Mood disorders • Adjustment Disorders • Addictions • Pain Management .
My approach is to empower you to cope better to life’s challenges in a way that is innovative and that has lasting results. I use virtual reality as a tool in therapy and am available regardless of the distance-through a secure telemedicine application. My specialty is in treating chronic health problems. In France, I was professor of clinical and health psychology and I directed several research projects on anxiety, mood disorders, addiction and trauma. I have published the findings of my research in nearly 50 articles in scientific journals and authored 5 books. In 2018, I completed a fellowship at the City of Hope Medical Center.
The following are types of disorders that can be treated with the use of VR: • Phobias (all types) • Generalized anxiety • Social anxiety • OCD • Depression and others Mood disorders • Adjustment Disorders • Addictions • Pain Management .
My approach is to empower you to cope better to life’s challenges in a way that is innovative and that has lasting results. I use virtual reality as a tool in therapy and am available regardless of the distance-through a secure telemedicine application. My specialty is in treating chronic health problems. In France, I was professor of clinical and health psychology and I directed several research projects on anxiety, mood disorders, addiction and trauma. I have published the findings of my research in nearly 50 articles in scientific journals and authored 5 books. In 2018, I completed a fellowship at the City of Hope Medical Center.
I specialize in identifying and working through the sources of emotional pain, negative thought patterns & reactions that are often rooted in trauma.
Women suffering with trauma -There you are once again, holding back the tears and acting like everything is okay. Deep down you're wishing someone would see that you’re not. Maybe if people knew what you’ve been through, they’d stop telling you to just think positive. Perhaps you don’t even realize that you have been traumatized. You just know you need help because the anxiety is overwhelming and you’re tired of fighting hopeless thinking and depression all the time. I am here so you don’t have to feel helpless under the weight of these emotions.
I specialize in identifying and working through the sources of emotional pain, negative thought patterns & reactions that are often rooted in trauma.
Women suffering with trauma -There you are once again, holding back the tears and acting like everything is okay. Deep down you're wishing someone would see that you’re not. Maybe if people knew what you’ve been through, they’d stop telling you to just think positive. Perhaps you don’t even realize that you have been traumatized. You just know you need help because the anxiety is overwhelming and you’re tired of fighting hopeless thinking and depression all the time. I am here so you don’t have to feel helpless under the weight of these emotions.
Nadia Abou-Seda Licensed Somatic Psychotherapist
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, BSW, MA , SEP, LPCC
Verified Verified
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Dwell on a future in which you revive your true self, regain control and stop trauma from hijacking your life! As a trauma survivor, I can relate! You were not supported as you deserve! I strive to support you throughout your healing path! Do you suffer from chronic pain or ongoing medical/physical issues? Have you experienced developmental trauma i.e. childhood abuse, neglect, witnessed violence, etc.? Or shock trauma i.e. vehicle accidents, sudden losses, wars, natural disasters, medical procedures i.e. dental, surgical? Have you experienced violence, inescapable attack, anxiety, depression, grief, cultural & relational issues?
Dwell on a future in which you revive your true self, regain control and stop trauma from hijacking your life! As a trauma survivor, I can relate! You were not supported as you deserve! I strive to support you throughout your healing path! Do you suffer from chronic pain or ongoing medical/physical issues? Have you experienced developmental trauma i.e. childhood abuse, neglect, witnessed violence, etc.? Or shock trauma i.e. vehicle accidents, sudden losses, wars, natural disasters, medical procedures i.e. dental, surgical? Have you experienced violence, inescapable attack, anxiety, depression, grief, cultural & relational issues?
If you are in emotional pain you can find relief in our first session. Most clients have drastic improvement in 4-8 weeks. My work is non-judging and compassionate. I am directive, specific, goal oriented and incorporate a variety of tools customized to your needs. This includes: EMDR, Cognitive Work, Meditative work, supplements to improve mood, Energy work in our healing room, Intuitive knowing of core patterns, prayer, healing grief. I offer a holistic approach to healing on all levels. About Me: I enjoy meditation, spiritual contemplation, sports, animals, nature, hiking, reading and lots of laughter.
If you are in emotional pain you can find relief in our first session. Most clients have drastic improvement in 4-8 weeks. My work is non-judging and compassionate. I am directive, specific, goal oriented and incorporate a variety of tools customized to your needs. This includes: EMDR, Cognitive Work, Meditative work, supplements to improve mood, Energy work in our healing room, Intuitive knowing of core patterns, prayer, healing grief. I offer a holistic approach to healing on all levels. About Me: I enjoy meditation, spiritual contemplation, sports, animals, nature, hiking, reading and lots of laughter.
Jarfa Wabs, MA LMFT dba Counseling Together
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Finding a therapist at a time when your whole world is falling apart, is one more difficult task to add to the many tasks required of you. Well, you aren't alone! Couples & family counseling is one of my many focuses. Premarital and marriage counseling can be very effective in starting and saving relationships. I also focus on stress, fears, and anxiety that might be causing unexplained aches and pains in your body, frustrating you and others around you. I am well versed on issues of Chronic illness, hormonal imbalances, Fibromyalgia, Infertility, Postpartum, Menopause, Thyroid and many life events affecting healthy relationships.
Finding a therapist at a time when your whole world is falling apart, is one more difficult task to add to the many tasks required of you. Well, you aren't alone! Couples & family counseling is one of my many focuses. Premarital and marriage counseling can be very effective in starting and saving relationships. I also focus on stress, fears, and anxiety that might be causing unexplained aches and pains in your body, frustrating you and others around you. I am well versed on issues of Chronic illness, hormonal imbalances, Fibromyalgia, Infertility, Postpartum, Menopause, Thyroid and many life events affecting healthy relationships.
Kristin Kleppe
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Waitlist for new clients
Each of our 30 therapists specializes in an area of clinical health psychology such as oncology, chronic pain, cardiology, geriatrics, pediatrics, eating disorders, addiction, etc.
I am committed to helping people achieve a sense of happiness, health, and well-being and to maximize their potential in life. In our first session, we will explore the changes you want to make and together we will collaborate on a treatment plan designed to help you reach your goals. I see clients from age 16 to late adulthood for individual, couples or family therapy. I see people for a variety of issues and am especially skilled in working with families, older adults, executives, and other professionals. I'm skilled in many different types of evidenced based therapies.
Each of our 30 therapists specializes in an area of clinical health psychology such as oncology, chronic pain, cardiology, geriatrics, pediatrics, eating disorders, addiction, etc.
I am committed to helping people achieve a sense of happiness, health, and well-being and to maximize their potential in life. In our first session, we will explore the changes you want to make and together we will collaborate on a treatment plan designed to help you reach your goals. I see clients from age 16 to late adulthood for individual, couples or family therapy. I see people for a variety of issues and am especially skilled in working with families, older adults, executives, and other professionals. I'm skilled in many different types of evidenced based therapies.
Linda Cleveland-O'Keefe
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Are you struggling with chronic health issues? These might include autoimmune disease, diabetes, cancer, epilepsy, heart disease, neurological disorders and pain, to name just a few.
Do you wonder what stops you from having a more fulfilling life and more satisfying relationships? I use evidence based (research validated) methods of psychotherapy to help you identify what you want out of life and make the changes necessary to create that life. I will help you uncover your strengths and use them to live a more authentic and meaningful life. I specialize in using Parent Child Interaction, Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Attachment, Mindfulness, Family Systems and Functional Family Therapies, dependent on your needs.
Are you struggling with chronic health issues? These might include autoimmune disease, diabetes, cancer, epilepsy, heart disease, neurological disorders and pain, to name just a few.
Do you wonder what stops you from having a more fulfilling life and more satisfying relationships? I use evidence based (research validated) methods of psychotherapy to help you identify what you want out of life and make the changes necessary to create that life. I will help you uncover your strengths and use them to live a more authentic and meaningful life. I specialize in using Parent Child Interaction, Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Attachment, Mindfulness, Family Systems and Functional Family Therapies, dependent on your needs.
I am passionate about helping clients to achieve emotional, spiritual, and physical wellness. I believe that wellness exists on a continuum, and achieving optimal health involves working with clients to develop treatment plans that integrate relevant cultural, social, physical, and psychological factors. As a clinical health psychologist, I often work with clients who have chronic illness and am comfortable collaborating with my clients' physicians, when it is appropriate.
I am passionate about helping clients to achieve emotional, spiritual, and physical wellness. I believe that wellness exists on a continuum, and achieving optimal health involves working with clients to develop treatment plans that integrate relevant cultural, social, physical, and psychological factors. As a clinical health psychologist, I often work with clients who have chronic illness and am comfortable collaborating with my clients' physicians, when it is appropriate.
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Debbie Alexander
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I specialize in working with adults and teens with anxiety, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, substance abuse, PTSD, complex/developmental trauma, grief, chronic pain, health and relationship problems.
I strongly believe that therapy should be a safe place where anyone can come and talk about their life without judgment or shame. It is a place where everyone can benefit from unconditional empathy, understanding, and grace. I am an outgoing person who is easy to talk to, and I do my best to make the therapeutic process as smooth and understandable as possible. We will go at your pace and create a personalized treatment plan to meet your needs and goals. I strive to help you become self sustaining where you can gain a sense of understanding of what skills you need, why you are utilizing them, and when to utilize the skills learned.
I specialize in working with adults and teens with anxiety, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, substance abuse, PTSD, complex/developmental trauma, grief, chronic pain, health and relationship problems.
I strongly believe that therapy should be a safe place where anyone can come and talk about their life without judgment or shame. It is a place where everyone can benefit from unconditional empathy, understanding, and grace. I am an outgoing person who is easy to talk to, and I do my best to make the therapeutic process as smooth and understandable as possible. We will go at your pace and create a personalized treatment plan to meet your needs and goals. I strive to help you become self sustaining where you can gain a sense of understanding of what skills you need, why you are utilizing them, and when to utilize the skills learned.
I provide customized and effective psychotherapy to adults, professionals, and seniors. In addition to depression, anxiety, and other life challenges, I offer therapy for individuals with autoimmune conditions, acute/chronic illness and chronic pain. I also work with professionals and workplace issues including stress, burnout, and work/life balance. Office hours are offered during the weekend in addition to online therapy for individuals unable to access in person services (open to all CA residents).
I provide customized and effective psychotherapy to adults, professionals, and seniors. In addition to depression, anxiety, and other life challenges, I offer therapy for individuals with autoimmune conditions, acute/chronic illness and chronic pain. I also work with professionals and workplace issues including stress, burnout, and work/life balance. Office hours are offered during the weekend in addition to online therapy for individuals unable to access in person services (open to all CA residents).
Dianna Stark
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CAMS, CAMF
Verified Verified
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Waitlist for new clients
I am a psychotherapist with 27 years of experience. I am licensed to practice in 3 states, CA, NY and NJ.. I hold numerous specialty certifications and I have extensive training in, cognitive behavioral therapy, DBT, Exposure Therapy and psychodynamic (insight oriented) psychotherapy. I provide short and long term treatment, depending on a client's needs and wishes. Some of my specialties include: Anxiety disorders and stress management, physician burnout, anger management, depression, communication issues, relationship/marital issues, special education advocacy and learning disabilities
I am a psychotherapist with 27 years of experience. I am licensed to practice in 3 states, CA, NY and NJ.. I hold numerous specialty certifications and I have extensive training in, cognitive behavioral therapy, DBT, Exposure Therapy and psychodynamic (insight oriented) psychotherapy. I provide short and long term treatment, depending on a client's needs and wishes. Some of my specialties include: Anxiety disorders and stress management, physician burnout, anger management, depression, communication issues, relationship/marital issues, special education advocacy and learning disabilities
As a marital and family therapist with 24 years of experience, I have helped countless families, individuals, and couples through major struggles with anxiety, depression, stress, communication issues and trauma.
As a marital and family therapist with 24 years of experience, I have helped countless families, individuals, and couples through major struggles with anxiety, depression, stress, communication issues and trauma.
I am extremely good at working with teens, MFT interns who are looking to do some interpersonal work while gaining their 3000 hrs., blended families, divorce Recovery, Drug and Alcohol abuse/use, Gay and Lesbian, grief and loss, as well as Parent/Child Conflicts. I enjoy working with the above clients as well as receiving the internal benefits of watching my clients grow. I receive a "natural high" by working with and helping clients find their true selves. I believe the work I do help my clients enrich their personal and relational growth s well as enhance their emotional healing.
I am extremely good at working with teens, MFT interns who are looking to do some interpersonal work while gaining their 3000 hrs., blended families, divorce Recovery, Drug and Alcohol abuse/use, Gay and Lesbian, grief and loss, as well as Parent/Child Conflicts. I enjoy working with the above clients as well as receiving the internal benefits of watching my clients grow. I receive a "natural high" by working with and helping clients find their true selves. I believe the work I do help my clients enrich their personal and relational growth s well as enhance their emotional healing.
Susan McIntyre Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Problems are often the catalyst to transformation......you becoming your greatest self. Our work together will help clarify your preferences and identify what gets in the way of living the life you want. My approach to working with clients varies depending on our therapeutic goals. Each client is unique and brings important life experiences and personal resources into the therapeutic process. These strengths will be foundational to our work together. I am experienced in treating a broad range of problems including depression and anxiety disorders, relational problems as well as issues relating to trauma or loss.
Problems are often the catalyst to transformation......you becoming your greatest self. Our work together will help clarify your preferences and identify what gets in the way of living the life you want. My approach to working with clients varies depending on our therapeutic goals. Each client is unique and brings important life experiences and personal resources into the therapeutic process. These strengths will be foundational to our work together. I am experienced in treating a broad range of problems including depression and anxiety disorders, relational problems as well as issues relating to trauma or loss.
We are living in a time of uncertainty and added stress. Many of us feel unmotivated, anxious, depressed and overwhelmed. While we may crave more connection we may find ourselves self-sabotaging and later feeling critical of ourselves. Your suffering is a symptom of your stress, and it presents an opportunity for change. My goal is to help clients discover, trust their instincts and reach their potential to live a life full of meaning and connection. My goal is to help you get unstuck, shift habits of negative thinking, and bring unconscious thoughts and feelings to awareness.
We are living in a time of uncertainty and added stress. Many of us feel unmotivated, anxious, depressed and overwhelmed. While we may crave more connection we may find ourselves self-sabotaging and later feeling critical of ourselves. Your suffering is a symptom of your stress, and it presents an opportunity for change. My goal is to help clients discover, trust their instincts and reach their potential to live a life full of meaning and connection. My goal is to help you get unstuck, shift habits of negative thinking, and bring unconscious thoughts and feelings to awareness.
Lee Denton
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Mission Viejo, CA 92691 (Online Only)
How much do you know about your emotions? Did you know that learning a “feelings” vocabulary to process your experiences supports emotion regulation? Many of us learn adaptive strategies as children, allowing us to survive in a rigid environment while meeting some of our needs. Later you may find that the strategy that kept you safe in childhood interferes with your capacity for connection as an adult. We can explore the patterns that put distance in your relationships despite your desire to increase intimacy. Whatever your childhood lacked should not predetermine your happiness in adulthood. You deserve to thrive.
How much do you know about your emotions? Did you know that learning a “feelings” vocabulary to process your experiences supports emotion regulation? Many of us learn adaptive strategies as children, allowing us to survive in a rigid environment while meeting some of our needs. Later you may find that the strategy that kept you safe in childhood interferes with your capacity for connection as an adult. We can explore the patterns that put distance in your relationships despite your desire to increase intimacy. Whatever your childhood lacked should not predetermine your happiness in adulthood. You deserve to thrive.
Dr. Wendy Boring-Bray
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, DBH, LPCC
Verified Verified
Mission Viejo, CA 92691 (Online Only)
Are you an adult with autism? Me too! Feel Anxious? Anxiety can be so overwhelming! Tired of masking? Ruminating thoughts? Feeling like nothing is going right? Having a hard time focusing? Out of sync in your relationship? Yep! Anxiety can do that! How would your life look if you were able to stop all of the internal chatter going on in your mind? Sound like it's impossible? Believe it or not, this IS possible; you CAN stop the internal chatter and start feeling more like yourself. Anxiety is not you; it is a feeling you are going through, and sometimes, it can hang around longer than you want it to. Ready to send it packing?
Are you an adult with autism? Me too! Feel Anxious? Anxiety can be so overwhelming! Tired of masking? Ruminating thoughts? Feeling like nothing is going right? Having a hard time focusing? Out of sync in your relationship? Yep! Anxiety can do that! How would your life look if you were able to stop all of the internal chatter going on in your mind? Sound like it's impossible? Believe it or not, this IS possible; you CAN stop the internal chatter and start feeling more like yourself. Anxiety is not you; it is a feeling you are going through, and sometimes, it can hang around longer than you want it to. Ready to send it packing?
See more therapy options for Mission Viejo
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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.