Chronic Pain Therapists in Avondale Estates, GA
![Photo of Melissa Dickinson, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8fd6731d-8acf-423c-a950-b99f6b76b7ec/1/320x400.jpeg)
Melissa Dickinson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
13 Endorsed
Avondale Estates, GA 30002
I have specialized training in gender and sex therapy (kink/poly-friendly) and I work extensively with chronic illness support with a specialty in Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes.
Therapy and coaching are professional connected relationships where you explore new options with room to grow. I work with you to create a safe space, so that we can make real progress on the issues that matter to you.
I have specialized training in gender and sex therapy (kink/poly-friendly) and I work extensively with chronic illness support with a specialty in Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes.
Therapy and coaching are professional connected relationships where you explore new options with room to grow. I work with you to create a safe space, so that we can make real progress on the issues that matter to you.
![Photo of Colleen Dougherty, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bbb0a2c8-a2f7-4221-80cf-151c85d920bb/1/320x400.jpeg)
As a therapist, I hope to provide my clients with a place where they feel seen, heard and understood. My ultimate goal is to help others navigate the challenges of life and work towards helping them to achieve their best possible quality of life. I use an integrative approach, tailoring interventions towards the needs of each individual I work with. After being in the mental health field for over 25 years, I have experience in treating trauma, ADHD, depression, anxiety, panic disorder, bipolar disorder, self harming behavior, grief and adjustment to life transitions. I enjoy working with diverse clients ranging in age from 15 to 80.
As a therapist, I hope to provide my clients with a place where they feel seen, heard and understood. My ultimate goal is to help others navigate the challenges of life and work towards helping them to achieve their best possible quality of life. I use an integrative approach, tailoring interventions towards the needs of each individual I work with. After being in the mental health field for over 25 years, I have experience in treating trauma, ADHD, depression, anxiety, panic disorder, bipolar disorder, self harming behavior, grief and adjustment to life transitions. I enjoy working with diverse clients ranging in age from 15 to 80.
![Photo of Leslie M. Sessley, LCSW, LMFT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/453a72f7-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Leslie M. Sessley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LMFT
Verified Verified
Avondale Estates, GA 30002
Are you struggling with life balance since your loved one has become ill? Are you now caring for an aging parent that didn't take care of you? Is talking with your family about your aging loved one challenging or stressful? As we age, so do our families of origin. Sometimes we are called back to our families of origin to help aging family members - like our siblings or parents. This can be challenging for many people. When we are called back to help, things like old wounds, family dysfunction and confusion on where to go for help can arise. Therapy can help bring clarity.
Are you struggling with life balance since your loved one has become ill? Are you now caring for an aging parent that didn't take care of you? Is talking with your family about your aging loved one challenging or stressful? As we age, so do our families of origin. Sometimes we are called back to our families of origin to help aging family members - like our siblings or parents. This can be challenging for many people. When we are called back to help, things like old wounds, family dysfunction and confusion on where to go for help can arise. Therapy can help bring clarity.
![Photo of Bertrina Olivia West Al-Mahdi, PhD, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a5473cf1-9883-4441-aefd-1c7c83d1f645/2/320x400.jpeg)
Bertrina Olivia West Al-Mahdi
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Avondale Estates, GA 30002
Life is often tough & can be very stressful & overwhelming. Challenges are often thrown our way & we struggle with finding ways to cope. Hi, my name is Dr. O, I am a U. S. Navy veteran with a doctorate degree in International Psychologist. I am the Clinical Director of Out of the Box, CCC, a mom, a wife, & I'm here to help. I understand the difficulties of navigating the challenges of life while trying to hold it all together. I specialize in working with individuals, families, couples, adolescents, and children facing emotional, cognitive, & social challenges as a result of trauma. When most people think about trauma, they usually
Life is often tough & can be very stressful & overwhelming. Challenges are often thrown our way & we struggle with finding ways to cope. Hi, my name is Dr. O, I am a U. S. Navy veteran with a doctorate degree in International Psychologist. I am the Clinical Director of Out of the Box, CCC, a mom, a wife, & I'm here to help. I understand the difficulties of navigating the challenges of life while trying to hold it all together. I specialize in working with individuals, families, couples, adolescents, and children facing emotional, cognitive, & social challenges as a result of trauma. When most people think about trauma, they usually
![Photo of Anne A Rice - Firefly Wellness Counseling, MA, LPC, LMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8061f3dd-40bc-4fb4-a28b-a941d9c15017/1/320x400.jpeg)
Firefly Wellness Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LMHC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Avondale Estates, GA 30002
Do you feel stressed every time you walk through your front door and overwhelmed by family conflicts? Do you struggle with your child's behavior or worry about their progress with peers and at school? At Firefly Wellness Counseling, we offer therapeutic services for individuals ages three and up who are tired of struggling. Imgaine having the skills to communicate with your child in a way that reduces conflict, helps your child feel empowered, and helps them be the wonderful individual they are. Whether through play therapy, parent coaching, or individual counseling, we can help your family reach those goals.
Do you feel stressed every time you walk through your front door and overwhelmed by family conflicts? Do you struggle with your child's behavior or worry about their progress with peers and at school? At Firefly Wellness Counseling, we offer therapeutic services for individuals ages three and up who are tired of struggling. Imgaine having the skills to communicate with your child in a way that reduces conflict, helps your child feel empowered, and helps them be the wonderful individual they are. Whether through play therapy, parent coaching, or individual counseling, we can help your family reach those goals.
![Photo of Edith S. Jones, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/423c0066-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Edith S. Jones
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Avondale Estates, GA 30002 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
As a psychotherapist, I often see people who are feeling overwhelmed and need help in managing life's challenges. Working together, we address these problems, finding new paths to healthy growth and change. I work with clients on a range of issues, such as anxiety, depression, dysfunctional patterns, trauma, relationship concerns, family dynamics, major life transitions/adjustments and career direction. I believe that trust is the cornerstone of effective therapy, and my style is warm and interactive. Throughout the course of therapy, I provide practical tools and life skills to help clients manage their day-to-day lives.
As a psychotherapist, I often see people who are feeling overwhelmed and need help in managing life's challenges. Working together, we address these problems, finding new paths to healthy growth and change. I work with clients on a range of issues, such as anxiety, depression, dysfunctional patterns, trauma, relationship concerns, family dynamics, major life transitions/adjustments and career direction. I believe that trust is the cornerstone of effective therapy, and my style is warm and interactive. Throughout the course of therapy, I provide practical tools and life skills to help clients manage their day-to-day lives.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Abigail Akpobiyeri, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d6f343f8-624c-4bb2-bb41-dc3e24434615/1/320x400.jpeg)
Abigail Akpobiyeri
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
Scottdale, GA 30079 (Online Only)
I specialize in various areas, including depression, anxiety, chronic pain, sports and performance psychology, eating disorders, and self-esteem.
I want to commend you for prioritizing your mental health—it's a significant step towards self-care. As a first-generation Nigerian-American therapist, I bring a unique perspective to our therapeutic journey. I earned my master's degree from the University of Denver in Sport and Performance Psychology and am now pursuing my PsyD at Mercer University. I strive to create a safe and inclusive space where you can feel understood, validated, and supported. Together, we'll work collaboratively, drawing from evidence-based techniques and my expertise, to navigate the challenges you face. Let's embark on your path to growth together!
I specialize in various areas, including depression, anxiety, chronic pain, sports and performance psychology, eating disorders, and self-esteem.
I want to commend you for prioritizing your mental health—it's a significant step towards self-care. As a first-generation Nigerian-American therapist, I bring a unique perspective to our therapeutic journey. I earned my master's degree from the University of Denver in Sport and Performance Psychology and am now pursuing my PsyD at Mercer University. I strive to create a safe and inclusive space where you can feel understood, validated, and supported. Together, we'll work collaboratively, drawing from evidence-based techniques and my expertise, to navigate the challenges you face. Let's embark on your path to growth together!
![Photo of Monica L. Coleman, EdS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ce62ac44-f0f8-4e7f-b953-3e9fae25f1a0/3/320x400.jpeg)
Monica L. Coleman
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Decatur, GA 30030 (Online Only)
Do you live with emotional trauma, physical trauma, chronic illness or chronic pain? Are you tired of feeling like your life is out of control?
I understand how difficult it can be to live with emotional trauma, physical trauma, chronic illness and chronic pain. Life is not happening the way that you planned. You may be frozen in physical and emotional pain. The pain is not gone even when there is no evidence that it should still be there and you worry how you will show up in your own life if the pain lasts forever. Maybe you can't stop thinking about the thing that happened, no matter how hard you try.
Do you live with emotional trauma, physical trauma, chronic illness or chronic pain? Are you tired of feeling like your life is out of control?
I understand how difficult it can be to live with emotional trauma, physical trauma, chronic illness and chronic pain. Life is not happening the way that you planned. You may be frozen in physical and emotional pain. The pain is not gone even when there is no evidence that it should still be there and you worry how you will show up in your own life if the pain lasts forever. Maybe you can't stop thinking about the thing that happened, no matter how hard you try.
![Photo of Mary Joyce Bacon - MJ Bacon , APC, MS, NCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2feec254-944c-4cab-b4ac-02275f6ab650/2/320x400.jpeg)
My approach leverages cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness and interpersonal development to empower clients to heal from emotional pain, overcome suffering and navigate through life’s difficulties.
Providing individual and couples therapy, I foster a warm, supportive, and collaborative environment, dedicated to creating a safe space where you can explore, grow and heal. Building a positive and trusting relationship between us is fundamental to navigating through challenging issues. I help clients gain insights into their struggles and ultimately grow from the experience. I specialize in anxiety, depression, relationships, grief, chronic illness and trauma.
My approach leverages cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness and interpersonal development to empower clients to heal from emotional pain, overcome suffering and navigate through life’s difficulties.
Providing individual and couples therapy, I foster a warm, supportive, and collaborative environment, dedicated to creating a safe space where you can explore, grow and heal. Building a positive and trusting relationship between us is fundamental to navigating through challenging issues. I help clients gain insights into their struggles and ultimately grow from the experience. I specialize in anxiety, depression, relationships, grief, chronic illness and trauma.
![Photo of Emily Cade, MS, CRC, LPC , Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/370de1d3-8be6-4d5a-946e-b584b0a34e28/3/320x400.jpeg)
Emily Cade
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, CRC, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Decatur, GA 30030
I am a therapist in Decatur, Georgia who provides services to adolescents & adults. Having spent the past 20+ years working with individuals and families who have experienced life-changing events, I hold a deep understanding of the emotional and psychological impact the twists and turns life can throw your way. Believing that therapy can be a catalyst for lasting change, I strive to provide a safe, welcoming, relaxed environment for clients to share their struggles, their pain, as well as their wins in life.
I am a therapist in Decatur, Georgia who provides services to adolescents & adults. Having spent the past 20+ years working with individuals and families who have experienced life-changing events, I hold a deep understanding of the emotional and psychological impact the twists and turns life can throw your way. Believing that therapy can be a catalyst for lasting change, I strive to provide a safe, welcoming, relaxed environment for clients to share their struggles, their pain, as well as their wins in life.
![Photo of Jane Robinson, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43d4f550-0df0-4ec6-b1d4-8af13ab0b899/1/320x400.jpeg)
If you're experiencing life challenges, it may be difficult to navigate how you're feeling, why you feel the deep emotional pain that may be preventing you from living your best life, and how to alleviate this pain and move forward.
Are you experiencing emotional pain or facing challenges that are impacting your life such as anxiety, grief, emotional trauma, or life transitions? I offer effective, whole person centered, and compassionate therapeutic services to help you heal and move forward. Our time together provides you a safe and confidential environment, as you clarify and process challenges and/or pain, along with learning powerful personal skills and possible solutions. The insight and skills, gained through our sessions together, frequently prompt emotional breakthroughs that result in meaningful healing and growth with significant, lifetime benefits.
If you're experiencing life challenges, it may be difficult to navigate how you're feeling, why you feel the deep emotional pain that may be preventing you from living your best life, and how to alleviate this pain and move forward.
Are you experiencing emotional pain or facing challenges that are impacting your life such as anxiety, grief, emotional trauma, or life transitions? I offer effective, whole person centered, and compassionate therapeutic services to help you heal and move forward. Our time together provides you a safe and confidential environment, as you clarify and process challenges and/or pain, along with learning powerful personal skills and possible solutions. The insight and skills, gained through our sessions together, frequently prompt emotional breakthroughs that result in meaningful healing and growth with significant, lifetime benefits.
![Photo of Rowan Crawfish, ART-P, APC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c94006f6-b1d5-4c66-b3c4-8610359ce8c5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Due to my personal background, I have a special interest in working with marginalized populations, people struggling with body image, and those living with chronic pain and chronic illness.
You deserve to feel validated and supported as you are. My goal as a LGBTQIA2S+, neurodiverse, larger bodied therapist, is to provide an inclusive environment for individuals of all sexual identities, genders, abilities, races, ages, and body size. I foster a warm & open space free from judgment. You are the expert on your life, and I am here to walk beside you on your journey. My approach to counseling is to support you as a whole person navigate the systems that are affecting you. While much of my work includes art therapy and a holistic approach, we will work together to find what will work best for you.
Due to my personal background, I have a special interest in working with marginalized populations, people struggling with body image, and those living with chronic pain and chronic illness.
You deserve to feel validated and supported as you are. My goal as a LGBTQIA2S+, neurodiverse, larger bodied therapist, is to provide an inclusive environment for individuals of all sexual identities, genders, abilities, races, ages, and body size. I foster a warm & open space free from judgment. You are the expert on your life, and I am here to walk beside you on your journey. My approach to counseling is to support you as a whole person navigate the systems that are affecting you. While much of my work includes art therapy and a holistic approach, we will work together to find what will work best for you.
![Photo of Dakota Jack Fidram, APC, NCC, MS, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53916877-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Here are some of the areas I am passionate about serving: identity exploration, LGBTQ+, chronic disability/ invisible illness, polyamorous relationships, existential questions.
My name is Dakota and I provide teletherapy in both the states of Georgia and Florida -- Finding our way through life’s journey can become overwhelming at times. We may reach stages where we feel out-of-touch, out-of-place, and out-of-sync. One method of addressing these bumps on our path is recalibrating how we understand ourselves and others. Learning new ways of handling and adapting to all of life’s changes can be revitalizing. I would be excited to be there with you on your path as a co-journeyer and as a provider of objective, researched-based counseling.
Here are some of the areas I am passionate about serving: identity exploration, LGBTQ+, chronic disability/ invisible illness, polyamorous relationships, existential questions.
My name is Dakota and I provide teletherapy in both the states of Georgia and Florida -- Finding our way through life’s journey can become overwhelming at times. We may reach stages where we feel out-of-touch, out-of-place, and out-of-sync. One method of addressing these bumps on our path is recalibrating how we understand ourselves and others. Learning new ways of handling and adapting to all of life’s changes can be revitalizing. I would be excited to be there with you on your path as a co-journeyer and as a provider of objective, researched-based counseling.
![Photo of Kate Zera Kray, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44e87c99-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kate Zera Kray
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Decatur, GA 30030
From anxiety, to life transitions, to chronic illness; my skillset is as varied as my experience in medical hospitals (10+ years), cancer wellness centers(15+ years), and social service agencies(4 years).
Are you overcome with grief and wondering how you will (ever) recover from the death of a loved one; the loss of a job; a divorce; or your own decline in health? Are you finding that time does not heal all wounds? I am sorry you are going through a difficult time and I commend you for reaching out for support along your journey. It is my hope that my extensive clinical experience, coupled with your resiliency and resolve, will enable us to uncover the tools necessary to reinvest in your life. I am accepting new clients for virtual meetings. I am licensed in Georgia, Illinois and Iowa.
From anxiety, to life transitions, to chronic illness; my skillset is as varied as my experience in medical hospitals (10+ years), cancer wellness centers(15+ years), and social service agencies(4 years).
Are you overcome with grief and wondering how you will (ever) recover from the death of a loved one; the loss of a job; a divorce; or your own decline in health? Are you finding that time does not heal all wounds? I am sorry you are going through a difficult time and I commend you for reaching out for support along your journey. It is my hope that my extensive clinical experience, coupled with your resiliency and resolve, will enable us to uncover the tools necessary to reinvest in your life. I am accepting new clients for virtual meetings. I am licensed in Georgia, Illinois and Iowa.
![Photo of Maija Salins, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5e6a5022-d5de-4b63-85cf-83f6f0e1a2bf/1/320x400.jpeg)
As a highly sensitive person who cares about others and the world, you experience more stress, pain, and overwhelm than most. You may be feeling burned out, having trouble setting boundaries with others, or judging yourself for not being able to let go of past hurts. You might not even remember a time things didn’t feel this way. But one thing is for sure: you’re ready for some relief. You’re ready to start prioritizing your own needs. You’re ready to take up space as your authentic self. Most of all, you’re ready to feel more confident and capable, with the knowledge that your sensitivity might be one of your biggest strengths.
As a highly sensitive person who cares about others and the world, you experience more stress, pain, and overwhelm than most. You may be feeling burned out, having trouble setting boundaries with others, or judging yourself for not being able to let go of past hurts. You might not even remember a time things didn’t feel this way. But one thing is for sure: you’re ready for some relief. You’re ready to start prioritizing your own needs. You’re ready to take up space as your authentic self. Most of all, you’re ready to feel more confident and capable, with the knowledge that your sensitivity might be one of your biggest strengths.
![Photo of Elaine C Hoffman, LMFT, MDiv, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bf8050a-8dda-4ad6-9d40-a0afac044818/2/320x400.jpeg)
Elaine C Hoffman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MDiv
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Decatur, GA 30033 (Online Only)
I love to help individuals make major life transitions or deal with depression, anxiety, grief and loss, chronic illness, caregiving.
Many in today's world feel disconnected. You may feel disconnected from yourself, from those you love and even perhaps from a sense of any greater purpose in your life. What I love to do is help individuals, and families reconnect and hopefully come into a greater fullness of life.
I love to help individuals make major life transitions or deal with depression, anxiety, grief and loss, chronic illness, caregiving.
Many in today's world feel disconnected. You may feel disconnected from yourself, from those you love and even perhaps from a sense of any greater purpose in your life. What I love to do is help individuals, and families reconnect and hopefully come into a greater fullness of life.
![Photo of Jackie Haar, LCSW, , Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1c4fd1d4-795f-46bd-877a-f01046cd352a/2/320x400.jpeg)
My passion is assisting individuals and families in navigating the challenges and hurdles that life throws at us as humans. Over the years I have had the opportunity to walk alongside countless people during their times of grief, trauma, chronic illness, chronic pain, life transitions and life-altering events. My goal is to provide my clients a supportive, empathetic, and warm environment so they feel safe and comfortable processing what they are experiencing. I also help my clients learn strategies and develop tools to cope more effectively in managing stressors and emotional challenges.
My passion is assisting individuals and families in navigating the challenges and hurdles that life throws at us as humans. Over the years I have had the opportunity to walk alongside countless people during their times of grief, trauma, chronic illness, chronic pain, life transitions and life-altering events. My goal is to provide my clients a supportive, empathetic, and warm environment so they feel safe and comfortable processing what they are experiencing. I also help my clients learn strategies and develop tools to cope more effectively in managing stressors and emotional challenges.
![Photo of Barbara Lewison, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ae5f0a5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, anxious, &/or depressed? Are mental health concerns, family issues, & traumas, affecting your relationships? Are you feeling numb or numbing out intense feelings, emotional pain, or symptoms? Please have hope - you are not alone. Dedicated to my professional development for over 34 years, I'm motivated to help adults heal and recover from traumas, mental health & coexisting chronic medical issues, relationship conflicts & stressful life transitions. I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, body-image & eating problems, grief, chronic medical illnesses, & BFRBs. Call: 706-389-0527
Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, anxious, &/or depressed? Are mental health concerns, family issues, & traumas, affecting your relationships? Are you feeling numb or numbing out intense feelings, emotional pain, or symptoms? Please have hope - you are not alone. Dedicated to my professional development for over 34 years, I'm motivated to help adults heal and recover from traumas, mental health & coexisting chronic medical issues, relationship conflicts & stressful life transitions. I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, body-image & eating problems, grief, chronic medical illnesses, & BFRBs. Call: 706-389-0527
![Photo of Amy C Bryant, MS, EdS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cafa397-2563-42c8-977d-597b7bc2d76b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Amy C Bryant
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, EdS, LPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Decatur, GA 30030
I primarily work with women, parents, and teens using evidence-based practices to treat anxiety, depression, recurrent and chronic pain, fears, insomnia, and more.
Life is demanding. Add the mental and emotional load of parenting, neurodivergence, anxiety, depression, trauma, or recurrent or chronic pain, and you might be left feeling over-burdened, out of control, and unwell. Come restore your strengths, increase your sense of well-being, and reinstate your personal agency over your behaviors, thoughts, emotions, and physiological reactions to yourself, your relationships, and the world around you.
I primarily work with women, parents, and teens using evidence-based practices to treat anxiety, depression, recurrent and chronic pain, fears, insomnia, and more.
Life is demanding. Add the mental and emotional load of parenting, neurodivergence, anxiety, depression, trauma, or recurrent or chronic pain, and you might be left feeling over-burdened, out of control, and unwell. Come restore your strengths, increase your sense of well-being, and reinstate your personal agency over your behaviors, thoughts, emotions, and physiological reactions to yourself, your relationships, and the world around you.
![Photo of Mark William Flanagan, LCSW, MPH, MA, RYT-200, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1794d256-5ae1-44dc-95e2-e67d3c398975/4/320x400.jpeg)
Mark William Flanagan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPH, MA, RYT-200
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Decatur, GA 30032
Can you remember the last time you didn’t feel stressed? Has stress become your new normal? You feel depressed and have unrelenting anxiety. You feel stuck and wish the world would slow down. And your body is in a knot - stomach aches, muscle tension, stiff neck, tight jaw. You might be struggling from a lifelong illness, like cancer, going through a life changing event like divorce or job loss, or grieving the loss of a loved one, or don't know why you feel the way you do. You just know you don't like it - you want to feel better. Something has got to change.
Can you remember the last time you didn’t feel stressed? Has stress become your new normal? You feel depressed and have unrelenting anxiety. You feel stuck and wish the world would slow down. And your body is in a knot - stomach aches, muscle tension, stiff neck, tight jaw. You might be struggling from a lifelong illness, like cancer, going through a life changing event like divorce or job loss, or grieving the loss of a loved one, or don't know why you feel the way you do. You just know you don't like it - you want to feel better. Something has got to change.
See more therapy options for Avondale Estates
Nearby Chronic Pain Therapists Searches for Avondale Estates
- Atlanta
- Brookhaven
- Chamblee
- Decatur
- Dunwoody
- Lilburn
- Lithonia
- Norcross
- Peachtree Corners
- Sandy Springs
- Stone Mountain
- Tucker
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.