Chronic Pain Therapists in Baltimore, MD

Photo of Valeria Martinez-Kaigi, PhD, Psychologist
Valeria Martinez-Kaigi
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21239  (Online Only)
health), I use my expertise in pain neuroscience to work with my clients to make functional and behavioral changes in line with the scientific research on how to reverse pain neural pathways and train the nervous system to break the cycle of pain.
My patients often feel like they've tried everything and still haven’t found relief. That takes a toll. My specialty as a health psychologist focuses on chronic pain management, helping people manage the severity of their pain along with the frustration, sadness, exhaustion, and grief that come along with chronic pain. When it comes to managing pain, having a therapist who specializes in pain matters. I find fulfillment in helping patients like you achieve better quality of life, achieve lasting health improvements, and reach personal goals that otherwise couldn't be met.
health), I use my expertise in pain neuroscience to work with my clients to make functional and behavioral changes in line with the scientific research on how to reverse pain neural pathways and train the nervous system to break the cycle of pain.
My patients often feel like they've tried everything and still haven’t found relief. That takes a toll. My specialty as a health psychologist focuses on chronic pain management, helping people manage the severity of their pain along with the frustration, sadness, exhaustion, and grief that come along with chronic pain. When it comes to managing pain, having a therapist who specializes in pain matters. I find fulfillment in helping patients like you achieve better quality of life, achieve lasting health improvements, and reach personal goals that otherwise couldn't be met.
(832) 996-2742 View (832) 996-2742
Photo of Alicia M Dorn, MS, LCPC, Counselor
Alicia M Dorn
Counselor, MS, LCPC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21202  (Online Only)
As a chronic illness therapist, I know how important it is to make your “new norm” more livable.
Whether you've been newly diagnosed or have been living with an illness for a while, you’ve been trying to push through to live the best you can. Every day is a battle because your body feels sick from aches, pains or other symptoms. You brace yourself for the worst to happen, because that’s unfortunately been your “new norm.” You miss being your old self - the one that could “do more things." Now, you feel like a failure in many areas of your life. The smile you wear covers what you really feel – alone, worried, helpless and angry. All of this has taken a toll on you emotionally and you want to feel more in control of your worries.
As a chronic illness therapist, I know how important it is to make your “new norm” more livable.
Whether you've been newly diagnosed or have been living with an illness for a while, you’ve been trying to push through to live the best you can. Every day is a battle because your body feels sick from aches, pains or other symptoms. You brace yourself for the worst to happen, because that’s unfortunately been your “new norm.” You miss being your old self - the one that could “do more things." Now, you feel like a failure in many areas of your life. The smile you wear covers what you really feel – alone, worried, helpless and angry. All of this has taken a toll on you emotionally and you want to feel more in control of your worries.
(410) 216-0930 View (410) 216-0930
Photo of Vanessa Pikler, PhD, Psychologist
Vanessa Pikler
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21209
Does your medical illness create anxiety depression, fear or anger? If this is the case for you, please contact me.
Are you struggling with depression or anxiety? Do you defeat yourself with self-critical thinking? Does stress get in the way of accomplishing your goals in life? If you answered yes to any of these questions, please contact me. I can help you develop more self-compassion in order to tackle your problems. You'll feel understood, heard, respected, hopeful, and more confident in your ability to cope. I also work with people with medical illnesses and have special expertise in Health Psychology, such as coping with cancer diagnoses/treatments, caregiver stress, stress management and other mind/body issues.
Does your medical illness create anxiety depression, fear or anger? If this is the case for you, please contact me.
Are you struggling with depression or anxiety? Do you defeat yourself with self-critical thinking? Does stress get in the way of accomplishing your goals in life? If you answered yes to any of these questions, please contact me. I can help you develop more self-compassion in order to tackle your problems. You'll feel understood, heard, respected, hopeful, and more confident in your ability to cope. I also work with people with medical illnesses and have special expertise in Health Psychology, such as coping with cancer diagnoses/treatments, caregiver stress, stress management and other mind/body issues.
(410) 970-6500 View (410) 970-6500
Photo of Haley Sheridan Sweet, MSW, LCSW-C, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Haley Sheridan Sweet
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21210
Waitlist for new clients
Chronic illness or health concerns can wreak havoc on your mental health, relationships, romantic life, work, and dreams of the future. You’re coping with a layer of difficulty in your life that many people don’t get. You are pushing past your limits and boundaries, and running on fumes, all while trying to keep it together with a smile on your face. This cycle catches up with you, and you end up in a flare-up of symptoms, wondering if it will ever change. You may also be struggling with obstacles and issues within the healthcare system, wanting answers and treatment, but floating from appointment to appointment.
Chronic illness or health concerns can wreak havoc on your mental health, relationships, romantic life, work, and dreams of the future. You’re coping with a layer of difficulty in your life that many people don’t get. You are pushing past your limits and boundaries, and running on fumes, all while trying to keep it together with a smile on your face. This cycle catches up with you, and you end up in a flare-up of symptoms, wondering if it will ever change. You may also be struggling with obstacles and issues within the healthcare system, wanting answers and treatment, but floating from appointment to appointment.
(443) 390-7784 View (443) 390-7784
Photo of Fabio Lomelino, LCPC, NCC
Fabio Lomelino
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21210
Waitlist for new clients
I see my primary task as offering courage, perspective, and insight in the face of suffering, helping you discover what unique outcomes exist on the other side of the pain.
NEW Men's Group starting, see below! - The goal of therapy isn’t to ‘feel better’, although that should be one of the outcomes. The suffering we experience is rarely a defective malfunctioning of the brain- it is usually in response to real challenges and is an important way to prepare ourselves for a developmental leap. When we are suffering our brains release hormones that promote ‘neuroplasticity’, our minds begin to reexamine outdated narratives, and our relationships are challenged with the need for deeper vulnerability and more skillful communication.
I see my primary task as offering courage, perspective, and insight in the face of suffering, helping you discover what unique outcomes exist on the other side of the pain.
NEW Men's Group starting, see below! - The goal of therapy isn’t to ‘feel better’, although that should be one of the outcomes. The suffering we experience is rarely a defective malfunctioning of the brain- it is usually in response to real challenges and is an important way to prepare ourselves for a developmental leap. When we are suffering our brains release hormones that promote ‘neuroplasticity’, our minds begin to reexamine outdated narratives, and our relationships are challenged with the need for deeper vulnerability and more skillful communication.
(443) 400-7202 View (443) 400-7202
Photo of Maria Cole, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Maria Cole
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21211
It is important for me to be able to help bring an engagement of health and healing to the Baltimore metro community and encourage growth to help change the way that we interact with the pain and hurt that we have experienced as a whole.
I have experience and work with those that have undergone traumatic encounters. I believe that healing comes from addressing the traumas and confronting the difficulties that come from them, such as unhealthy boundaries and maladaptive coping. I utilize a mindfulness and strengths-based approach in addition to creating a stabilizing and safe environment to be able to process and deal with the emotions that result from the extremes of traumas that we experience. I tend to use action and coaching-oriented skills focusing on the behavioral aspects of management of stress and coping with the chronic impacts of trauma and relationships.
It is important for me to be able to help bring an engagement of health and healing to the Baltimore metro community and encourage growth to help change the way that we interact with the pain and hurt that we have experienced as a whole.
I have experience and work with those that have undergone traumatic encounters. I believe that healing comes from addressing the traumas and confronting the difficulties that come from them, such as unhealthy boundaries and maladaptive coping. I utilize a mindfulness and strengths-based approach in addition to creating a stabilizing and safe environment to be able to process and deal with the emotions that result from the extremes of traumas that we experience. I tend to use action and coaching-oriented skills focusing on the behavioral aspects of management of stress and coping with the chronic impacts of trauma and relationships.
(410) 505-7532 View (410) 505-7532
Photo of Courtney Corcoran, LGPC, NCC, MS, Counselor
Courtney Corcoran
Counselor, LGPC, NCC, MS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21230  (Online Only)
I love working with both individuals & couples- mostly millennials & genZers, adults (18-60), teens (15+). My ideal client is curious to dig deep, wants to raise self-awareness, and is ready to sift through the pieces of life's puzzle together. I enjoy helping fellow artists/creatives, neurodivergent folks, & LGBTQIA+ folks. I specialize in issues related to low self-esteem, perfectionism, adulting, burnout, imposter syndrome, communication issues, relationships, boundary setting, gender identity and exploration, women's issues, chronic illness, invisible disabilities, ADHD and HSPs.
I love working with both individuals & couples- mostly millennials & genZers, adults (18-60), teens (15+). My ideal client is curious to dig deep, wants to raise self-awareness, and is ready to sift through the pieces of life's puzzle together. I enjoy helping fellow artists/creatives, neurodivergent folks, & LGBTQIA+ folks. I specialize in issues related to low self-esteem, perfectionism, adulting, burnout, imposter syndrome, communication issues, relationships, boundary setting, gender identity and exploration, women's issues, chronic illness, invisible disabilities, ADHD and HSPs.
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Photo of Cheryl Harris Sharman, MA, CSD, TITC-CT, Pastoral Counselor
Cheryl Harris Sharman
Pastoral Counselor, MA, CSD, TITC-CT
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21218
I shelter – focusing less on individual and more on collective healing – from Primary Trauma (including Historical, Intergenerational, Racial, Spiritual/Religious), Secondary Trauma, Burnout, (the combination therein) Compassion Fatigue, and/or their cousins: Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Loss, Grief, Transition, Illness, Aging, and Dying.
I love listening. It’s been deepened by many decades and degrees. But, before that, I was a trauma survivor. So I listen to you and your clients the way I wanted someone to listen to me. Both. And. Beyond the decades and degrees, which define my listening in different ways, I shelter people; under the beautiful, broad umbrella of Trauma-Informed Care (TIC). I listen - as a container - to create space for clients to see and find meaning; however they define that. I listen with a biopsychosocialspiritual approach. I listen to private clients, organizational clients, and clients experiencing (& transitioning out of) homelessness.
I shelter – focusing less on individual and more on collective healing – from Primary Trauma (including Historical, Intergenerational, Racial, Spiritual/Religious), Secondary Trauma, Burnout, (the combination therein) Compassion Fatigue, and/or their cousins: Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Loss, Grief, Transition, Illness, Aging, and Dying.
I love listening. It’s been deepened by many decades and degrees. But, before that, I was a trauma survivor. So I listen to you and your clients the way I wanted someone to listen to me. Both. And. Beyond the decades and degrees, which define my listening in different ways, I shelter people; under the beautiful, broad umbrella of Trauma-Informed Care (TIC). I listen - as a container - to create space for clients to see and find meaning; however they define that. I listen with a biopsychosocialspiritual approach. I listen to private clients, organizational clients, and clients experiencing (& transitioning out of) homelessness.
(301) 396-7864 View (301) 396-7864
Photo of Lula Moultrie Heatley - Tru Integrity Wellness and Counseling Center, LCSWC, MSW, MRC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tru Integrity Wellness and Counseling Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSWC, MSW, MRC
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21239
My ideal client will seek assistance in transitioning from current and past negative experiences that may be impacting your ability to move on without the pains and uncontrollable symptoms of emotional distress. Is mental illness preventing you from enjoying healthy living and causing self defeating thoughts and patterns of poor mental health functioning. ? Call now , help is available. You don’t have to face life alone.
My ideal client will seek assistance in transitioning from current and past negative experiences that may be impacting your ability to move on without the pains and uncontrollable symptoms of emotional distress. Is mental illness preventing you from enjoying healthy living and causing self defeating thoughts and patterns of poor mental health functioning. ? Call now , help is available. You don’t have to face life alone.
(410) 498-6597 View (410) 498-6597
Photo of Amy Lovelace - Amy Lovelace, LPC-S, LCPC, LMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Amy Lovelace
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, LCPC, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21225  (Online Only)
A caring therapeutic relationship can help maximize your potential, enhance your communication skills, and make it easier to work through areas of personal pain.
Thank you for considering working with me on your therapeutic journey. My goal for our sessions is to create a warm, secure atmosphere in order to nurture the strengths that you already possess. I use an integrative therapeutic approach based on building self-esteem and courage to help clients gain insight into negative thoughts and challenging emotional/behavioral patterns that often get us sidetracked.
A caring therapeutic relationship can help maximize your potential, enhance your communication skills, and make it easier to work through areas of personal pain.
Thank you for considering working with me on your therapeutic journey. My goal for our sessions is to create a warm, secure atmosphere in order to nurture the strengths that you already possess. I use an integrative therapeutic approach based on building self-esteem and courage to help clients gain insight into negative thoughts and challenging emotional/behavioral patterns that often get us sidetracked.
(443) 233-1648 View (443) 233-1648
Photo of Abena Adoko Sando, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Abena Adoko Sando
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21229
Issues; Anger Management, Behavioral Issues Child or Adolescent Chronic Pain Codependency Coping Skills Dual Diagnosis Family Conflict, Addictions, Life Transitions Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD), ADHD, ODD.
I have been providing mental health services for children, adolescents, and adults with various mental health needs for over 12 years. I foster an environment that is sensitive to clients'/parents' needs. Clients are encouraged to openly express thoughts/feelings so that we can focus on setting goals, identifying feelings and patterns, developing healthy/positive attitudes and behaviors, and problem solving. I would be honored to work with you/your child/family to move away from distress and towards wellness and increased satisfaction and happiness!
Issues; Anger Management, Behavioral Issues Child or Adolescent Chronic Pain Codependency Coping Skills Dual Diagnosis Family Conflict, Addictions, Life Transitions Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD), ADHD, ODD.
I have been providing mental health services for children, adolescents, and adults with various mental health needs for over 12 years. I foster an environment that is sensitive to clients'/parents' needs. Clients are encouraged to openly express thoughts/feelings so that we can focus on setting goals, identifying feelings and patterns, developing healthy/positive attitudes and behaviors, and problem solving. I would be honored to work with you/your child/family to move away from distress and towards wellness and increased satisfaction and happiness!
(443) 233-0628 View (443) 233-0628
Photo of Shaina Edelson, PhD, Psychologist
Shaina Edelson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21209
I have worked in multiple settings such as medical centers and outpatient clinics and have experience treating a wide variety of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety/panic, phobias, post-traumatic stress, relationship difficulties, and more. A health psychologist by training, I am passionate about working with adults who are struggling with co-occurring medical and mental health symptoms (e.g., insomnia, coping with medical diagnoses & surgery, chronic pain, organ transplant, etc.). I am dedicated to working with healthcare providers, who are currently facing unprecedented struggles due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
I have worked in multiple settings such as medical centers and outpatient clinics and have experience treating a wide variety of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety/panic, phobias, post-traumatic stress, relationship difficulties, and more. A health psychologist by training, I am passionate about working with adults who are struggling with co-occurring medical and mental health symptoms (e.g., insomnia, coping with medical diagnoses & surgery, chronic pain, organ transplant, etc.). I am dedicated to working with healthcare providers, who are currently facing unprecedented struggles due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
(410) 807-8824 View (410) 807-8824
Photo of Jill Bers, MSW, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jill Bers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21209
You are here because you are feeling unhappy, angry, worried, anxious, panicked, or full of self-doubt. Or you are a couple in need of direction and guidance to work through conflicts. I have found that fear is often the unrealized dynamic that gets in the way of fulfillment and happiness in many areas of life. Are you experiencing a recent transition, stressor or crisis that has brought about pain or confusion, or maybe you are struggling with a longstanding challenge? Therapy is a means to uncovering existing strengths, and to gaining insights and new skills to help overcome the fears that often accompany these challenges.
You are here because you are feeling unhappy, angry, worried, anxious, panicked, or full of self-doubt. Or you are a couple in need of direction and guidance to work through conflicts. I have found that fear is often the unrealized dynamic that gets in the way of fulfillment and happiness in many areas of life. Are you experiencing a recent transition, stressor or crisis that has brought about pain or confusion, or maybe you are struggling with a longstanding challenge? Therapy is a means to uncovering existing strengths, and to gaining insights and new skills to help overcome the fears that often accompany these challenges.
(443) 892-7049 View (443) 892-7049
Photo of Chelsea Fox, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Chelsea Fox
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21214
You are not alone in this! I have been there, as a mom with an adult child coping with autoimmune illness, and years of social work with older adults and their caregivers.
Caring for others while trying to care for yourself can be one of the toughest challenges. If you are caring for a parent, spouse, child, or other loved one with medical conditions and complex needs, you may feel isolated, exhausted, overwhelmed, and unappreciated. You may even have your own health issues to manage on top of it all. Finding time for yourself is essential, but often seems impossible. Others may have unrealistic expectations and judgments they put on you. Endless medical appointments and things to remember can leave you feeling depleted at the end of the day.
You are not alone in this! I have been there, as a mom with an adult child coping with autoimmune illness, and years of social work with older adults and their caregivers.
Caring for others while trying to care for yourself can be one of the toughest challenges. If you are caring for a parent, spouse, child, or other loved one with medical conditions and complex needs, you may feel isolated, exhausted, overwhelmed, and unappreciated. You may even have your own health issues to manage on top of it all. Finding time for yourself is essential, but often seems impossible. Others may have unrealistic expectations and judgments they put on you. Endless medical appointments and things to remember can leave you feeling depleted at the end of the day.
(850) 783-1231 View (850) 783-1231
Photo of Molly Muldoon - Muldoon Wellness, LLC, LCSW-C, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Muldoon Wellness, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21201  (Online Only)
I have experience in both private and community clinic settings and have worked with those living with depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, dissociative disorders, and personality disorders as well as brain trauma and chronic pain conditions.
Welcome! My name is Molly Muldoon and I am a mental health therapist striving to support and partner with others as they learn more about who they are and bloom into their most authentic selves. I approach therapy with a trauma-informed foundation of acceptance and mindfulness and serve as your travel guide on a journey of self-exploration. I believe that developing a nonjudgmental understanding of who we are and what we truly value steers us towards more meaningful connections with ourselves and the world around us. I appreciate the uniqueness of every individual and tailor treatment to each client’s needs.
I have experience in both private and community clinic settings and have worked with those living with depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, dissociative disorders, and personality disorders as well as brain trauma and chronic pain conditions.
Welcome! My name is Molly Muldoon and I am a mental health therapist striving to support and partner with others as they learn more about who they are and bloom into their most authentic selves. I approach therapy with a trauma-informed foundation of acceptance and mindfulness and serve as your travel guide on a journey of self-exploration. I believe that developing a nonjudgmental understanding of who we are and what we truly value steers us towards more meaningful connections with ourselves and the world around us. I appreciate the uniqueness of every individual and tailor treatment to each client’s needs.
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Photo of Kate Gerwin, MS, LCPC
Kate Gerwin
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MS, LCPC
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21211
Whether it is a codependent relationship, healing from trauma, a major illness, the loss of a loved one or you're not quite sure what "it" is yet, I can support you in gaining a deeper sense of wholeness and well-being. My starting point for all of my work is simple: you matter. Your story matters, your experience matters, your desire to heal, grow, and thrive matters. In all of our lives there are times where we need help making sense of our stories and experiences and I am here to journey with you in that process. I look forward to connecting with you!
Whether it is a codependent relationship, healing from trauma, a major illness, the loss of a loved one or you're not quite sure what "it" is yet, I can support you in gaining a deeper sense of wholeness and well-being. My starting point for all of my work is simple: you matter. Your story matters, your experience matters, your desire to heal, grow, and thrive matters. In all of our lives there are times where we need help making sense of our stories and experiences and I am here to journey with you in that process. I look forward to connecting with you!
(703) 991-2421 View (703) 991-2421
Photo of Chana Simmonds, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Chana Simmonds
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21217
My office is a nurturing and safe setting in which you will be able to express your pain, your needs and be understood.
My ideal client (individual, couple) wants to move past or resolve issues that cause them to feel disappointed and unhappy. They want to have relationships, including sexual experiences , in which they feel connected, intimate and alive.
My office is a nurturing and safe setting in which you will be able to express your pain, your needs and be understood.
My ideal client (individual, couple) wants to move past or resolve issues that cause them to feel disappointed and unhappy. They want to have relationships, including sexual experiences , in which they feel connected, intimate and alive.
(551) 226-5601 View (551) 226-5601
Photo of Lori Aviva Saltman - Lori Aviva Saltman, LCSW-C, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lori Aviva Saltman, LCSW-C
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21215  (Online Only)
I will accompany you on your journey, from pain to perseverance.
I know you. You are a unique and talented person. You were born with your own skill set and strengths to get through life's challenges. But then something happened. Something that was out of your control. Maybe you lost a loved one, maybe you wound up in a situation that left you stuck in a dark place with no way out or maybe your tendency to worry left you emotionally paralyzed. You feel stuck. You step out into the bright sunny world but only see darkness. How do I know you, you ask? Because we are all like that. We all struggle emotionally at some point in our lives. It is perfectly normal.
I will accompany you on your journey, from pain to perseverance.
I know you. You are a unique and talented person. You were born with your own skill set and strengths to get through life's challenges. But then something happened. Something that was out of your control. Maybe you lost a loved one, maybe you wound up in a situation that left you stuck in a dark place with no way out or maybe your tendency to worry left you emotionally paralyzed. You feel stuck. You step out into the bright sunny world but only see darkness. How do I know you, you ask? Because we are all like that. We all struggle emotionally at some point in our lives. It is perfectly normal.
(410) 777-5697 View (410) 777-5697
Photo of Eric Millman, LCPC
Eric Millman
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21208  (Online Only)
I help people find creativity, courage, bravery, embrace pain and sadness, and find greater meaning and joy.
Are you looking for an experienced therapist that accepts insurances, offers evening hours, and returns phone call right away? I have over 15 years of experience helping individuals that are struggling in relationships, having difficulty with life adjustments, or bottling their feelings and acting out through addiction. My approach is tailored to each individual in a unique way, integrating various theories and styles of practice. Therapy is a one of a kind experience for people looking to change their lives. This is for those looking to be truly alive and to find deeper meaning, joy, creativity, and depth.
I help people find creativity, courage, bravery, embrace pain and sadness, and find greater meaning and joy.
Are you looking for an experienced therapist that accepts insurances, offers evening hours, and returns phone call right away? I have over 15 years of experience helping individuals that are struggling in relationships, having difficulty with life adjustments, or bottling their feelings and acting out through addiction. My approach is tailored to each individual in a unique way, integrating various theories and styles of practice. Therapy is a one of a kind experience for people looking to change their lives. This is for those looking to be truly alive and to find deeper meaning, joy, creativity, and depth.
(410) 698-6921 View (410) 698-6921
Photo of Michelle McWhirter, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Michelle McWhirter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21213  (Online Only)
Hello! I’m delighted to welcome you to my profile. With over a decade of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through grief, illness, trauma, and care giving concerns. My approach combines CBT, mindfulness and EMDR to help you on your healing journey. I care about my clients and am passionate about my role in empowering them to overcome their challenges and find a deep sense of well being. Together we will explore the depths of your emotions, challenge unhelpful beliefs, and foster a greater sense of self awareness and acceptance.
Hello! I’m delighted to welcome you to my profile. With over a decade of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through grief, illness, trauma, and care giving concerns. My approach combines CBT, mindfulness and EMDR to help you on your healing journey. I care about my clients and am passionate about my role in empowering them to overcome their challenges and find a deep sense of well being. Together we will explore the depths of your emotions, challenge unhelpful beliefs, and foster a greater sense of self awareness and acceptance.
(443) 267-9939 View (443) 267-9939
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.