Chronic Pain Therapists in Wilmington, NC
Depression, anxiety, relationship issues, grief/loss, illness and trauma are my specialities.
Whether you are dealing with depression, anxiety, illness, relationship struggles, trauma or interested in self exploration, therapy can be an effective step towards finding healing and growth. I offer a safe, supportive and respectful environment. My goal is to help you overcome obstacles and self-destructive patterns so that you can live a more authentic and joyful life. I come from a humanistic approach, combining traditional psychology with mindfulness-based practices. I bring compassion, curiosity and humor to my therapy practice. Together we will uncover the answers within yourself to help you find relief from emotional pain.
Depression, anxiety, relationship issues, grief/loss, illness and trauma are my specialities.
Whether you are dealing with depression, anxiety, illness, relationship struggles, trauma or interested in self exploration, therapy can be an effective step towards finding healing and growth. I offer a safe, supportive and respectful environment. My goal is to help you overcome obstacles and self-destructive patterns so that you can live a more authentic and joyful life. I come from a humanistic approach, combining traditional psychology with mindfulness-based practices. I bring compassion, curiosity and humor to my therapy practice. Together we will uncover the answers within yourself to help you find relief from emotional pain.
Sarah Brownlee
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LMBT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Wilmington, NC 28403
Waitlist for new clients
BALANCE provides various modalities of care to address physical and emotional/psychological aspects of illness and pain.
At some point in our lives, we all experience pain or illness. So, what happens when pain or illness becomes a defining point in our lives? We may not do the things we used to do, we may not feel like ourselves, we may not live our lives the way we thought we would. BALANCE Integrative Care, PLLC, recognizes how broadly and deeply pain or illness may affect our lives. Our services support people to manage or cope with pain or illness in a way that allows them to live their lives more fully.
BALANCE provides various modalities of care to address physical and emotional/psychological aspects of illness and pain.
At some point in our lives, we all experience pain or illness. So, what happens when pain or illness becomes a defining point in our lives? We may not do the things we used to do, we may not feel like ourselves, we may not live our lives the way we thought we would. BALANCE Integrative Care, PLLC, recognizes how broadly and deeply pain or illness may affect our lives. Our services support people to manage or cope with pain or illness in a way that allows them to live their lives more fully.
Hannah Parham
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSWA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Wilmington, NC 28403
My practice specializes in life transitions, anxiety, and chronic illness, with a focus on women's health issues such as endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain. Whether you’re seeking to work through anxiety or dealing with the ongoing stress of a chronic condition, I’m here to support you every step of the way. I am dedicated to creating a safe, supportive space where you can process your experiences, develop the tools needed to cope, and explore your feelings.
My practice specializes in life transitions, anxiety, and chronic illness, with a focus on women's health issues such as endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain. Whether you’re seeking to work through anxiety or dealing with the ongoing stress of a chronic condition, I’m here to support you every step of the way. I am dedicated to creating a safe, supportive space where you can process your experiences, develop the tools needed to cope, and explore your feelings.
Derrick Pegg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Wilmington, NC 28401 (Online Only)
For me, therapy is about creating a nonjudgemental space where you feel comfortable to express whatever it is that you took time out of your week to talk about. In our sessions, we will work together to identify your goals and develop strategies to achieve them. My goal is to help you discover the tools and insights needed to navigate life with greater ease and confidence. I have extensive experience working with the 2SLGBTQ+ community, neurodivergence, chronic pain, HIV, and other chronic health issues.
For me, therapy is about creating a nonjudgemental space where you feel comfortable to express whatever it is that you took time out of your week to talk about. In our sessions, we will work together to identify your goals and develop strategies to achieve them. My goal is to help you discover the tools and insights needed to navigate life with greater ease and confidence. I have extensive experience working with the 2SLGBTQ+ community, neurodivergence, chronic pain, HIV, and other chronic health issues.
Lauren Morales
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Wilmington, NC 28403 (Online Only)
I specialize in chronic illness, cancer, military life, young adult life transitions, grief, & burn-out.
You might be feeling overwhelmed, whether from the weight of chronic illness, cancer, military life, or the deep grief and trauma that accompany life’s hardest moments. I help folks who are seeking a safe space to be heard without judgment, to process these challenges, and to find tools that help them feel grounded again. You’re ready to move past the struggle of just getting by and going through the motion, and I'm ready to help partner with you to get there. Together, we’ll work toward healing so you can live with more ease, self-compassion, and feel more connected to the life you truly want to live.
I specialize in chronic illness, cancer, military life, young adult life transitions, grief, & burn-out.
You might be feeling overwhelmed, whether from the weight of chronic illness, cancer, military life, or the deep grief and trauma that accompany life’s hardest moments. I help folks who are seeking a safe space to be heard without judgment, to process these challenges, and to find tools that help them feel grounded again. You’re ready to move past the struggle of just getting by and going through the motion, and I'm ready to help partner with you to get there. Together, we’ll work toward healing so you can live with more ease, self-compassion, and feel more connected to the life you truly want to live.
Ann Marie Simmonds
Psychological Associate, MA, LPA, LCAS, CCS
Verified Verified
Wilmington, NC 28403
Ann Simmonds, MA, LPA, LCAS, CCS: I am dedicated to helping individuals work through personal and relational issues so that they may cope effectively and realize a more fulfilling life. I specialize in helping individuals work through depression, anxiety, trauma and grief, relational issues, and chronic pain in order to realize their full potential. I hold a master’s degree in Psychology and Substance Use Treatment from the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
Ann Simmonds, MA, LPA, LCAS, CCS: I am dedicated to helping individuals work through personal and relational issues so that they may cope effectively and realize a more fulfilling life. I specialize in helping individuals work through depression, anxiety, trauma and grief, relational issues, and chronic pain in order to realize their full potential. I hold a master’s degree in Psychology and Substance Use Treatment from the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
Rebecca Walter
Counselor, LPCC, MACM
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wilmington, NC 28401 (Online Only)
I work with distress that shows up from various life experiences: childhood abuse or neglect, intimate partner violence, religious/spiritual trauma, chronic illness/ chronic pain, loss of a loved one or relationship.
Accepting new telehealth clients in Ohio and Florida. You may be feeling "not yourself," uncertain, or stuck. We will work together to find a way that respects your right to tell your own story, and next steps that align with what you value. This will involve exploring where you've been, what you've learned (from society, family, institutions), your supports, and your resiliency.
I work with distress that shows up from various life experiences: childhood abuse or neglect, intimate partner violence, religious/spiritual trauma, chronic illness/ chronic pain, loss of a loved one or relationship.
Accepting new telehealth clients in Ohio and Florida. You may be feeling "not yourself," uncertain, or stuck. We will work together to find a way that respects your right to tell your own story, and next steps that align with what you value. This will involve exploring where you've been, what you've learned (from society, family, institutions), your supports, and your resiliency.
Morgan Lankford
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MS, LCMHC, CBIS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wilmington, NC 28411
Among my many specialties I can assist you in: trying to find balance in daily life; decreasing anxiety and/or depression; repairing relationship or family issues; coping with PTSD; fighting chronic pain; and improving caregiver skills.
Sometimes life’s burdens can seem too heavy; daily stresses too overpowering. Everyone needs a little guidance from time to time from someone who can help us see and use the deep reserves of the strength that lies within us. Recognizing a problem is the first step towards finding a solution. To seek help for the problem is a sign of courage, not weakness. The goal of therapy is to empower you and to provide you with the skills needed to independently solve your problem. I am here to provide support and help you in developing ways to cope with life's struggles.
Among my many specialties I can assist you in: trying to find balance in daily life; decreasing anxiety and/or depression; repairing relationship or family issues; coping with PTSD; fighting chronic pain; and improving caregiver skills.
Sometimes life’s burdens can seem too heavy; daily stresses too overpowering. Everyone needs a little guidance from time to time from someone who can help us see and use the deep reserves of the strength that lies within us. Recognizing a problem is the first step towards finding a solution. To seek help for the problem is a sign of courage, not weakness. The goal of therapy is to empower you and to provide you with the skills needed to independently solve your problem. I am here to provide support and help you in developing ways to cope with life's struggles.
Laura Young
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Wilmington, NC 28403
Waitlist for new clients
I invite you to reach out to me to start the process of leaving behind pain, sadness, and fear and moving toward hope, happiness, and authenticity.
Are you in a season of life that feels heavy with fatigue, overwhelm, sadness, loss, anxiety, fear, or other emotional suffering? It can be hard to navigate these seasons and find the inner strength to persevere. Your inner voice may become filled with thoughts of hopelessness, worthlessness, or fear. It is at these times that you may feel the need for an additional guiding voice and supportive person to help you navigate your journey in life. It is a time to find healing to change those inner thoughts, build resilience, and find internal confidence to overcome. With the right tools, all seasons of life are survivable.
I invite you to reach out to me to start the process of leaving behind pain, sadness, and fear and moving toward hope, happiness, and authenticity.
Are you in a season of life that feels heavy with fatigue, overwhelm, sadness, loss, anxiety, fear, or other emotional suffering? It can be hard to navigate these seasons and find the inner strength to persevere. Your inner voice may become filled with thoughts of hopelessness, worthlessness, or fear. It is at these times that you may feel the need for an additional guiding voice and supportive person to help you navigate your journey in life. It is a time to find healing to change those inner thoughts, build resilience, and find internal confidence to overcome. With the right tools, all seasons of life are survivable.
Shanna W Dickens
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LCAS
Verified Verified
Wilmington, NC 28409 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am also passionate about helping to manage chronic illness, breaking codependence, recovering from narcissistic abuse and affirming neurodivergence.
As humans, we are always gravitating towards healing, trying to right ourselves and to shift from surviving back into living. But sometimes, we get stuck with uncomfortable emotions that we aren't exactly sure what to do with. In therapy, I offer a safe place to unpack all of that uncomfortable stuff and decide what is worth keeping and what is just too heavy to keep lugging around day after day. If you are ready to unpack, I am here for it. If you want to learn how to be assertive, how to set boundaries effectively and how to show up for yourself even when others can't or don't, I am absolutely on board.
I am also passionate about helping to manage chronic illness, breaking codependence, recovering from narcissistic abuse and affirming neurodivergence.
As humans, we are always gravitating towards healing, trying to right ourselves and to shift from surviving back into living. But sometimes, we get stuck with uncomfortable emotions that we aren't exactly sure what to do with. In therapy, I offer a safe place to unpack all of that uncomfortable stuff and decide what is worth keeping and what is just too heavy to keep lugging around day after day. If you are ready to unpack, I am here for it. If you want to learn how to be assertive, how to set boundaries effectively and how to show up for yourself even when others can't or don't, I am absolutely on board.
Jen Johnson
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MS, MFA, CRC, BCC, LCMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Wilmington, NC 28401 (Online Only)
My areas of specialty include stress, loss, grief, self-criticism, creativity, coping with difficult times, health challenges, illness, and medical trauma.
Are you struggling with stress, fear, anxiety, loss, grief, illness, or other challenging times? Do you have a harsh inner critic that demands that you do or be more? It's possible to learn how to handle life's challenges with less stress and more self-compassion and resilience. It's possible to feel more like yourself again and life the life you imagined. I'll help you learn to maximize your strengths, decrease stress and fear, and feel more empowered to focus on what matters most to you. .
My areas of specialty include stress, loss, grief, self-criticism, creativity, coping with difficult times, health challenges, illness, and medical trauma.
Are you struggling with stress, fear, anxiety, loss, grief, illness, or other challenging times? Do you have a harsh inner critic that demands that you do or be more? It's possible to learn how to handle life's challenges with less stress and more self-compassion and resilience. It's possible to feel more like yourself again and life the life you imagined. I'll help you learn to maximize your strengths, decrease stress and fear, and feel more empowered to focus on what matters most to you. .
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Often our emotional and physical pain gets dismissed and we can go years suffering, normalizing our distress.
In my clinical practice, I utilize a strengths-based approach to support clients and integrate different therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy and mindfulness. I work with teens and adults who come to therapy for a variety of reasons. Anxiety, depression, grief, burn out, and relationship challenges all can have a significant impact on daily life. I offers tools to manage these feelings, while also providing a space to process trauma, set boundaries, and help clients feel validated and unstuck.
Often our emotional and physical pain gets dismissed and we can go years suffering, normalizing our distress.
In my clinical practice, I utilize a strengths-based approach to support clients and integrate different therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy and mindfulness. I work with teens and adults who come to therapy for a variety of reasons. Anxiety, depression, grief, burn out, and relationship challenges all can have a significant impact on daily life. I offers tools to manage these feelings, while also providing a space to process trauma, set boundaries, and help clients feel validated and unstuck.
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage issues, relationship struggles, parenting/child/teen problems, pain, addiction, pornography, or a faith crisis? Or maybe just seeking peace amidst life’s general uncertainty? Rob’s 20-year career in counseling, six years as a lead pastor, and four years as an overseas missionary, as well as his experience as a foster/adoptive parent, give him the confidence to wade into a myriad of life’s challenges with you.
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage issues, relationship struggles, parenting/child/teen problems, pain, addiction, pornography, or a faith crisis? Or maybe just seeking peace amidst life’s general uncertainty? Rob’s 20-year career in counseling, six years as a lead pastor, and four years as an overseas missionary, as well as his experience as a foster/adoptive parent, give him the confidence to wade into a myriad of life’s challenges with you.
I am a licensed therapist with 25+ years of experience. I see adults and adolescents who are ready to work on issues that have a negative impact on their lives and emotional health. I combine a holistic mind/body/spirit approach using positive, solution-focused therapy methods, as well as cognitive behavioral strategies and the many tools from the 12-Step Programs. I work with individuals having problems with addiction, alcoholism, anxiety, panic attacks, social anxiety, anger, bipolar I and II disorders, cyclothymic disorder, depression, chronic pain and health issues, kleptomania, excoriation, self-injury, trichotillomania, schizophrenia, ADHD, OCD, and PTSD.
I am a licensed therapist with 25+ years of experience. I see adults and adolescents who are ready to work on issues that have a negative impact on their lives and emotional health. I combine a holistic mind/body/spirit approach using positive, solution-focused therapy methods, as well as cognitive behavioral strategies and the many tools from the 12-Step Programs. I work with individuals having problems with addiction, alcoholism, anxiety, panic attacks, social anxiety, anger, bipolar I and II disorders, cyclothymic disorder, depression, chronic pain and health issues, kleptomania, excoriation, self-injury, trichotillomania, schizophrenia, ADHD, OCD, and PTSD.
Kimberly Lynn Childress
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LPC, LCMHCS
Verified Verified
Wilmington, NC 28401 (Online Only)
I use hypnotherapy for clients struggling to stop smoking, loss weight, reduce pain, anxiety and depression (in person only).
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor in North Carolina. I have worked successfully with individuals, marriage/relationship issues, trauma, depression, anxiety, transgender, and many other issues and concerns.
I use hypnotherapy for clients struggling to stop smoking, loss weight, reduce pain, anxiety and depression (in person only).
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor in North Carolina. I have worked successfully with individuals, marriage/relationship issues, trauma, depression, anxiety, transgender, and many other issues and concerns.
Samantha Quiel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSWA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Wilmington, NC 28403
My specialties include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, life transitions, chronic illness, and survivors of interpersonal violence.
Accepting New Clients-I believe that we all face unique challenges throughout our lives. I provide a space for you to authentically be yourself, without judgment. I aim to forge a trusting relationship to help you feel comfortable discussing your most protected thoughts and feelings. I provide support as we process through tough times, ask questions, and work with you to find solutions to your challenges. There are no quick fixes, but developing life skills, improving self-respect, and connecting with loved ones can be key in building a positive path for your future. We will create a custom treatment plan that works best for you.
My specialties include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, life transitions, chronic illness, and survivors of interpersonal violence.
Accepting New Clients-I believe that we all face unique challenges throughout our lives. I provide a space for you to authentically be yourself, without judgment. I aim to forge a trusting relationship to help you feel comfortable discussing your most protected thoughts and feelings. I provide support as we process through tough times, ask questions, and work with you to find solutions to your challenges. There are no quick fixes, but developing life skills, improving self-respect, and connecting with loved ones can be key in building a positive path for your future. We will create a custom treatment plan that works best for you.
Virtual /In person (MD), Virtual only (NC). I work with people who are grieving the loss of a loved one from death....but also those who have been diagnosed with a chronic or terminal illness, those suffering the loss of relationships, independence, career or loss of community from moving to a new place, infidelity and those dealing with the loss of a beloved pet. Life is full of transitions. Many people end up feeling isolated, like the world is going on around you and you're just standing still, questioning whether you're going crazy or having a mental health issue because you're experiencing feelings you've never felt before.
Virtual /In person (MD), Virtual only (NC). I work with people who are grieving the loss of a loved one from death....but also those who have been diagnosed with a chronic or terminal illness, those suffering the loss of relationships, independence, career or loss of community from moving to a new place, infidelity and those dealing with the loss of a beloved pet. Life is full of transitions. Many people end up feeling isolated, like the world is going on around you and you're just standing still, questioning whether you're going crazy or having a mental health issue because you're experiencing feelings you've never felt before.
Do you feel like there are problems that are blocking you from having the life that you really want? Do you want to find freedom from the issues that are holding you back? I use a variety of therapy techniques to help my clients. I know from personal experience that life can sometimes be very painful and challenging. I myself have struggled with these issues. I would love the opportunity to help you become the person you really want to be. I know that reaching out can be very difficult. I applaud you for having the courage to even try. Let me help you better yourself.
Do you feel like there are problems that are blocking you from having the life that you really want? Do you want to find freedom from the issues that are holding you back? I use a variety of therapy techniques to help my clients. I know from personal experience that life can sometimes be very painful and challenging. I myself have struggled with these issues. I would love the opportunity to help you become the person you really want to be. I know that reaching out can be very difficult. I applaud you for having the courage to even try. Let me help you better yourself.
Linda Whitlock
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Wilmington, NC 28401
Waitlist for new clients
"Only in an open non judgmental space can we acknowledge what we are feeling. Only in an open space where we're not caught up in our own version of reality can we see and hear and feel who others really are, which allows us to be with them and communicate with them properly." This quote by Pema Chodron, an American Buddhist Nun expresses the atmosphere I hope to create for clients seeking counseling services from me. For more than 30 years I have attempted to provide, through a collaborative dialogue services that will improve each clients quality of life.
"Only in an open non judgmental space can we acknowledge what we are feeling. Only in an open space where we're not caught up in our own version of reality can we see and hear and feel who others really are, which allows us to be with them and communicate with them properly." This quote by Pema Chodron, an American Buddhist Nun expresses the atmosphere I hope to create for clients seeking counseling services from me. For more than 30 years I have attempted to provide, through a collaborative dialogue services that will improve each clients quality of life.
I look forward to meeting clients who seek a calm, home-like environment in which to safely explore the various ways their lives may be improved. I can help anyone who is inspired to engage in self-exploration and insight-building in order to release what is old and not working and develop new habits that increase function and improve quality of life. My goal is to meet you where you are and help you to get where you would like to go.
I look forward to meeting clients who seek a calm, home-like environment in which to safely explore the various ways their lives may be improved. I can help anyone who is inspired to engage in self-exploration and insight-building in order to release what is old and not working and develop new habits that increase function and improve quality of life. My goal is to meet you where you are and help you to get where you would like to go.
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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.