Chronic Pain Therapists in Reston, VA

Photo of Raymond A. Bradni, PhD, Psychologist
Raymond A. Bradni
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Reston, VA 20190
, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional nausea, functional abdominal pain, chronic pain, migraine, trauma-related weight gain, sleep-wake cycle dysregulation, etc.
Mind-body (psychosomatic) dysregulation is challenging and complex and primarily associated with difficult emotions (e.g., anxiety, panic, depression, anger, guilt, etc.), relational difficulties (e.g., social isolation), and self-esteem concerns. Through rigorous clinical observation, I designed Analytical Health Psychotherapy (AHP), an insight-oriented approach to Health Psychology in which the therapeutic relationship will contain complex emotions while we analyze, tolerate, and understand the unconscious roots of the physical symptoms. Hence, the physical symptoms will diminish while you gain insight into their functions.
, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional nausea, functional abdominal pain, chronic pain, migraine, trauma-related weight gain, sleep-wake cycle dysregulation, etc.
Mind-body (psychosomatic) dysregulation is challenging and complex and primarily associated with difficult emotions (e.g., anxiety, panic, depression, anger, guilt, etc.), relational difficulties (e.g., social isolation), and self-esteem concerns. Through rigorous clinical observation, I designed Analytical Health Psychotherapy (AHP), an insight-oriented approach to Health Psychology in which the therapeutic relationship will contain complex emotions while we analyze, tolerate, and understand the unconscious roots of the physical symptoms. Hence, the physical symptoms will diminish while you gain insight into their functions.
(571) 470-6791 View (571) 470-6791
Photo of Stuart Andrews, PhD, Psychologist
Stuart Andrews
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Reston, VA 20191
I help clients with problems related to depression, anxiety, relationships, anger, difficulties with closeness, childhood trauma, and mind/body disorders such as chronic pain and headaches.
Harvard-trained psychologist with 25 years of of experience in helping individuals and couples. I specialize in Intensive Short-term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) and the PACT model for couples. I enjoy helping people who may have had several psychotherapy or medication trials, but have not found lasting relief from symptoms. I am Core Faculty of the ISTDP Program at the Washington School for Psychiatry and former Clinical Instructor in Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Authored "Treating Affect Phobia: A Manual for Short-term Dynamic Psychotherapy" (Guilford Press), and published numerous articles on psychotherapy.
I help clients with problems related to depression, anxiety, relationships, anger, difficulties with closeness, childhood trauma, and mind/body disorders such as chronic pain and headaches.
Harvard-trained psychologist with 25 years of of experience in helping individuals and couples. I specialize in Intensive Short-term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) and the PACT model for couples. I enjoy helping people who may have had several psychotherapy or medication trials, but have not found lasting relief from symptoms. I am Core Faculty of the ISTDP Program at the Washington School for Psychiatry and former Clinical Instructor in Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Authored "Treating Affect Phobia: A Manual for Short-term Dynamic Psychotherapy" (Guilford Press), and published numerous articles on psychotherapy.
(703) 691-5631 View (703) 691-5631
Photo of Dana Thompson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Dana Thompson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Reston, VA 20190
Dana Thompson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 6 years of experience helping adults of all ages to improve their wellbeing and enhance their quality of life. Dana offers individual or group therapy for those experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and grief. She specializes in working with people who are experiencing unexpected life transitions due to illness, injury, role identity change, separation/divorce, or other types of loss.
Dana Thompson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 6 years of experience helping adults of all ages to improve their wellbeing and enhance their quality of life. Dana offers individual or group therapy for those experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and grief. She specializes in working with people who are experiencing unexpected life transitions due to illness, injury, role identity change, separation/divorce, or other types of loss.
(571) 556-9540 View (571) 556-9540
Photo of Rebecca Hardin, PsyD, Psychologist
Rebecca Hardin
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Reston, VA 20191
My academic and research foci have been in Health and Neuropsychology. I have specialized in providing evidenced-based treatments of eating disorders, chronic illness, anxiety disorders, trauma, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and trichotillomania and excoriation disorders. I have worked with military, government, and civilian populations, and understand the specific needs as associated with each individual.
My academic and research foci have been in Health and Neuropsychology. I have specialized in providing evidenced-based treatments of eating disorders, chronic illness, anxiety disorders, trauma, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and trichotillomania and excoriation disorders. I have worked with military, government, and civilian populations, and understand the specific needs as associated with each individual.
(571) 487-7382 View (571) 487-7382
Photo of Kate Tedeschi, MA, ATR-BC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kate Tedeschi
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, ATR-BC, LPC
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Reston, VA 20190
Waitlist for new clients
My specialties include life transitions, anxiety, depression, chronic medical illness, and support through infertility, IVF, pregnancy and postpartum.
Even the most resilient adults, teens and kids need support for the challenges life sends our way. During this time of uncertainty, I am here to partner with you as a collaborative support. My clients describe me as genuine and warm, while providing the opportunity for reflection and growth. You don't have to live with anxiety, depression or overwhelming trauma. You can thrive even in the most challenging of life transitions and relationship challenges, but you don't have to do it alone. You are taking the first step towards connecting back to your true and whole self.
My specialties include life transitions, anxiety, depression, chronic medical illness, and support through infertility, IVF, pregnancy and postpartum.
Even the most resilient adults, teens and kids need support for the challenges life sends our way. During this time of uncertainty, I am here to partner with you as a collaborative support. My clients describe me as genuine and warm, while providing the opportunity for reflection and growth. You don't have to live with anxiety, depression or overwhelming trauma. You can thrive even in the most challenging of life transitions and relationship challenges, but you don't have to do it alone. You are taking the first step towards connecting back to your true and whole self.
(540) 202-1536 View (540) 202-1536
Photo of Elke Schlager, PhD, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Elke Schlager
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
Verified Verified
Reston, VA 20191
I have special interests in helping patients who are undergoing life transitions such as separation and divorce, bereavement, career, acculturation and chronic illness.
I am a Harvard trained psychotherapist with over 20 years of clinical experience, the last 10 of which have been focused on the practice and research of Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP). I am a research associate at the Psychotherapy Research Program at Harvard Medical School, and a former faculty member at the Mind/Body Medical Institute at Massachussets General Hospital in Boston, MA. I practice a model of ISTDP that has evolved from over 50 years of psychotherapy research. This model incorporates aspects of psychodynamic psychotherapy, attachment theory, mindfulness and experiential therapy.
I have special interests in helping patients who are undergoing life transitions such as separation and divorce, bereavement, career, acculturation and chronic illness.
I am a Harvard trained psychotherapist with over 20 years of clinical experience, the last 10 of which have been focused on the practice and research of Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP). I am a research associate at the Psychotherapy Research Program at Harvard Medical School, and a former faculty member at the Mind/Body Medical Institute at Massachussets General Hospital in Boston, MA. I practice a model of ISTDP that has evolved from over 50 years of psychotherapy research. This model incorporates aspects of psychodynamic psychotherapy, attachment theory, mindfulness and experiential therapy.
(703) 468-8786 View (703) 468-8786
Photo of Phyllis Miller Palombi, LMFT, MS, Marriage & Family Therapist
Phyllis Miller Palombi
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MS
Verified Verified
Reston, VA 20194
Working with couples has been especially rewarding when I see each person develop a sense of self and their own needs and how they can achieve harmony going through conflictual times in a relationship with less pain.
Working with individuals and couples going through life changes, including medical issues, is my specialty. I have dedicated my career helping people make their relationships, marriage, healthier and happier learning about themselves and communicating needs and goals more effectively. Couples also come to me when they have already made a decision to separate and want to do it in healthy ways. I am part of the Collaborative Divorce Community in Northern Virginia where I team up with attorneys and financial experts to help people find a more amicable way to divorce with more mental health support for the whole family.
Working with couples has been especially rewarding when I see each person develop a sense of self and their own needs and how they can achieve harmony going through conflictual times in a relationship with less pain.
Working with individuals and couples going through life changes, including medical issues, is my specialty. I have dedicated my career helping people make their relationships, marriage, healthier and happier learning about themselves and communicating needs and goals more effectively. Couples also come to me when they have already made a decision to separate and want to do it in healthy ways. I am part of the Collaborative Divorce Community in Northern Virginia where I team up with attorneys and financial experts to help people find a more amicable way to divorce with more mental health support for the whole family.
(703) 844-3449 View (703) 844-3449
Photo of Christina M. Schultz, MA, LMHC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Christina M. Schultz
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Reston, VA 20191
Right now, you’re struggling to find purpose in your daily life — feeling overwhelmed by grief or other role demands. You need a warm, safe environment to explore patterns that are holding you back and find ways of moving forward. While it’s easier to hide from what is causing you pain, by taking action now you will begin to understand who you are and what you want out of life. Regardless if you are a student, a first responder, new mom, professional, or retired— you will learn new ways to cope with life — but most importantly learn to make positive changes toward greater life balance and acceptance, while creating meaning.
Right now, you’re struggling to find purpose in your daily life — feeling overwhelmed by grief or other role demands. You need a warm, safe environment to explore patterns that are holding you back and find ways of moving forward. While it’s easier to hide from what is causing you pain, by taking action now you will begin to understand who you are and what you want out of life. Regardless if you are a student, a first responder, new mom, professional, or retired— you will learn new ways to cope with life — but most importantly learn to make positive changes toward greater life balance and acceptance, while creating meaning.
(904) 447-1309 View (904) 447-1309
Photo of Dawn Head, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Dawn Head
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Reston, VA 20191  (Online Only)
I specialize in helping adults who are experiencing difficulty with anxiety, depression, trauma, and pain using a combination of approaches tailored to the individual.
Are you struggling to find your voice or feel confident in who you are and what you need to be happy? Are you overwhelmed with life stressors, anxiety, depression, trauma, or chronic pain? Are you having difficulty meeting your needs and finding balance in relationships with others? If so, please email me to discuss working together. My focus is on working to help adults deal with these challenges in order to function their best and have a more fulfilling, peaceful, and joyful life.
I specialize in helping adults who are experiencing difficulty with anxiety, depression, trauma, and pain using a combination of approaches tailored to the individual.
Are you struggling to find your voice or feel confident in who you are and what you need to be happy? Are you overwhelmed with life stressors, anxiety, depression, trauma, or chronic pain? Are you having difficulty meeting your needs and finding balance in relationships with others? If so, please email me to discuss working together. My focus is on working to help adults deal with these challenges in order to function their best and have a more fulfilling, peaceful, and joyful life.
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Photo of Tara Travia, PhD, Psychologist
Tara Travia
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Reston, VA 20191  (Online Only)
Freedom from crippling anxiety, the pain of the past, and the overwhelm of living in a complex world is possible.
Everyone thinks you have it all together, but you feel like one slip and it will all fall apart. You have worked so hard for the amazing life you have and yet, the peace you “should” feel seems just out of reach. Perhaps the past seems to sneak up on you, and despite your best efforts, you’re more anxious, not less. Peace has eluded you and the stress of being successful and “having it all” hasn’t allowed time for the growth and change that you long for. If you want to find lasting balance amidst the chaos, I am here to help. With insightful exploration and practical strategies, I can help you find a better way forward.
Freedom from crippling anxiety, the pain of the past, and the overwhelm of living in a complex world is possible.
Everyone thinks you have it all together, but you feel like one slip and it will all fall apart. You have worked so hard for the amazing life you have and yet, the peace you “should” feel seems just out of reach. Perhaps the past seems to sneak up on you, and despite your best efforts, you’re more anxious, not less. Peace has eluded you and the stress of being successful and “having it all” hasn’t allowed time for the growth and change that you long for. If you want to find lasting balance amidst the chaos, I am here to help. With insightful exploration and practical strategies, I can help you find a better way forward.
(724) 602-9776 View (724) 602-9776
Photo of Julia B. Sayre - Julia B. Sayre, LMFT, LLC, MS, LMFT, CT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Julia B. Sayre, LMFT, LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, CT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Reston, VA 20191
I am certified in Traumatology, Pain Reprocessing Therapy and Warriors at Ease Meditation.
My clients seek trauma-informed marriage counseling, relationship and individual therapy. You may be in a transition: marriage; parenthood; military service or veteran; divorce; or remarriage. Or feeling frustrated with your child or teen, extended family, or coworkers. You may be noticing emotional or relationship effects of recent or past trauma, or grief and loss. You or a family member may be addressing aging, chronic pain or medical issues. Healthy relationships start with self-understanding and self-compassion, enabling you to know yourself so that you can connect meaningfully with others who are important in your life.
I am certified in Traumatology, Pain Reprocessing Therapy and Warriors at Ease Meditation.
My clients seek trauma-informed marriage counseling, relationship and individual therapy. You may be in a transition: marriage; parenthood; military service or veteran; divorce; or remarriage. Or feeling frustrated with your child or teen, extended family, or coworkers. You may be noticing emotional or relationship effects of recent or past trauma, or grief and loss. You or a family member may be addressing aging, chronic pain or medical issues. Healthy relationships start with self-understanding and self-compassion, enabling you to know yourself so that you can connect meaningfully with others who are important in your life.
(540) 787-3563 View (540) 787-3563
Photo of Ashley Patrican, LPC, MA, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Ashley Patrican
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Reston, VA 20191  (Online Only)
I believe that therapy is about the journey towards self-discovery and joining that person on a quest to seek out the answers they already have within themselves. The ideal client is a person who is open to learning, determined to self-improve and committed to the therapeutic relationship. My experiences with mental health range from: autism, mood disorders, postpartum depression, lyme disease, suicide ideation, gender identity concerns,personality disorders, chronic pain, trauma, behavioral management, social skills training, parent training, psychosis to substance use.. My career background is in schools, crisis stabilization, home-based counseling and working with INOVA.
I believe that therapy is about the journey towards self-discovery and joining that person on a quest to seek out the answers they already have within themselves. The ideal client is a person who is open to learning, determined to self-improve and committed to the therapeutic relationship. My experiences with mental health range from: autism, mood disorders, postpartum depression, lyme disease, suicide ideation, gender identity concerns,personality disorders, chronic pain, trauma, behavioral management, social skills training, parent training, psychosis to substance use.. My career background is in schools, crisis stabilization, home-based counseling and working with INOVA.
(571) 474-3064 View (571) 474-3064
Photo of Courtney Parks, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Courtney Parks
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Reston, VA 20191  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Welcome to Water Lily Therapy! My primary areas of practice include depression, anxiety, chronic illness, grief and loss, low self-esteem, OCD, LGBTQIA+ and trauma. My approach is eclectic, but based primarily in Client-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, with inclusions of motivational interviewing and narrative therapy techniques. When appropriate, I love to incorporate creative interventions such as art, film and humor! I believe that the bond formed between therapist and client is the foundation for healing, change and growth. My goal is to create a safe space for a person to feel truly heard, accepted and valued.
Welcome to Water Lily Therapy! My primary areas of practice include depression, anxiety, chronic illness, grief and loss, low self-esteem, OCD, LGBTQIA+ and trauma. My approach is eclectic, but based primarily in Client-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, with inclusions of motivational interviewing and narrative therapy techniques. When appropriate, I love to incorporate creative interventions such as art, film and humor! I believe that the bond formed between therapist and client is the foundation for healing, change and growth. My goal is to create a safe space for a person to feel truly heard, accepted and valued.
(443) 398-3141 View (443) 398-3141
Photo of Juan P. Barrios-Theodore A. Hoch Edd Lpc, LRPC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Juan P. Barrios-Theodore A. Hoch Edd Lpc
Pre-Licensed Professional, LRPC
Verified Verified
Reston, VA 20190  (Online Only)
Do you feel lonely, overwhelmed, or a lack of motivation? Are you experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship difficulties? Working together, you will learn how brave you can be, to build virtue, and that you are valuable. Trabajando juntos, aprenderán lo valiente que pueden ser para construir la virtud y lo valioso que son. Mis clientes son jóvenes, adultos y padres. My clients are youth, adults, and parents who receive trauma-informed support, learning to take each day into your own hands, create meaningful change, and build up your strengths. I am a Resident in Counseling with Ted Hoch LPC. English and Spanish open.
Do you feel lonely, overwhelmed, or a lack of motivation? Are you experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship difficulties? Working together, you will learn how brave you can be, to build virtue, and that you are valuable. Trabajando juntos, aprenderán lo valiente que pueden ser para construir la virtud y lo valioso que son. Mis clientes son jóvenes, adultos y padres. My clients are youth, adults, and parents who receive trauma-informed support, learning to take each day into your own hands, create meaningful change, and build up your strengths. I am a Resident in Counseling with Ted Hoch LPC. English and Spanish open.
(571) 389-7048 View (571) 389-7048
Photo of Nancy Podbesek, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Nancy Podbesek
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Reston, VA 20191
I am an LPC, offering both in-person and telehealth psychotherapy. I specialize in strength-based and trauma-informed treatments for adolescents and adults, combining clinical expertise with a natural ability to connect compassionately and honestly. I tailor my methods to meet each client's unique needs, using various therapeutic approaches. Research shows that the client-therapist relationship is crucial for positive outcomes. My integrative approach includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, and Creative Expression in Therapy.
I am an LPC, offering both in-person and telehealth psychotherapy. I specialize in strength-based and trauma-informed treatments for adolescents and adults, combining clinical expertise with a natural ability to connect compassionately and honestly. I tailor my methods to meet each client's unique needs, using various therapeutic approaches. Research shows that the client-therapist relationship is crucial for positive outcomes. My integrative approach includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, and Creative Expression in Therapy.
(571) 506-3932 View (571) 506-3932
Photo of Ravleen Kandhari, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ravleen Kandhari
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Reston, VA 20190  (Online Only)
I know how hard it can be to take the first step towards getting counseling support. I commend you for having taken that first step. I hope you can find the help you are seeking soon. I work with adults and seniors. In my work with adults, I work with those struggling with feelings of worry, sadness, difficulty around life transitions, workplace stress, relationship difficulties and those struggling with parenting issues, including parenting of children with special needs. I provide a safe, gentle, caring, and non-judgmental space for us to work together toward your goals.
I know how hard it can be to take the first step towards getting counseling support. I commend you for having taken that first step. I hope you can find the help you are seeking soon. I work with adults and seniors. In my work with adults, I work with those struggling with feelings of worry, sadness, difficulty around life transitions, workplace stress, relationship difficulties and those struggling with parenting issues, including parenting of children with special needs. I provide a safe, gentle, caring, and non-judgmental space for us to work together toward your goals.
(571) 748-7798 View (571) 748-7798
Photo of Dan Dinsmoor, PhD, Psychologist
Dan Dinsmoor
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Reston, VA 20190
I specialize in providing psychotherapy and neurofeedback services to patients with OCD, Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, TBI, and migraine headaches. The commonality among these problems is that an understanding of brain functioning can inform the direction of the treatment process. I started my career working with young autistic children. I have always had some autistic patients in my caseload. Currently, I work with adults who are on the spectrum as a particular area of interest in my practice.
I specialize in providing psychotherapy and neurofeedback services to patients with OCD, Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, TBI, and migraine headaches. The commonality among these problems is that an understanding of brain functioning can inform the direction of the treatment process. I started my career working with young autistic children. I have always had some autistic patients in my caseload. Currently, I work with adults who are on the spectrum as a particular area of interest in my practice.
(703) 870-2767 View (703) 870-2767
Photo of Carlos Durana Ph.D., PhD, LPC, Psychologist
Carlos Durana Ph.D.
Psychologist, PhD, LPC
Verified Verified
Reston, VA 20191
I love helping individuals and couples achieve their goals and aspirations. I offer a caring, safe, and healing environment that allows clients the opportunity to explore, experience, work through problems, and create solutions that expand their potential for growth and wellness. As a proponent of integrative and holistic therapy that honors the mind-body connection and its impact on well-being, health, and happiness, I attend to the whole person, not just a set of symptoms or problems. I emphasize teaching skills that develop inner resources for successful coping in life. I use a variety of methods, but the method has to meet your needs.
I love helping individuals and couples achieve their goals and aspirations. I offer a caring, safe, and healing environment that allows clients the opportunity to explore, experience, work through problems, and create solutions that expand their potential for growth and wellness. As a proponent of integrative and holistic therapy that honors the mind-body connection and its impact on well-being, health, and happiness, I attend to the whole person, not just a set of symptoms or problems. I emphasize teaching skills that develop inner resources for successful coping in life. I use a variety of methods, but the method has to meet your needs.
(703) 596-4614 View (703) 596-4614
Photo of Sierra Dayton, MEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Sierra Dayton
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Reston, VA 20191  (Online Only)
To all those struggling with mental health, those who have lost hope, whose fear and anxiety is overwhelming, those who are terrified of abandonment, struggle with disordered eating, who have lost themselves, or to those simply in need of someone who truly cares… there is a light that can guide you to a life of wellness, self-compassion, and self-love. You are that light. It is within you, and I can help you kindle that light and ignite your life. It’s time for you to illuminate the dawn of healing.
To all those struggling with mental health, those who have lost hope, whose fear and anxiety is overwhelming, those who are terrified of abandonment, struggle with disordered eating, who have lost themselves, or to those simply in need of someone who truly cares… there is a light that can guide you to a life of wellness, self-compassion, and self-love. You are that light. It is within you, and I can help you kindle that light and ignite your life. It’s time for you to illuminate the dawn of healing.
(571) 517-1685 View (571) 517-1685
Photo of Kelly Flanagan, PsyD, Psychologist
Kelly Flanagan
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Reston, VA 20190
Hello. I am a clinical psychologist who has been working in the psychology field since 1985. I earned my PsyD in 2001 and work with a wide range of issues and populations. My goal is to collaborate with you to help improve your life, by helping you to optimize your mental health. I have a particular passion in working with the LGBTQ community. I also enjoy working with those struggling with life transitions, who may be experiencing depression, anxiety or other mental health issues.
Hello. I am a clinical psychologist who has been working in the psychology field since 1985. I earned my PsyD in 2001 and work with a wide range of issues and populations. My goal is to collaborate with you to help improve your life, by helping you to optimize your mental health. I have a particular passion in working with the LGBTQ community. I also enjoy working with those struggling with life transitions, who may be experiencing depression, anxiety or other mental health issues.
(571) 536-2252 View (571) 536-2252
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Chronic Pain Therapists

How does chronic pain therapy work?

Engaging with a psychotherapist to help treat chronic pain does not mean that one’s pain is all in their head. Therapy for chronic-pain patients has been shown to benefit both the mind and the body, targeting physical symptoms and increasing daily functioning. In other words, for many, addressing their emotional health through therapy affects their physical health. A therapist can help a client challenge unhelpful thoughts about pain and develop new ways to respond to it, such as distraction or calming breathing techniques. Studies have found that therapy can be as effective as surgery for certain cases of chronic pain and many doctors recommend trying psychotherapy in advance of considering invasive surgery.

What are the most effective treatment options for chronic pain?

Stress, anxiety, depression, catastrophizing, ruminating, lack of activity, and social withdrawal all make chronic pain worse. Addressing these issues, research shows, can help people gain control over their pain symptoms. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, and mindfulness-based stress reduction, along with greater pain-management education, have been found to help people reduce fear and disability.

Are there new treatments for chronic pain?

Many cases of chronic pain, particularly those involving back pain, remain medically unexplained. But there is evidence that changes in the brain or nervous system are caused by previous physical ailments such as tissue damage; in such cases, the brain may continue to send out pain signals despite the physical cause having healed. To aid patients under these circumstances, a recently developed treatment known as pain reprocessing therapy (PRT) is designed to help the brain “unlearn” this response. A PRT practitioner helps individuals to reduce the “threat value” of their ongoing pain signals until they can reappraise them as less threatening and fear-inducing. They also help an individual to develop new emotional regulation skills.

How long does therapy for chronic pain take?

There is no set timeline for recovery from chronic pain, especially as there may be a range of physical and psychological causes for any individual’s discomfort, but most patients should expect to see a therapist for a number of weeks or months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions. Studies of pain reprocessing therapy found that many individuals’ experience of pain lessened in eight sessions over four weeks.