Chronic Pain Therapists in Kitchener, ON
Phil Naylor
Registered Psychotherapist, BA, MA, CH, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2A
Utilizing hypnosis I also work with health-related issues such as chronic pain, chronic illness (e.
Are you stuck in a loop of anxiety, negative thinking, emotional turmoil and/or self sabotaging behaviours? Are you tired of suffering, and feeling overwhelmed, and powerless? Do you feel the need for a real solution but have been frustrated by limited or superficial approaches when you have tried therapy before? Through my experience in treating thousands of clients I’ve discovered what is most effective in solving problems and just as importantly, how to help my clients understand themselves and the root of their problem. I empower them with effective tools and insights so they can also coach themselves as they move forward.
Utilizing hypnosis I also work with health-related issues such as chronic pain, chronic illness (e.
Are you stuck in a loop of anxiety, negative thinking, emotional turmoil and/or self sabotaging behaviours? Are you tired of suffering, and feeling overwhelmed, and powerless? Do you feel the need for a real solution but have been frustrated by limited or superficial approaches when you have tried therapy before? Through my experience in treating thousands of clients I’ve discovered what is most effective in solving problems and just as importantly, how to help my clients understand themselves and the root of their problem. I empower them with effective tools and insights so they can also coach themselves as they move forward.
Also specialize in hypnotherapy, a useful skill in relieving anxiety, addiction, pain, and many other concerns.
Practical, collaborative, brief therapy to help you create the life you want.
Also specialize in hypnotherapy, a useful skill in relieving anxiety, addiction, pain, and many other concerns.
Practical, collaborative, brief therapy to help you create the life you want.
Do you want to develop strategies to better manage the thoughts, feelings and relationships that are holding you back from a healthy and productive life? Are you struggling to find enjoyment in life, experiencing mental or physical illness, grief, and loss, stress in your job, relationships or as a caregiver or parent? There are steps you can take to improve your psychological well-being, strengthen your relationships and attachments and move towards personal healing and growth. I am here to help you break the cycle or negative thoughts, emotions and relationships and take steps to experience a more positive and fulfilling life.
Do you want to develop strategies to better manage the thoughts, feelings and relationships that are holding you back from a healthy and productive life? Are you struggling to find enjoyment in life, experiencing mental or physical illness, grief, and loss, stress in your job, relationships or as a caregiver or parent? There are steps you can take to improve your psychological well-being, strengthen your relationships and attachments and move towards personal healing and growth. I am here to help you break the cycle or negative thoughts, emotions and relationships and take steps to experience a more positive and fulfilling life.
Julie Gosen
Registered Psychotherapist, BA, MA, `RP
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2H
Waitlist for new clients
Life is truly filled with so many layers (just like an onion!) which can make it hard to know where to start when it comes to counselling. Hi, I'm Julie (she/her) and I deeply believe in the beauty of connection. My own journey with mental health and being neurodivergent has truly inspired my passion for this field. I work with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, chronic pain, ADHD/ASD, self-esteem, and couples counselling. I am also deeply passionate about working with 2slgbtqia+ individuals and the queer community.
Life is truly filled with so many layers (just like an onion!) which can make it hard to know where to start when it comes to counselling. Hi, I'm Julie (she/her) and I deeply believe in the beauty of connection. My own journey with mental health and being neurodivergent has truly inspired my passion for this field. I work with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, chronic pain, ADHD/ASD, self-esteem, and couples counselling. I am also deeply passionate about working with 2slgbtqia+ individuals and the queer community.
Teresa Vandebelt
Registered Social Worker, BA, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2G (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
burn out, grief, anxiety/depression, severe illness, stress, relationship and family challenges, ADHD, life transitions).
Journeying towards wellness takes more work than most of us imagine! Without support it can feel slow and discouraging! If you are on this journey, then you may want someone to walk alongside to help you move forward. Once you have this support, then it's time to start preparing for the journey! This could include remembering what's important to you, and working through the challenges that make the path forward difficult. You might even need to equip yourself with new skills and discover new paths towards a goal.
burn out, grief, anxiety/depression, severe illness, stress, relationship and family challenges, ADHD, life transitions).
Journeying towards wellness takes more work than most of us imagine! Without support it can feel slow and discouraging! If you are on this journey, then you may want someone to walk alongside to help you move forward. Once you have this support, then it's time to start preparing for the journey! This could include remembering what's important to you, and working through the challenges that make the path forward difficult. You might even need to equip yourself with new skills and discover new paths towards a goal.
Brianna Dunne
Registered Psychotherapist, BA, MA, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2G
Not accepting new clients
I have extensive experience working with anxiety, depression, addiction and chronic pain.
Sometimes we experience things in life that really bring us down. We may not be responsible for what happened to us, but our healing or growth can start with ourselves. I am passionate about creating a safe and non-judgmental space, where you feel heard and validated. I approach all clients with compassion, empathy, and a deep belief that change is possible. My aim is to work with you to develop skills that help you grow, gain self-awareness and strengthen your mental health. You and your story are unique, as such, I will tailor my approach to you, your strengths, and your values.
I have extensive experience working with anxiety, depression, addiction and chronic pain.
Sometimes we experience things in life that really bring us down. We may not be responsible for what happened to us, but our healing or growth can start with ourselves. I am passionate about creating a safe and non-judgmental space, where you feel heard and validated. I approach all clients with compassion, empathy, and a deep belief that change is possible. My aim is to work with you to develop skills that help you grow, gain self-awareness and strengthen your mental health. You and your story are unique, as such, I will tailor my approach to you, your strengths, and your values.
Susan Lovelady
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Kitchener, ON N2E
Not accepting new clients
I provide individual, family and marriage counselling. I enjoy working with adolescents both individually and with their families. I specialize in providing counselling for anxiety, depression, parenting, stress and anger management, conflict resolution, family violence, sexual abuse, burnout and chronic pain.
I provide individual, family and marriage counselling. I enjoy working with adolescents both individually and with their families. I specialize in providing counselling for anxiety, depression, parenting, stress and anger management, conflict resolution, family violence, sexual abuse, burnout and chronic pain.
Strength Counselling Services
Counsellor, MEd, RCC, CCC, RSW, RP
Verified Verified
Kitchener, ON N2E (Online Only)
We have combined our extensive professional experience with lessons learned from our own personal healing so we are capable of recognizing the depth of pain our clients experience.
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
We have combined our extensive professional experience with lessons learned from our own personal healing so we are capable of recognizing the depth of pain our clients experience.
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
Michelle Hoefler
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, SEP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2H (Online Only)
I also offer an intervention called Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP) and I am trained in Level 1, 2 & 3 Brainspotting which helps people access, process, and overcome trauma, negative emotions, and pain.
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Do your thoughts keep racing from one thing to another? Do you find you are excellent at taking care of everyone else but keep neglecting yourself? I would like to help. I am passionate about helping people to move past the "shoulds" and move towards creating the kind of life they want to live. Most of the time when we are distressed we are worrying either too much about the past or the future, or are overly preoccupied by what we imagine other people are thinking about us.
I also offer an intervention called Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP) and I am trained in Level 1, 2 & 3 Brainspotting which helps people access, process, and overcome trauma, negative emotions, and pain.
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Do your thoughts keep racing from one thing to another? Do you find you are excellent at taking care of everyone else but keep neglecting yourself? I would like to help. I am passionate about helping people to move past the "shoulds" and move towards creating the kind of life they want to live. Most of the time when we are distressed we are worrying either too much about the past or the future, or are overly preoccupied by what we imagine other people are thinking about us.
Catherine Lynn Roach
Registered Psychotherapist, BA, MACP, RP
Verified Verified
Kitchener, ON N2E (Online Only)
I have additional training in various relaxation techniques, pain management, and sleep hygiene.
Many years of experience in Couples Therapy. Experienced with the following researched approaches Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Gottman, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, EFIT, ACT, DBT, Anger Management.
I have additional training in various relaxation techniques, pain management, and sleep hygiene.
Many years of experience in Couples Therapy. Experienced with the following researched approaches Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Gottman, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, EFIT, ACT, DBT, Anger Management.
You do not have to be diagnosed with a mental illness to benefit from psychotherapy.
I am a Clinic Director and Psychotherapist, highly experienced in Canada and abroad, in providing individualized care for a variety of mental issues and illnesses. An ideal client would be someone who is willing to put in the work to take a step towards change. Yet, you may not be ready for change, either way therapy is a safe form to find out. I want to help clients achieve their mental health goals through empowerment, awareness, acceptance and healing, with the use scientifically-based techniques that have been proven to be highly effective. You'll acquire the necessary tools to achieve a mind-body-soul approach to health.
You do not have to be diagnosed with a mental illness to benefit from psychotherapy.
I am a Clinic Director and Psychotherapist, highly experienced in Canada and abroad, in providing individualized care for a variety of mental issues and illnesses. An ideal client would be someone who is willing to put in the work to take a step towards change. Yet, you may not be ready for change, either way therapy is a safe form to find out. I want to help clients achieve their mental health goals through empowerment, awareness, acceptance and healing, with the use scientifically-based techniques that have been proven to be highly effective. You'll acquire the necessary tools to achieve a mind-body-soul approach to health.
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Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2C
I have lived the consequences of unrelieved pain which include but are not limited to: depression; anxiety; impaired or restricted function; financial distress; sleep and appetite disturbances; identity erosion; social isolation; relationship conflict; in some cases being discredited; demoralization; and feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. As a person in pain with decades of lived experience, I have experienced transformations and I can help you move toward a more meaningful lifestyle. Share your experiences and together we will build upward and outward for you.
I have lived the consequences of unrelieved pain which include but are not limited to: depression; anxiety; impaired or restricted function; financial distress; sleep and appetite disturbances; identity erosion; social isolation; relationship conflict; in some cases being discredited; demoralization; and feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. As a person in pain with decades of lived experience, I have experienced transformations and I can help you move toward a more meaningful lifestyle. Share your experiences and together we will build upward and outward for you.
What might it feel like to release your stress and trauma and feel restored? To finally feel at home in your body? To feel more free to move towards your goals? I use evidence-based cognitive-somatic approaches, including Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) to release stress, pain, depression, and anxiety, and efficiently overcome PTSD and trauma. I have strong affinity for working with neurodivergent individuals (ADHD, ASD, HSP). Whether you are experiencing physical, emotional, or interpersonal stress or trauma, find lasting relief here.
What might it feel like to release your stress and trauma and feel restored? To finally feel at home in your body? To feel more free to move towards your goals? I use evidence-based cognitive-somatic approaches, including Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) to release stress, pain, depression, and anxiety, and efficiently overcome PTSD and trauma. I have strong affinity for working with neurodivergent individuals (ADHD, ASD, HSP). Whether you are experiencing physical, emotional, or interpersonal stress or trauma, find lasting relief here.
Jess Kumordzie-Gyasensir
Registered Social Worker, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2C (Online Only)
I wholeheartedly believe that one of the bravest things you’ll ever do is making the decision to invest in your well-being. As a mental health therapist, social worker and wellness practitioner with over 10 years of community development experience, I am energized by providing culturally responsive, affirming and accessible support and resources within our co-created therapeutic space. My aim is to help you make meaning of life’s challenges - such as family conflict, workplace stress, racial trauma, life transitions, and chronic pain/illness - and to equip you with meaningful tools to navigate these experiences.
I wholeheartedly believe that one of the bravest things you’ll ever do is making the decision to invest in your well-being. As a mental health therapist, social worker and wellness practitioner with over 10 years of community development experience, I am energized by providing culturally responsive, affirming and accessible support and resources within our co-created therapeutic space. My aim is to help you make meaning of life’s challenges - such as family conflict, workplace stress, racial trauma, life transitions, and chronic pain/illness - and to equip you with meaningful tools to navigate these experiences.
Bonnie Taylor Counselling & Consulting Services
Registered Social Worker, MSW , RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2H
I work with individuals(14+) couples & families who experience anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, job burnout, grief, life transitions (job/school/separation/retirement) compassion fatigue, stress (personal/workplace/educational/financial/agricultural), disabilities/chronic pain/illness, Mental Health Providers, 1st Responders, Educators.
Reaching out for therapy is a significant step to feeling less stressed, anxious, overwhelmed or isolated. I can support you to develop strategies and skills to increase life satisfaction, feel more positive, hopeful & increase your mental wellness, by offering you the space to discover more about yourself, your strengths, relationships and goals. I take a compassionate and sensitive approach when providing therapy. I will work with you to establish your goals, which may be personal, professional or within your relationships. I can help you to recognize your inner strengths, provide a safe neutral space & customize a treatment plan.
I work with individuals(14+) couples & families who experience anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, job burnout, grief, life transitions (job/school/separation/retirement) compassion fatigue, stress (personal/workplace/educational/financial/agricultural), disabilities/chronic pain/illness, Mental Health Providers, 1st Responders, Educators.
Reaching out for therapy is a significant step to feeling less stressed, anxious, overwhelmed or isolated. I can support you to develop strategies and skills to increase life satisfaction, feel more positive, hopeful & increase your mental wellness, by offering you the space to discover more about yourself, your strengths, relationships and goals. I take a compassionate and sensitive approach when providing therapy. I will work with you to establish your goals, which may be personal, professional or within your relationships. I can help you to recognize your inner strengths, provide a safe neutral space & customize a treatment plan.
Soha Elsayed
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, MBA
Verified Verified
Kitchener, ON N2N (Online Only)
Throughout my professional experience as a clinician, I have had the privilege and honor to help thousands of people like yourself with a wide range of issues like depression, anxiety, BPD, addiction, grief, parenting, chronic illness.
Being anxious, sad, overwhelmed or having no hope can have a negative impact on your physical and mental health. Seeking help might not be easy; and opening up and revealing yourself in therapy can be intimidating. This is why most people who suffer mentally and emotionally, do not seek help, often being forced to cope in unhealthy ways to seek temporary relief. But you are here because you are seeking help, congratulations for taking your first step towards healing!
Throughout my professional experience as a clinician, I have had the privilege and honor to help thousands of people like yourself with a wide range of issues like depression, anxiety, BPD, addiction, grief, parenting, chronic illness.
Being anxious, sad, overwhelmed or having no hope can have a negative impact on your physical and mental health. Seeking help might not be easy; and opening up and revealing yourself in therapy can be intimidating. This is why most people who suffer mentally and emotionally, do not seek help, often being forced to cope in unhealthy ways to seek temporary relief. But you are here because you are seeking help, congratulations for taking your first step towards healing!
Kaitlyn Power
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, TCTSY-F
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2H
My clinical work has been offering individual and group therapy to those who are navigating various life obstacle ages 15+. Whether it is impacting life engagement, decision making or emotional capacity I work along side folks experiencing trauma, depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, eating disorder, addiction, grief, stress or those suffering with persistent or chronic pain. My clinical work and training in trauma has been supporting those who have experiences of childhood or adult sexual abuse, intimate partner violence, workplace trauma including first responders and military personnel, medical/dental trauma.
My clinical work has been offering individual and group therapy to those who are navigating various life obstacle ages 15+. Whether it is impacting life engagement, decision making or emotional capacity I work along side folks experiencing trauma, depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, eating disorder, addiction, grief, stress or those suffering with persistent or chronic pain. My clinical work and training in trauma has been supporting those who have experiences of childhood or adult sexual abuse, intimate partner violence, workplace trauma including first responders and military personnel, medical/dental trauma.
Kristy Kirby
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Verified Verified
Kitchener, ON N2H
Waitlist for new clients
Something on your path has brought you right here to this moment. I want to invite you to consider that the reason you are here searching, goes beyond the pain, the struggles and the suffering. I want to invite you to consider that you are here because a part of you knows that you can move forward, knows your strength and your ability to heal. I believe that part of you can be your guide and your inner compass. I encourage you to listen and to trust that part of yourself. I am here to help you connect to your inner self, to heal from your past, and reimagine your future.
Something on your path has brought you right here to this moment. I want to invite you to consider that the reason you are here searching, goes beyond the pain, the struggles and the suffering. I want to invite you to consider that you are here because a part of you knows that you can move forward, knows your strength and your ability to heal. I believe that part of you can be your guide and your inner compass. I encourage you to listen and to trust that part of yourself. I am here to help you connect to your inner self, to heal from your past, and reimagine your future.
Tyler Clark Burke — Somatic Trauma-Informed Art Therapist
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), DKATI
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2G
My name is Tyler, and I am a psychotherapist and art therapist in Ontario welcoming new clients. I prioritize unconditional positive regard and authenticity and believe in creating a safe and supportive environment for others to explore their experiences, emotions, connection to others, and self-concept. I am attuned to somatic and research-based practices that assist with healing from trauma, depression, chronic pain, and anxiety. Supporting others to navigate the emotional high and low tides of ADHD and neurodivergence (as an individual or as a parent) are other areas of focus in my practice.
My name is Tyler, and I am a psychotherapist and art therapist in Ontario welcoming new clients. I prioritize unconditional positive regard and authenticity and believe in creating a safe and supportive environment for others to explore their experiences, emotions, connection to others, and self-concept. I am attuned to somatic and research-based practices that assist with healing from trauma, depression, chronic pain, and anxiety. Supporting others to navigate the emotional high and low tides of ADHD and neurodivergence (as an individual or as a parent) are other areas of focus in my practice.
Leanne Wagner
Psychological Associate, MA, CPsych, Assoc
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2H
I work with a variety of clients including adolescents and adults in individual as well as couples formats. My areas of interest include anxiety, communication skills, relationship difficulties, parenting, depression, self esteem issues, eating disorders, trauma, post traumatic stress, and pain.
I work with a variety of clients including adolescents and adults in individual as well as couples formats. My areas of interest include anxiety, communication skills, relationship difficulties, parenting, depression, self esteem issues, eating disorders, trauma, post traumatic stress, and pain.
I practice insight-oriented and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). Using these approaches, therapy sessions can be tailored to meet the individual needs of each client. I am able to provide both short-term, solution-focused therapy, as well as longer-term therapy designed to foster increased self-awareness and personal growth. I see clients with a wide range of presenting problems, including: depression, anxiety, traumatic reactions, stress management, sleep disturbance, behavioural problems, anger management issues, relationship issues, conflict resolution and communication difficulties, grief, chronic pain, self-esteem concerns, bullying, problem solving, time management, and assertiveness.
I practice insight-oriented and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). Using these approaches, therapy sessions can be tailored to meet the individual needs of each client. I am able to provide both short-term, solution-focused therapy, as well as longer-term therapy designed to foster increased self-awareness and personal growth. I see clients with a wide range of presenting problems, including: depression, anxiety, traumatic reactions, stress management, sleep disturbance, behavioural problems, anger management issues, relationship issues, conflict resolution and communication difficulties, grief, chronic pain, self-esteem concerns, bullying, problem solving, time management, and assertiveness.
Welcome to the Waterloo CBT Clinic! Our therapists and psychologists provide you with compassion and understanding, while at the same time teaching you the skills you need to achieve your treatment goals. We provide diagnostic assessment and treatment to children, adolescents, adults and couples experiencing a wide range of mental health difficulties. Our areas of expertise include generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, phobias, health anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, stress, insomnia, post-traumatic stress, and chronic pain.
Welcome to the Waterloo CBT Clinic! Our therapists and psychologists provide you with compassion and understanding, while at the same time teaching you the skills you need to achieve your treatment goals. We provide diagnostic assessment and treatment to children, adolescents, adults and couples experiencing a wide range of mental health difficulties. Our areas of expertise include generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, phobias, health anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, stress, insomnia, post-traumatic stress, and chronic pain.
Courtney Bell
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd, RP, CCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2B
I am eternally grateful for those who trust me to hold their stories of pain and who have allowed me to walk alongside them on their journey to healing and self-exploration.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist with 12 years of clinical experience. Working with children and youth is a specialization of mine but I also love working with adults. I am currently completing trauma training in Somatic Experiencing, which explores the mind-body connected and how stress gets stored in the body. I specialize in trauma, anxiety, depression, grief and relationship issues. I use an integrative approach which incorporates a mind-body approach and is considerate of the latest neuroscience research. I describe myself as a client-centred, relational and strengths based therapist.
I am eternally grateful for those who trust me to hold their stories of pain and who have allowed me to walk alongside them on their journey to healing and self-exploration.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist with 12 years of clinical experience. Working with children and youth is a specialization of mine but I also love working with adults. I am currently completing trauma training in Somatic Experiencing, which explores the mind-body connected and how stress gets stored in the body. I specialize in trauma, anxiety, depression, grief and relationship issues. I use an integrative approach which incorporates a mind-body approach and is considerate of the latest neuroscience research. I describe myself as a client-centred, relational and strengths based therapist.
Talk With Gena
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, BHSc, RP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2G (Online Only)
Welcome to Compassionate Counseling, where life balance begins. Are you feeling overwhelmed by emotional/mental/physical pain? Whether you're recovering from illness, treatment, surgery, or physical rehabilitation, I understand the challenges involved. With 17 years of experience as a neurofunctional physical therapist, I've aided individuals in various recoveries: work injuries, post-concussion, cancer, diabetes, Parkinson's, ALS, MS, and life-altering surgeries. As a psychotherapist, I recognize the critical role of the mind-body connection in the recovery process.
Welcome to Compassionate Counseling, where life balance begins. Are you feeling overwhelmed by emotional/mental/physical pain? Whether you're recovering from illness, treatment, surgery, or physical rehabilitation, I understand the challenges involved. With 17 years of experience as a neurofunctional physical therapist, I've aided individuals in various recoveries: work injuries, post-concussion, cancer, diabetes, Parkinson's, ALS, MS, and life-altering surgeries. As a psychotherapist, I recognize the critical role of the mind-body connection in the recovery process.
As a part of this process I have undertaken additional training in addressing anxiety, depression, chronic pain, mood dysregulation, and family conflict; that can be secondary symptoms precipitated by the trauma effects we experience daily.
In life there are many paths to take; some are laid out for us, others we opt out of, and some come at a crossroads. Knowing what to do can become challenging and giving ourselves the space to explore where we are going or how we got there, can be a difficult process to undertake. Whether you find yourself lost, tired, and or uncertain, know that you do not have to come to these places alone. As someone on their own journey I understand the value of making sense and meaning of the stories we tell about ourselves, as these are the stories that will speak to how we view ourselves, others, and or communicate with the people we love.
As a part of this process I have undertaken additional training in addressing anxiety, depression, chronic pain, mood dysregulation, and family conflict; that can be secondary symptoms precipitated by the trauma effects we experience daily.
In life there are many paths to take; some are laid out for us, others we opt out of, and some come at a crossroads. Knowing what to do can become challenging and giving ourselves the space to explore where we are going or how we got there, can be a difficult process to undertake. Whether you find yourself lost, tired, and or uncertain, know that you do not have to come to these places alone. As someone on their own journey I understand the value of making sense and meaning of the stories we tell about ourselves, as these are the stories that will speak to how we view ourselves, others, and or communicate with the people we love.
See more therapy options for Kitchener
Chronic Pain Counsellors
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, catastrophising, 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 behavioural 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.