Chronic Pain Therapists in Ottawa, ON
Erin Hamilton
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ottawa, ON K2A
Not accepting new clients
Disconnect and unease can manifest in many forms, including anxiety, depression, chronic pain, OCD, BPD, and addiction and often has roots in attachment wounds and relational trauma.
Are you haunted by the past, feeling unsafe in the present, or fearful of the future? Are you feeling disconnected from Self and others? I invite you, with open arms and an open heart, to come home to YOU, right here, right now. From this foundation of embodiment, self-knowing, and presence, I'll help you reconnect with the richness of life and foster meaningful relationships, on your terms.
Disconnect and unease can manifest in many forms, including anxiety, depression, chronic pain, OCD, BPD, and addiction and often has roots in attachment wounds and relational trauma.
Are you haunted by the past, feeling unsafe in the present, or fearful of the future? Are you feeling disconnected from Self and others? I invite you, with open arms and an open heart, to come home to YOU, right here, right now. From this foundation of embodiment, self-knowing, and presence, I'll help you reconnect with the richness of life and foster meaningful relationships, on your terms.
My special clinical and research interests in working with individuals with terminal illness have led me to become well versed in end-of-life and existential considerations and approaches, such as acceptance and commitment therapy, dignity therapy, and meaning-making.
I offer assessment, therapy, and consultation services to adults and couples contending with a range of challenges related to adjustment to significant life events and transitions, anxiety, depression, end-of-life considerations, grief and loss, interpersonal difficulties, post-traumatic stress, and treatment adherence. While I emphasize an experiential (i.e., emotion-focused, mindfulness-based) approach to therapy, integrated within interpersonal and systems frameworks, I am also able to draw on cognitive-behavioural techniques.
My special clinical and research interests in working with individuals with terminal illness have led me to become well versed in end-of-life and existential considerations and approaches, such as acceptance and commitment therapy, dignity therapy, and meaning-making.
I offer assessment, therapy, and consultation services to adults and couples contending with a range of challenges related to adjustment to significant life events and transitions, anxiety, depression, end-of-life considerations, grief and loss, interpersonal difficulties, post-traumatic stress, and treatment adherence. While I emphasize an experiential (i.e., emotion-focused, mindfulness-based) approach to therapy, integrated within interpersonal and systems frameworks, I am also able to draw on cognitive-behavioural techniques.
Susan Ward
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, PRT
Verified Verified
Ottawa, ON K1V (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Do you live with Chronic Pain? Or a Chronic Illness? Is dealing with pain and or the health care system exhausting and all-consuming? Are you still looking for that one thing to help with your pain? Is it hard to manage your daily activities or the demands of work, school or home? I have developed a deep understanding of the complex physical, emotional, and social factors that contribute to chronic pain. It’s what I do! I’ve been there. I have lived experience with chronic pain which is now behind me. My practice is solely virtual with clients who are residents or physically located in Ontario. There is hope!
Do you live with Chronic Pain? Or a Chronic Illness? Is dealing with pain and or the health care system exhausting and all-consuming? Are you still looking for that one thing to help with your pain? Is it hard to manage your daily activities or the demands of work, school or home? I have developed a deep understanding of the complex physical, emotional, and social factors that contribute to chronic pain. It’s what I do! I’ve been there. I have lived experience with chronic pain which is now behind me. My practice is solely virtual with clients who are residents or physically located in Ontario. There is hope!
IN-PERSON and ONLINE sessions are now available in Ontario and Western Quebec. Your decision to start therapy is essential for personal understanding, healing, and growth. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, chronic pain, trauma, addictions, sexual abuse (current or past), or are overwhelmed by events, I can help. My first objective is to provide a warm, safe, non-judgmental environment for your therapeutic experience. My second objective is to provide you with the most up-to-date, evidence-based therapeutic approaches that get actual results in the least amount of time.
IN-PERSON and ONLINE sessions are now available in Ontario and Western Quebec. Your decision to start therapy is essential for personal understanding, healing, and growth. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, chronic pain, trauma, addictions, sexual abuse (current or past), or are overwhelmed by events, I can help. My first objective is to provide a warm, safe, non-judgmental environment for your therapeutic experience. My second objective is to provide you with the most up-to-date, evidence-based therapeutic approaches that get actual results in the least amount of time.
I have experience working alongside individuals with disabilities, those who identify as neurodivergent and individuals living with chronic pain.
Are you looking for a supportive person to talk to about life stressors? Whether you know exactly what issues you want to address or have no idea where to even begin, I can help you navigate your experiences, identify goals, and implement strategies to help you live the life that you want for yourself. I utilize a collaborative, person-centered and strength-based approach. You deserve to be heard and understood as a person with unique lived experiences. I provide individualized support and approach each client with openness, non-judgement and empathy.
I have experience working alongside individuals with disabilities, those who identify as neurodivergent and individuals living with chronic pain.
Are you looking for a supportive person to talk to about life stressors? Whether you know exactly what issues you want to address or have no idea where to even begin, I can help you navigate your experiences, identify goals, and implement strategies to help you live the life that you want for yourself. I utilize a collaborative, person-centered and strength-based approach. You deserve to be heard and understood as a person with unique lived experiences. I provide individualized support and approach each client with openness, non-judgement and empathy.
Counselling with Compassion - Sofia Lopoukhine
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ottawa, ON K2P (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I have worked with people struggling with many issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship boundaries, low self-confidence, identity questions, grief, chronic pain, and life transitions.
No new clients -Are you overwhelmed by your situation, thoughts or feelings and unsure how to move forward? Every person is unique and even though you might be struggling with something "common," I believe in tailoring therapy to your unique needs and challenges. In an encouraging manner we will collaboratively work towards your goals. My flexible approach integrates various well-researched psychological theories and processes such as self-compassion, positive psychology and mindfulness to help facilitate the meaningful change you seek. I look forward to hearing from you as you take the next step on your path towards self-discovery.
I have worked with people struggling with many issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship boundaries, low self-confidence, identity questions, grief, chronic pain, and life transitions.
No new clients -Are you overwhelmed by your situation, thoughts or feelings and unsure how to move forward? Every person is unique and even though you might be struggling with something "common," I believe in tailoring therapy to your unique needs and challenges. In an encouraging manner we will collaboratively work towards your goals. My flexible approach integrates various well-researched psychological theories and processes such as self-compassion, positive psychology and mindfulness to help facilitate the meaningful change you seek. I look forward to hearing from you as you take the next step on your path towards self-discovery.
Maya Phansalker-Davies
Registered Psychotherapist, MACP, RP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Ottawa, ON K1H (Online Only)
Your mind is constantly telling you that you need to do more, but it's hard just to get out of bed in the morning. Chronic pain makes everyday tasks really hard. Everyone around you seems normal and you wonder how they have it all together. Maybe family and friends are supportive, but you worry about being a burden. Or maybe your life is good on paper and nobody sees your struggles, nobody sees your pain. As someone who has lived with chronic pain and anxiety, I know how hard life can get. I understand how isolating it can all be.
Your mind is constantly telling you that you need to do more, but it's hard just to get out of bed in the morning. Chronic pain makes everyday tasks really hard. Everyone around you seems normal and you wonder how they have it all together. Maybe family and friends are supportive, but you worry about being a burden. Or maybe your life is good on paper and nobody sees your struggles, nobody sees your pain. As someone who has lived with chronic pain and anxiety, I know how hard life can get. I understand how isolating it can all be.
I work with clients who suffer from various emotional difficulties such as depression, anxiety and trauma. I focus on educating the client what she or he is going through and together we design strategies that help cope with the emotional difficulties. An important emphasis is placed on sleep hygiene because healthy sleep often helps restore emotional well-being. We also offer physical rehabilitation at our clinic for clients who have chronic pain and other physical problems co-existing with emotional difficulties.
I work with clients who suffer from various emotional difficulties such as depression, anxiety and trauma. I focus on educating the client what she or he is going through and together we design strategies that help cope with the emotional difficulties. An important emphasis is placed on sleep hygiene because healthy sleep often helps restore emotional well-being. We also offer physical rehabilitation at our clinic for clients who have chronic pain and other physical problems co-existing with emotional difficulties.
Synapse Counselling Services
Counsellor, PhD, CRC, RTC, CT
Verified Verified
Ottawa, ON K1P (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Living with chronic illness, disability, or neurodivergence is hard. Getting through the overwhelm of everyday life feels impossible. You're starting to feel like all you think about is your condition and everything it has taken away from you - work, hobbies, sleep, relationships. Your family and friends don’t get it. They try to help and probably mean well, but sometimes the dismissive way they say things makes you feel worse. You try to hide your symptoms to seem “normal” but inside, you feel like you might break.
Living with chronic illness, disability, or neurodivergence is hard. Getting through the overwhelm of everyday life feels impossible. You're starting to feel like all you think about is your condition and everything it has taken away from you - work, hobbies, sleep, relationships. Your family and friends don’t get it. They try to help and probably mean well, but sometimes the dismissive way they say things makes you feel worse. You try to hide your symptoms to seem “normal” but inside, you feel like you might break.
Do you suffer from low self esteem, lack of confidence, have stress, anxiety or panic attacks? Do you need to make changes in your life like stop smoking or vaping, lose weight , sleep better, or need help with chronic pain, phobias, or addictions? Have you ever considered Hypnotherapy? It works!! I am a retired nurse, grief educator and a hypnotherapist, certified through the National Guild of Hypnosis [NGH]. Besides hypnosis, I practice NLP and Neuroplasticity for trauma, PTSD and symptoms of illness such as Parkinson's, Stroke, and Fibromyalgia .
Do you suffer from low self esteem, lack of confidence, have stress, anxiety or panic attacks? Do you need to make changes in your life like stop smoking or vaping, lose weight , sleep better, or need help with chronic pain, phobias, or addictions? Have you ever considered Hypnotherapy? It works!! I am a retired nurse, grief educator and a hypnotherapist, certified through the National Guild of Hypnosis [NGH]. Besides hypnosis, I practice NLP and Neuroplasticity for trauma, PTSD and symptoms of illness such as Parkinson's, Stroke, and Fibromyalgia .
“New RCMP clients now welcome!” Have you experienced extreme life events that have changed the way you feel and react? Do you find it hard to trust others and feel the need to isolate from your loved ones? Do you feel more on edge? Life can be challenging at times but you don’t have to struggle alone. I offer a warm and compassionate environment laced with psychological interventions to improve symptoms related to trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and health-related difficulties so that you can start living your life instead of surviving it.
“New RCMP clients now welcome!” Have you experienced extreme life events that have changed the way you feel and react? Do you find it hard to trust others and feel the need to isolate from your loved ones? Do you feel more on edge? Life can be challenging at times but you don’t have to struggle alone. I offer a warm and compassionate environment laced with psychological interventions to improve symptoms related to trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and health-related difficulties so that you can start living your life instead of surviving it.
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Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ottawa, ON K2J (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Living with life-altering illness, abuse, trauma, burnout or a devastating loss can be such an isolating experience. Sometimes the people around you, even health professionals, don’t know how to give the right support. The last thing you need after being put through the wringer is to have your experiences minimized or invalidated or to be given advice that doesn’t fit. You deserve respect, validation, and above all, genuine kindness as you make your way through the worst things a human being can experience. You deserve solid, compassionate support AND the practical tools to build a life in which you can THRIVE.
Living with life-altering illness, abuse, trauma, burnout or a devastating loss can be such an isolating experience. Sometimes the people around you, even health professionals, don’t know how to give the right support. The last thing you need after being put through the wringer is to have your experiences minimized or invalidated or to be given advice that doesn’t fit. You deserve respect, validation, and above all, genuine kindness as you make your way through the worst things a human being can experience. You deserve solid, compassionate support AND the practical tools to build a life in which you can THRIVE.
Welcome! I specialize in offering compassionate support during challenging life transitions and helping individuals navigate through stress with resilience. While I'm here for anyone seeking guidance, my focus areas include chronic pain, chronic illness, ADHD, motivation, perfectionism, and non-clinical anxiety and depression. My passion for this work stems from a desire to ensure that no one has to face these struggles alone.
Welcome! I specialize in offering compassionate support during challenging life transitions and helping individuals navigate through stress with resilience. While I'm here for anyone seeking guidance, my focus areas include chronic pain, chronic illness, ADHD, motivation, perfectionism, and non-clinical anxiety and depression. My passion for this work stems from a desire to ensure that no one has to face these struggles alone.
Jessica Kuehl
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BEd, MACP, RP-Q
Verified Verified
Ottawa, ON K0A (Online Only)
If you are struggling with chronic pain/illness, fibromyalgia, injury, or any unexplained symptoms by medical diagnoses, I would be glad to help you improve your life by easing your discomfort or hardship using evidence-based therapies, including Pain Reprocessing therapy (PRT), ACT, CBT, and Somatic Experiencing.
If you are struggling with chronic pain/illness, fibromyalgia, injury, or any unexplained symptoms by medical diagnoses, I would be glad to help you improve your life by easing your discomfort or hardship using evidence-based therapies, including Pain Reprocessing therapy (PRT), ACT, CBT, and Somatic Experiencing.
Stacy Kirkbride
Registered Psychotherapist, MACP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ottawa, ON K1C (Online Only)
Living with chronic pain or illness can be overwhelming. Struggling to manage daily life or exhausted by the demands of managing your health? I understand—I’ve been there! Through lived experience and training specific to chronic conditions and injury recovery, I have developed a deep understanding of the physical, emotional, and social challenges of living with chronic illness, pain, and injury. My virtual practice offers compassionate support to individuals, including caregivers needing support for burnout and fatigue, as well as couples facing challenges together. Let’s work to improve your quality of life.
Living with chronic pain or illness can be overwhelming. Struggling to manage daily life or exhausted by the demands of managing your health? I understand—I’ve been there! Through lived experience and training specific to chronic conditions and injury recovery, I have developed a deep understanding of the physical, emotional, and social challenges of living with chronic illness, pain, and injury. My virtual practice offers compassionate support to individuals, including caregivers needing support for burnout and fatigue, as well as couples facing challenges together. Let’s work to improve your quality of life.
My intention is to nurture a space in which the roots and cycles of pain, trauma and grief are able to heal.
If you are considering therapy, you have already started down your path to healing and self discovery. You will find a safe and non-judgmental space with me that fosters validation, empowerment, compassion, and collective wellbeing. I strive to build a trusting and supportive therapeutic relationship with you. You are the expert in your own life and I am here to understand your experiences and support you in making meaningful and lasting changes. You will also find plenty of humor with me as I believe it is good to laugh even when we are struggling.
My intention is to nurture a space in which the roots and cycles of pain, trauma and grief are able to heal.
If you are considering therapy, you have already started down your path to healing and self discovery. You will find a safe and non-judgmental space with me that fosters validation, empowerment, compassion, and collective wellbeing. I strive to build a trusting and supportive therapeutic relationship with you. You are the expert in your own life and I am here to understand your experiences and support you in making meaningful and lasting changes. You will also find plenty of humor with me as I believe it is good to laugh even when we are struggling.
I work with adults in clinical and health psychology in both English and French. I treat a variety of psychological issues, on their own or in combination, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, personality disorders and trauma. I work with clients with chronic pain or other health problems. I also help clients with relationship issues, work stress, identity issues, existential concerns, LGBTQ concerns, grief, self-esteem, and self-acceptance.
I work with adults in clinical and health psychology in both English and French. I treat a variety of psychological issues, on their own or in combination, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, personality disorders and trauma. I work with clients with chronic pain or other health problems. I also help clients with relationship issues, work stress, identity issues, existential concerns, LGBTQ concerns, grief, self-esteem, and self-acceptance.
Are you struggling with the demands of everyday life? Many of us strive to keep up and stay on top of things, so much so that we often forget about ourselves in the process. I provide a safe, non-judgmental and empathic environment for adults experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, interpersonal conflict, chronic illness, workplace stress, caregiver stress, and issues with self-esteem. I work collaboratively with clients to help them find the most effective, long-term solutions to their challenges. My goal is to help build resiliency by exploring the challenges we are faced with - no matter what the situation may be.
Are you struggling with the demands of everyday life? Many of us strive to keep up and stay on top of things, so much so that we often forget about ourselves in the process. I provide a safe, non-judgmental and empathic environment for adults experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, interpersonal conflict, chronic illness, workplace stress, caregiver stress, and issues with self-esteem. I work collaboratively with clients to help them find the most effective, long-term solutions to their challenges. My goal is to help build resiliency by exploring the challenges we are faced with - no matter what the situation may be.
Kelly Quinn
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Ottawa, ON K1S (Online Only)
"Tell me, what is it you plan to do / With your one wild and precious life?" -Mary Oliver, "The Summer Day" ----- There are so many things that I love about these lines by the poet Mary Oliver. She reminds us that we have choices about what we want to do with the unique and precious life that each of us has. That word 'wild' can encompass beauty and pain, joy and struggle. But even when life is at its most difficult, and even when we feel least in control, we can make meaningful change.
"Tell me, what is it you plan to do / With your one wild and precious life?" -Mary Oliver, "The Summer Day" ----- There are so many things that I love about these lines by the poet Mary Oliver. She reminds us that we have choices about what we want to do with the unique and precious life that each of us has. That word 'wild' can encompass beauty and pain, joy and struggle. But even when life is at its most difficult, and even when we feel least in control, we can make meaningful change.
Making the choice to find support can be a challenging decision that takes courage. We all face challenges in our lives and a qualified practitioner’s guidance can help you better understand your current situation and empower you towards reaching your goals and healing. I have a particular interest in working with individuals who are facing issues of trauma, PTSD, C-PTSD; however, I work with a variety of concerns, such as depression, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, chronic pain, stress and burnout, TBI, life transitions and support. I believe in trying to find and treat the root problem to facilitate change and improve wellbeing.
Making the choice to find support can be a challenging decision that takes courage. We all face challenges in our lives and a qualified practitioner’s guidance can help you better understand your current situation and empower you towards reaching your goals and healing. I have a particular interest in working with individuals who are facing issues of trauma, PTSD, C-PTSD; however, I work with a variety of concerns, such as depression, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, chronic pain, stress and burnout, TBI, life transitions and support. I believe in trying to find and treat the root problem to facilitate change and improve wellbeing.
Dayna Myles - Holistic Psychotherapy
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RP(Q)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ottawa, ON K2J (Online Only)
My areas of specialization include: Grief / Bereavement, Critical Illness (patients and caregivers), Neurodiversity (AD(H)D, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disability), and Psychedelic Preparation and Integration. I work from a holistic and spiritually-informed perspective. I am very passionate about supporting clients through loss and grief, and draw from my own past experiences as both a caregiver and patient undergoing critical illness. I also work with the following: Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorders, Childhood Trauma Recovery, and clients wanting to explore their Spiritual and Self-Development.
My areas of specialization include: Grief / Bereavement, Critical Illness (patients and caregivers), Neurodiversity (AD(H)D, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disability), and Psychedelic Preparation and Integration. I work from a holistic and spiritually-informed perspective. I am very passionate about supporting clients through loss and grief, and draw from my own past experiences as both a caregiver and patient undergoing critical illness. I also work with the following: Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorders, Childhood Trauma Recovery, and clients wanting to explore their Spiritual and Self-Development.
Cindy Bekkedam
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RP(Q), RD, MACP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ottawa, ON K2A (Online Only)
I have experience supporting human beings with chronic illness and pain, eating disorders, relationship with food, burnout, job-related stress, giftedness, creativity/art, ADHD and highly sensitive people.
Feeling anxious, caught in the cycle of people-pleasing or struggling with an eating disorder? Are you disconnected from your true self or struggling with relationships? Childhood trauma can have lasting effects that limit us, impacting our self-esteem, direction, and relationships. If you're navigating the conditioning from emotionally immature or neglectful parents, or if relationships don't feel safe, holistic psychotherapy can be your compass for healing. There's hope for breaking free from old patterns, knowing your true needs and desires, and living a life aligned with your authentic self, not just societal expectations.
I have experience supporting human beings with chronic illness and pain, eating disorders, relationship with food, burnout, job-related stress, giftedness, creativity/art, ADHD and highly sensitive people.
Feeling anxious, caught in the cycle of people-pleasing or struggling with an eating disorder? Are you disconnected from your true self or struggling with relationships? Childhood trauma can have lasting effects that limit us, impacting our self-esteem, direction, and relationships. If you're navigating the conditioning from emotionally immature or neglectful parents, or if relationships don't feel safe, holistic psychotherapy can be your compass for healing. There's hope for breaking free from old patterns, knowing your true needs and desires, and living a life aligned with your authentic self, not just societal expectations.
Hello and thank you for visiting my profile. Are you looking for a therapeutic approach that includes and goes beyond traditional talk therapy by incorporating mind and an deeper connection with yourself and your body? Perhaps you are seeking a deeper sense of self awareness and acceptance or to heal from cycles of pain or past traumas that make you feel stuck. Sometimes this shows up as chronic stress, anxiety, emotional numbness or disconnection from our bodies and feelings, negative self talk or a feeling that life is hard to navigate. Perhaps you wish to cultivate a sense of inner peace and resilience and spiritual growth.
Hello and thank you for visiting my profile. Are you looking for a therapeutic approach that includes and goes beyond traditional talk therapy by incorporating mind and an deeper connection with yourself and your body? Perhaps you are seeking a deeper sense of self awareness and acceptance or to heal from cycles of pain or past traumas that make you feel stuck. Sometimes this shows up as chronic stress, anxiety, emotional numbness or disconnection from our bodies and feelings, negative self talk or a feeling that life is hard to navigate. Perhaps you wish to cultivate a sense of inner peace and resilience and spiritual growth.
Deborah Lynne Brooks
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Verified Verified
Ottawa, ON K1S
Waitlist for new clients
I work in person, with people in need of support and guidance from a neutral person outside of their life. This can be a life transition such as a separation, or death, to living with a chronic or terminal illness. As well as neurodiversity such as learning differences, ADD/ADHD/ASD with or without a formal diagnosis. Addictions and trauma make up a large part of my practice and I favor psychotherapy combined with a self help group approach. Through individual assessment, psychoeducation and psychotherapy, I support you to achieve your goals and measurably improving the quality of your life.
I work in person, with people in need of support and guidance from a neutral person outside of their life. This can be a life transition such as a separation, or death, to living with a chronic or terminal illness. As well as neurodiversity such as learning differences, ADD/ADHD/ASD with or without a formal diagnosis. Addictions and trauma make up a large part of my practice and I favor psychotherapy combined with a self help group approach. Through individual assessment, psychoeducation and psychotherapy, I support you to achieve your goals and measurably improving the quality of your life.
Doug Blad
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MEd
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Ottawa, ON K1K (Online Only)
My main focuses are anxiety, depression, chronic illness, interpersonal issues, and anger.
Accepting new clients – Hi I know that finding the right therapist can be an intimidating process, I would like to do my best to make this as comfortable and easy as possible. I’m going to lay out some information about how I work and how that may impact you, if you have any questions or you want to meet, please feel free to reach out! To start, my top priority in working with you is ensuring you feel safe discussing whatever is going on in your life. From there we can work at overcoming obstacles, clarifying goals, or anything else we agree on and see as productive and beneficial for you.
My main focuses are anxiety, depression, chronic illness, interpersonal issues, and anger.
Accepting new clients – Hi I know that finding the right therapist can be an intimidating process, I would like to do my best to make this as comfortable and easy as possible. I’m going to lay out some information about how I work and how that may impact you, if you have any questions or you want to meet, please feel free to reach out! To start, my top priority in working with you is ensuring you feel safe discussing whatever is going on in your life. From there we can work at overcoming obstacles, clarifying goals, or anything else we agree on and see as productive and beneficial for you.
See more therapy options for Ottawa
Nearby Chronic Pain Counsellors Searches for Ottawa
- Almonte
- Arnprior
- Carleton Place
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- Manotick
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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.