Therapy for Chronic Pain in California

Face anything with peace of mind.

Suffering in silence has been more excruciating than anything else.

The relationship you have with your body has gotten worse and worse as the physical pain and related problems you deal with on a daily basis impact every part of your life.

There’s a rage that bubbles up when you think about what you’ve been through and the current state of your life, and sometimes it feels blinding. Maybe you’ve been mistreated by medical professionals in the past and now feel like it’s hard to trust anyone.

You feel stuck in a cycle of anger and hopelessness, and it feels like there’s no light at the end of this tunnel.

At this point, you’re feeling…

• Utterly alone in your experience—how could anyone understand?

• Frustration with yourself, your circumstances, and the people who are supposed to be helping you

• Worried that something else could happen in the future to make things worse

• Betrayed by your body, so you find yourself neglecting its needs in response

• Unable to define yourself outside of your chronic pain anymore

• Grief over the life you could have lived without these issues

Some days are better than others, but when it’s bad it’s really bad—and you know the way you speak to yourself only makes everything harder.

You can find acceptance and learn to truly live.

The things beyond your control have taken so much from you. Now, you can’t seem to find any motivation to take action in the things you can control.

I know how that goes. 

I am listed on the Ehlers-Danlos Society website as a mental health provider because I, myself, understand the day-to-day struggles of EDS and chronic pain in general. Through my personal experiences, I’ve become an expert in navigating the many challenges that come along with these circumstances.

I can give you tools to find peace in the midst of:

• Ongoing medical issues or procedures

• Fatigue 

• Loneliness & social isolation

• Financial strain

• Relationship challenges

• Employment struggles

• Stigma & misunderstanding

How does chronic pain counseling work?

We will begin our work together by exploring the impact that chronic pain has had in every area of your life. Then, we’ll build healthy rituals and tools to help you cope with the emotional challenges you’re facing.

I want to help you challenge fears of the unknown, and ground yourself in the present—equipped with everything you need to face what’s happening. The ongoing issues you deal with may make you feel like there’s no reprieve, but I’ll help you learn to meet your body where it is and engage with life on your own terms. 

Using EMDR, the Flash Technique, and other evidence-based therapy methods, we’ll process the experiences and feelings that are holding you back. Then, I’ll teach you some healthy ways to cope with overwhelming emotions, so that you’re able to move through them with more ease. We’ll develop an approach to self-care that suits your needs and ability, and help you to move toward accepting your body. 

My clients who come into therapy for chronic pain have said they’ve been able to release the anger and betrayal they felt in the beginning. They’re able to focus less on the past, release worry about the future, and finally experience life through the lens of the present.

Therapy for chronic pain can help you:

• Practice self-care in any circumstance

• Learn coping tools for grief, anxiety, depression, and trauma

• Process the anger and betrayal you feel toward your body

• Communicate assertively to doctors and medical staff

• Live in the present moment

• Be your own strongest advocate and emotional support system

And it can fit your busy schedule! All therapy is done online, from the comfort of your home or office. Learn more about online therapy in CA.

Reach out to reclaim your peace.

Let’s do this work together.

Frequently Asked Questions about Counseling for Chronic Pain

What is chronic pain?

Chronic pain is defined as persistent, lingering discomfort that sticks around for an extended period, typically for more than three months. Unlike acute pain from an injury that eventually fades away, chronic pain can be felt day in and day out, affecting various parts of your body. It can disrupt your daily life, making even the simplest tasks more challenging to tackle.

What if my chronic pain becomes too much?

It's completely natural to have concerns about your chronic pain becoming overwhelming. I want you to know that you don't have to go through this alone. Together, we can explore coping strategies, mindfulness techniques, and create a support plan tailored to your unique needs. Your well-being is a priority, and we will work together to find ways to manage and cope with your chronic pain effectively.

Is chronic pain a trauma?

Yes, chronic pain can indeed be considered a cause of trauma. When you live with chronic pain, it can significantly impact your ability to carry out daily tasks, work, and engage in various activities. Therefore, chronic pain can become traumatic if left untreated, especially if you feel out of control and unsafe in your life. 

How can therapy help me manage chronic pain?

Therapy can be a powerful tool in facing the day-to-day of living with chronic pain.

Through regular online sessions, you'll have a safe space to explore your emotions, fears, and frustrations related to your condition. I can teach you coping strategies, relaxation techniques, and mindfulness exercises that can ease your emotional burden. Moreover, therapy can provide the support and validation you need, helping you navigate the challenges and make positive changes in your life despite the pain. 

How do we get started?

I offer a free 15-minute consultation to help you decide if I’m the right therapist to support you. Click this link to request your appointment. We’ll use this time to answer any questions you have about therapy, share a little bit about what you’re hoping to achieve, and determine if we’re a good fit to help you get there.