Chronic pain occurs for many reasons. Regardless of its cause, chronic pain is exhausting, debilitating, and can lead to mental health issues such as isolation, depression, and suicidal ideation.
Available Treatment Options
Therapist interventions for chronic pain include the therapist validating the person. People with chronic pain may feel alone or unheard because their loved ones have heard (often repeatedly) about the pain. Not feeling heard could make them feel small, unimportant, or unworthy. On the contrary, a therapist’s job is to sit with the person and their pain. To recognize it, name it, and validate the person’s experiences with it.
Group therapy can also be helpful for people with chronic pain, as it is comforting to recognize other people are experiencing the same thing. Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation, yoga, tai chi, or breathwork, can be helpful for individuals with chronic pain.
Therapists Who Specialize in Helping Those Who Struggle With Chronic Pain
I graduated from the University of North Texas with a Master of Arts in School Psychology (2001) and Ph.D. in Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine (2003). I completed my pre-doctoral internship at St. James Hospital and Healthcare System in Olympia Fields, Illinois and my post-doctoral experience at Cook Children's Hospital and Lewisville Independent School District. I am a licensed...
Seeking counseling can be one of the most difficult decisions a person can make. It is also one of the bravest decisions. Day to day life is stressful, and at times, life tosses us a curveball. My goal is to help you identify your strengths, and help you navigate through the stresses and transitions that many people struggle with. You are not alone, and I am so glad that you are here. Some of m...
It takes courage to begin therapy, and I would be honored to be a part of your journey. I work with adults, children, and adolescents in their journey towards growth, health, and healing.The journey begins by building a client/therapist relationship through trust, safety, and comfort. I provide an atmosphere of empathy, respect, and compassion which will encourage clients to explore and develop...
Any client with: phobias/fears they cannot place, PTSD, poor behaviors of overeating, smoking, etc., Current Life or Past Life issues, or just a curiosity about Past Lives, pain levels that need to be managed, loved ones, or yourself, that are in need of Hospice or End of Life Transition, Symptoms that have manifested and do not disappear with medical help. These issues, and so much more, may b...
At this time I am not taking new clients. I work collaboratively with people on a wide range of issues and symptoms to access self compassion, increase coping skills and tools and to foster clarity and empowerment. Some of the issues and symptoms include: anxiety; range of mood disorders; domestic abuse; PTSD; effects of trauma, neglect and psychological mistreatment; grief; life...
My clients have been referred by friends, family, physicians and Psychology Today seeking help for a variety of personal challenges. Some folks are looking for help with important relationships. Some seek relief from emotional distress, physical pain or just to feel happy again. I provide individual, couple and family therapy in a comfortable, private office in Tustin, California. If you are...
Tracy Pollack, Psy.D. is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with many years of experience providing psychotherapy to adults, couples and families. She offers a warm, collaborative and confidential place where you will feel heard and understood while working together to identify issues of conflict and remove the obstacles that are getting in the way of your ability to have the life you want. Her...
We all have times when we need help finding our authentic voice. We crave connection and a sense of belonging and balance in our lives. Choosing to begin therapy requires a big commitment to yourself. It means that the discomfort you have been feeling has finally reached a point that requires change. I see therapy as a process of self-discovery: a careful, supportive exploration of how you act,...
I am a NYS licensed Clinical psychologist with subspecialities in Health Psychology, Applied Behavioral Analysis, and Biofeedback. I have over 20 years experience in the field and have worked in hospitals, acute and long term care facilities, adult homes, and both inpatient and outpatient treatment settings. I have specialized training in clinical diagnostics, assessment, and in the use of...
We are in a challenging time. As we all navigate the COVID-19/Coronavirus pandemic, I want you to know that I'm available. I have a secure Telehealth (video and audio) system in place and am taking new clients. You will be able to contact to me from your home. Let me help with the stress that you are feeling. To reduce your stress further, know that all of the insurance companies that I work wi...
I'm a Medical Hypnotherapist with extensive training to effectively work with individuals suffering with OCD, Eating Disorders, Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, Pain Management, IBS and other medical disorders. I also help individuals deal effectively with non-medical problems such as self-sabotaging behaviors, increasing self confidence, stuttering, social awkwardness to name a few. What an...
Are you stuck in toxic patterns? Easily overwhelmed by emotions? Are you a member of a marginalized group (person of color, LGBTQ+, alternative relationship or lifestyle) and seeking a provider who is affirming and understand your unique concerns? Do you want to get life moving in the right direction? I am here to help! The world can be a scary place, but with me as your side kick, we can can...
Before your day starts, your heart and mind are already racing, your back and neck feel tense, and your stomach feels queasy. You have this feeling that you are stuck and not sure how to get out of this situation. You think to yourself, “What is happening to my life? Why do I feel this way?” Worry, fear, avoidance, racing heart and negative thoughts. In other words, Anxiety!!! It’s taking up al...
Passionate about helping others, specialize working with clients struggling with life experiences that at times are overwhelming. I use an eclectic style of therapy that focuses on listening, developing concrete goals, exploring your past and developing motivation and self confidence. Many of my clients are young professionals and older folks who find it difficult to change. Many struggle with...
For many, life's passage introduces challenge and difficulty, uncertainty, and pain. In partnering with you to define hope amidst struggle, we will face the endeavor of growth, change, and healing together. Characteristic of my counseling approach is a humble care for your sacred and unique experiences and relationships. Through tender, open, and change-focused exchanges, my work with you will...
