Chronic Pain therapists in Vestavia Hills, Alabama AL
Chronic Pain or Illness
Alena Porter
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Chronic pain or illness is a multifaceted issue. There is, of course, the pain or illness but there is also the fear of feeling more pain or ill, and the constant belief that they "should" be more productive. Additionally, most of my client's struggle with accepting that they are not making this up, they are not being lazy, they are not 'conveniently" hurting or ill when something needs to be done. I can help you desensitize and reframe all of these negative beliefs and help you release the fear of more pain which is actually causing more pain. Lastly, with EMDR in many cases I can reduce or eliminate chronic pain symptoms.
6 Years Experience
Chronic Pain or Illness
Michele Sitorus (Inner Peace Psychological Care)
Psychologist, Psy.D.
A multidisciplinary approach is often used to address both the physical and psychological aspects of the condition. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) may be employed to help individuals manage pain-related distress, challenge unhelpful thoughts and beliefs about their condition, and develop effective coping strategies. Mindfulness-based interventions, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) or acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), can also be beneficial in promoting acceptance of pain and fostering greater psychological flexibility. Additionally, therapy may involve education about pain management techniques, relaxation training, and lifestyle modifications to improve overall quality of life despite the presence of chronic pain or illness.
5 Years Experience
Chronic Pain or Illness
Dr. Clinton W. Smith
Hypnotherapist, PsyD, CH, CI
Dr Smith combines tools of psychology and hypnotherapy to reduce PAIN both privately and by teleconference. See M.D. endorsement at: TheDoctorIsonThePhone.com/PainControl. The brain and emotions are always involved in the perception of pain. Learn more than 10 techniques to significantly manage pain with less medication.
32 Years Experience
Chronic Pain or Illness
Alan Brandis, Ph.D.
Psychologist, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist
Typically, Chronic Pain Syndrome patients come to see a psychologist after being seen by a number of other health professionals to no avail, including internal medicine physicians, orthopedists, surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, physical therapists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, emergency room doctors (for late-night injections of powerful pain killing drugs) and others. Typically, a Chronic Pain evaluation consists of several approaches to discovering which factors play the largest role in maintaining the pain. We ask patients to keep a Pain Diary for a week or two, which helps us pinpoint which activities or emotional states are related to an increase in pain level. This also helps us observe how they are actually taking their medications. We may also perform psychological testing to determine any underlying causes of depression or anxiety which should be treated in addition to the Chronic Pain and which could be helping to maintain it. At least one Family Session is held to explore whether there have been unconscious payoffs within the family for being in pain.
34 Years Experience
Chronic Pain or Illness
Alicia Townsend
Psychologist, PhD, BCN
With a PhD in Health Psychology and almost 20 years of practice in the field, I have clinically-proven skills to help manage many physical issues such as chronic pain, migraines, tension headaches, dysautonomia, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), sport injury and recovery, and other chronic illnesses. It is important to address both the mental and physical aspects of these issues, as both impact one another greatly.
19 Years Experience