Chronic Pain therapists in Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky KY
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
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
Reginald K. Riggins
Psychologist, PhD
Chronic pain is a condition that affects multiple aspects of a person's life and can exacerbate both depression and anxiety symptoms. I use cognitive-behavioral therapy for chronic pain to improve one's quality of life by accepting the reality of having pain in your life and learning how to move forward it. In addition, a client will learn several relaxation and cognitive skills to reduce and manage the pain as best as possible in conjunction with your current medical treatment plan.
5 Years Experience
Chronic Pain or Illness
Bold Expressions Therapy
Psychologist, Psy.D.
For individuals with invisible chronic illnesses, hiding your pain all the time becomes exhausting. With a chronic health issue, you don’t get to choose when you’re in pain and when you’re not, and as such, I keep my cancellation policy flexible so that I can best support you. There is often a great deal of shame surrounding chronic illness, and significant stigma as well, both from the medical community and society at large. This can lead to depression and anxiety, both medical anxiety and social anxiety. I want to work with you to ensure that your chronic illness does not completely shape your mental health. As someone who suffers from a chronic pain condition, I am understanding and aware of the unique challenges that diagnoses such as fibromyalgia, Ehlers-Danlos, Dysautonomia, arthritis, and cancer have on an individual’s personal, romantic, and professional life. My goal is to help each patient understand and accept these diagnoses and work together to manage both the physical symptoms as well as the mental turmoil that can occur while trying to live life in an able-bodied world.
4 Years Experience
Chronic Pain or Illness
Dr. Adam Shafer
Psychologist, Psy. D., M.A.
Managing chronic pain and illness exhausts many of the social and personal resources we have just to get through the day. Feelings of isolation and being alone in this struggle are insidious and can take away from our ability to remain connected to others and within ourselves. Whether it is not wanting to burden others with our struggle or feelings of hopelessness, people need to know (and feel) that they are valuable enough to continue to be cared for while also provided with space through encouragement that honors our autonomy.