Chronic Pain therapists in Brainerd, Minnesota MN
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
Dr. Evette Addai
Psychologist, Ph.D.
Are you or your child finding it hard to cope with your child's medical diagnosis? Are you trying to find ways to deal the stress of having your child swallow different medications, watching blood sugar, or getting shots/pokes? Maybe your child asks questions about why they are different from other kids and you would like to know how to respond? I can help you and your child to find empowering ways to accept their emotions around an illness, evidence based ways to help with behaviors needed to keep up with the doctors orders, and a safe space to talk about the stressors from the illness and also to highlight the wins.
4 Years Experience
Chronic Pain or Illness
Dr. Ann Becker-Schutte; Healthy Balanced Life Psychology, LLC
Psychologist, Ph.D.
Our physical and emotional health are intimately connected. When you are living a body that is unreliable or in pain, that can create relationship stress, depression and anxiety. Throughout my career, I have focused on the unique challenges faced by patients or caregivers who are coping with serious illness.
21 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
Parasol Wellness Collaborative
Therapist, LMFT, LPCC, LICSW
We have a therapist on staff who specializes in chronic pain and illness issues. Additionally, our holistic approach and network of complementary professionals can help manage medical struggles and the mental health difficulties that go with them.
13 Years Experience