Therapy for Chronic Pain in California
I offer online therapy for chronic pain in California for adults living with long-term pain, chronic illness, or conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). If you’re feeling overwhelmed by physical pain, emotional distress, or the impact chronic pain has on your daily life, therapy can help you develop coping strategies, process difficult experiences, and build a more supportive relationship with your body.
How does chronic pain affect your mental health?
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.
My approach to chronic pain counseling
I believe it’s possible to find acceptance and still live a meaningful, fulfilling life, even with chronic pain. When so much has been taken out of your control, it can feel nearly impossible to find the motivation to focus on what is within your reach—but that’s where our work begins.
I understand how complex and exhausting this experience can be. As a provider listed on the Ehlers-Danlos Society website, and through my own lived experience with EDS and chronic pain, I bring both professional expertise and personal insight into the therapy space.
My approach is centered on helping you feel understood, supported, and empowered, while building tools that actually fit your life and capacity. Together, we’ll work toward creating a sense of stability and peace, even in the midst of ongoing challenges.
In our work together, I’ll help you cope with:
Ongoing medical issues or procedures
Fatigue and limited energy
Loneliness and social isolation
Financial strain and uncertainty
Relationship challenges
Employment or career difficulties
Stigma, dismissal, or feeling misunderstood
This is a space where your experience is taken seriously—and where you can begin to reconnect with yourself and your life in a way that feels sustainable.
What can I expect in therapy for chronic pain?
We’ll begin by exploring how chronic pain has impacted different areas of your life, then build practical tools and supportive routines to help you cope with the emotional challenges that come with it.
Together, we’ll focus on helping you feel more grounded in the present and better equipped to face the uncertainty that often comes with chronic pain—so you can learn to meet your body where it is, rather than fight against it.
Using EMDR, the Flash Technique, and other evidence-based approaches, we’ll work to process the experiences and emotions that may be keeping you stuck. Along the way, you’ll develop:
Healthier ways to cope with overwhelming emotions
A self-care approach that fits your actual energy and capacity
A more compassionate and accepting relationship with your body
Over time, many clients find they’re able to release feelings of anger and betrayal, worry less about the future, and begin to experience life more fully in the present.
What are the benefits of therapy for chronic pain?
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
Frequently Asked Questions about Counseling for Chronic Pain
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Unfortunately, this is a common experience. Therapy provides a space where you are believed and supported. We can also work on building confidence in advocating for yourself in medical settings and navigating those relationships more effectively.
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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.
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Yes. Online therapy allows you to access support from home, which can be especially helpful when dealing with fatigue, mobility issues, or flare-ups. Consistency and comfort often make virtual therapy a strong option for chronic pain support.
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I offer a free 15-minute consultation to help you decide if I’m the right therapist to support you. Request an 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.
Reach out to reclaim your peace.
I help adults in California cope with chronic pain, manage the emotional impact of chronic illness, and build a more compassionate relationship with their body through therapy.