How Therapy Can Help Chronic Pain

The Connection Between Chronic Pain, Depression, and Anxiety

Chronic pain doesn’t just impact your body—it takes a heavy toll on your mind, as well. When you’re in constant discomfort, it’s all too easy for anxiety and depression to take root. The relentless ache can lead to a cycle of negative thinking, making you feel trapped, isolated, and hopeless. The physical pain is only part of the story; the emotional suffering can be just as debilitating, if not more so.

That’s where therapy comes in. By addressing the mental and emotional aspects of chronic pain, therapy can help break this cycle. It’s about more than just coping with the physical symptoms—it’s about finding a way to live a full, meaningful life despite them. Therapy offers tools and strategies to manage both the pain and the emotional weight that comes with it, helping you regain control and move forward.

My Personal Experience with Chronic Pain

I know what it’s like to feel trapped by chronic pain. A few years ago, I was there myself. The pain in my lower back started small, but it didn’t go away. It grew worse, taking over my life, overshadowing everything I used to enjoy, and negatively impacting my relationships. I tried everything to make it stop—doctors, physical therapy, medication—but nothing seemed to work.

The fear was overwhelming. I was terrified that I’d never be able to live normally again. My life became consumed by the thought, "Will I ever be safe? Will I ever be pain-free?" It wasn’t just the physical pain that was debilitating; it was the constant anxiety and the sinking depression that came with it.

Out of desperation, I called a therapist who specialized in treating chronic pain. That decision changed everything for me. Through therapy, I didn’t just find relief from the pain—I found a new way to live with it.

The Therapies That Helped Me Recover

The journey wasn’t easy, but the therapies I engaged in made all the difference. These approaches didn’t just help me manage my pain—they transformed how I understood both chronic pain and myself. Now, as a therapist, I use these same approaches to help others on their path to healing.

Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) was crucial in rewiring my brain’s response to pain. This approach focuses on retraining the brain’s neural pathways that misinterpret normal signals as pain, helping to significantly reduce chronic pain.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helped me learn to stop fighting the pain and start living a life that mattered, regardless of my discomfort. ACT helped me focus on what was truly important, rather than letting pain dictate my every move.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) offered me a profound way to understand and address the emotional aspects of my pain. IFS views the mind as made up of different “parts,” each with its own perspective and needs. By working with these parts, particularly those that were connected to my pain, I was able to bring healing to the underlying emotional wounds that were exacerbating my physical symptoms. IFS helped me foster self-compassion and reconnect with a sense of internal harmony, which in turn eased my chronic pain.

Brainspotting allowed me to explore and resolve deep-seated emotional issues that were contributing to my physical pain. By processing these emotions, I could alleviate some of the pain’s intensity and start to heal from within.

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) provided a new perspective on my pain and mental state. This therapy, combined with my training as a certified psychedelic therapist from the Integrative Psychiatry Institute, helped disrupt the negative thought patterns that had been fueling my chronic pain.

Why I Became a Therapist

My struggle with chronic pain wasn’t just a personal challenge—it was a turning point in my life. Experiencing the profound impact of therapy firsthand, I felt compelled to help others who were facing similar battles. That’s why I became a therapist—to guide people through the darkness of chronic pain and help them find light on the other side.

Collaborative Approach to Pain Management

Healing from chronic pain often requires a team effort. I believe in working closely with your other healthcare providers—whether they’re physical therapists, psychiatrists, acupuncturists, osteopaths, or medical doctors. By collaborating with these professionals, we can create a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan that addresses every facet of your pain, giving you the best chance at recovery.

Let’s Start Your Journey to Recovery

If you’re struggling with chronic pain, I understand how overwhelming it can be. But you don’t have to face it alone. Whether you’re in Pasadena, Los Angeles, or anywhere in California, I’m here to help. I offer in-person therapy in Pasadena and telehealth sessions throughout the state. Reach out today—because there is hope, and it starts with that first step.