Chronic Pain Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain brings hundreds of people to therapy every week. Many physical and psychological issues can cause chronic pain and it is important to rule out any medical causes and get treatment by speaking to a physician.

Some people experience chronic pain as the result of untreated emotional overwhelm, unexpressed anger, depression or grief. Symptoms of chronic pain typically include headaches; muscle tension, pain or fatigue;  shooting nerve pains, and tension in the back, neck and shoulders.

Many people with chronic pain disorder are reluctant to explore the emotional causes of their pain for fear of being told that they are inventing the symptoms. However, true somaticizing is a very real condition in which the emotions are unable to leave the body.

Another reason why people are loathe to admit the emotional roots of their pain, is that they fear that there would be no medical cure. Chronic pain with an emotional root requires that they confront the emotions that have been hidden away, and this can be challenging.

Therapists and psychologists who do  chronic pain therapy offer a confidential and safe environment in which people can explore pent-up emotions and as a result experience short term and long term relief. Symptoms caused by long term emotional build-up may require long-term treatment and due to the physical changes, some medical intervention and active physiotherapy is often very important as well.

If you are looking for a counsellor or psychologist who works with chronic pain you may want to search the directory to find a professional whose approach will suit you best.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a psychological approach that deals with the way in which clients think about themselves, other people and the world. The outside world affects how we think and feel about ourselves and as a result, our behaviour. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy can help a person to change the way they think about thoughts and feelings, but it is not like other types of talk therapy.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy focuses on current issues and challenges that affect the client right now. It doesn't consider the past issues that caused distress, but rather looks for solutions that can improve the client's state of mind in the moment. Much of CBT involves looking at thought distortions that can affect mood and are affected by mood, and helps client examine and challenge distorted thinking patters.

CBT can help a range of problems, from OCD, PTSD, bulimia, stress, phobias and other issues that might seem overwhelming to the client, by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable chunks.

If you are looking for a therapist who offers Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, please browse our list of practitioners below..

Motivational Interviewing is a short term treatment approach, which is specifically aimed at strengthening the client's commitment for, and motivation to change. This approach is widely recognized and is used in a number of applications, including substance abuse, rehabilitation, social work, criminal justice, schools, coaching and in health promotion.

During a Motivational Interviewing session, the therapist will make sure that the client feels understood and supported. The therapist will also assure the client that his or her emotions are normal and expected, in anticipation of the great changes ahead. The key to Motivational Interviewing is to juxtapose the client's goals and behaviours that may stand in the way of success. Motivational Interviewing  can help a client recognize behavioural issues that are not conducive to success.

If you are looking for a therapist who offers Motivational Interviewing, please browse our list of practitioners below..

Note: You may narrow your search by selecting more than one filter below.

Phyllis Chan

M.Ed., CCC
    • Online booking
I am a Canadian Certified Counsellor with good standing. I have over 15 years of counselling experience. I completed my master's degree in counselling psychology at the University of British Columbia. I... Read more

Ann-Marie Inoue

M.C., RCC
    • In-Person Sessions
    • Online booking
Do you feel dissatisfied or discontented with life? Is your relationship the source of pain and isolation? Do you constantly push people away that love you? Many people work hard to appear happy on the... Read more

Lida Izadi

M.A., RCC
  I am a registered clinical counsellor, an approved clinical supervisor, and an educator with extensive experience. My broad range of professional qualifications has enabled me to work with a range of mental... Read more

David Zhang

M.C., RCC
MC, R.C.C. (#19056). ICBC Direct billing. Sometimes we’ve been wounded. We are bitter and end up in hard places. We are in relationships that have grown painful, disappointing, even hopeless. It seems... Read more

Emma Wilson

M.S.W., RCC
    • Online booking
It is in the darkest times that we can discover incredible strength within ourselves. I hold a passion for helping clients navigate challenges in their life, while supporting a sense of safety in the therapy environment... Read more

Kev Kokoska

M.Ed., RCC
My work is relational, emotion-focused, and experiential. Relational means establishing a unique and real connection with people. It means not being a “blank slate” therapist. Emotion-focused... Read more

Evan Quinn

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Welcome to Equalibrium Counselling. As a client-centred holistic therapist, my goal is to support you in navigating life's inevitable difficulties. Whether you're dealing with emotions, thoughts, life... Read more

Vijay Mann

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
People are unique individuals with unique experiences. We all bring distinct histories and concerns to therapy. I respect your story and your concerns, and will provide support in a way that will work for you. ... Read more

Michelle Carchrae

M.C., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
People come to counselling when they want to feel better. I'm here to help you do that.  Whether you're experiencing depression and stuckness, anxiety, overwhelming emotion or difficulty in your... Read more

Ruth Nyman

M.S.W., RSW
Ruth S. Nyman, MSW, RSW      Therapy and Counselling Services From time to time, serious problems come up in life; such as job-related stress, family and child issues, couple and marriage... Read more

Kim Watt

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Everybody needs some extra support at times to work through the problems, hurdles, challenges, and chaos that we find ourselves experiencing. I have a strong interest in working with adults who are experiencing... Read more

Maya Misic

Ph.D., RCC
    • Online booking
Since 2002, I’ve helped my clients break through the obstacles that seem to be holding them back in life. Life's too short to be unhappy, unsure, or unfulfilled. I am here to help my clients achieve a more... Read more

Paulo Matos

Ph.D., R.Psych
I am a Registered Psychologist with a combined 25+ years of education and experience in psychotherapy. I have extensive experience helping with diverse concerns including anxiety, depression, grief/loss, and life... Read more

Michele Maurer

M.Sc., RCC
    • Online booking
Appointments Available In-office and Virtually You invest yourself in your relationships. Individuals, couples and parents have done their best to cope throughout the pandemic, and it's taken a ... Read more

Jill Arnold

M.A., RCC
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
Clients describe me as straightforward and kind while being practical, effective and patient. I am available to help you through a secure virtual platform or on the telephone. I want you to feel better. In... Read more

Alita Dommann

M.D., RCC
Alita is an Adlerian Psychotherapist providing Individual and Couples Counselling. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Canadian Certified Counsellor, and Adler University Alumni. After working as a medical... Read more

Bonny Yung

M.C., RCC
Are you in a season of struggle and looking for clarity and support to help you move through difficulty? Perhaps you have reached your tipping point, feel isolated and alone, unsure of yourself, struggle with self-... Read more

Sandy Boon

M.A., RCC
IN PERSON AND SECURE VIDEO-CONFERENCE AND TELEPHONE THERAPY AVAILABLE Although not all of the last 30 plus years of Sandy's professional career has been spent exclusively practicing therapy, Sandy has... Read more

Jennifer Tillar

M.C., RCC
   My approach to the counselling process is that not one approach fits all. Although my background and experience is rooted in attachment-based theory and cognitive behavioral approaches used within a... Read more

Charene Cranston

M.Couns., RCC
Hello! My name is Charene (she/her). Sometimes we get caught up in our day-to-day routines or we feel too stretched, stressed, or spent to get going on creating the future we want for ourselves. Other times, there... Read more

Melissa MacNeill

M.A., RCC
    • Video on profile
Life can be hard. Relationships can be really hard. It's natural to feel overwhelmed, powerless, hopeless, anxious, and depressed when one of our important relationships is going poorly. When we get stuck, and don... Read more

Amrita Dhoot

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Welcome! Do you come from a family with complex dynamics and feel like people don’t quite understand you? Have these experiences led to you being anxious, and struggling to trust yourself or others? My unique... Read more

Kathleen Beaton

M.Couns., RCC
Sometimes dealing with life’s difficulties can leave you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, alone, or unable to cope. You may notice patterns in your life that continuously leave you stranded in the same stuck places,... Read more

Klaus Klein

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
There are times when you may feel confused, frustrated, and powerless in a life situation that seems to get bigger and worse. Klaus works individuals, couples, and families to heal from the past, live more in the... Read more

John Woychuk

M.A., CCC
    • Blog on profile
I'm here to provide a safe space for you in your time of distress, crisis or loss. Safety begins with connecting with another human being and not being alone in your struggle. Whatever is happening for you will be... Read more

Mark Bodnarchuk

Ph.D., R.Psych
I help people who are having difficulties in their relationships with their children, family, romantic partners, and co-workers.  I work with individuals, couples, and some or all family members.   I help... Read more

Aaron Chin

M.A., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
Hi, I’m Aaron Chin. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC# 21391) practicing online, and in person for clients in Surrey BC on some days of the week. I strongly believe in the power of therapy to... Read more

Heiin Lim

M.Couns., RCC
    • Online booking
About Me Hello there, I'm Heiin (pronounced as Hane), a bilingual therapist who provides counseling services in both English and Korean. It is a privilege for me to accompany clients on their journeys, witnessing... Read more

Jenny Hsu

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
Are you feeling disconnected from those around you? You might find yourself stuck in the same arguments or patterns with your partner.  Or you may be struggling to find a sense of belonging in your family,... Read more

Daeniela Bheaumont

M.Ed., R.Psych
    • Video on profile
I am a registered psychologist (College of Psychologist of BC #651) and have been a member of the Canadian Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology since 1990.  I received my Masters degree in Counseling... Read more