Chronic Pain EMDR

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.

EMDR, Hypnotherapy

EMDR, also known as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy uses a range of processes to address the full clinical situation. Dual stimulation is one of the key elements and the therapist will use tools such as bilateral eye movements, taps or tones.

Reprocessing involves the client momentarily attending to triggers, past memories or anticipated future events, all the while focusing on the supplied external stimulus. Normally, the client will experience memory changes, new associations and insights. EMDR has been found to be incredibly useful for processing past and present trauma that can continue to impact an individual in many ways.

There are eight phases to EMDR treatment and the therapist will devise a treatment plan during the first phase, and equip the client with the necessary coping skills in the second phase. Phases 3-6 cover the actual EMDR treatment, described above. Phase 7 is about closure, while phase eight is all about re-evaluation of the process.

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

Hypnosis uses the power of suggestion while the client is in a state of extreme relaxation to bring about significant transformations. Clinicians who offer hypnosis use it in different ways. Most commonly, clinicians encourage the individual to use their imagination, because visualization is a powerful tool. Imagery is used to symbolically manifest circumstances as they wish it to be.

Hypnosis allows for deep introspection, where it helps the client to discover unconscious motivations and intentions, as well as experiences that are responsible for undesirable reactions or symptoms.

By circumventing the client's conscious thought processes, hypnosis allows them better insight into issues. This deep insight into a his or her psyche can be the catalyst for dramatic change.

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

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

Patrick Myers

Ph.D., R.Psych
    • Online booking
Is life pushing you too hard?   Do you feel like you can't keep up?   Do you stay up late at night worrying?   Do you feel drained emotionally and/or  physically? Is your... Read more

Megan Hughes

M.A., Registered Psychology Assistant
*Now offering video and phone sessions.* *My practice is currently accepting new clients, to book please email/call: info@stillwatercounselling.com / 604-734-2779.* Megan Hughes has been counselling in... 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

Rebecca Chan

M.A., RCC
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Psychology at Simon Fraser University and my Master of Arts in Counselling... Read more