Chronic Pain Therapists in 53217
Kelly Smerz
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Milwaukee, WI 53217
Not accepting new clients
I also have specialized training in the treatment of trauma, substance abuse, and chronic pain.
My work as a clinical psychologist is based on my belief that good psychotherapy can be a powerfully transformative experience. While resolution of the symptoms or issues that brought you to treatment is undoubtedly important, I also provide for my clients the opportunity to work in a manner that promotes lasting change and a deeper understanding of themselves. To that end, I strive to assist my clients in developing a sense of well-being that extends to all areas of their lives. This also translates into my work with couples, where new insights, skills, and ways of relating can lead to more meaningful and rewarding relationships.
I also have specialized training in the treatment of trauma, substance abuse, and chronic pain.
My work as a clinical psychologist is based on my belief that good psychotherapy can be a powerfully transformative experience. While resolution of the symptoms or issues that brought you to treatment is undoubtedly important, I also provide for my clients the opportunity to work in a manner that promotes lasting change and a deeper understanding of themselves. To that end, I strive to assist my clients in developing a sense of well-being that extends to all areas of their lives. This also translates into my work with couples, where new insights, skills, and ways of relating can lead to more meaningful and rewarding relationships.
Paul M Smerz
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Milwaukee, WI 53217
As a clinical psychologist I strive to provide a transformative experience that not only resolves the symptoms and issues that brought you to treatment, but also develops deeper insight and awareness that promotes lasting change. I work to collaborate with you to develop a plan for continued growth that reflects your life-long plans, goals, and unmet needs. To that end, I strive to facilitate an experience for you of change in those aspects of your life that are most meaningful to you, including your inner world, relationships, spiritual beliefs, work life and world views.
As a clinical psychologist I strive to provide a transformative experience that not only resolves the symptoms and issues that brought you to treatment, but also develops deeper insight and awareness that promotes lasting change. I work to collaborate with you to develop a plan for continued growth that reflects your life-long plans, goals, and unmet needs. To that end, I strive to facilitate an experience for you of change in those aspects of your life that are most meaningful to you, including your inner world, relationships, spiritual beliefs, work life and world views.
Jessica J. Davis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CST
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Milwaukee, WI 53217 (Online Only)
I also work with clients on mindfully and proactively managing chronic pain and other health issues.
The therapeutic relationship can be a very important one and, like any other healthy relationship, it is based on mutual respect, trust and commitment. I approach our work together with a nonjudgmental stance. I will meet you wherever you are in your life's journey and honor your unique strengths. I support clients in creating their most fulfilling lives, in line with their values and goals. I incorporate mindfulness into a collaborative and client-centered process and employ an honest, direct communication style combined with warmth, compassion, and humor. I strive for a balance of embracing both change and acceptance.
I also work with clients on mindfully and proactively managing chronic pain and other health issues.
The therapeutic relationship can be a very important one and, like any other healthy relationship, it is based on mutual respect, trust and commitment. I approach our work together with a nonjudgmental stance. I will meet you wherever you are in your life's journey and honor your unique strengths. I support clients in creating their most fulfilling lives, in line with their values and goals. I incorporate mindfulness into a collaborative and client-centered process and employ an honest, direct communication style combined with warmth, compassion, and humor. I strive for a balance of embracing both change and acceptance.
Veronica Pyatt
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Milwaukee, WI 53217
Veronica Pyatt is a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than five years of experience. Prior to becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor, she worked in the field of education. She was licensed in the state of Wisconsin in elementary education with a focus in special education. It was her experience, working with children in the academic setting, that caused her to pursue a career in counseling. She earned a trauma certification while completing the master's program at Mount Mary University. Veronica works with children aged 2 and older, adolescents, adults, and families.
Veronica Pyatt is a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than five years of experience. Prior to becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor, she worked in the field of education. She was licensed in the state of Wisconsin in elementary education with a focus in special education. It was her experience, working with children in the academic setting, that caused her to pursue a career in counseling. She earned a trauma certification while completing the master's program at Mount Mary University. Veronica works with children aged 2 and older, adolescents, adults, and families.
Melissa Dansby
Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Glendale, WI 53217 (Online Only)
Hello! I am a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. I received my Master’s in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in community counseling. I've been a Licensed Professional Counselor for about 13 years. Experience: 10 yrs in private practice- working with the delinquent youth of MKE county, also worked in a residential facility for dually diagnosed children with autism. More recently worked with those who struggle with substance abuse and dependency.
Hello! I am a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. I received my Master’s in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in community counseling. I've been a Licensed Professional Counselor for about 13 years. Experience: 10 yrs in private practice- working with the delinquent youth of MKE county, also worked in a residential facility for dually diagnosed children with autism. More recently worked with those who struggle with substance abuse and dependency.
Casey Wright
Psychologist, LP
Verified Verified
Milwaukee, WI 53217
Wright also has very unique expertise in psychology applied to dental issues such as dental fear/anxiety, orofacial pain, etc.
Dr. Casey Wright is a Psychologist in Wisconsin who has been providing mental health services since 2016. He earned his PhD in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in health psychology at West Virginia University and completed a residency in behavioral medicine/rehabilitation psychology at the University of Washington. Dr. Wright is broadly trained in cognitive behavioral interventions but is heavily influenced by humanistic thinking and incorporates motivational interviewing into his clinical work. He believes clients and patients have what they need to feel better and that together they can work to find it.
Wright also has very unique expertise in psychology applied to dental issues such as dental fear/anxiety, orofacial pain, etc.
Dr. Casey Wright is a Psychologist in Wisconsin who has been providing mental health services since 2016. He earned his PhD in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in health psychology at West Virginia University and completed a residency in behavioral medicine/rehabilitation psychology at the University of Washington. Dr. Wright is broadly trained in cognitive behavioral interventions but is heavily influenced by humanistic thinking and incorporates motivational interviewing into his clinical work. He believes clients and patients have what they need to feel better and that together they can work to find it.
Susan Nolte
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Milwaukee, WI 53217
Whether you are struggling with parenthood, having frequent conflicts with your partner, grieving a loss, trying to establish healthy boundaries with family and friends, or working to understand yourself better — having someone to help support you through that process with empathy, insight, and guidance can be life changing. I have a masters in the field of psychology, am married and a mother of four, and worked in a day treatment clinic for children doing individual, family, and group therapy so I have seen a lot. You are not alone and I have strategies and techniques to start helping you right now.
Whether you are struggling with parenthood, having frequent conflicts with your partner, grieving a loss, trying to establish healthy boundaries with family and friends, or working to understand yourself better — having someone to help support you through that process with empathy, insight, and guidance can be life changing. I have a masters in the field of psychology, am married and a mother of four, and worked in a day treatment clinic for children doing individual, family, and group therapy so I have seen a lot. You are not alone and I have strategies and techniques to start helping you right now.
James Lipusch
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Milwaukee, WI 53217
James has a Masters(MSW), and PhD in Clinical Social Work. Post Doctoral Certificate of Psychoanalysis and Certificate Corporate Counseling and Consulting. Education aside, James has a down to earth clinical approach designed to meet the wants and needs of each patient. Relationships are an important focus; including the relationship one has with oneself. Dr. Lipusch prefers that treatment goals include having fun with life.
James has a Masters(MSW), and PhD in Clinical Social Work. Post Doctoral Certificate of Psychoanalysis and Certificate Corporate Counseling and Consulting. Education aside, James has a down to earth clinical approach designed to meet the wants and needs of each patient. Relationships are an important focus; including the relationship one has with oneself. Dr. Lipusch prefers that treatment goals include having fun with life.
John Barrett
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Milwaukee, WI 53217
John Barrett is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Wisconsin who has been practicing since 2020. He obtained his Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marquette University, and also holds a Bachelor's of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. John's previous experience includes working in a partial hospitalization program with adults diagnosed with a substance use disorder as well as a wide range of co-occurring mental health diagnoses including depression, anxiety, psychological trauma, ADHD, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, or adjusting to significant life stressors.
John Barrett is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Wisconsin who has been practicing since 2020. He obtained his Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marquette University, and also holds a Bachelor's of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. John's previous experience includes working in a partial hospitalization program with adults diagnosed with a substance use disorder as well as a wide range of co-occurring mental health diagnoses including depression, anxiety, psychological trauma, ADHD, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, or adjusting to significant life stressors.
Darcy Mason
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CH, RMT
Verified Verified
Whitefish Bay, WI 53217
I don't believe in one-size-fits-all. Everyone is unique and my goal is to work with you to uncover the tools and techniques that will best fit you and assist you in managing your mental health. My diverse background offers multifaceted skills to assist you in reaching your therapy goals.
I don't believe in one-size-fits-all. Everyone is unique and my goal is to work with you to uncover the tools and techniques that will best fit you and assist you in managing your mental health. My diverse background offers multifaceted skills to assist you in reaching your therapy goals.
Alev Ildiz
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Milwaukee, WI 53217 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Sometimes the way you relate to yourself and others no longer aligns with who you truly are, your values or how you envisioned your life. You may feel disconnected from yourself and others. You may feel anxious or misunderstood, and start to question your worth or love. To cope, you wear a mask to hide parts of yourself, which creates feelings of tension within yourself and with others. What if you lived your life according to your values while accepting and expressing your genuine self? I create a judgement free, safe therapeutic space where you can explore, understand and find your authentic self.
Sometimes the way you relate to yourself and others no longer aligns with who you truly are, your values or how you envisioned your life. You may feel disconnected from yourself and others. You may feel anxious or misunderstood, and start to question your worth or love. To cope, you wear a mask to hide parts of yourself, which creates feelings of tension within yourself and with others. What if you lived your life according to your values while accepting and expressing your genuine self? I create a judgement free, safe therapeutic space where you can explore, understand and find your authentic self.
Marie-Therese Hellrung
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Glendale, WI 53217
Marie is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She works with families, couples and individuals. Marie has experience working with children ages four through adolescence. Marie works from a strength-based approach using some of the most up to date types of therapy including CBT, ACT, ERP and Family Systems. When working with children, Marie uses creative approaches through art and play allowing them to communicate through their own language of play. In working with couples and families, Marie helps them build on their strengths and gain additional skills in effectively communicating about a variety of topics.
Marie is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She works with families, couples and individuals. Marie has experience working with children ages four through adolescence. Marie works from a strength-based approach using some of the most up to date types of therapy including CBT, ACT, ERP and Family Systems. When working with children, Marie uses creative approaches through art and play allowing them to communicate through their own language of play. In working with couples and families, Marie helps them build on their strengths and gain additional skills in effectively communicating about a variety of topics.
Holly Wonder
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Milwaukee, WI 53217
Successful therapy begins with a genuine dialogue between you as a person and me as your therapist. The gentle art of change means discussing the context of your life where you are at now and how you got there (including how you developed and maintain the values you live by). Your values provide the "richness" to living. Most of all, psychotherapy means understanding what you've already tried, what has worked and yes- what gets in the way of you living a better life.
Successful therapy begins with a genuine dialogue between you as a person and me as your therapist. The gentle art of change means discussing the context of your life where you are at now and how you got there (including how you developed and maintain the values you live by). Your values provide the "richness" to living. Most of all, psychotherapy means understanding what you've already tried, what has worked and yes- what gets in the way of you living a better life.
Brian Martinezdelacotera
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Milwaukee, WI 53217
Brian is an exceptionally open, kind-hearted therapist providing emotional safety for clients to explore their concerns. With warmth and humor, he assists clients struggling with a wide range of concerns including substance dependence, anxiety, depression, self-worth, trauma, conflicts, and family or other relationship issues. Brian utilizes an integrative approach with his clients, combining elements of solution-focused, cognitive behavior therapy, and therapy to heal family-of-origin pain and trauma.
Brian is an exceptionally open, kind-hearted therapist providing emotional safety for clients to explore their concerns. With warmth and humor, he assists clients struggling with a wide range of concerns including substance dependence, anxiety, depression, self-worth, trauma, conflicts, and family or other relationship issues. Brian utilizes an integrative approach with his clients, combining elements of solution-focused, cognitive behavior therapy, and therapy to heal family-of-origin pain and trauma.
Ciara Christensen
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Whitefish Bay, WI 53217
I am dedicated to supporting young adults and adults grappling with various challenges, including pain management, headaches, sleep disturbances, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, and trauma.
Life can get or feel messy sometimes, especially when we encounter experiences that leave us feeling bewildered, overwhelmed, or as if we're merely surviving rather than thriving. It's during these moments that the guidance of a skilled psychological professional can become invaluable. My practice offers a place where individuals are invited sit and engage in one-on-one conversations, providing time to be fully heard, explore their experiences in depth, and gain some insights.
I am dedicated to supporting young adults and adults grappling with various challenges, including pain management, headaches, sleep disturbances, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, and trauma.
Life can get or feel messy sometimes, especially when we encounter experiences that leave us feeling bewildered, overwhelmed, or as if we're merely surviving rather than thriving. It's during these moments that the guidance of a skilled psychological professional can become invaluable. My practice offers a place where individuals are invited sit and engage in one-on-one conversations, providing time to be fully heard, explore their experiences in depth, and gain some insights.
Caroline Schmidt
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Whitefish Bay, WI 53217
I’m Dr. Caroline Schmidt, a licensed psychologist and experienced psychotherapist. I help people who are struggling with issues such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, mood disorders, and relationship problems.
I’m Dr. Caroline Schmidt, a licensed psychologist and experienced psychotherapist. I help people who are struggling with issues such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, mood disorders, and relationship problems.
Geraldine Banks
Licensed Psychoanalyst, LP
Verified Verified
Glendale, WI 53217
Dr. Banks is a clinical psychologist who has been in private practice since 1989. She completed her Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and her clinical internship at Rush- Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Center in Chicago. She was previously President/Clinic Director of Health Psychology Associates. Dr. Banks coordinated and practiced in the Insomnia Program of the Sleep Disorders Clinic at St. Luke's Medical Center, and has consulted with various hospital departments. Her approach to psychotherapy is eclectic, enabling her to tailor her therapy to the individual needs of her patients.
Dr. Banks is a clinical psychologist who has been in private practice since 1989. She completed her Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and her clinical internship at Rush- Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Center in Chicago. She was previously President/Clinic Director of Health Psychology Associates. Dr. Banks coordinated and practiced in the Insomnia Program of the Sleep Disorders Clinic at St. Luke's Medical Center, and has consulted with various hospital departments. Her approach to psychotherapy is eclectic, enabling her to tailor her therapy to the individual needs of her patients.
Be Well Counseling LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CSAC
Verified Verified
Glendale, WI 53217
Does being in love mean being in pain? Are you and your significant other having a hard time communicating or getting your needs met? Are you confused, anxious, sad or angry? Are you feeling less motivated? Having difficulty concentrating or sleeping? Do you feel distracted and find it hard to follow through? Are you questioning your goals or feel stuck? Are you questioning your family of origin and feel you have issues from the past that are unresolved? Are you grieving the loss of someone? Do you worry about yourself or your significant other and their bad habits? Are you a survivor?
Does being in love mean being in pain? Are you and your significant other having a hard time communicating or getting your needs met? Are you confused, anxious, sad or angry? Are you feeling less motivated? Having difficulty concentrating or sleeping? Do you feel distracted and find it hard to follow through? Are you questioning your goals or feel stuck? Are you questioning your family of origin and feel you have issues from the past that are unresolved? Are you grieving the loss of someone? Do you worry about yourself or your significant other and their bad habits? Are you a survivor?
Annette Knutson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Milwaukee, WI 53217
Annette Knutson is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Wisconsin. Annette has more than 20 years of training and experience in person-centered, trauma-informed, co-occurring care across the lifespan. Life is a complex journey filled with ups and downs. Your journey is your unique experience and requires your own personal choices and solutions. Annette looks forward to joining you on your personal journey, helping you to find comfort or resolution to the situations that cause you distress, and helping you celebrate your accomplishments along the way a healthier and happier you!.
Annette Knutson is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Wisconsin. Annette has more than 20 years of training and experience in person-centered, trauma-informed, co-occurring care across the lifespan. Life is a complex journey filled with ups and downs. Your journey is your unique experience and requires your own personal choices and solutions. Annette looks forward to joining you on your personal journey, helping you to find comfort or resolution to the situations that cause you distress, and helping you celebrate your accomplishments along the way a healthier and happier you!.
JoDee Kuhl
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, RN
Verified Verified
Glendale, WI 53217
Not accepting new clients
I have experience in treating anxiety, depression, mood disorders, sexual/verbal/emotional abuse, developmental trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, relationship issues, schizophrenia, and issues surrounding physical illness and disabilities.
I am a compassionate individual who believes in the resiliency and potential of the human spirit. As a nurse and psychotherapist, I have knowledge and skills in providing psychotherapy and working closely with adolescents, adults, and seniors from diverse cultures with complex mental and physical issues. As a therapist, I seek to create a safe, comfortable, accepting, professional, environment that promotes trust and openness to healing and self-discovery.
I have experience in treating anxiety, depression, mood disorders, sexual/verbal/emotional abuse, developmental trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, relationship issues, schizophrenia, and issues surrounding physical illness and disabilities.
I am a compassionate individual who believes in the resiliency and potential of the human spirit. As a nurse and psychotherapist, I have knowledge and skills in providing psychotherapy and working closely with adolescents, adults, and seniors from diverse cultures with complex mental and physical issues. As a therapist, I seek to create a safe, comfortable, accepting, professional, environment that promotes trust and openness to healing and self-discovery.
See more therapy options for 53217
Chronic Pain Therapists
How does chronic pain therapy work?
Engaging with a psychotherapist to help treat chronic pain does not mean that one’s pain is all in their head. Therapy for chronic-pain patients has been shown to benefit both the mind and the body, targeting physical symptoms and increasing daily functioning. In other words, for many, addressing their emotional health through therapy affects their physical health. A therapist can help a client challenge unhelpful thoughts about pain and develop new ways to respond to it, such as distraction or calming breathing techniques. Studies have found that therapy can be as effective as surgery for certain cases of chronic pain and many doctors recommend trying psychotherapy in advance of considering invasive surgery.
What are the most effective treatment options for chronic pain?
Stress, anxiety, depression, catastrophizing, ruminating, lack of activity, and social withdrawal all make chronic pain worse. Addressing these issues, research shows, can help people gain control over their pain symptoms. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, and mindfulness-based stress reduction, along with greater pain-management education, have been found to help people reduce fear and disability.
Are there new treatments for chronic pain?
Many cases of chronic pain, particularly those involving back pain, remain medically unexplained. But there is evidence that changes in the brain or nervous system are caused by previous physical ailments such as tissue damage; in such cases, the brain may continue to send out pain signals despite the physical cause having healed. To aid patients under these circumstances, a recently developed treatment known as pain reprocessing therapy (PRT) is designed to help the brain “unlearn” this response. A PRT practitioner helps individuals to reduce the “threat value” of their ongoing pain signals until they can reappraise them as less threatening and fear-inducing. They also help an individual to develop new emotional regulation skills.
How long does therapy for chronic pain take?
There is no set timeline for recovery from chronic pain, especially as there may be a range of physical and psychological causes for any individual’s discomfort, but most patients should expect to see a therapist for a number of weeks or months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions. Studies of pain reprocessing therapy found that many individuals’ experience of pain lessened in eight sessions over four weeks.