Managing Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is not just a physical experience—it is deeply connected to the nervous system and how the brain processes threat, stress, and past experiences. When pain persists over time, the brain can become more sensitive, amplifying sensations, thoughts, and emotional responses. This can leave you feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and disconnected from your body.

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At Ames Therapy, I offer a trauma-informed approach to chronic pain using EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and somatic therapy. These approaches work beyond traditional talk therapy by helping the brain and body process what feels “stuck” and reduce the intensity of pain responses.

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EMDR supports the brain in reprocessing distressing experiences—whether related to injury, medical procedures, or ongoing stress—so they no longer trigger the same level of activation. Somatic therapy focuses on the body, helping you gently regulate your nervous system, release stored tension, and build a sense of safety within yourself.

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Together, these approaches help to:

• Reduce the intensity and reactivity of pain

• Calm an overactivated nervous system

• Shift the brain out of constant “alert mode”

• Improve emotional regulation and resilience

• Reconnect you with your body in a safer, more supportive way​

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This work is not about dismissing pain—it’s about understanding how pain is processed and helping your system respond differently over time.

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Whether your pain is connected to injury, illness, or long-term stress, therapy can support you in creating meaningful change—both physically and emotionally.