Therapy for Chronic Pain & Sexual Health

Living with chronic pain and sexual issues can be an intensely personal and distressing experience, often feeling like being trapped in an unrelenting battle with your own body. These persistent aches, discomfort, and difficulties can provoke overwhelming emotional and physical distress.

What many people don't realize is that there is often a strong connection between trauma and both chronic pain and sexual issues. Trauma, whether emotional or physical, can disrupt the body's stress response system, leading to muscle tension, inflammation, heightened pain sensitivity, and even sexual dysfunction. This ongoing activation of the stress response system can perpetuate these issues. However, there is hope. Effective treatments, such as physical therapy, pain management techniques, mindfulness, and trauma-focused therapies like EMDR, can provide relief and help individuals regain control over their bodies, emotions, and intimate relationships.

Live Freely From Pain and Manage Health Issues Through Integrative Therapy

Overcome chronic pain and sexual health issues by addressing underlying anxiety and trauma through CBT, hypnotherapy and EMDR.

Laura Faiwiszewski, Psy.D
Clinical Psychologist
Expertises
Chronic, neurogenic & psychogenic pain
Approach
EMDR, Hypnotherapy & CBT
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Irada Yunusova, Psy.D
Clinical Psychologist
Expertises
Chronic pain & related issues
Approach
ACT, mindfulness, & EMDR
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Leora Citrin, Psy.D
Clinical Psychologist
Expertises
Chronic pain, erectile & sexual issues
Approach
EMDR, CBT & Mindfulness
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How We Work with Chronic Pain & Other Issues

Our therapists are Clinical Psychologists who specialize in effectively treating chronic pain and sexual or intimacy issues, particularly when they are intertwined with trauma. They employ a comprehensive approach that combines various evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and notably, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for cases where pain and intimacy challenges are linked to traumatic experiences. Their expertise extends to addressing the multifaceted nature of these issues, from the physical discomfort to the deep-seated psychological impacts of living with chronic pain or struggling with intimacy, achieving highly successful outcomes.

The objective of therapy transcends mere pain and symptom management; it is about guiding clients to develop robust coping strategies and enhance their overall quality of life, including their sexual and intimate relationships. A distinguishing aspect of their approach is the profound understanding of how psychological factors, particularly trauma, contribute to both chronic pain and sexual dysfunction. With doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology and specialized training in integrating EMDR for trauma-related pain and intimacy issues, they adeptly use this technique to process and alleviate the underlying traumas that often exacerbate both physical discomfort and relational difficulties. By skillfully combining EMDR with CBT, ACT, and MBSR, they enable individuals to navigate and manage their lives more effectively, fostering lasting emotional and physical relief, while restoring intimacy and connection in their relationships.

"Chronic pain is more than a physical struggle; it's a relentless test of resilience and courage. Each day, those who endure it embody an extraordinary spirit, facing not just physical discomfort, but also the deep emotional and psychological challenges it brings."

Our Specialists in Integrative Therapy for Chronic Pain & Sexual Health

Dr. Laura Faiwiszewski

Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Faiwiszewski, distinguished for her prestigious position at the Northport VA Medical Center in New York, brings a wealth of experience and expertise in treating chronic, neurogenic, and psychogenic pain. Her distinguished career includes extensive rotations in neuropsychological evaluation, community mental health, substance abuse treatment, and notably, in Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMH-I). Her work in health promotion and disease prevention (HPDP), along with her significant experience in treating acute and chronic PTSD, positions her uniquely in the field of pain management.

In her approach, Dr. Faiwiszewski combines Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Hypnotherapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Her application of EMDR is especially effective in addressing pain related to trauma, while hypnotherapy aids in altering the subconscious perceptions of pain. The use of CBT helps patients in reshaping negative thought patterns and developing effective coping strategies. Dr. Faiwiszewski's comprehensive treatment extends beyond chronic pain management to include insomnia, weight management, overall wellness, and general mental health. Her multifaceted and integrative approach, honed through her diverse experiences at the Northport VA Medical Center, offers a deeply empathetic, patient-centered pathway to managing pain and enhancing the quality of life for her patients.

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Dr. Irada Yunusova

Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Yunusova's approach to treating chronic pain, including back pain and pelvic pain, is deeply informed by her rich experience, particularly during her past tenure as a Psychologist at Montefiore Medical Center's Adult Outpatient Psychiatry Department (AOPD), as well as at Montefiore Medical Center, where she provided strengths-based, trauma-informed, integrative care. She integrates a variety of evidence-based therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). This multifaceted approach acknowledges the complex interplay of physical, emotional, and psychological factors in chronic pain.

Dr. Yunusova's holistic treatment methodology, characterized by deep empathy and a profound understanding of trauma's impact on pain, was always tailored to the unique needs of each patient. Her commitment to combining various evidence-based therapies ensured comprehensive care, guiding patients towards not only effective pain management but also improved mental health and overall well-being.


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Dr. Leora Citrin

Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Leora Citrin's approach to treating chronic pain and sexual issues, including erectile dysfunction and pelvic pain, is shaped by her extensive expertise and compassionate care. As a Clinical Psychologist, she integrates a variety of evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Her multifaceted approach recognizes the intricate relationship between physical discomfort, sexual difficulties, and the emotional and psychological impacts of trauma.

Dr. Citrin’s comprehensive and trauma-informed methodology is tailored to the unique needs of each patient, with a focus on relieving the effects of trauma that contribute to chronic pain and intimacy issues. Her commitment to using a combination of EMDR, CBT, and mindfulness ensures that her clients receive well-rounded care, not only for effective pain and symptom management but also for enhancing emotional well-being and restoring intimacy.


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How EMDR Heals Chronic Pain and Sexual Issues

Chronic pain and sexual issues often intertwine with distressing life events, much like trauma, and can manifest as persistent physical discomfort or intimacy difficulties. This discomfort frequently connects to negative neural networks, involving related emotions, thoughts, and body sensations. The intricate link between chronic pain, sexual issues, and distressing experiences underscores the potential of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in treatment. EMDR therapy, through its unique process of bilateral stimulation (usually eye movements), targets not only the distressing aspects of chronic pain but also the underlying emotional and psychological triggers of sexual dysfunction. This includes past traumatic experiences, present triggers, and even anticipated future scenarios that might worsen both pain and intimacy issues. By engaging the brain's information processing systems, EMDR helps to reprocess these painful memories and emotional blockages, aiming to reduce their impact and, in turn, alleviate chronic pain and restore a healthy sexual function. Through this reprocessing, EMDR offers individuals a pathway to relief, improved intimacy, and enhanced quality of life.

FAQ About Therapy for Chronic Pain & Sexual Health

Can therapy actually reduce physical pain, or does it just help with coping?

While therapy primarily focuses on coping mechanisms and psychological aspects, many patients report a reduction in physical pain symptoms as well. This reduction can be due to the improvement in emotional well-being, stress reduction, and enhanced coping strategies that indirectly influence pain perception.

What is the role of EMDR in treating chronic pain?

EMDR is used particularly when chronic pain is related to past trauma or distressing life events. It involves processing these traumatic memories to reduce their emotional impact, which can in turn reduce the perception and intensity of pain.

What types of therapies are available for chronic pain?

Common therapies for chronic pain include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based stress reduction, physical therapy, and in some cases, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). These therapies focus on managing pain, improving quality of life, and addressing any underlying psychological factors.

What can I expect in my first therapy session for chronic pain?

The first session typically involves an assessment of your pain history, its impact on your life, and any related psychological factors. The therapist will discuss treatment options and set goals for therapy.

Ready To Reduce Chronic Pain and Live Freely?

Begin a journey where self-compassion and relief from chronic pain intersect. Allow us to guide you toward a more peaceful state of being, fostering a harmonious relationship between your mind and body.