in Washington DC and Northern Virginia

Chronic Pain Therapy 

Living with chronic pain can feel like a constant, invisible battle. It can make everyday tasks difficult, strain relationships, and leave you feeling disconnected from who you used to be. At Dr. Dawn Johnson & Associates, we understand that pain is not just physical — it affects every part of your life. You deserve care, understanding, and practical tools to help you manage pain and reclaim your life.

Therapy for Chronic Pain at Dr. Dawn Johnson & Associates

Our therapists provide specialized chronic pain therapy in downtown Washington, DC (Farragut Square) and via telehealth for clients in Northern Virginia.

We use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Chronic Pain, an evidence-based approach that helps you:

  • Reduce the intensity and impact of pain

  • Manage emotional distress and stress-related flare-ups

  • Improve your daily functioning and quality of life

Whether you’re a college student struggling to stay active, a professional balancing work and pain, or a parent trying to stay present and connected despite your challenges, therapy can help you move toward relief and resilience.

How Chronic Pain Therapy Can Help You

Our approach helps you address both the physical and emotional aspects of chronic pain. In therapy, you will learn to:

1. Break the Chronic Pain Cycle

Pain often creates a cycle of reduced activity, frustration, and emotional distress that can worsen symptoms. CBT helps you understand and interrupt this cycle so pain no longer controls your life.

2. Identify Physical and Emotional Triggers

Therapy helps you recognize how factors like stress, relationship conflict, or self-critical thoughts can trigger flare-ups — giving you tools to respond effectively.

3. Reconnect with What Brings You Meaning

Pain can shrink your world. We help you re-engage in meaningful activities and relationships at a pace that supports healing and purpose.

4. Change Unhelpful Thought Patterns

Thoughts like “I’ll never get better” can intensify pain. Therapy helps you notice and shift these patterns, improving your coping skills and calming the body’s stress response.

5. Strengthen Relationships and Communication

We teach you the skills to express your needs clearly and mindfully, reducing frustration, building stronger connections with loved ones, and advocating effectively for your healthcare needs.

What to Expect from CBT for Chronic Pain

CBT for Chronic Pain typically involves learning:

  • Practical skills to manage pain-related thoughts and emotions

  • Relaxation and pacing techniques

  • Strategies for balancing activity and rest

  • Mindfulness and stress management skills

Most clients start with 11 structured sessions, though many choose longer-term therapy to deepen their coping skills or address other areas of growth.

We provide individual and group therapy options, both in-person in Farragut Square and online across Washington, DC and Northern Virginia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you prescribe pain medication?
 No. We do not prescribe medication or offer medical treatment. Our focus is on psychotherapy, which research shows can enhance medical treatment by targeting emotional and behavioral factors that influence pain.

Does therapy mean the pain is “all in my head”?
 Absolutely not. Pain is real — and it’s affected by physical, emotional, and social stressors. Therapy helps you address those stressors and improve how you live with pain.

Will therapy cure my pain?
 While there’s no “magic wand,” many clients experience a meaningful reduction in pain intensity and a greater sense of control over their lives.

Why Choose Our DC Therapy Practice

  • Convenient Farragut Square location, steps from Metro and downtown offices

  • Telehealth available across DC and Northern Virginia

  • Specialized training in CBT for Chronic Pain

Warm, affirming environment for anyone struggling with chronic pain, including college students, young adults and established professionals, as well as clients of all sexual orientations, gender identities, ethnicities, cultures, family structures, and religions.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

If you’re struggling with chronic pain, you don’t have to face it alone.
Our compassionate therapists at Dr. Dawn Johnson & Associates are ready to help you reduce distress, strengthen coping skills, and rebuild your quality of life.

Here’s how to get started:

  1. Schedule a free 20-minute consultation to find the right therapist for you.

  2. Begin therapy in-person at our Farragut Square office or via telehealth.

  3. Start building a life less defined by pain — and more by purpose and connection.

  4. Participate in chronic pain group therapy.

Book Your Free Consultation → https://farragutpsychotherapy.sessionshealth.com/

Other Services Offered at Dr. Dawn Johnson & Associates in Washington D.C. & Virginia

At Dr. Dawn Johnson & Associates, we want to help you thrive. In addition to our infertility therapy service, we offer services for those struggling with depression, relationships, navigating parenthood, academic or work concerns, disordered eating, and more.

Washington DC