Living with chronic pain or chronic illness can be exhausting and isolating. The physical and emotional toll can upend daily life and leave you feeling disconnected from the person you used to be. At Dr. Dawn Johnson and Associates, we offer both a structured Chronic Pain Skills Group and a Chronic Pain and Chronic Illness Support Group to help you find support, connection and the skills you need to make a tangible difference in your experience of living with chronic health concerns.

• 8 Week Chronic Pain Skills Group

• Biweekly Chronic Pain and Chronic Illness Support Group

8 Week Chronic Pain Skills Group

This structured 8-week therapy group offers a supportive space to connect with others experiencing chronic pain, and to learn practical, evidence-based skills from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Chronic Pain.

Together, we’ll explore the chronic pain cycle, understand the factors that influence pain, and develop tools to improve daily functioning and overall quality of life. Group members will learn to:

• Set realistic goals aligned with your body’s needs

• Re-engage in enjoyable and meaningful activities

• Use pacing strategies to prevent flare-ups

• Practice relaxation and mindfulness techniques

• Communicate pain-related needs effectively

• Identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns that can intensify pain

This group takes place via telehealth, and is open to adults (18+) located in Washington DC or Virginia at the time of session.  We recommend completing the Chronic Pain Skills Group before joining the Chronic Pain and Illness Support Group, but it is not required. 

Chronic Pain and Chronic Illness Support Group

This ongoing therapy group offers a supportive space to connect with others experiencing chronic pain or chronic illness. Together, we’ll create a safe and compassionate space to discuss the unique challenges of living with chronic health concerns. Group members can speak openly, feel supported, and offer understanding to others around the shared experience of chronic pain and chronic illness. 

This group meets every other week, on Tuesdays at 6pm. One session per month is held via telehealth, and the second is held in person in our Farragut Square office.  The group is open to adults (18+) located in Washington DC or Virginia at the time of session.

Group Leader

Group leader Dr. Annalise Perricone trained in CBT for Chronic Pain at the DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center, where she provided individual therapy and led psychotherapy groups for clients experiencing chronic pain.  She is a licensed Psychology Associate in Washington, DC and licensed Psychology Resident in Virginia, under the clinical supervision of Dr. Dawn Johnson. Dr. Perricone also offers individual psychotherapy for clients navigating chronic health concerns, anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, career/academics stress or life transitions. 

Join others who understand what you are going through, and take the next step toward feeling more supported in coping with your pain.  Please contact hello@drdawnjohnson.com or visit our contact page for more information.