At Northwest Spine & Pain Medicine, we recognize that pain is a multifaceted experience, encompassing biological, psychological, and emotional dimensions. Our Psychology Department is dedicated to providing top-tier, evidence-based psychological interventions aimed at enhancing mobility, functionality, and overall quality of life for individuals dealing with chronic pain.
Pain Psychology
We employ a comprehensive, trauma-informed approach that includes:
Somatic Experiencing: Addressing bodily sensations to release trauma and stress.
Compassionate Care: Fostering self-compassion and utilizing Compassion-Focused Therapy techniques.
Mindfulness Practices: Cultivating present-moment awareness to manage pain.
Internal Family Systems: Exploring different aspects of the self to heal internal conflicts.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Encouraging acceptance of pain while committing to valued actions.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Processing traumatic memories that may contribute to pain.
Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE): Educating patients on the neurobiology and neurophysiology of pain to shift unhelpful beliefs and improve outcomes.
Our Interventions
Our team offers both individualized treatment plans and group sessions to cater to diverse patient needs.
Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE)
Our specialized five-lesson PNE curriculum delves into how thoughts, beliefs, emotions, and behaviors impact chronic pain. Traditional biomedical education often falls short, sometimes leading to increased fear and disabilit
In contrast, patients who engage in PNE prior to interventions like surgery or physical therapy tend to experience better outcomes. We firmly believe that when patients comprehend the underlying mechanisms of their pain, they are better equipped to manage it effectively.
Meet Our Pain Specialists
Patricia Fernandez, PsyD
Chief of Psychology Department
Dr. Fernandez completed her doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Loma Linda University and a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Southern California. She specializes in attachment-based psychodynamic therapy and has extensive experience integrating cultural needs into clinical practice.
Pamela Clark, PsyD
Clinic Psychologist
Dr. Clark earned her doctorate from Alliant International University and completed postdoctoral training at St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute. With over 12 years of experience, she focuses on helping individuals adapt and thrive despite chronic illness and medical limitations.
Alyna Ohanian, PhD
Clinic Psychologist
Dr. Ohanian received her doctoral degree from The University of South Alabama and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Southern Methodist University’s Student Health Center. She emphasizes an open, collaborative approach to therapy, viewing patients as experts in their own lives.
Psychology Forms
Please complete the following online forms prior to your initial evaluation.
Online forms allow us to collect important information from you in a timely manner while also being better for the environment and helping to reduce the risk of potential illness transmission.
Each form takes approximately three minutes. The entire process should take no more than twenty minutes.
Begin Your Pain Psychology Journey Today
At Northwest Spine & Pain Medicine, we help you find answers and solutions to restore function and improve quality of life.