Navigating chronic pain and mental health group
The Strength within
A weekly virtual therapy group for individuals living with chronic pain
Wednesdays, 6 PM | Starting September 17, 2025
“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”
-Maya angelou
You Don’t Have to Carry It Alone.
Living with chronic pain can feel isolating – not just physically, but emotionally and socially. The Strength Within offers a supportive space to connect with others who understand what you’re going through. Together, we’ll work on building resilience, learning coping strategies, and fostering hope.
We’ll talk openly about the realities of living with chronic conditions:
- Chronic pain and emotional health
- Anxiety, depression, and pain flare-ups
- Navigating relationships with chronic illness
- Coping skills for daily life
- Grieving and adjusting to life changes
You are not your pain. This group is about reclaiming strength, community, and hope.
Group Details
When: Wednesdays, 6 PM – 7:15 PM (Virtual) | Starting 9/17/25
Dates: Ongoing in 8-week segments
Where: Online via Zoom (link shared after registration)
Who: Adults living with chronic pain
Led by: Heather Hamilton, LMHC & Amanda Sacks-Zimmerman, Ph.D., ABPP-CN
Cost: In-network with Aetna and Cigna. OON superbills available.
About the Facilitators
Heather Hamilton, LMHC and Dr. Amanda Sacks-Zimmerman, Ph.D., ABPP-CN bring warmth, expertise, and compassion to their work with individuals managing chronic pain and mental health challenges.
Heather Hamilton specializes in helping people move beyond trauma, addiction, and life transitions with an integrative mind-body approach. She understands firsthand the emotional toll of chronic struggles and is passionate about creating spaces where clients feel seen, supported, and empowered.
Dr. Amanda Sacks-Zimmerman is a Board-Certified Neuropsychologist and expert in cognitive and emotional resilience. She focuses on identifying each individual’s strengths while offering practical, evidence-based strategies for improving cognitive and emotional functioning – even in the face of serious health challenges.
Together, Heather and Amanda offer a deeply trauma-informed, strengths-based approach that honors both the emotional and physical complexities of chronic illness.
Their job is to build a space that feels safe, grounded, and real.
Your job? Just show up.
What Makes This Group Different
Strengths-Based Focus
We honor the resilience you’ve already built and help you expand it.
Real Skills for Real Life
From pacing to stress management, you’ll leave with strategies you can use every day.
Connection, Not Comparison
This is a supportive space where every experience is valid and valued.
Led by Experts in Both Pain and Psychology
You’ll be guided by clinicians who deeply understand the intersection of chronic illness and mental health.
Common questions about chronic pain groups
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What's the goal of this group?
To create a supportive space where individuals living with chronic pain can share experiences, build coping skills, and find community.
What kinds of skills will I learn?
Relaxation techniques, stress management, pacing activities, pain education, cognitive coping strategies, and communication tools.
Do I have to talk a lot?
Sharing is encouraged, but you can participate at your own pace. Many members start slow and open up naturally as trust builds.
Is this group therapy or a support group?
It’s a trauma-informed therapy group. While it offers support, it’s clinically structured with skill-building and guided facilitation.
Will I have to rehash painful experiences?
You are never forced to share more than you want. The focus is on moving forward, not reliving trauma.
How do I know if this is right for me?
If you live with chronic pain and want more support, tools, and connection, you’re in the right place. A short onboarding consultation will help confirm if this group is a good fit for you.
Ready to Join?
Spots are limited to 6-8 participants to ensure personal attention and community.