Chronic Pain Management Therapist & Coach
Medical Social Worker Allison Ray Benavides, LCSW
You found me
because your body hurts.
I can help.
I know what to do to recover from mystery symptoms & chronic pain.
I am so glad you are here :)
“My doctor says I’ll be this way for the rest of my life & they also can’t help. Now what?”
Most of my clients come to me weary from being their own case manager. As if life isn’t hard enough, you have to figure your way out of pain, too. “How would I know what to do? They’re the doctor.”
Feeling helpless makes it worse. You probably have brain fog , are distracted and consumed by discomfort. Chronic symptoms change your focus, mood, relationships, stamina, and pretty much every life option.
It will try to steal your dreams. Living in pain is disabling, and with that brings a lot of grief. It brings all kinds of things. You’re probably fatigued, nauseated, itchy, frustrated, and irritable. Restless. You could very easily, and understandably, also be depressed, anxious, and panicked.
Maybe all these symptoms cluster in a way that makes an entire syndrome. My clients find me beaten down by Irritable Bowl Syndrome (IBS), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome (EDS), POTS, Fibromyalgia, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).
Maybe you have neck, shoulder, back, hip, knee, and/or ankle pains. Maybe you’re a guy with pain in your jaw and pelvis.
Neurodivergence is also often in the mix.
I could go on and on. From migraines to Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis to cancer, pediatric cannabis to end-of-life care, as a medical social worker I have supported someone who has suffered from just about everything. You don’t have to worry.
I know how to help you recover from Chronic Pain.
I also suffer.
A fellow traveler, I have studied with many wise women, teachers, mentors, and guides to deepen my understanding of how to be present with pain—emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually.
I love being a social worker specifically because our tradition evolved from kitchen table talks. I don’t subscribe to traditional therapy models that make me the authority figure in the room. I think that is obviously you.
I’m simply here to share what I’ve learned a long the way. It always feels good to pass along what I know to work, and then watch my client’s make it their own and find success.
Schedule a Discovery Call to explore your options!
∞ Therapy: If you live in CA or TX and meet medical necessity with a mental health diagnosis, I can see you via telehealth as a therapist. I am currently accepting Aetna insurance and private pay.
∞ Coaching: If you live outside of CA or TX, I can see you as an online coach. These are not considered to be medically necessary services and are privately paid.
∞ Healing Touch: If you live in the San Antonio, TX area, I am available for in-person Reiki/Pranic Healing sessions. These services are privately paid.
You can learn more about my services here or by scheduling our discovery call here.