Austin Pain Associates Expands Its Behavioral Health Team With Two New Providers

AUSTIN, TX--(Marketwired - Oct 22, 2015) - Austin Pain Associates (APA), the leader in pain management in central Texas, is pleased to announce that it has expanded its Behavioral Health team with the addition of two new providers; Connie Doland and Miranda Jane. APA's Behavioral Health team helps patients cope with the thoughts, feelings and behaviors that accompany chronic pain, as well as the emotional reaction to living with a difficult condition. Behavioral Health services are available at each of APA's 10 office locations.

"Austin Pain Associates uses a multidisciplinary approach to treat pain which includes examining how the mind, body and lifestyle can influence pain. Behavioral Health treatment is often a key component in helping patients manage their pain," said Bruno G. Lepore, M.A., LPC-S, Director of Behavioral Health Services for APA. "The addition of Connie and Miranda to our growing team further expands the variety of specialized professionals our patients have access to as part of their treatment plans."

When working with a Behavioral Health specialist, APA patients will discuss their physical and emotional health as well as lifestyle in order to help their provider gain a better understanding of how these factors might impact their pain. From there APA providers will work with them to develop a treatment plan. Some plans might involve teaching relaxation techniques, mindfulness, changing old beliefs about pain, building new coping skills, and addressing any anxiety or depression. APA providers might also recommend alternative therapies like yoga, massage therapy or acupuncture as effective coping mechanisms. APA also offers a variety of classes and workshops to help patients further supplement their treatment.

Connie Doland, M.A., LPC, earned her masters degree in Human Services from St. Edward's University. Chronic illness, trauma and substance abuse have been the cornerstone of her practice since she began in 1998. Throughout her career she has worked in residential treatment centers for chemical dependency, the Salvation Army, Adult Rehabilitation Center, and Behavioral Health insurance case management, as well as maintaining a part-time private practice.

Miranda Jane, M.A., LPC, received her masters degree in Counseling from St. Edward's University. She completed her practicum at Austin Pain Associates, providing compassionate counseling to clients experiencing a wide range of pain-related struggles. Miranda is trained in Somatic Experiencing, a modality that works with the nervous system to support the body's natural ability to heal emotionally after traumatic events. She uses mindfulness meditation, yogic breathwork, and traditional Western counseling approaches to help her clients bring about changes in both perception and behavior.

"Most patients find they can better manage their pain and stress after just a few sessions with a Behavioral Health specialist. Those who are dealing with a long-term degenerative medical condition may benefit from a longer course of treatment," added Bruno Lepore. "Patients and their behavioral health specialist will determine how long their treatment will last. Ultimately it is our goal to help them develop the skills and learn the techniques necessary to cope with pain, stress and improve their quality of their life."

For more information on APA's Behavioral Health services and providers, please visit the following links:
http://austinpainmanagement.com/pain-and-treatment/behavioral-health/ 
http://austinpainmanagement.com/department/behavioral-health-providers/

About APA
Austin Pain Associates (APA), the leader in pain management in central Texas, uses a multidisciplinary approach to reduce pain and restore function by creating an individualized treatment plan that addresses the physical, functional, psychological and emotional aspects of pain. Treatment options include behavioral health, medication management, interventional procedures, alternative therapies, physical therapy and rehabilitation as well as infusion therapy. At APA, we combine our passion for medicine with great compassion for how we treat our patients. APA was founded in 2002 and has grown to 10 physicians across 10 locations making APA the largest pain group in central Texas. For more information about APA, please visit www.AustinPain.com or call (512)416-PAIN (7246). You can also follow APA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AustinPainManagement, or Twitter at twitter.com/AustinPainDocs.