Patient Care
Read Lindsay's story of her experience in working with Dr. Darnall.
Dr. Darnall treats clients individually and in group format. By partnering with you as your pain psychologist, she will help you:
- understand the mind-body connection and how to use it to your advantage;
- understand how pain and stress are connected;
- learn tools to lessen your emotional and physical distress;
- gain control over your pain;
- need less pain medication.
- learn what life changes will lessen your pain and support you in the process of making those changes;
- learn why focusing only on pain medication for pain relief can lead to worse pain and other problems;
- learn how to handle the relationship challenges that come with chronic pain;
- improve your sleep;
- improve your quality of life.
Indeed, her treatment package helps people need less pain medication. In other words, Dr. Darnall helps people learn how to take control over their pain without all the drugs.
New Pain Management Skills Classes Forming Each Month!
In addition to individual care, Dr. Darnall also teaches pain management skills classes in group format. This education and skills-based class meets weekly for 4 weeks; new classes begin each month at OHSU. The class provides the education and tools to help you gain control over your pain. The class is appropriate for people with chronic pain of all types. For scheduling information visit Dr. Darnall's page on the OHSU website or call 503.494.7246.
Pain in women is unique!
Research shows that women have more pain than men, and it tends to be more severe. There are many reasons why women have more pain. The reasons are varied and include physical, psychosocial, and behavioral factors. Dr. Darnall works with women to address the specific factors in their lives that influence their pain. Her clinical experience has shown her that pain treatment for women can be improved. She is now focusing on developing gender-specific pain psychology treatment for women.
Dr. Darnall treats people with chronic pain individually, and she also teaches a pain management skills class in group format. This skills-based class meets weekly for 4 weeks; new classes begin each month at OHSU.
Dr. Darnall is a licensed clinical psychologist in Oregon and is a member of the National Register for clinical psychologists.