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Maria Halasz, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Psychotherapist

Specializing in Chronic Pain, Trauma, and Emotional Resilience

Maria Halasz.JPG

Maria Halasz, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Psychotherapist

Hi, my name is Maria Halasz, LCSW. I’ve been working in the medical field for the past 20 years as a social worker, providing support to patients as they navigate the emotional and practical challenges of complex health conditions.

 

Currently, I work in a multidisciplinary pain clinic where I provide psychotherapy to individuals living with chronic pain. I use a compassionate, patient-centered approach that includes cognitive behavioral therapy and supportive counseling. My goal is to help patients feel heard, empowered, and better equipped to manage both their physical and emotional needs.

Clinical Care That Supports Your Pain Management Goals

As part of the care team at Timothy Groth, MD, PC, I focus on helping patients address the emotional and psychological barriers to recovery. Through values-based interventions and collaborative treatment planning, we support whole-person healing that complements medical care.

  • Assist patients in shifting from fear-based avoidance to values-driven action.

  • Reduce pain-related emotional reactivity and build tolerance for discomfort.

  • Help patients rebuild trust in their bodies after injury or trauma.

  • Provide a safe space to process traumatic medical experiences and identity loss.

  • Collaborate with medical providers to support integrated treatment plans that address both physical and psychological aspects of pain.

Symptoms Commonly Addressed

  • Chronic pain and its impact on mood, motivation, and relationships

  • The pain-anxiety-depression loop. 

  • Agoraphobia, including fear of leaving the home, engaging in activity, or driving after a car accident.

  • Hoarding and compulsive behaviors rooted in trauma, anxiety, or perceived loss of control.

  • OCD symptoms, intrusive thoughts, and hypervigilance.

  • Trauma-related somatic complaints, sleep disturbance, and physical exhaustion.

Therapeutic Modalities Utilized:

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​(ACT) Acceptance & Commitment Therapy

Helping patients live meaningfully with pain while reducing emotional suffering

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Psychodynamic Therapy

Exploring the emotional roots of physical symptoms and long-standing relational patterns

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Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Identifying protective parts that influence fear, withdrawal, or overcompensation

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Addressing distorted thinking around pain, fear of movement, and avoidance behaviors

Trauma-Informed Care

Supporting patients with unresolved trauma that may amplify pain perception

Psychoeducation

Explaining the mind-body connection, neuroplasticity, and the role of emotional processing in pain management

Supporting You Through the Emotional Side of Pain

  • Grief and loss related to health changes and loss of function

  • Chronic anxiety, panic, and fear of worsening pain or re-injury

  • Depression, hopelessness, and emotional shutdown

  • Shame, guilt, and self-blame

  • Isolation and identity confusion after life-altering diagnoses or trauma

Clinical Outcomes for Healing and Growth

  • Decreased emotional reactivity to pain and improved daily function

  • Reduced agoraphobia and avoidance of meaningful activities

  • Enhanced ability to emotionally regulate and self-soothe

  • Increased insight into how past experiences influence current physical and emotional symptoms

  • Improved overall quality of life and engagement in treatment

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