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Today and next week, we will take a deep dive into how we understand and think about chronic pain. And to do that, we have a special guest.
Dr. Heather Martarella is an expert on helping clients reclaim their lives and find relief from chronic pain and insomnia/sleep issues. She also provides treatment for those coping with chronic illness, most recently including Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome. Dr. Martarella became passionate about specializing in treating chronic pain after experiencing her own physical injury in 2012, which left her with chronic pain for years and significantly changed her lifestyle. Years after her injury, she was able to begin recovering and now manages the occasional pain flare-up well and enjoys a good quality of life, and is committed to helping others find relief, too. These clients’ physical situations often manifest into anxiety, depression, insomnia, relationship conflicts, fatigue, irritability, or overwhelm. Life as you knew it may have stopped, but there is hope, and Dr. Martarella can help you find it again.
Dr. Martarella uses many evidence-based therapy modalities and will develop the best combination for each client based on their needs and goals. She provides Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) for those suffering from sleep difficulties to help clients improve their sleep. For those with a trauma history, whether from childhood, medical, or other traumas, she may provide EMDR or Trauma-Informed CBT, to help clients heal from trauma. Dr. Martarella encourages clients to pay attention to their body's responses and incorporates biofeedback treatment when appropriate. Dr. Martarella also emphasizes self-compassion for clients who are often hard on themselves.
Dr. Martarella earned a Master's and then a Doctoral degree (PsyD in 2005); she has been providing psychological treatment since 2000. She recognizes the unique toll that physical pain or chronic illness causes and
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When I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD.
Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.*
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