Imagine feeling helpless, stressed and miserable with no relief in sight. Chronic pain takes a physical, mental and emotional toll on those who suffer from it. NBC Washington shares the story of one Virginia woman’s journey to relief with the help of Rockville, MD therapist Olga Bloch, LCMFT.

Sonia Lampkin, 28, spent two years suffering from excruciating chronic migraines that left her feeling hopeless. Bloch helped her look at her chronic pain differently. Therapy won’t necessarily cure migraines, but it helps patients identify and avoid patterns and triggers that often precede the painful headaches. Bloch suggests breathing, visualizing calming scenarios and smelling tranquil scents are effective coping mechanisms.

Since Lampkin started therapy, she’s been able to control the pain and frequency of her migraines and only experiences the headaches every few weeks. “The therapy specifically has been one of the largest aspects that has helped me because it’s really changed my perspective on almost everything.”

Fortunately the same therapy strategy Bloch used with Lampkin chronic migraines can help relieve other kinds of chronic pain.

October 18, 2018 | Categories: Chronic Pain, In The News, NBC4, Pain Management, Therapy,

Olga Bloch wasn’t surprised when she read Janay Rice’s Instagram statement about the now-viral Ray Rice elevator video. Bloch, a Rockville marriage and family therapist, believes the comments by the wife of the former Baltimore Ravens running back proves she’s a victim of domestic abuse. Speaking on NBC 4 Washington, Bloch thinks Rice is desperately trying to protect her husband by blaming the media and the public for the couple’s problems. While it’s difficult for others to understand why Janay Rice would protect her husband after such an attack, Bloch believes the violence is a way the two think they express love.

October 16, 2018 | Categories: Domestic Abuse, Domestic Violence, In The News, Marriage Therapy, NBC4,