Chronic Pain & Somatic Distress: Where ART Fits

Written By Matthew Benavidez, LMFT

The pain–alarm loop (in simple terms)

Injury → alarm → tension → more pain signals. Over time, certain movements, places, or medical cues can reboot the loop even when tissue has healed.

Where ART may help

  • Target injury memories (the moment it happened)

  • Target medical cues (MRI room, brace, pharmacy)

  • Reduce distress + avoidance so you can follow your medical plan more comfortably
    (ART is not a medical treatment; it may complement care.)

Working as a team

We’ll align (if you wish) with your physician/PT. You set pacing; we focus on function: sleep, mood, meaningful movement, and daily roles.

Tracking progress you can feel

  • Activity minutes, step count, or range-of-motion goals

  • Flares managed without ER visits

  • More “I can do this” moments

Let's talk
Matthew Benavidez, LMFT

Matthew’s passion for therapy began early on in his life. Working through his own trauma at a young age, Matthew knows what the healing process looks like from all sides. Matthew’s own healing has varied from adjusting through divorced parents all the way to religious trauma. This has helped Matthew become more empathic towards his clients from all walks of life. Rest assured that you will be heard in a secure, shame-free environment.

https://benavidezlmft.com
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