Inspiring Conversations with Olivia Gibson of Soar Counseling Services

Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Gibson

Hi Olivia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
For many years, I struggled with chronic pain myself, so I know firsthand how it can take over your life. Even mild pain can be enough to pull you out of the joy of daily activities, but when it intensifies, it can feel impossible to think about anything else. Everything starts to revolve around finding a way to escape it. Depression settles in because of everything you can no longer do, and anxiety spikes as you anxiously watch your movements, fearing anything that might make it worse. I truly understand that feeling of hopelessness—I was there.

In a way, my first chronic pain patient was myself. Like many, I tried everything: surgeries, injections, physical therapy, MRI scans, acupuncture, massages, medications…you name it. Nothing brought lasting relief. Finally, I discovered Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), and it changed my life in a way nothing else could. PRT offered me a healing path by addressing the brain’s role in pain, which allowed me to find real relief. It was the missing piece I hadn’t known I was looking for.

PRT is a neuroscience-backed approach that focuses on the idea that chronic pain is often generated by misfiring pain circuits in the brain rather than structural damage in the body. Pain acts as a danger signal, like when you put your hand on a hot stove. But in cases of chronic pain, the brain can mistakenly send out this alarm even when there’s no actual danger, leading to what we call “neuroplastic pain.” This kind of pain is real and can be intense, but it results from the brain’s learned neural pathways rather than physical harm.

Just as these pain pathways are learned, they can be unlearned, and PRT is designed to help the brain make that change. After experiencing the power of this therapy myself, I felt a deep calling to help others find the same freedom from pain. As a licensed clinical social work/therapist, I’m honored to share what I’ve learned and support others on their journeys to reclaim their lives and experience relief. My counseling practice, Soar Counseling Services, is dedicated to helping clients overcome chronic pain and emotional challenges. With a specialized focus on this work, I’m committed to empowering clients to reclaim their lives and achieve lasting relief.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road by any means, but it’s been transformative. After trying countless treatments—surgery, injections, physical therapy, medications—without finding lasting relief, I finally discovered a path that worked for me. My change process has been more of an upward spiral than a straight line, but each setback ultimately moved me closer to being pain-free.

My journey through pain not only brought physical healing, but also opened me up to emotional healing that I didn’t realize I needed. Facing chronic pain forced me to dig deeper and address underlying emotional layers that were just as important to my well-being. Now, I’m grateful for the journey because it’s led me to a place of true health, both physically and mentally

As you know, we’re big fans of Soar Counseling Services. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Soar Counseling Services specializes not only in addressing mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and trauma, but also in supporting clients dealing with chronic pain. I’m deeply committed to guiding those who feel trapped in cycles of pain, helping them find relief and reclaim their lives.

Chronic pain can have a profound impact on daily life, and I approach it from a neuroscience perspective, focusing on how the brain and body interact. Through Pain Reprocessing Therapy, we work together to “rewire” the brain, helping it unlearn the pain patterns that it may have held onto for years.

This neuroscience-based approach sets Soar Counseling apart, offering a path beyond symptom management to real healing. For clients dealing with both mental and physical challenges, I provide a comprehensive, mind-body path toward resilience and well-being.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
One of my favorite childhood memories is from the time my sister and I spent playing tennis together. We were both avid players, and those years of practicing and competing side by side are something I will always cherish. The bond we formed on the court, the shared challenges, and the thrill of competition were so special. Those moments played a big role in shaping our journey, eventually leading us both to play Division 1 tennis, which is a memory I will always treasure.

Pricing:

• Free 20 min Phone Consultation- 615-219-9932

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.soarcounselingservices.com/chronic-pain-relief/
• Instagram: @soarcounselingservices
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoarCounselingServices/
• Other: Email: [email protected]