Photo of Strength Counselling Services, Counsellor in Vancouver, BC
Strength Counselling Services
Counsellor, MEd , RCC, CCC, RSW, RP
Verified Verified
Vancouver, BC V6B  (Online Only)
We have combined our extensive professional experience with lessons learned from our own personal healing so we are capable of recognizing the depth of pain our clients experience.
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
We have combined our extensive professional experience with lessons learned from our own personal healing so we are capable of recognizing the depth of pain our clients experience.
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
(778) 864-5992 View (778) 864-5992
Photo of Jeffery Norell, Drug & Alcohol Counsellor in Vancouver, BC
Jeffery Norell
Drug & Alcohol Counsellor, CCAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V6B
Don't let this illness take any more of your life.
With over 15 years experience successfully applying evidence-based addiction counselling techniques, Jeffery has the knowledge and skills to help you recover from addiction. He brings a vibrant and dynamic personality to his work. Jeffery has an innate ability to build strong rapport and trust with his clients. The services he offers are made to complement your individual needs and create a precise path to your treatment goals. Utilizing evidence-based treatment models he will help you to understand the root causes for the substance use and begin the healing process that will lead to stability and wellness.
Don't let this illness take any more of your life.
With over 15 years experience successfully applying evidence-based addiction counselling techniques, Jeffery has the knowledge and skills to help you recover from addiction. He brings a vibrant and dynamic personality to his work. Jeffery has an innate ability to build strong rapport and trust with his clients. The services he offers are made to complement your individual needs and create a precise path to your treatment goals. Utilizing evidence-based treatment models he will help you to understand the root causes for the substance use and begin the healing process that will lead to stability and wellness.
(604) 670-4610 View (604) 670-4610
Photo of Clinical-Supervision Resource Centre, Registered Psychotherapist in Vancouver, BC
Clinical-Supervision Resource Centre
Registered Psychotherapist, EdD, MA, RP
Verified Verified
Vancouver, BC V5N
As a new clinician, you may be feeling overwhelmed and frustrated with finding qualified Canadian Clinical Supervisors who can not only help you obtain your supervision hours but also provide meaningful support towards your professional growth within a Canadian context. The problem is, too many new clinicians like you are reaching dead ends and road blocks towards locating and accessing a Supervisor…this is a devastating and pain-staking experience! This is a fundamental and necessary component to your professional development, and you don’t have time to waste. So it is vital you make the right match with a clinical supervisor
As a new clinician, you may be feeling overwhelmed and frustrated with finding qualified Canadian Clinical Supervisors who can not only help you obtain your supervision hours but also provide meaningful support towards your professional growth within a Canadian context. The problem is, too many new clinicians like you are reaching dead ends and road blocks towards locating and accessing a Supervisor…this is a devastating and pain-staking experience! This is a fundamental and necessary component to your professional development, and you don’t have time to waste. So it is vital you make the right match with a clinical supervisor
(437) 747-6290 View (437) 747-6290
Photo of Veronika Paukkunen, Counsellor in Vancouver, BC
Veronika Paukkunen
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
Vancouver, BC V6K
I work with children, youth, adults, couples and families including people from all backgrounds experiencing different challenges. I have worked with individuals struggling with relationships, intimate relationships, communication, grief, loss, addictions, substance misuse, trauma, sexual identity, coping with diagnoses, academic struggles, career challenges, body dissatisfaction, low-confidence, low-self esteem, depression, anxiety, OCD, personality disorders and bipolar. I guide my clients through the change they want to accomplish thus helping them cope better in the face of future challenges.
I work with children, youth, adults, couples and families including people from all backgrounds experiencing different challenges. I have worked with individuals struggling with relationships, intimate relationships, communication, grief, loss, addictions, substance misuse, trauma, sexual identity, coping with diagnoses, academic struggles, career challenges, body dissatisfaction, low-confidence, low-self esteem, depression, anxiety, OCD, personality disorders and bipolar. I guide my clients through the change they want to accomplish thus helping them cope better in the face of future challenges.
(778) 771-3860 View (778) 771-3860
Photo of Mabelle Moon, Counsellor in Vancouver, BC
Mabelle Moon
Counsellor, PhD(c), MA, RCC
Verified Verified
Vancouver, BC V6S  (Online Only)
Are you stressed? Stress from daily hassles, life events, acute stress, chronic stress or traumatic stress is associated with worse mental and physical health. I can help you manage your stress and regulate your emotions with an evidence-based approach, so you can heal and be empowered with confidence, resilience and purpose.
Are you stressed? Stress from daily hassles, life events, acute stress, chronic stress or traumatic stress is associated with worse mental and physical health. I can help you manage your stress and regulate your emotions with an evidence-based approach, so you can heal and be empowered with confidence, resilience and purpose.
(587) 907-5096 View (587) 907-5096
Photo of Anthony De Lemos Kawka, Counsellor in Vancouver, BC
Anthony De Lemos Kawka
Counsellor, MM, RP, RCS
Verified Verified
Vancouver, BC V6Z
I am a Registered Psychotherapist and Registered Counselling Supervisor. My practice is guided by extensive experience working with people coming from various socioeconomic backgrounds as well as many years of serving the most vulnerable communities in Vancouver’s DTES. While my approach is integrative of modern theories and techniques, it heavily relies on Psychodynamic theories and practice. Psychodynamic Psychotherapy is a highly individualized treatment whose goal is not only to alleviate the most obvious symptom. It relies on the fact that our personalities are uniquely shaped by several developmental stages.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist and Registered Counselling Supervisor. My practice is guided by extensive experience working with people coming from various socioeconomic backgrounds as well as many years of serving the most vulnerable communities in Vancouver’s DTES. While my approach is integrative of modern theories and techniques, it heavily relies on Psychodynamic theories and practice. Psychodynamic Psychotherapy is a highly individualized treatment whose goal is not only to alleviate the most obvious symptom. It relies on the fact that our personalities are uniquely shaped by several developmental stages.
(226) 457-3416 View (226) 457-3416
Photo of Ihab Darwiche, Counsellor in Vancouver, BC
Ihab Darwiche
Counsellor, MA, CCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V5K  (Online Only)
As my mentors have helped me in my life, and as they have guided me through difficult points of self-growth and reflection, I have come to learn the value of being there for others to progress through our own difficult times. We need each other. I do believe it is far less problematic to overcome challenges with guidance and direction. Even more so when that guidance is refined through education, experience, and a standardized expectation of practice. I am capable of direct billing for ICBC and CVAP and can be accepted through other insurance agencies (i.e. Sunlife, BlueCross)
As my mentors have helped me in my life, and as they have guided me through difficult points of self-growth and reflection, I have come to learn the value of being there for others to progress through our own difficult times. We need each other. I do believe it is far less problematic to overcome challenges with guidance and direction. Even more so when that guidance is refined through education, experience, and a standardized expectation of practice. I am capable of direct billing for ICBC and CVAP and can be accepted through other insurance agencies (i.e. Sunlife, BlueCross)
(902) 901-5336 View (902) 901-5336
Photo of Leena, Registered Social Worker in Vancouver, BC
Leena
Registered Social Worker, BSc, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V6Z  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Sarah Ahmed completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Masters of Social Work degree from University of Toronto, specializing in Mental Health and Addictions. Sarah has worked with a diverse clientele within a multitude of clinical inpatient and outpatient settings. Sarah provides individual and group counselling to individuals suffering from mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorder, coupled with co-occurring substance use issues. Additionally, Sarah also provides support for loved ones on how to sustain healthy relationships and manage life stressors.
Sarah Ahmed completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Masters of Social Work degree from University of Toronto, specializing in Mental Health and Addictions. Sarah has worked with a diverse clientele within a multitude of clinical inpatient and outpatient settings. Sarah provides individual and group counselling to individuals suffering from mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorder, coupled with co-occurring substance use issues. Additionally, Sarah also provides support for loved ones on how to sustain healthy relationships and manage life stressors.
(647) 490-8723 View (647) 490-8723
Photo of Juliette Anglehart Zedda, Counsellor in Vancouver, BC
Juliette Anglehart Anglehart Zedda
Counsellor, CCC, MC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V6B
I WELCOME ALL OF YOU who are ready to make deep and lasting changes in your life to find fulfillment, meaning, new skills and appreciation. I believe that each one of us is on a journey of recovery, healing, repairing, growing and learning how to manifest authentically and creatively. I also believe that the individual personal work we do directly impacts those in our life and our society at large. I know that we need to be connected to our families, neighbours, communities to find health. Similarly, we need to honour our land, our resources and all sentient beings. I look forward to meeting you in person or at a distance.
I WELCOME ALL OF YOU who are ready to make deep and lasting changes in your life to find fulfillment, meaning, new skills and appreciation. I believe that each one of us is on a journey of recovery, healing, repairing, growing and learning how to manifest authentically and creatively. I also believe that the individual personal work we do directly impacts those in our life and our society at large. I know that we need to be connected to our families, neighbours, communities to find health. Similarly, we need to honour our land, our resources and all sentient beings. I look forward to meeting you in person or at a distance.
(867) 335-6216 View (867) 335-6216
Photo of Marie Martin, Counsellor in Vancouver, BC
Marie Martin
Counsellor, BMsc, RPC, NLP
Verified Verified
Vancouver, BC V5K
Counselling, Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Conversational Intelligence & other modalities. Therapy for trauma, abuse, addictive behaviours, PTSD. Excellence Communication Skills Counselling to be the best version and have the best version of your relationships, personal, business & family. Marie Martin is the author of modality and book Metatron's Code available on Amazon. (Additional certificates: Master NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) Practitioner & Certified Communications Specialist Certified Hypnosis Practitioner & Quantum, BrainSpotting, Conversational Intelligence Neuroscience)
Counselling, Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Conversational Intelligence & other modalities. Therapy for trauma, abuse, addictive behaviours, PTSD. Excellence Communication Skills Counselling to be the best version and have the best version of your relationships, personal, business & family. Marie Martin is the author of modality and book Metatron's Code available on Amazon. (Additional certificates: Master NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) Practitioner & Certified Communications Specialist Certified Hypnosis Practitioner & Quantum, BrainSpotting, Conversational Intelligence Neuroscience)
View

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Strength Counselling Services, Counsellor in Vancouver, BC
Strength Counselling Services
Counsellor, MEd, RCC, CCC, RSW, RP
Verified Verified
West Vancouver, BC V7P  (Online Only)
We have combined our extensive professional experience with lessons learned from our own personal healing so we are capable of recognizing the depth of pain our clients experience.
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
We have combined our extensive professional experience with lessons learned from our own personal healing so we are capable of recognizing the depth of pain our clients experience.
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
(867) 670-9708 View (867) 670-9708
Photo of Strength Counselling Services, Counsellor in Vancouver, BC
Strength Counselling Services
Counsellor, MEd, RCC, CCC, RSW, RP
Verified Verified
North Vancouver, BC V7J  (Online Only)
We have combined our extensive professional experience with lessons learned from our own personal healing so we are capable of recognizing the depth of pain our clients experience.
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
We have combined our extensive professional experience with lessons learned from our own personal healing so we are capable of recognizing the depth of pain our clients experience.
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
(778) 764-1132 View (778) 764-1132

Online Therapists

Photo of Strength Counselling Services, Counsellor in Vancouver, BC
Strength Counselling Services
Counsellor, MEd, RCC, CCC, RSW, RP
Verified Verified
Nanaimo, BC V9R  (Online Only)
We have combined our extensive professional experience with lessons learned from our own personal healing so we are capable of recognizing the depth of pain our clients experience.
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
We have combined our extensive professional experience with lessons learned from our own personal healing so we are capable of recognizing the depth of pain our clients experience.
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
(548) 490-1498 View (548) 490-1498
Photo of Ana-Maria Comia, Art Therapist in Vancouver, BC
Ana-Maria Comia
Art Therapist, RTC, DVATI
Verified Verified
Langley, BC V3A
Whether you are re-taking control of your life and starting over or you are looking to set time aside for your mental wellbeing, Art Therapy can help. Art Therapy is widely used as an auxiliary treatment for depression, illness and chronic pain, addiction and trauma. Children and Youth particularly respond well to Art Therapy as it offers a less confrontational approach to counselling . I have experience working with children and youth with various challenges stemming from parental separation, anxiety disorders, grief and loss and especially difficulties with social inclusion and feeling outcasted.
Whether you are re-taking control of your life and starting over or you are looking to set time aside for your mental wellbeing, Art Therapy can help. Art Therapy is widely used as an auxiliary treatment for depression, illness and chronic pain, addiction and trauma. Children and Youth particularly respond well to Art Therapy as it offers a less confrontational approach to counselling . I have experience working with children and youth with various challenges stemming from parental separation, anxiety disorders, grief and loss and especially difficulties with social inclusion and feeling outcasted.
(604) 532-5340 View (604) 532-5340
Photo of Ally Counselling , Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Vancouver, BC
Ally Counselling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, BSW, MSW , RSW
Verified Verified
Langley, BC V2Y
As Gabor Mate said "Healing is the capacity to hold pain".
Everyone experiences situations in their lives when things do not work out as planned or desired. You may be having a difficult time in moving forward without the time, tools and support to do so in a positive way. Our emotional health is equally, if not more, important than our physical and mental health. When we are faced with trauma, our emotional health takes a toll and affects our ability to manage and demonstrate the emotions that arise from what we have experienced. When individuals and family members address and work on issues, which have been buried for years, they are able to achieve a sense of peace, balance and comfort.
As Gabor Mate said "Healing is the capacity to hold pain".
Everyone experiences situations in their lives when things do not work out as planned or desired. You may be having a difficult time in moving forward without the time, tools and support to do so in a positive way. Our emotional health is equally, if not more, important than our physical and mental health. When we are faced with trauma, our emotional health takes a toll and affects our ability to manage and demonstrate the emotions that arise from what we have experienced. When individuals and family members address and work on issues, which have been buried for years, they are able to achieve a sense of peace, balance and comfort.
(604) 670-5426 View (604) 670-5426
Photo of Strength Counselling Services, Counsellor in Vancouver, BC
Strength Counselling Services
Counsellor, MEd, RCC, CCC, RSW, RP
Verified Verified
Mission, BC V2V  (Online Only)
We have combined our extensive professional experience with lessons learned from our own personal healing so we are capable of recognizing the depth of pain our clients experience.
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
We have combined our extensive professional experience with lessons learned from our own personal healing so we are capable of recognizing the depth of pain our clients experience.
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
(782) 492-0201 View (782) 492-0201
Photo of Strength Counselling Services, Counsellor in Vancouver, BC
Strength Counselling Services
Counsellor, MEd, RCC, CCC, RSW, RP
Verified Verified
Delta, BC V4K  (Online Only)
We have combined our extensive professional experience with lessons learned from our own personal healing so we are capable of recognizing the depth of pain our clients experience.
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
We have combined our extensive professional experience with lessons learned from our own personal healing so we are capable of recognizing the depth of pain our clients experience.
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
(873) 363-1012 View (873) 363-1012
Photo of Jane Yoon in Vancouver, BC
Jane Yoon
MA
Verified Verified
Langley, BC V3A
There are times when life seems overwhelming, and you need that extra support and guidance to embark on a journey to reflect, reorganize and regain new strength. I hope to accompany you on this journey by providing a safe place to articulate your feelings and thoughts. When you start to understand your struggles and name them, you can begin to face, tackle, and solve your problems. I hope to guide and support you in your journey to rediscovering yourself, your voice, and renewed hopes for your future. I find it meaningful and rewarding to celebrate with people who overcome their life challenges and come out empowered with hope.
There are times when life seems overwhelming, and you need that extra support and guidance to embark on a journey to reflect, reorganize and regain new strength. I hope to accompany you on this journey by providing a safe place to articulate your feelings and thoughts. When you start to understand your struggles and name them, you can begin to face, tackle, and solve your problems. I hope to guide and support you in your journey to rediscovering yourself, your voice, and renewed hopes for your future. I find it meaningful and rewarding to celebrate with people who overcome their life challenges and come out empowered with hope.
(604) 532-5340 View (604) 532-5340
Photo of Shannon Lawrence, Counsellor in Vancouver, BC
Shannon Lawrence
Counsellor, RPC-C, CYT, Grief
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Langley, BC V3A
Are you stuck at a crossroads and unsure which road to take? Let me assist you in teaching you the skills you need to grow yourself and your children. I can help your child deal with unexpected life struggles and behaviors. Or, are YOU struggling with a recent separation/divorce or anxiety? I have experience in Child Therapy and CBT. Autism, Anxiety, Relationship Concerns, Parenting, and Grief Therapy. I can be utilized as an Associate Counsellor and Child & Youth Therapist. I aim to help you support your child, family, and yourself in your journey right now. Feel free to reach out today.
Are you stuck at a crossroads and unsure which road to take? Let me assist you in teaching you the skills you need to grow yourself and your children. I can help your child deal with unexpected life struggles and behaviors. Or, are YOU struggling with a recent separation/divorce or anxiety? I have experience in Child Therapy and CBT. Autism, Anxiety, Relationship Concerns, Parenting, and Grief Therapy. I can be utilized as an Associate Counsellor and Child & Youth Therapist. I aim to help you support your child, family, and yourself in your journey right now. Feel free to reach out today.
(778) 766-4548 View (778) 766-4548
Photo of Michael Zibauer, Counsellor in Vancouver, BC
Michael Zibauer
Counsellor, BA, BEd, MACP
Verified Verified
Langley, BC V3A
I have worked with many clients at different stages of their lifecycle. It is my passion to help youth and young adults deal with the problems they face. I am versatile dealing with different issues including anger management, substance misuse, depression, anxiety, and grief. When clients come to therapy, I am adept at finding out their needs quickly and creating a treatment plan the includes elements of compassion, skill-building, and harm reduction. My experience includes living and working in multicultural settings which makes me well trained in diversity and cultural competencies.
I have worked with many clients at different stages of their lifecycle. It is my passion to help youth and young adults deal with the problems they face. I am versatile dealing with different issues including anger management, substance misuse, depression, anxiety, and grief. When clients come to therapy, I am adept at finding out their needs quickly and creating a treatment plan the includes elements of compassion, skill-building, and harm reduction. My experience includes living and working in multicultural settings which makes me well trained in diversity and cultural competencies.
(343) 312-6263 View (343) 312-6263

See more therapy options for Vancouver

Chronic Pain Counsellors

How does chronic pain therapy work?

Engaging with a psychotherapist to help treat chronic pain does not mean that one’s pain is all in their head. Therapy for chronic-pain patients has been shown to benefit both the mind and the body, targeting physical symptoms and increasing daily functioning. In other words, for many, addressing their emotional health through therapy affects their physical health. A therapist can help a client challenge unhelpful thoughts about pain and develop new ways to respond to it, such as distraction or calming breathing techniques. Studies have found that therapy can be as effective as surgery for certain cases of chronic pain and many doctors recommend trying psychotherapy in advance of considering invasive surgery.

What are the most effective treatment options for chronic pain?

Stress, anxiety, depression, catastrophising, ruminating, lack of activity, and social withdrawal all make chronic pain worse. Addressing these issues, research shows, can help people gain control over their pain symptoms. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy, biofeedback, and mindfulness-based stress reduction, along with greater pain-management education, have been found to help people reduce fear and disability.

Are there new treatments for chronic pain?

Many cases of chronic pain, particularly those involving back pain, remain medically unexplained. But there is evidence that changes in the brain or nervous system are caused by previous physical ailments such as tissue damage; in such cases, the brain may continue to send out pain signals despite the physical cause having healed. To aid patients under these circumstances, a recently developed treatment known as pain reprocessing therapy (PRT) is designed to help the brain “unlearn” this response. A PRT practitioner helps individuals to reduce the “threat value” of their ongoing pain signals until they can reappraise them as less threatening and fear-inducing. They also help an individual to develop new emotional regulation skills.

How long does therapy for chronic pain take?

There is no set timeline for recovery from chronic pain, especially as there may be a range of physical and psychological causes for any individual’s discomfort, but most patients should expect to see a therapist for a number of weeks or months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions. Studies of pain reprocessing therapy found that many individuals’ experience of pain lessened in eight sessions over four weeks.