Chronic Pain Therapists in Selby, ON

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Photo of Breanna Shanque, Registered Social Worker in Selby, ON
Breanna Shanque
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Brighton, ON K0K
Reaching out is a challenge - you've made it to this point, which is a big step! I tailor sessions to each individual's needs/goals - no one fits into a box - my job is to provide you with the resources and coping skills you are looking for and provide a safe and comfortable environment to do so. Being vulnerable is difficult, but it does get easier!
Reaching out is a challenge - you've made it to this point, which is a big step! I tailor sessions to each individual's needs/goals - no one fits into a box - my job is to provide you with the resources and coping skills you are looking for and provide a safe and comfortable environment to do so. Being vulnerable is difficult, but it does get easier!
(343) 338-4002 View (343) 338-4002
Photo of Diane M Cassidy, Registered Psychotherapist in Selby, ON
Diane M Cassidy
Registered Psychotherapist, RN, BA, MA, RP
Verified Verified
Picton, ON K0K  (Online Only)
Namaste! I provide individual, relationship and marriage counselling, in a nonjudgmental, relaxed environment. Over the last 35 years I have worked with individuals and couples guiding, teaching and helping them by using an eclectic approach, and a variety of different types of modalities depending on the particular needs of my clients. I also provide family mediation and relationship counselling for couples who have split. I am a sex therapist, working with all couples and individuals. I specialize in many areas, as I believe all issues are connected, so to treat problems in isolation is unrealistic and can be short lived.
Namaste! I provide individual, relationship and marriage counselling, in a nonjudgmental, relaxed environment. Over the last 35 years I have worked with individuals and couples guiding, teaching and helping them by using an eclectic approach, and a variety of different types of modalities depending on the particular needs of my clients. I also provide family mediation and relationship counselling for couples who have split. I am a sex therapist, working with all couples and individuals. I specialize in many areas, as I believe all issues are connected, so to treat problems in isolation is unrealistic and can be short lived.
(844) 331-0249 View (844) 331-0249
Photo of Catherine Jun Therapy, Registered Psychotherapist in Selby, ON
Catherine Jun Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Tweed, ON K0K  (Online Only)
You may be contemplating therapy because you are struggling - feeling anxious, overwhelmed, unsettled, isolated and alone, maybe even experiencing uncharacteristic rage. You may be stuck in old patterns of coping that are no longer relevant in the present. In fact, they may be getting in the way of your peace, your potential and your happiness - in short, keeping you stuck. It doesn't have to be that way. As a client-centred, trauma-informed relational psychotherapist, I believe good relationships - intimate, familiar, communal, and especially, the one you have with yourself - are essential to feeling good.
You may be contemplating therapy because you are struggling - feeling anxious, overwhelmed, unsettled, isolated and alone, maybe even experiencing uncharacteristic rage. You may be stuck in old patterns of coping that are no longer relevant in the present. In fact, they may be getting in the way of your peace, your potential and your happiness - in short, keeping you stuck. It doesn't have to be that way. As a client-centred, trauma-informed relational psychotherapist, I believe good relationships - intimate, familiar, communal, and especially, the one you have with yourself - are essential to feeling good.
(647) 370-1268 View (647) 370-1268
Photo of Michele Venema, Registered Nurse Psychotherapist in Selby, ON
Michele Venema, Registered Nurse Psychotherapist
BScN, RN, cEFT2
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Brighton, ON K0K  (Online Only)
Feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges? You're not alone. The weight of depression, anxiety, and trauma can make life seem unbearably heavy, but there's a path to lightness and strength. As a Nurse Psychotherapist and Emotional Freedom Techniques Practitioner, with personal experience in overcoming life's darker moments, I'm here to guide you towards a brighter path. Grounded in evidence-based therapy, with a foundation of compassion and safety, my approach is holistic, non-judgemental and client-centered.
Feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges? You're not alone. The weight of depression, anxiety, and trauma can make life seem unbearably heavy, but there's a path to lightness and strength. As a Nurse Psychotherapist and Emotional Freedom Techniques Practitioner, with personal experience in overcoming life's darker moments, I'm here to guide you towards a brighter path. Grounded in evidence-based therapy, with a foundation of compassion and safety, my approach is holistic, non-judgemental and client-centered.
(343) 342-1287 View (343) 342-1287
Photo of Infertility & Pregnancy Loss | Dr. Mashal Haque in Selby, ON
Infertility & Pregnancy Loss | Dr. Mashal Haque
PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bloomfield, ON K0K
The path to parenthood has not looked like what you expected. Maybe you’re desperate to start your family, but it’s not happening and you’re terrified that parenthood isn’t going to happen for you. Maybe you’ve experienced the devastation of pregnancy loss and are left grieving in isolation, wondering “does this grief even count if it was “just” a miscarriage?”. Or perhaps you want to add to your family, but this time around it just doesn’t seem to be happening. Baby showers are devastating. “Pregnancy” becomes a swear word. Sex is no longer fun, it is simply a method to conceive/means to finally seeing that double pink line…
The path to parenthood has not looked like what you expected. Maybe you’re desperate to start your family, but it’s not happening and you’re terrified that parenthood isn’t going to happen for you. Maybe you’ve experienced the devastation of pregnancy loss and are left grieving in isolation, wondering “does this grief even count if it was “just” a miscarriage?”. Or perhaps you want to add to your family, but this time around it just doesn’t seem to be happening. Baby showers are devastating. “Pregnancy” becomes a swear word. Sex is no longer fun, it is simply a method to conceive/means to finally seeing that double pink line…
(343) 429-9066 View (343) 429-9066

Online Therapists

Photo of Jenny Rigby McCabe, Registered Psychotherapist in Selby, ON
Jenny Rigby McCabe
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
Renfrew, ON K7V  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Not currently accepting new clients - I offer virtual services to adults and teens seeking a space to express themselves without judgment, deepen their self-awareness, and let go of ways of being or relating that are no longer serving them. Let’s work together to create a space of safety, trust and healing so you can identify your needs and find new ways of moving through stress, pain, and our rapidly evolving and overwhelming world.
Not currently accepting new clients - I offer virtual services to adults and teens seeking a space to express themselves without judgment, deepen their self-awareness, and let go of ways of being or relating that are no longer serving them. Let’s work together to create a space of safety, trust and healing so you can identify your needs and find new ways of moving through stress, pain, and our rapidly evolving and overwhelming world.
(343) 338-4146 View (343) 338-4146
Photo of Simar Gill Lowther, Registered Psychotherapist in Selby, ON
Simar Gill Lowther
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Verified Verified
Whitby, ON L1M
I am a dedicated psychotherapist with a heartfelt commitment to guiding individuals through life’s myriad challenges. My practice warmly embraces clients of all ages, from children over ten to elders, and extends to families and couples, providing a haven for those in search of empathy and growth amidst life’s complexities. My expertise spans a broad spectrum, addressing not only emotional and psychological hurdles such as anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues but also specializing in the intricacies of chronic pain management and addiction recovery. I understand the profound impact these conditions can have on one’s quality of
I am a dedicated psychotherapist with a heartfelt commitment to guiding individuals through life’s myriad challenges. My practice warmly embraces clients of all ages, from children over ten to elders, and extends to families and couples, providing a haven for those in search of empathy and growth amidst life’s complexities. My expertise spans a broad spectrum, addressing not only emotional and psychological hurdles such as anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues but also specializing in the intricacies of chronic pain management and addiction recovery. I understand the profound impact these conditions can have on one’s quality of
(289) 212-0670 View (289) 212-0670
Photo of C. Adilyn Tan, Registered Psychotherapist in Selby, ON
C. Adilyn Tan
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, BSc, MPS
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Whitchurch-Stouffville, ON L4A
My experience includes 2 years of being a Crisis Responder for those going through a mental health crisis as well as internship work with teenagers to the elderly with depression, anxiety, stress, mood & personality disorders, grief, and chronic or terminal illness.
Hello, thank you for visiting my profile! Welcome! I’m here to journey with you and support you in overcoming the challenges of life. It is important to me that every client I see is cared for, understood, accepted as they are, and supported without judgment. In life, we encounter various forms of suffering and internal struggles that are unique to the cultural and family contexts that we have grown in. Suffering is an inevitable part of life, but I believe that becoming aware of your values, what you believe, who you are, and what you want from life can bring you closer to finding your inner strength to overcome your suffering.
My experience includes 2 years of being a Crisis Responder for those going through a mental health crisis as well as internship work with teenagers to the elderly with depression, anxiety, stress, mood & personality disorders, grief, and chronic or terminal illness.
Hello, thank you for visiting my profile! Welcome! I’m here to journey with you and support you in overcoming the challenges of life. It is important to me that every client I see is cared for, understood, accepted as they are, and supported without judgment. In life, we encounter various forms of suffering and internal struggles that are unique to the cultural and family contexts that we have grown in. Suffering is an inevitable part of life, but I believe that becoming aware of your values, what you believe, who you are, and what you want from life can bring you closer to finding your inner strength to overcome your suffering.
(289) 778-3110 View (289) 778-3110
Photo of Dr. Stéphanie Boyer, Psychologist in Selby, ON
Dr. Stéphanie Boyer
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
Kingston, ON K7L  (Online Only)
I also have extensive experience working with individuals experiencing genito-pelvic pain conditions.
I am a Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years’ experience working with teens and adults in university, hospital, community and private practice settings. I offer assessment and treatment for a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and stress/adjustment disorders. My treatment approach is collaborative and person-centered. I create a safe and supportive space for us to work together to understand and work through the problems that have brought you to therapy, and ultimately connect you to what you value in life.
I also have extensive experience working with individuals experiencing genito-pelvic pain conditions.
I am a Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years’ experience working with teens and adults in university, hospital, community and private practice settings. I offer assessment and treatment for a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and stress/adjustment disorders. My treatment approach is collaborative and person-centered. I create a safe and supportive space for us to work together to understand and work through the problems that have brought you to therapy, and ultimately connect you to what you value in life.
(343) 801-4087 View (343) 801-4087
Photo of Deirdre Carroll Private Practice Therapy, Registered Psychotherapist in Selby, ON
Deirdre Carroll Private Practice Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Scarborough, ON M1J
Do you feel lost on your path due to a specific issue, or feelings you can't clearly identify? Do you feel stuck and cannot talk to those around you? Or are you lonely and isolated, burned out or emotionally and physically exhausted? Are you looking to understand yourself on a deeper level? Stressors in our everyday lives, Relationships, Systemic Barriers and Trauma from the past can live in us and manifest as Depression, Anxiety, Physical pain and Insomnia. It is painful and uncertain, and can cause a lack of confidence in how to move forward. Therapy is used to explore these issues and gain lifelong tools to support yourself.
Do you feel lost on your path due to a specific issue, or feelings you can't clearly identify? Do you feel stuck and cannot talk to those around you? Or are you lonely and isolated, burned out or emotionally and physically exhausted? Are you looking to understand yourself on a deeper level? Stressors in our everyday lives, Relationships, Systemic Barriers and Trauma from the past can live in us and manifest as Depression, Anxiety, Physical pain and Insomnia. It is painful and uncertain, and can cause a lack of confidence in how to move forward. Therapy is used to explore these issues and gain lifelong tools to support yourself.
(289) 275-9487 View (289) 275-9487
Photo of Medical Psychotherapy, Psychologist in Selby, ON
Medical Psychotherapy
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych, RP
Verified Verified
Napanee, ON K7R
Hello and welcome to Medical Psychotherapy! Our practice focuses on supporting individuals living with complex mental health experiences (e.g., mood challenges, anxiety, trauma, chronic pain, functional neurological conditions, PNES) and those experiencing emotional and cognitive difficulties following neurological change (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis, brain injury, mild cognitive impairment, dementia). Our team provides specialized neuropsychological assessment to help you understand your brain, with all of your strengths and challenges. Our assessments guide our evidence-informed psychotherapy and neurorehabilitation services.
Hello and welcome to Medical Psychotherapy! Our practice focuses on supporting individuals living with complex mental health experiences (e.g., mood challenges, anxiety, trauma, chronic pain, functional neurological conditions, PNES) and those experiencing emotional and cognitive difficulties following neurological change (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis, brain injury, mild cognitive impairment, dementia). Our team provides specialized neuropsychological assessment to help you understand your brain, with all of your strengths and challenges. Our assessments guide our evidence-informed psychotherapy and neurorehabilitation services.
(289) 768-7548 View (289) 768-7548
Photo of Meagan Bowman @ Psychotherapy For You, Registered Social Worker in Selby, ON
Meagan Bowman @ Psychotherapy For You
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Orillia, ON L3V  (Online Only)
My name is Meagan Bowman. I am a registered Social Worker (RSW) and am affiliated with the Ontario Association of Social Workers. I have over 7 years of experience working with folks experiencing issues such as, but not limited to relationship problems, stress, mood disorders, panic and anxiety, mental illness, difficulty with life transitions, substance use, or low self-esteem. My work emphasizes the importance of love, connection, authenticity, and our relationship with our body. I help you (re)connect with yourself, overcome burnout or stress, and help you learn to live a balanced, empowered, and meaningful life.
My name is Meagan Bowman. I am a registered Social Worker (RSW) and am affiliated with the Ontario Association of Social Workers. I have over 7 years of experience working with folks experiencing issues such as, but not limited to relationship problems, stress, mood disorders, panic and anxiety, mental illness, difficulty with life transitions, substance use, or low self-esteem. My work emphasizes the importance of love, connection, authenticity, and our relationship with our body. I help you (re)connect with yourself, overcome burnout or stress, and help you learn to live a balanced, empowered, and meaningful life.
(343) 801-6100 View (343) 801-6100
Photo of Rhonda Thompson, Registered Social Worker in Selby, ON
Rhonda Thompson
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Port Perry, ON L9L  (Online Only)
I also support folks as they find their way through life's transitions, or experience chronic illness/chronic pain or a difficult diagnosis, grief/bereavement, depression, anxiety and trauma processing.
At some point in our lives we all struggle with something that feels super heavy and is weighing us down. Is there hurt, anger, grief, regret or relational discord that you haven’t yet made eye contact with or spoken aloud about? It’s my passion and privilege to help you find your way. You don’t need to do it alone. To explore or unpack life's pain and challenges is a courageous step that can lead to meaningful outcomes of growth, healing and a greater sense of wellness. Since each one of us is unique, I intentionally engage in a collaborative approach which respects your individual strengths, experiences and needs.
I also support folks as they find their way through life's transitions, or experience chronic illness/chronic pain or a difficult diagnosis, grief/bereavement, depression, anxiety and trauma processing.
At some point in our lives we all struggle with something that feels super heavy and is weighing us down. Is there hurt, anger, grief, regret or relational discord that you haven’t yet made eye contact with or spoken aloud about? It’s my passion and privilege to help you find your way. You don’t need to do it alone. To explore or unpack life's pain and challenges is a courageous step that can lead to meaningful outcomes of growth, healing and a greater sense of wellness. Since each one of us is unique, I intentionally engage in a collaborative approach which respects your individual strengths, experiences and needs.
(289) 797-2951 View (289) 797-2951
Photo of Allison Balkaran, Registered Psychotherapist in Selby, ON
Allison Balkaran
Registered Psychotherapist, MSc, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ajax, ON L1Z
Areas of treatment include: Trauma focused therapy, Couples therapy, pain management, existential crises and challenges with depressive and anxious symptoms.
I am by brand, a Rogerian therapist with an eclectic approach to treatment. I tend to marry holistic approaches to evidence based approaches. Creativity flows throughout the therapeutic process and my hope is that therapy can be an enjoyable experience despite the challenges in the therapeutic journey.
Areas of treatment include: Trauma focused therapy, Couples therapy, pain management, existential crises and challenges with depressive and anxious symptoms.
I am by brand, a Rogerian therapist with an eclectic approach to treatment. I tend to marry holistic approaches to evidence based approaches. Creativity flows throughout the therapeutic process and my hope is that therapy can be an enjoyable experience despite the challenges in the therapeutic journey.
(289) 512-2850 View (289) 512-2850
Photo of Sandra J Forbes, Registered Social Worker in Selby, ON
Sandra J Forbes
Registered Social Worker, RSW, CRPO
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kanata, ON K2K
I work from approaches tailored to help you move beyond pain and stress.
People who feel low, anxious, and/or are tired of arguing can make a change. I am a registered therapist, social worker and coach. If repetitive patterns are draining you, I can help. For over 30 yrs I have helped individuals, couples and families overcome personal challenges and deepen their relationships. I offer Systemic, Cognitive Behavioural (CBT), Emotionally Focussed and other therapeutic approaches to help people, stretch personal and relationship muscles, in order to make changes that are central to their lives.
I work from approaches tailored to help you move beyond pain and stress.
People who feel low, anxious, and/or are tired of arguing can make a change. I am a registered therapist, social worker and coach. If repetitive patterns are draining you, I can help. For over 30 yrs I have helped individuals, couples and families overcome personal challenges and deepen their relationships. I offer Systemic, Cognitive Behavioural (CBT), Emotionally Focussed and other therapeutic approaches to help people, stretch personal and relationship muscles, in order to make changes that are central to their lives.
(343) 453-2123 View (343) 453-2123
Photo of Christopher Michael Brown, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in Selby, ON
Christopher Michael Brown
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), HBSc, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Peterborough, ON K9H
**Accepting New Clients** I believe that the pain each man goes through is unique to his issues but is not dissimilar from the pain other men experience. Most men are taught about what feelings are acceptable to feel and in what situations it is acceptable to feel them. This can lead to men hearing phrases such as “toughen up”, “be strong” or “don’t cry”. Some men will say “I’m alright” when answering questions about their well being when they really aren’t “alright”. I believe such phrases and answers must be challenged. Every man deserves to be heard and have his feelings acknowledged. Together, we will work towards that goal.
**Accepting New Clients** I believe that the pain each man goes through is unique to his issues but is not dissimilar from the pain other men experience. Most men are taught about what feelings are acceptable to feel and in what situations it is acceptable to feel them. This can lead to men hearing phrases such as “toughen up”, “be strong” or “don’t cry”. Some men will say “I’m alright” when answering questions about their well being when they really aren’t “alright”. I believe such phrases and answers must be challenged. Every man deserves to be heard and have his feelings acknowledged. Together, we will work towards that goal.
(249) 209-5242 View (249) 209-5242
Photo of Charmaine Lane, Registered Psychotherapist in Selby, ON
Charmaine Lane
Registered Psychotherapist, BA, MSc, RP, PhD(c)
Verified Verified
Scarborough, ON M1J
I work from a holistic, client centred perspective using an intentional anti-oppressive lens when dealing with clients dealing with a variety of clinical and social issues. My approach is rooted in warmth and compassion. I have experience working with a variety of issues such as marriage and Family, transitions such as divorce and separation, social issues in child welfare as it pertains to family reunification and advocacy. I specialize in Racialize Trauma and it's contribution to other mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and mental illness routed in internalized oppression and trauma.
I work from a holistic, client centred perspective using an intentional anti-oppressive lens when dealing with clients dealing with a variety of clinical and social issues. My approach is rooted in warmth and compassion. I have experience working with a variety of issues such as marriage and Family, transitions such as divorce and separation, social issues in child welfare as it pertains to family reunification and advocacy. I specialize in Racialize Trauma and it's contribution to other mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and mental illness routed in internalized oppression and trauma.
(289) 802-2301 View (289) 802-2301
Photo of Winds of Change Psychotherapy, Registered Psychotherapist in Selby, ON
Winds of Change Psychotherapy
Registered Psychotherapist, BA, MACP, CCC, CRPO
Verified Verified
Kemptville, ON K0G
Waitlist for new clients
Sometimes the worst place to be at is in your head! You must decide what you are going to do with this one wild life. I believe that each of us has greatness lying within waiting to be brought forth. I assist individuals experiencing difficult life transitions, such as, but not limited to loss of a loved one, change in health, job loss, divorce, chronic illness, parenthood, empty nest, menopause and retirement. I offer support to those struggling with depression, anxiety, loss of life engagement, emotion regulation, loss of self esteem, confusion, frustration, isolation, loneliness and life imbalance. Empowering people to live!
Sometimes the worst place to be at is in your head! You must decide what you are going to do with this one wild life. I believe that each of us has greatness lying within waiting to be brought forth. I assist individuals experiencing difficult life transitions, such as, but not limited to loss of a loved one, change in health, job loss, divorce, chronic illness, parenthood, empty nest, menopause and retirement. I offer support to those struggling with depression, anxiety, loss of life engagement, emotion regulation, loss of self esteem, confusion, frustration, isolation, loneliness and life imbalance. Empowering people to live!
(613) 706-1784 View (613) 706-1784
Photo of Strength Counselling Services, Counsellor in Selby, ON
Strength Counselling Services
Counsellor, MEd, RCC, CCC, RSW, RP
Verified Verified
Kingston, ON K7L  (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) 400-0486 View (782) 400-0486
Photo of Amanda M Wilson, Registered Psychotherapist in Selby, ON
Amanda M Wilson
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, SEP, RP
Verified Verified
Lindsay, ON K9V  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Let go of your physical pain.
Are you experiencing overwhelming emotions, uncomfortable physical symptoms or life feels like it is "too much"? Perhaps your behaviour has recently changed and you are finding it hard to make a decision, focus on work or concentrate on conversations. Are you finding it difficult to connect and maintain your relationships and feel disconnected from your friends and family? You have developed coping skills, but certain overwhelming life events (can be trauma) that have happened in your past can sometimes be too much to process. Eventually, we all have the potential to develop a wide range of troubling and confusing symptoms.
Let go of your physical pain.
Are you experiencing overwhelming emotions, uncomfortable physical symptoms or life feels like it is "too much"? Perhaps your behaviour has recently changed and you are finding it hard to make a decision, focus on work or concentrate on conversations. Are you finding it difficult to connect and maintain your relationships and feel disconnected from your friends and family? You have developed coping skills, but certain overwhelming life events (can be trauma) that have happened in your past can sometimes be too much to process. Eventually, we all have the potential to develop a wide range of troubling and confusing symptoms.
(289) 204-6181 View (289) 204-6181
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.