Photo of Marta Benko, Psychologist in London, England
Marta Benko
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
London NW3
Supporting kids, YP, parents and adults with: mental health difficulties in the context of a physical illness (especially with endometriosis, asthma, CF, oncology, haematology, gastroenterology, dermatology, neurosurgery, and surgery), health anxiety, functional presentation/ medically unexplained symptom, relationship breakdown and divorce, children and young people, school avoidance/school anxiety, ex-pats and 3rd country children, mood difficulties (anxiety, panic attacks, fear and phobias, low mood) , stress , OCD, body repetitive behaviours (hair pulling, skin picking, nail biting) , sleep, non-underweight eating disorders.
Supporting kids, YP, parents and adults with: mental health difficulties in the context of a physical illness (especially with endometriosis, asthma, CF, oncology, haematology, gastroenterology, dermatology, neurosurgery, and surgery), health anxiety, functional presentation/ medically unexplained symptom, relationship breakdown and divorce, children and young people, school avoidance/school anxiety, ex-pats and 3rd country children, mood difficulties (anxiety, panic attacks, fear and phobias, low mood) , stress , OCD, body repetitive behaviours (hair pulling, skin picking, nail biting) , sleep, non-underweight eating disorders.
020 8016 3516 View 020 8016 3516
Photo of East London & City Psychotherapist, Psychotherapist in London, England
East London & City Psychotherapist
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
London WC1V
I help survivors of sexual abuse and violence, abusive relationships and other forms of violent trauma, whose trauma impacts on their minds, bodies, relationships and lives. I work with mind and body to help people recover as trauma is often held in the body, so its harder to put into words. I help people living with Chronic Lower Back Pain, where aggravated through depression, trauma or anxiety, through therapy & exercise as I am a Level 4 Lower Back Pain Specialist Personal Trainer as well. I am a Pilates Teacher, offering group and individual sessions for chronic lower back pain,
I help survivors of sexual abuse and violence, abusive relationships and other forms of violent trauma, whose trauma impacts on their minds, bodies, relationships and lives. I work with mind and body to help people recover as trauma is often held in the body, so its harder to put into words. I help people living with Chronic Lower Back Pain, where aggravated through depression, trauma or anxiety, through therapy & exercise as I am a Level 4 Lower Back Pain Specialist Personal Trainer as well. I am a Pilates Teacher, offering group and individual sessions for chronic lower back pain,
020 3984 7987 x079569 View 020 3984 7987 x079569
Photo of Pam Marion Susan Fitzpatrick, Psychotherapist in London, England
Pam Marion Susan Fitzpatrick
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
London SW18
I am a Specialist Health Psychotherapist/CBT Therapist who works with clients managing and suffering with Chronic Health Issues and I work and support clients with many different Disabilities. I trained in the NHS Chronic Pain and Fatigue Service and I have worked privately for almost 10 years. I can help you with any issues you would like to work on and I provide a safe, warm and well understood space to work through anything you feel would be helpful. I also support family members impacted by disability. I live with disability which I feel is a helpful foundation to understanding how difficult life can be with such conditions .
I am a Specialist Health Psychotherapist/CBT Therapist who works with clients managing and suffering with Chronic Health Issues and I work and support clients with many different Disabilities. I trained in the NHS Chronic Pain and Fatigue Service and I have worked privately for almost 10 years. I can help you with any issues you would like to work on and I provide a safe, warm and well understood space to work through anything you feel would be helpful. I also support family members impacted by disability. I live with disability which I feel is a helpful foundation to understanding how difficult life can be with such conditions .
01446 501531 View 01446 501531
Photo of Michiyo Zentner, Psychotherapist in London, England
Michiyo Zentner
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
London N3
" "I feel pain but I find it hard to put this into words.
Do you wish to overcome your social anxiety, depression or lack of confidence? Perhaps you feel stuck in current and past relationships? I have many experience supporting such life issues through counselling and art psychotherapy. I work in Finchley Central N3 and English and Japanese spoken. I offer a private and confidential space for you to allow reflection and understand yourself – and work through with your senses, feelings, thoughts and behaviour in order to help you resolve areas of challenge in your life.
" "I feel pain but I find it hard to put this into words.
Do you wish to overcome your social anxiety, depression or lack of confidence? Perhaps you feel stuck in current and past relationships? I have many experience supporting such life issues through counselling and art psychotherapy. I work in Finchley Central N3 and English and Japanese spoken. I offer a private and confidential space for you to allow reflection and understand yourself – and work through with your senses, feelings, thoughts and behaviour in order to help you resolve areas of challenge in your life.
020 3479 4197 View 020 3479 4197
Photo of Olga Konstantinidou, Psychologist in London, England
Olga Konstantinidou
Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
London SE3  (Online Only)
I do employ a person-centered approach, drawn upon each individual’s needs and through an individualized process based on a combination of narrative, self reflection along with practical strategies/ techniques we do achieve to alleviate the emotional pain and to eliminate the obstacles in order to achieve your goals and improve your quality of life.
I am a multilingual (English, and Greek speaking) Consultant Clinical Psychologist, recognised by leading professional organisations: The British Psychological Society (CPsychol), and the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC), offering online therapy. I have worked clinically in a number of settings within mental health care industry and with clients from a variety of backgrounds, presenting complex and mild psychological difficulties. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Schema Therapy , DBT, Mindfulness, CFT, CAT as well as Systemic approach.
I do employ a person-centered approach, drawn upon each individual’s needs and through an individualized process based on a combination of narrative, self reflection along with practical strategies/ techniques we do achieve to alleviate the emotional pain and to eliminate the obstacles in order to achieve your goals and improve your quality of life.
I am a multilingual (English, and Greek speaking) Consultant Clinical Psychologist, recognised by leading professional organisations: The British Psychological Society (CPsychol), and the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC), offering online therapy. I have worked clinically in a number of settings within mental health care industry and with clients from a variety of backgrounds, presenting complex and mild psychological difficulties. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Schema Therapy , DBT, Mindfulness, CFT, CAT as well as Systemic approach.
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Photo of Viviana Esse, Psychotherapist in London, England
Viviana Esse
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London WC1E
Whilst having a support network is very important, speaking to somebody who is trained to sit in the midst of pain with you and support you in your healing journey can be incredibly helpful.
Sometimes life can prove truly relentless. We have all experienced times when several challenges have simultaneously knocked at our door, perhaps when there is already so much we are holding for ourselves and our loved ones. Perhaps you are battling with a lack of meaning and purpose, relationship or work issues, climate grief, addiction. Maybe you feel isolated, lost in a fast-changing world that does not match your values, or stuck in recurring patterns that are no longer serving you. It could be that you are experiencing anxiety, depression, anger, suicidal thoughts, and you do not quite know what to do with them.
Whilst having a support network is very important, speaking to somebody who is trained to sit in the midst of pain with you and support you in your healing journey can be incredibly helpful.
Sometimes life can prove truly relentless. We have all experienced times when several challenges have simultaneously knocked at our door, perhaps when there is already so much we are holding for ourselves and our loved ones. Perhaps you are battling with a lack of meaning and purpose, relationship or work issues, climate grief, addiction. Maybe you feel isolated, lost in a fast-changing world that does not match your values, or stuck in recurring patterns that are no longer serving you. It could be that you are experiencing anxiety, depression, anger, suicidal thoughts, and you do not quite know what to do with them.
020 3856 8481 View 020 3856 8481
Photo of Leela Faezeh Emadi, Counsellor in London, England
Leela Faezeh Emadi
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
London NW1  (Online Only)
These are just some of the reasons why you may want to try counselling with me: Couple therapy or other relationships issues, Depression, Anxiety, Panic attacks, Trauma and PTSD, Neurodivergence, Illness, Bereavement, Self-esteem and self-confidence, Gender and Sexuality, Anger, Self-harming/Destructive thoughts and behaviour and loneliness.
In my counselling work, I aim to support you to make more conscious decisions and choices about your life and embody the unique being you are. I celebrate the differences and my life has been enriched by interacting with different cultures, religions, race, beliefs, age, gender and sexual orientation, etc.
These are just some of the reasons why you may want to try counselling with me: Couple therapy or other relationships issues, Depression, Anxiety, Panic attacks, Trauma and PTSD, Neurodivergence, Illness, Bereavement, Self-esteem and self-confidence, Gender and Sexuality, Anger, Self-harming/Destructive thoughts and behaviour and loneliness.
In my counselling work, I aim to support you to make more conscious decisions and choices about your life and embody the unique being you are. I celebrate the differences and my life has been enriched by interacting with different cultures, religions, race, beliefs, age, gender and sexual orientation, etc.
020 3856 7746 View 020 3856 7746
Photo of Jonny Say, Counsellor in London, England
Jonny Say
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
London SE1  (Online Only)
I have past lived-experience of the pain of mental health challenges which increases my empathy and skills to help clients get through difficulty.
I am a therapist specialising in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) for a broad range of psychological difficulties. I am co-director for the Integrative Centre for OCD Therapy www.integrativecentreforocd.co.uk. My approach to therapy is integrative, drawing primarily on ACT and CFT along with therapies that focus on relationships and social connection (FAP). I have NHS experience. I have worked with a range of clients from charities to Leaders in Business, Tech & Sports.
I have past lived-experience of the pain of mental health challenges which increases my empathy and skills to help clients get through difficulty.
I am a therapist specialising in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) for a broad range of psychological difficulties. I am co-director for the Integrative Centre for OCD Therapy www.integrativecentreforocd.co.uk. My approach to therapy is integrative, drawing primarily on ACT and CFT along with therapies that focus on relationships and social connection (FAP). I have NHS experience. I have worked with a range of clients from charities to Leaders in Business, Tech & Sports.
020 3984 8847 View 020 3984 8847
Photo of Natasha Hinds, Counsellor in London, England
Natasha Hinds
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
London N18
"The cure for pain is in the pain" (Rumi).
As an Integrative therapist, I employ the Psychodynamic and Humanistic modalities to create a dynamic approach that delves into both your past and present experiences. This integration of therapeutic models serves as a powerful catalyst for your personal growth, enabling a profound exploration of your sense of self. Emphasizing a non-judgmental space, I provide you the freedom to authentically unravel your true self, unencumbered by masks, expectations, or defenses. Listening without judgment is paramount in this therapeutic journey, fostering an environment where you can voice your truth. In the words of Rumi, "The cure for pain i
"The cure for pain is in the pain" (Rumi).
As an Integrative therapist, I employ the Psychodynamic and Humanistic modalities to create a dynamic approach that delves into both your past and present experiences. This integration of therapeutic models serves as a powerful catalyst for your personal growth, enabling a profound exploration of your sense of self. Emphasizing a non-judgmental space, I provide you the freedom to authentically unravel your true self, unencumbered by masks, expectations, or defenses. Listening without judgment is paramount in this therapeutic journey, fostering an environment where you can voice your truth. In the words of Rumi, "The cure for pain i
020 3835 5187 View 020 3835 5187
Photo of Helen Thomas, Psychotherapist in London, England
Helen Thomas
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London W2
Everyone faces difficulties in life. It might be that something specific has happened. Maybe challenges have built up and feel too much to handle. Or perhaps it’s possible just to get a bit lost somewhere along the line. Sometimes we need some extra support to process and soothe specific pain, or to take some time to get to know ourselves on a deeper level.
Everyone faces difficulties in life. It might be that something specific has happened. Maybe challenges have built up and feel too much to handle. Or perhaps it’s possible just to get a bit lost somewhere along the line. Sometimes we need some extra support to process and soothe specific pain, or to take some time to get to know ourselves on a deeper level.
020 3947 5991 View 020 3947 5991
Photo of Joanna Moore, Counsellor in London, England
Joanna Moore
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London SW6
I look to help and support you in dealing with issues that make you feel uncomfortable, are causing you pain or even to simply explore your desires and dreams and what might be blocking them.
Anxiety, depressive moods, anger, panic, relationship problems, low sense of self-worth, bereavement are just some of the reasons why you might feel ready to see a counsellor. As BACPM qualified and registered therapist I can offer you a confidential, safe and none judgemental space to help you gain self-awareness and clarity.
I look to help and support you in dealing with issues that make you feel uncomfortable, are causing you pain or even to simply explore your desires and dreams and what might be blocking them.
Anxiety, depressive moods, anger, panic, relationship problems, low sense of self-worth, bereavement are just some of the reasons why you might feel ready to see a counsellor. As BACPM qualified and registered therapist I can offer you a confidential, safe and none judgemental space to help you gain self-awareness and clarity.
020 3974 1637 View 020 3974 1637
Photo of Apostolos Polymerou, Psychotherapist in London, England
Apostolos Polymerou
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London SE1
Reaching out for help is a courageous thing to do. I aim always to make the initial and ongoing conversations welcoming and hopeful. I’m a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT) and EMDR therapist. EMDR can be highly effective for addressing traumas, anxiety and negative thinking patterns. I offer evidence-based treatment for a range of mental health problems such as Depression, PTSD, OCD, GAD, Social Anxiety and non-underweight Eating Disorders. I work with CBT and EMDR to address health problems such as chronic pain. I’m very experienced with more than fifteen years working in the NHS, addiction and eating disorders services.
Reaching out for help is a courageous thing to do. I aim always to make the initial and ongoing conversations welcoming and hopeful. I’m a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT) and EMDR therapist. EMDR can be highly effective for addressing traumas, anxiety and negative thinking patterns. I offer evidence-based treatment for a range of mental health problems such as Depression, PTSD, OCD, GAD, Social Anxiety and non-underweight Eating Disorders. I work with CBT and EMDR to address health problems such as chronic pain. I’m very experienced with more than fifteen years working in the NHS, addiction and eating disorders services.
020 3988 4304 View 020 3988 4304
Photo of Mihaela Popp in London, England
Mihaela Popp
MA
Verified Verified
London SW16
Welcome to my page! I am passionate to help and guide people to find solutions to their difficulties, to make helpful changes and live a meaningful and joyful life. I work with ADULTS with depression, anxiety, panic attack, burnout, stress, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, domestic abuse, trauma, anger management, transition life. I can help you to create believes to support your recovering and healing process. I work with CHILDREN with autism, ADHD, learning difficulties, emotional/behavioural issues and help them to improve self-esteem, confidence, assertiveness, to increase their attention spam.
Welcome to my page! I am passionate to help and guide people to find solutions to their difficulties, to make helpful changes and live a meaningful and joyful life. I work with ADULTS with depression, anxiety, panic attack, burnout, stress, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, domestic abuse, trauma, anger management, transition life. I can help you to create believes to support your recovering and healing process. I work with CHILDREN with autism, ADHD, learning difficulties, emotional/behavioural issues and help them to improve self-esteem, confidence, assertiveness, to increase their attention spam.
01260 541231 View 01260 541231
Photo of Christine Quintal, Counsellor in London, England
Christine Quintal
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
London N3
I am a compassionate and caring, fully qualified integrative therapeutic counsellor, who is experienced in working with a wide range of issues that could be affecting your well-being and how you feel about yourself. I offer a safe and private counselling space to explore what lies behind these thoughts and feelings. Life changes such as illness, bereavement, menopause, parenting, infertility, infidelity, redundancy, relationship breakdowns, addictions, and work and family pressures are just some of the challenges that can take their toll and leave us struggling to cope.
I am a compassionate and caring, fully qualified integrative therapeutic counsellor, who is experienced in working with a wide range of issues that could be affecting your well-being and how you feel about yourself. I offer a safe and private counselling space to explore what lies behind these thoughts and feelings. Life changes such as illness, bereavement, menopause, parenting, infertility, infidelity, redundancy, relationship breakdowns, addictions, and work and family pressures are just some of the challenges that can take their toll and leave us struggling to cope.
020 3910 6658 View 020 3910 6658
Photo of The London Practice, Psychologist in London, England
The London Practice
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
London WC2H
We have experience with a wide variety of issues, including: Relationship, Family issues, Stress, Anxiety, Depression, HIV, Sexuality, Life threatening illness, Addiction, Bereavement, Loss of meaning and purpose, Identity issues, Low self-esteem, Relationship issues, Sexual abuse, Suicidal thoughts and Employment issues.
We believe that everyone is unique and therefore is dealt with in a way that best caters to his or her individual needs. We work with you by exploring your world to see how you engage with your life and the people around you. Along the journey, we will explore your past, look at your present and see how you perceive the future. We will help you become more aware of your values, beliefs and limitations and help you connect and improve your relationship with yourself. This process may be challenging, yet extremely rewarding as we access the changes you want to make towards living the life that you want to live.
We have experience with a wide variety of issues, including: Relationship, Family issues, Stress, Anxiety, Depression, HIV, Sexuality, Life threatening illness, Addiction, Bereavement, Loss of meaning and purpose, Identity issues, Low self-esteem, Relationship issues, Sexual abuse, Suicidal thoughts and Employment issues.
We believe that everyone is unique and therefore is dealt with in a way that best caters to his or her individual needs. We work with you by exploring your world to see how you engage with your life and the people around you. Along the journey, we will explore your past, look at your present and see how you perceive the future. We will help you become more aware of your values, beliefs and limitations and help you connect and improve your relationship with yourself. This process may be challenging, yet extremely rewarding as we access the changes you want to make towards living the life that you want to live.
020 3962 0673 View 020 3962 0673
Photo of Jay Williams, Counsellor in London, England
Jay Williams
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
London N3
You might find yourself in pain. Perhaps there is a specific loss, trauma, something that hurts you and makes you want to seek out help. Or perhaps you are looking to address concerns, thoughts or emotions that have caused distress for a while. Maybe you just need help understanding something. I offer a non-judgmental, safe and containing space where the relationship is at the core of all of what we do. Together we will talk, find out what you are looking to achieve, and then we explore your inner world and past together seeking insight that often can help people with emotional growth and help provide answers sought out for so long
You might find yourself in pain. Perhaps there is a specific loss, trauma, something that hurts you and makes you want to seek out help. Or perhaps you are looking to address concerns, thoughts or emotions that have caused distress for a while. Maybe you just need help understanding something. I offer a non-judgmental, safe and containing space where the relationship is at the core of all of what we do. Together we will talk, find out what you are looking to achieve, and then we explore your inner world and past together seeking insight that often can help people with emotional growth and help provide answers sought out for so long
020 3835 5469 View 020 3835 5469
Photo of Soul Full Psychotherapy, Psychotherapist in London, England
Soul Full Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist
Verified Verified
London NW8  (Online Only)
Being validated by another human, being witnessed in our emotional pain helps us to heal and to understand ourself better.
Are you done with wondering why you're different? Are you exploring neurodiversity and noticing that pieces of the puzzle are falling together? Are you looking to make sense of your self, and understand yourself better so that you can be the best, most authentic version of yourself? I see you. Do you want to be better able to communicate your needs, to make life easier for yourself and those around you? Adults who suspect or are diagnosed as neurodiverse go through a transition process, of shedding who we thought we were and truly accepting who we are. I can help you with that.
Being validated by another human, being witnessed in our emotional pain helps us to heal and to understand ourself better.
Are you done with wondering why you're different? Are you exploring neurodiversity and noticing that pieces of the puzzle are falling together? Are you looking to make sense of your self, and understand yourself better so that you can be the best, most authentic version of yourself? I see you. Do you want to be better able to communicate your needs, to make life easier for yourself and those around you? Adults who suspect or are diagnosed as neurodiverse go through a transition process, of shedding who we thought we were and truly accepting who we are. I can help you with that.
020 3912 7474 View 020 3912 7474
Photo of Sinem Uyanik, Psychotherapist in London, England
Sinem Uyanik
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
London NW5  (Online Only)
I specialize in working with depression, anxiety, relationship problems and break-down, major life changes, life crisis, eating disorders, trauma, PTSD, OCD, Borderline Personality Disorder, bereavement, managing stress relating to chronic illness and medical crisis.
Life can become overwhelming, confusing, and difficult to manage. Experiences such as loss, bereavement and major life changes like a medical crisis can make us lose our sense of self and purpose. Depression, anxiety and personality disorders can distort our sense of self, rob us off our full personal potential and quality of life leaving us feeling depleted. Therapy is a place to regain and restore your sense of self and purpose and to help you turn these experiences to an opportunity to grow.
I specialize in working with depression, anxiety, relationship problems and break-down, major life changes, life crisis, eating disorders, trauma, PTSD, OCD, Borderline Personality Disorder, bereavement, managing stress relating to chronic illness and medical crisis.
Life can become overwhelming, confusing, and difficult to manage. Experiences such as loss, bereavement and major life changes like a medical crisis can make us lose our sense of self and purpose. Depression, anxiety and personality disorders can distort our sense of self, rob us off our full personal potential and quality of life leaving us feeling depleted. Therapy is a place to regain and restore your sense of self and purpose and to help you turn these experiences to an opportunity to grow.
01792 720572 View 01792 720572
Photo of Dr Anita Goraya, Psychotherapist in London, England
Dr Anita Goraya
Psychotherapist, MBBS, MBABCP
Verified Verified
London N20  (Online Only)
Anxiety, depression, trauma and long term physical health problems can reduce your quality of life and leaving you feeling alone and fearful. I am a former GP with over 20 years of medical experience. I offer a uniquely blended approach to working with people who suffer with all types of anxiety and low mood, chronic stress and burnout, low self esteem, and chronic pain. I also work with people who have ADHD and people who have experienced a significant single trauma event. I have a special interest in working with doctors with mental health problems. I meditate regularly and bring a Buddhism informed approach to CBT where helpful.
Anxiety, depression, trauma and long term physical health problems can reduce your quality of life and leaving you feeling alone and fearful. I am a former GP with over 20 years of medical experience. I offer a uniquely blended approach to working with people who suffer with all types of anxiety and low mood, chronic stress and burnout, low self esteem, and chronic pain. I also work with people who have ADHD and people who have experienced a significant single trauma event. I have a special interest in working with doctors with mental health problems. I meditate regularly and bring a Buddhism informed approach to CBT where helpful.
020 8106 2947 View 020 8106 2947
Photo of Natalie Clarke, Psychotherapist in London, England
Natalie Clarke
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
London SE1
I work with a wide variety of people, but people who have seen me include queer people, trans and non-binary people, neurodivergent people (especially ADHD and autistic women and afab people), people who are non-monogamous, people from a working class background, people of colour, sex workers, and people who practice kink/BDSM. I also frequently work with people who have auto-immune or chronic illness, and those with Long Covid. My therapeutic approach is influenced by queer theory, intersectional feminism and disability justice.
I work with a wide variety of people, but people who have seen me include queer people, trans and non-binary people, neurodivergent people (especially ADHD and autistic women and afab people), people who are non-monogamous, people from a working class background, people of colour, sex workers, and people who practice kink/BDSM. I also frequently work with people who have auto-immune or chronic illness, and those with Long Covid. My therapeutic approach is influenced by queer theory, intersectional feminism and disability justice.
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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.