Chronic Pain Counselling in Chester le Street

Dr Claire Guinan - Disordered Eating Recovery
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Do you need help to improve your relationship with food, your body, yourself and/or others? I've been a clinical psychologist for over 25 years. For the past 14 years, I've specialised in disordered eating (e.g. "emotional eating") and eating disorders (including binge eating disorder and bulimia), in addition to associated issues, such as anxiety, low mood, trauma, low self-esteem, poor body image, self-sabotage, fear of change, and weight-related difficulties. I offer a safe, supportive space to help you better understand your relationship with food, yourself and others. I can help you work towards your goals at your own pace.
Do you need help to improve your relationship with food, your body, yourself and/or others? I've been a clinical psychologist for over 25 years. For the past 14 years, I've specialised in disordered eating (e.g. "emotional eating") and eating disorders (including binge eating disorder and bulimia), in addition to associated issues, such as anxiety, low mood, trauma, low self-esteem, poor body image, self-sabotage, fear of change, and weight-related difficulties. I offer a safe, supportive space to help you better understand your relationship with food, yourself and others. I can help you work towards your goals at your own pace.
0191 743 1959 View 0191 743 1959
Mark Walsh
Counsellor, MBACP
Serves Area
Maybe something has stopped making sense. Anxiety that won't settle, low mood, a loss, a relationship or job that has changed shape, or a quiet sense that your life isn't quite your own. You might be capable and busy, and feel you shouldn't be struggling. You might have tried therapy before and found it cold or scripted. We don't treat what you're carrying as a fault to be fixed. More often it's a response to what life has asked of you. We listen properly, think it through with you, and go at your pace, so you can find a way forward that actually fits your life.
Maybe something has stopped making sense. Anxiety that won't settle, low mood, a loss, a relationship or job that has changed shape, or a quiet sense that your life isn't quite your own. You might be capable and busy, and feel you shouldn't be struggling. You might have tried therapy before and found it cold or scripted. We don't treat what you're carrying as a fault to be fixed. More often it's a response to what life has asked of you. We listen properly, think it through with you, and go at your pace, so you can find a way forward that actually fits your life.
0191 743 6929 View 0191 743 6929
Talk Works
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Serves Area
Life is hard. Talking helps. Talk Works deliver counselling, CBT, EMDR and psychology to individuals who require mental health support. Therapy offers you a safe, confidential place to talk about your life and anything that may be distressing. Whenever we get people talking, great things happen.
Life is hard. Talking helps. Talk Works deliver counselling, CBT, EMDR and psychology to individuals who require mental health support. Therapy offers you a safe, confidential place to talk about your life and anything that may be distressing. Whenever we get people talking, great things happen.
0191 743 4109 View 0191 743 4109
Liz McKinnell
Counsellor, PhD, MBACP
Serves Area
I offer psychotherapeutic counselling online and in Durham City Centre for adults experiencing anxiety, stress, burnout and overwhelm, with particular understanding of ADHD, autism, chronic illness, and questions of meaning, identity, and purpose.
My way of working is relational, evidence-informed, and philosophically grounded. The most important predictor of success in therapy is the therapeutic relationship, and my approach emphasises this. I also integrate elements of existential therapy, ecotherapy, gestalt therapy, and transactional analysis.
I offer psychotherapeutic counselling online and in Durham City Centre for adults experiencing anxiety, stress, burnout and overwhelm, with particular understanding of ADHD, autism, chronic illness, and questions of meaning, identity, and purpose.
My way of working is relational, evidence-informed, and philosophically grounded. The most important predictor of success in therapy is the therapeutic relationship, and my approach emphasises this. I also integrate elements of existential therapy, ecotherapy, gestalt therapy, and transactional analysis.
0191 743 2323 View 0191 743 2323
Helen Graham
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Serves Area
IN-PERSON sessions in DURHAM. I’m a highly qualified and experienced psychotherapist who works with a diverse range of people and the whole of their issues. I understand that everyone can go through difficult times and can benefit from support in handling these challenges. I can help by offering you a relaxed, safe and confidential therapeutic space to explore issues troubling you in a caring, accepting and non-judgemental way. People I have worked with tell me their therapeutic experience with me has increased their confidence, self-awareness, personal growth and they have gained a deeper sense of meaning, purpose and contentment.
IN-PERSON sessions in DURHAM. I’m a highly qualified and experienced psychotherapist who works with a diverse range of people and the whole of their issues. I understand that everyone can go through difficult times and can benefit from support in handling these challenges. I can help by offering you a relaxed, safe and confidential therapeutic space to explore issues troubling you in a caring, accepting and non-judgemental way. People I have worked with tell me their therapeutic experience with me has increased their confidence, self-awareness, personal growth and they have gained a deeper sense of meaning, purpose and contentment.
07933 709399 View 07933 709399

More Therapists Nearby

Dr Barbara Medea
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Online Only
Do you often get overwhelmed with difficult emotions, thoughts or memories and find it hard to cope? Do you ever feel like not fitting in? Do you often beat yourself up or feel like your own worst enemy? I know first hand what it means to deal with these issues and therapy has helped me tremendously with them. I have then trained in evidence-based approaches like CBT to support people like you heal from painful life experiences, learn how to cope with their emotions and thoughts and feel more content within themselves. I am a native Italian psychologist and can also help clients who deal with difficulties related to being an expat.
Do you often get overwhelmed with difficult emotions, thoughts or memories and find it hard to cope? Do you ever feel like not fitting in? Do you often beat yourself up or feel like your own worst enemy? I know first hand what it means to deal with these issues and therapy has helped me tremendously with them. I have then trained in evidence-based approaches like CBT to support people like you heal from painful life experiences, learn how to cope with their emotions and thoughts and feel more content within themselves. I am a native Italian psychologist and can also help clients who deal with difficulties related to being an expat.
0191 743 9442 View 0191 743 9442
Kate Chartres Therapy and Consultation
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
I am a Consultant Nurse currently on a career break, an accredited EMDR consultant and clinical supervisor. I specialise in working with co-morbid physical and mental health problems, although I work with people with everything from mild anxiety to complex trauma. I also have training in DBT, NLP, Hypnosis and am an accredited EFT practitioner. I believe that the mind and body are closely connected and one has to heal using the body and the mind to get the best benefit.
I am a Consultant Nurse currently on a career break, an accredited EMDR consultant and clinical supervisor. I specialise in working with co-morbid physical and mental health problems, although I work with people with everything from mild anxiety to complex trauma. I also have training in DBT, NLP, Hypnosis and am an accredited EFT practitioner. I believe that the mind and body are closely connected and one has to heal using the body and the mind to get the best benefit.
0191 743 9301 View 0191 743 9301
Jamie Coulthard
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Hexham NE46
Ideal client: Diverse individuals (children, adults, families) facing neuro-diversity, mental health challenges, or chronic pain.
Experienced clinical psychologist influenced by narrative therapy—an empowering person-centered approach. Extensive work with hundreds of autistic families, promoting positive autism understanding and celebrating success. Very experienced in working with depression and anxiety. I am also passionate about transforming pain experience through psychology.
Ideal client: Diverse individuals (children, adults, families) facing neuro-diversity, mental health challenges, or chronic pain.
Experienced clinical psychologist influenced by narrative therapy—an empowering person-centered approach. Extensive work with hundreds of autistic families, promoting positive autism understanding and celebrating success. Very experienced in working with depression and anxiety. I am also passionate about transforming pain experience through psychology.
01434 307713 View 01434 307713
Robert Marshall
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Hi my name is Rob, I am a Bsc Hons qualified working in Whitley Bay. I am here to help you explore solutions and give you coping strategies to the questions you are experiencing. We all have the ability to change and then grow from our lived experience and I believe counselling can bring a calmness to allow you peace to work through your challenges. It is important to have a strong counselling relationship and I believe I can help build this and also help you rebuild your relationship with yourself so you can move forward along your healing path and find growth.
Hi my name is Rob, I am a Bsc Hons qualified working in Whitley Bay. I am here to help you explore solutions and give you coping strategies to the questions you are experiencing. We all have the ability to change and then grow from our lived experience and I believe counselling can bring a calmness to allow you peace to work through your challenges. It is important to have a strong counselling relationship and I believe I can help build this and also help you rebuild your relationship with yourself so you can move forward along your healing path and find growth.
0191 743 7075 View 0191 743 7075
Dr Joanna Naxton
Psychotherapist, PhD, MBACP
Hello, I have current appointments available to work with a range of your worries, anxieties, loneliness, depression , self-harm and relationship difficulties. I offer online, phone and face to face sessions. I am a qualified therapist with interests in working closely with those who want to change some aspect of their life. I also work with student counsellors and qualified therapists offering supervision and counselling academic tuition . I offer short term or long term psychotherapy where we work hard together to form a relationship powerful enough to change things for you in your private life.
Hello, I have current appointments available to work with a range of your worries, anxieties, loneliness, depression , self-harm and relationship difficulties. I offer online, phone and face to face sessions. I am a qualified therapist with interests in working closely with those who want to change some aspect of their life. I also work with student counsellors and qualified therapists offering supervision and counselling academic tuition . I offer short term or long term psychotherapy where we work hard together to form a relationship powerful enough to change things for you in your private life.
01386 571500 View 01386 571500
Andrea Johnson
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
2 Endorsed
I offer my clients a predominantly Person-Centred approach to counselling that is welcoming, understanding, non-judgemental and of course completely confidential. I currently work for an EAP Service and previously a Primary Care Mental Health Organisation alongside my own private practice which is based in Darlington. I can offer you an integrative approach to therapy which includes training in CBT, Creative Therapies and Mindfulness. I have extensive experience of working with difference, diversity, and a variety of issues, which means I can offer you a bespoke humanistic experience that is tailored to your unique needs.
I offer my clients a predominantly Person-Centred approach to counselling that is welcoming, understanding, non-judgemental and of course completely confidential. I currently work for an EAP Service and previously a Primary Care Mental Health Organisation alongside my own private practice which is based in Darlington. I can offer you an integrative approach to therapy which includes training in CBT, Creative Therapies and Mindfulness. I have extensive experience of working with difference, diversity, and a variety of issues, which means I can offer you a bespoke humanistic experience that is tailored to your unique needs.
01325 808533 View 01325 808533
Dr Alan Bowman
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Swalwell NE16
Chronic pain changes more than the body.
I work with chronic pain, trauma, and the distress that comes with loss and mortality, drawing on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, EMDR, and existential approaches. The aim isn't to erase what's happened or fix what can't be fixed. It's to help you build a life that’s sturdy enough to take the weight of these challenges so that you can live well.
Chronic pain changes more than the body.
I work with chronic pain, trauma, and the distress that comes with loss and mortality, drawing on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, EMDR, and existential approaches. The aim isn't to erase what's happened or fix what can't be fixed. It's to help you build a life that’s sturdy enough to take the weight of these challenges so that you can live well.
0191 607 1134 View 0191 607 1134
Stacy Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
Hello, I am a trauma-informed, integrative counsellor. I meet clients weekly, face-to-face in a safe, comfortable therapy space in Darlington, Co Durham, UK, and online via Zoom or by telephone if you prefer. I have a flexible work structure regarding regularity of sessions. I have supported many clients throughout the years with a variety of mental health issues at Mind, the Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre and Durham University before entering private practice. The relationship with your counsellor is key to positive change on your healing journey. Schedule a free phone session to discuss how we could work together.
Hello, I am a trauma-informed, integrative counsellor. I meet clients weekly, face-to-face in a safe, comfortable therapy space in Darlington, Co Durham, UK, and online via Zoom or by telephone if you prefer. I have a flexible work structure regarding regularity of sessions. I have supported many clients throughout the years with a variety of mental health issues at Mind, the Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre and Durham University before entering private practice. The relationship with your counsellor is key to positive change on your healing journey. Schedule a free phone session to discuss how we could work together.
01325 808607 View 01325 808607
Dr Christina Jane Shahabeddin
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Hi, I'm Christina. As a clinical psychologist with over 10 years of post qualification experience, I offer a personal, individual, integrative approach to evidence based therapy for a wide range of psychological, emotional or behavioural difficulties. I use models including EMDR, CBT, Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), for difficulties including Trauma and PTSD, grief, depression, anxiety, low self esteem, insomnia, pregnancy and birth related complications or trauma.
Hi, I'm Christina. As a clinical psychologist with over 10 years of post qualification experience, I offer a personal, individual, integrative approach to evidence based therapy for a wide range of psychological, emotional or behavioural difficulties. I use models including EMDR, CBT, Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), for difficulties including Trauma and PTSD, grief, depression, anxiety, low self esteem, insomnia, pregnancy and birth related complications or trauma.
0191 743 0261 View 0191 743 0261
Clear Head Therapy
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Online Only
If you're struggling with trauma or PTSD, distressing memories can leave you feeling stuck, constantly on edge or unable to move forward. You may also be experiencing OCD, anxiety or overwhelming stress that is affecting your everyday life, relationships or wellbeing. I'm a BABCP-accredited CBT therapist with over 15 years' experience, also trained in EMDR and IPT. I offer evidence-based therapy tailored to you, helping you understand what's keeping difficulties going, reduce their impact and make meaningful, lasting changes.
If you're struggling with trauma or PTSD, distressing memories can leave you feeling stuck, constantly on edge or unable to move forward. You may also be experiencing OCD, anxiety or overwhelming stress that is affecting your everyday life, relationships or wellbeing. I'm a BABCP-accredited CBT therapist with over 15 years' experience, also trained in EMDR and IPT. I offer evidence-based therapy tailored to you, helping you understand what's keeping difficulties going, reduce their impact and make meaningful, lasting changes.
01325 522484 View 01325 522484
Laura Kate Reeve
Counsellor, MBACP
Hi and welcome! My name is Laura and I am a person centred counsellor. I work with a variety of clients across all age groups including children and young people. I aim to offer a safe, warm and confidential space, supporting you to express yourself freely. I won't judge you or tell you what to do but I will listen, empathise and gently challengrle, helping you reflect on your thoughts and feelings to gain a deeper insight into yourself and sense of clarity, understanding and ultimately acceptance.
Hi and welcome! My name is Laura and I am a person centred counsellor. I work with a variety of clients across all age groups including children and young people. I aim to offer a safe, warm and confidential space, supporting you to express yourself freely. I won't judge you or tell you what to do but I will listen, empathise and gently challengrle, helping you reflect on your thoughts and feelings to gain a deeper insight into yourself and sense of clarity, understanding and ultimately acceptance.
0191 743 7639 View 0191 743 7639
Julie Barfoot Talking Therapies
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
My working hours are Tuesday to Thursday 7.45am until 4pm (last appointment). I am a BABCP accredited cognitive behavioural therapist and a previously registered Occupational Therapist. I provide personalised CBT £75 for people with anxiety disorders e.g. OCD, health anxiety, Generalised anxiety disorder (worry about everything), panic disorder, phobias, social anxiety, PTSD, low self esteem and depression. I also look at wellbeing issues e.g. sleep. I also offer EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, £75 per session, for trauma and anxiety.
My working hours are Tuesday to Thursday 7.45am until 4pm (last appointment). I am a BABCP accredited cognitive behavioural therapist and a previously registered Occupational Therapist. I provide personalised CBT £75 for people with anxiety disorders e.g. OCD, health anxiety, Generalised anxiety disorder (worry about everything), panic disorder, phobias, social anxiety, PTSD, low self esteem and depression. I also look at wellbeing issues e.g. sleep. I also offer EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, £75 per session, for trauma and anxiety.
01642 130407 View 01642 130407
Aurelia Gergely-Preda
Psychotherapist, MA, BACP
Seaham SR7
Our sessions will gently uncover the roots of your pain, whether from childhood, relationships, or life transitions and support you in safely processing it.
Hello, My ideal client has tried everything but still feels stuck. Therapy, books, positivity—nothing works. The problem isn't in their head. They feel it in their body—heaviness, fatigue, anxiety. They experience anxiety from nowhere, repeating patterns, living someone else's life, and unexplained physical symptoms. Something was lost along the way. They want results, not sympathy. Real change, not endless talking. Freedom, not staying stuck. They need to release what's holding them, feel lighter and clearer, and finally live instead of survive. They're ready for deeper work that addresses the root—not just symptoms.
Our sessions will gently uncover the roots of your pain, whether from childhood, relationships, or life transitions and support you in safely processing it.
Hello, My ideal client has tried everything but still feels stuck. Therapy, books, positivity—nothing works. The problem isn't in their head. They feel it in their body—heaviness, fatigue, anxiety. They experience anxiety from nowhere, repeating patterns, living someone else's life, and unexplained physical symptoms. Something was lost along the way. They want results, not sympathy. Real change, not endless talking. Freedom, not staying stuck. They need to release what's holding them, feel lighter and clearer, and finally live instead of survive. They're ready for deeper work that addresses the root—not just symptoms.
0191 743 9269 View 0191 743 9269
Lorna Evans - The Mind Movement
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Emotional stress and trauma can be held in the body, and over time, this may show up as physical symptoms or illness.
Hello, I’m Lorna. I've been working with clients for over 15 years. I work from my clinic in Jesmond and online, offering therapy to clients worldwide. I bring warmth, care and a human approach to explore with you both past and present challenges affecting your mental, emotional and physical health. Areas I focus on are Trauma, PTSD, Anxiety and Depression. People come to therapy for many reasons. Sometimes there’s a clear issue to work through; other times it’s just a feeling that something isn’t quite right. We’ll explore what’s going on for you and what you would like to work on together to create change in your life.
Emotional stress and trauma can be held in the body, and over time, this may show up as physical symptoms or illness.
Hello, I’m Lorna. I've been working with clients for over 15 years. I work from my clinic in Jesmond and online, offering therapy to clients worldwide. I bring warmth, care and a human approach to explore with you both past and present challenges affecting your mental, emotional and physical health. Areas I focus on are Trauma, PTSD, Anxiety and Depression. People come to therapy for many reasons. Sometimes there’s a clear issue to work through; other times it’s just a feeling that something isn’t quite right. We’ll explore what’s going on for you and what you would like to work on together to create change in your life.
0191 917 2252 View 0191 917 2252
Nicola Jones Counselling and CBT
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
I am a fully qualified and experienced Counsellor, Psychological Therapist and High Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT) and Supervisor. Often individuals will seek therapy because they feel unable to cope with the stresses of life or adjusting to a big change, not like 'their old self', isolated from others, worried or lost or just needing someone to listen. My role is to work together with individuals to make sense of what is happening for them and provide opportunities for change in away that they feel is appropriate and achievable at their own pace, within a private and confidential setting.
I am a fully qualified and experienced Counsellor, Psychological Therapist and High Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT) and Supervisor. Often individuals will seek therapy because they feel unable to cope with the stresses of life or adjusting to a big change, not like 'their old self', isolated from others, worried or lost or just needing someone to listen. My role is to work together with individuals to make sense of what is happening for them and provide opportunities for change in away that they feel is appropriate and achievable at their own pace, within a private and confidential setting.
01325 809788 View 01325 809788
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.