Chronic Pain Counselling in Durham

Photo of Dr Alan Bowman, Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Alan Bowman
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I work with individuals who feel overwhelmed by the weight of past trauma, grapple with chronic pain, or who are trying to cope with fears about death and loss.
I specialise in trauma, chronic pain, and issues related to death, offering a blend of EMDR, ACT, and existential therapy. Together, we’ll create a safe space to explore your experiences, reduce emotional suffering, and grow a deeper sense of acceptance and meaning. Whether you’re facing past trauma, living with pain, or navigating loss, I’m here to help.
I work with individuals who feel overwhelmed by the weight of past trauma, grapple with chronic pain, or who are trying to cope with fears about death and loss.
I specialise in trauma, chronic pain, and issues related to death, offering a blend of EMDR, ACT, and existential therapy. Together, we’ll create a safe space to explore your experiences, reduce emotional suffering, and grow a deeper sense of acceptance and meaning. Whether you’re facing past trauma, living with pain, or navigating loss, I’m here to help.
0191 607 1134 View 0191 607 1134
Photo of Wendy Clochet, Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Wendy Clochet
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Online Only
I have experience working in the NHS within IAPT, Affective Disorders, Pain Management and within my private work I have completed court reports for solicitors nationally.
I am a Chartered Holistic Counselling Psychologist with 11 years of experience working in services for common and complex mental health difficulties both in the NHS and in private practice. I take a very holistic mind body approach and I am therefore also a nutritional therapist in training. I am a qualified Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT), Accredited Cognitive Analytic Therapist (CAT), Accredited Mindfulness teacher, Accredited Substance Misuse worker and EMDR Therapist. I take an integrative approach to my work.
I have experience working in the NHS within IAPT, Affective Disorders, Pain Management and within my private work I have completed court reports for solicitors nationally.
I am a Chartered Holistic Counselling Psychologist with 11 years of experience working in services for common and complex mental health difficulties both in the NHS and in private practice. I take a very holistic mind body approach and I am therefore also a nutritional therapist in training. I am a qualified Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT), Accredited Cognitive Analytic Therapist (CAT), Accredited Mindfulness teacher, Accredited Substance Misuse worker and EMDR Therapist. I take an integrative approach to my work.
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Photo of Amy Robson, Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Amy Robson
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
It takes courage to be reflective about ourselves and consider the things that might be getting in our way. Finding the right therapist can be an overwhelming task. I’m Amy, a humanistic and integrative Psychotherapist. Whatever has brought you here, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relationship difficulties, changes to your identity or other stumbling blocks in life; our co-created relationship could be the catalyst for change you’re looking for.
It takes courage to be reflective about ourselves and consider the things that might be getting in our way. Finding the right therapist can be an overwhelming task. I’m Amy, a humanistic and integrative Psychotherapist. Whatever has brought you here, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relationship difficulties, changes to your identity or other stumbling blocks in life; our co-created relationship could be the catalyst for change you’re looking for.
01429 802918 View 01429 802918
Photo of Amanda Fox, Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Amanda Fox
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
1 Endorsed
Durham DH1
Hiya, I'm Amanda a therapist dedicated to empowering adults on their path to recovery from trauma. If you've landed here, you may have frequent anxiety, depression, complex emotions, or challenges in your relationships. Traumatic events and abusive relationships at any age can effect your identity and leave you feeling stuck in the past. If life feels like it keeps repeating the same cycles, it may be time for change.
Hiya, I'm Amanda a therapist dedicated to empowering adults on their path to recovery from trauma. If you've landed here, you may have frequent anxiety, depression, complex emotions, or challenges in your relationships. Traumatic events and abusive relationships at any age can effect your identity and leave you feeling stuck in the past. If life feels like it keeps repeating the same cycles, it may be time for change.
01388 311147 View 01388 311147
Photo of Hannah Barraclough, Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Hannah Barraclough
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Durham DH6
If you’re a perfectionist who struggles with anxiety and workplace stress, we’ll be a great fit! I help people get unstuck from difficult emotions that hold them back when times are tough. Together, we’ll work on coping skills to manage and tolerate distress while regulating emotions to help you move forward and improve your quality of life. I strive to help my clients achieve deeper personal and emotional growth and create an authentic life. I’ll empower and encourage you to develop tools to manage the stress and anxiety of your day-to-day life. My purpose is to help you help yourself and live whole-heartedly in the life you want.
If you’re a perfectionist who struggles with anxiety and workplace stress, we’ll be a great fit! I help people get unstuck from difficult emotions that hold them back when times are tough. Together, we’ll work on coping skills to manage and tolerate distress while regulating emotions to help you move forward and improve your quality of life. I strive to help my clients achieve deeper personal and emotional growth and create an authentic life. I’ll empower and encourage you to develop tools to manage the stress and anxiety of your day-to-day life. My purpose is to help you help yourself and live whole-heartedly in the life you want.
01388 217363 View 01388 217363
Photo of Toni Harrison - Conscious Minds Therapies, Counsellor, MBACP
Conscious Minds Therapies
Counsellor, MBACP
Durham DH1
You might be neurodivergent or living with the pain and fatigue of a condition like endometriosis.
I offer a calm, non-judgmental space where you can explore whatever is on your mind, helping you make sense of your thoughts, feelings, and emotions so you can begin to move forward with support. This can be through traditional counselling or combined wellbeing and counselling sessions, using tools such as EFT or Mindfulness — the choice is always yours.
You might be neurodivergent or living with the pain and fatigue of a condition like endometriosis.
I offer a calm, non-judgmental space where you can explore whatever is on your mind, helping you make sense of your thoughts, feelings, and emotions so you can begin to move forward with support. This can be through traditional counselling or combined wellbeing and counselling sessions, using tools such as EFT or Mindfulness — the choice is always yours.
0191 743 4521 View 0191 743 4521
Photo of Helen Graham, Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Helen Graham
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Durham DH1
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
Photo of James Blacklock, Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
James Blacklock
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Feeling trapped by anxiety, OCD, past trauma, or constant health worries? You may be exhausted by intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, or relentless “what if” fears, frustrated that nothing has worked so far. As a BABCP-accredited CBT therapist, EMDR practitioner, and Senior Lecturer in CBT, I help people regain control, reduce distressing thoughts, and face anxiety with confidence. Together, we create personalised, practical strategies that restore calm, balance, and a real sense of possibility, so life finally feels manageable and yours again.
Feeling trapped by anxiety, OCD, past trauma, or constant health worries? You may be exhausted by intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, or relentless “what if” fears, frustrated that nothing has worked so far. As a BABCP-accredited CBT therapist, EMDR practitioner, and Senior Lecturer in CBT, I help people regain control, reduce distressing thoughts, and face anxiety with confidence. Together, we create personalised, practical strategies that restore calm, balance, and a real sense of possibility, so life finally feels manageable and yours again.
0191 743 3235 View 0191 743 3235
Photo of Katherine Banner, Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Katherine Banner
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Serves Area
I specialise in the area of feeling 'overwhelmed', 'high anxiety' and your mental health feeling ignored. I am here to support these questions in life: -How can I feel like my self again? -How can I feel calmer? -how can I regain my autonomy -How can I start to trust again? My experience of working with the conscious and unconscious patterns in our life and relationships, enables us to gain a deeper understanding of what is impacting you. I work in a range of areas from high anxiety, bereavement, depression and psychological neglect.
I specialise in the area of feeling 'overwhelmed', 'high anxiety' and your mental health feeling ignored. I am here to support these questions in life: -How can I feel like my self again? -How can I feel calmer? -how can I regain my autonomy -How can I start to trust again? My experience of working with the conscious and unconscious patterns in our life and relationships, enables us to gain a deeper understanding of what is impacting you. I work in a range of areas from high anxiety, bereavement, depression and psychological neglect.
01325 809265 View 01325 809265
Photo of Luisa Williams - My Family Psychologist, Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Forensic Psych.
My Family Psychologist
Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Forensic Psych.
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
My work is to empower you to understand and manage your own and your family's psychological wellbeing. From initial confusion and hopelessness the end game is enlightenment and clarity. I rely on data, clear aims, objectives, and objective measurement.
My work is to empower you to understand and manage your own and your family's psychological wellbeing. From initial confusion and hopelessness the end game is enlightenment and clarity. I rely on data, clear aims, objectives, and objective measurement.
01670 338152 View 01670 338152
Photo of Alison Stocks - Ronnoc's counselling service, Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Ronnoc's counselling service
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I work with Mind as mental health support Serious mental Illness link worker and sessional counselling.
Hi my name is Alison I am a qualified psychotherapeutic counsellor, who uses an integrative, person centred approach to counselling. I adopt this approach to provide an unique opportunity to help you to explore those feelings of being overwhelmed. especially after a bereavement or loss. We can explore ways to help you to identify your issues and unravel your thoughts and feelings which in turn can help you to alter your behaviour and regulate your emotions. This will empower you to strive forwards in your life and improve your well being.
I work with Mind as mental health support Serious mental Illness link worker and sessional counselling.
Hi my name is Alison I am a qualified psychotherapeutic counsellor, who uses an integrative, person centred approach to counselling. I adopt this approach to provide an unique opportunity to help you to explore those feelings of being overwhelmed. especially after a bereavement or loss. We can explore ways to help you to identify your issues and unravel your thoughts and feelings which in turn can help you to alter your behaviour and regulate your emotions. This will empower you to strive forwards in your life and improve your well being.
01325 808567 View 01325 808567
Photo of Moira Sheen - Moira Sheen Specialist in ADHD and Autism, Counsellor, MBACP
Moira Sheen Specialist in ADHD and Autism
Counsellor, MBACP
Serves Area
Hi, I’m Moira, a BACP-registered integrative counsellor. I work with adults, young people, and neurodivergent individuals, offering a calm, supportive space where you can be yourself — no pressure, no judgement. I support clients with a range of issues including anxiety, masking and burnout, emotional regulation, low mood, self-esteem, and navigating identity and relationships. I can help you unpick your feelings and understand them. I offer a confidential space where you can slow down, speak freely, and begin to make sense of what's going on beneath the surface. A space to just be YOU. A space to heal.
Hi, I’m Moira, a BACP-registered integrative counsellor. I work with adults, young people, and neurodivergent individuals, offering a calm, supportive space where you can be yourself — no pressure, no judgement. I support clients with a range of issues including anxiety, masking and burnout, emotional regulation, low mood, self-esteem, and navigating identity and relationships. I can help you unpick your feelings and understand them. I offer a confidential space where you can slow down, speak freely, and begin to make sense of what's going on beneath the surface. A space to just be YOU. A space to heal.
01322 936264 View 01322 936264
Photo of Claire L Newman, Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Claire L Newman
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Online Only
Welcome! You may be seeking a therapist, counsellor, or coach to address a specific issue, heal from past experiences, or explore a general sense that something isn’t quite right. Talking in confidence can help you discover who you are and make self-loving, empowered choices. Therapy and counselling foster self-awareness, emotional healing, and resilience, reconnecting you with your innate self-worth. Life coaching helps clear unconscious patterns, set meaningful goals, and take action toward a fulfilling, nourishing life.
Welcome! You may be seeking a therapist, counsellor, or coach to address a specific issue, heal from past experiences, or explore a general sense that something isn’t quite right. Talking in confidence can help you discover who you are and make self-loving, empowered choices. Therapy and counselling foster self-awareness, emotional healing, and resilience, reconnecting you with your innate self-worth. Life coaching helps clear unconscious patterns, set meaningful goals, and take action toward a fulfilling, nourishing life.
01604 954296 View 01604 954296
Photo of Tracy Woodhouse, Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Tracy Woodhouse
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Serves Area
I’m a qualified Counsellor and Clinical Supervisor with over 7 years of experience running my own practice. I’m deeply committed to helping clients navigate lifes challenges, working through anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, burnout, or relationship difficulties. I support children and adults, tailoring therapy to meet each clients emotional, developmental, and psychological needs. My approach is compassionate and grounded in the belief that clients deserve to feel safe, understood, respected, heard and supported. I take an integrative, person-centred approach, combining evidence-based therapies to best suit your needs.
I’m a qualified Counsellor and Clinical Supervisor with over 7 years of experience running my own practice. I’m deeply committed to helping clients navigate lifes challenges, working through anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, burnout, or relationship difficulties. I support children and adults, tailoring therapy to meet each clients emotional, developmental, and psychological needs. My approach is compassionate and grounded in the belief that clients deserve to feel safe, understood, respected, heard and supported. I take an integrative, person-centred approach, combining evidence-based therapies to best suit your needs.
0191 580 4413 View 0191 580 4413
Photo of Katie Strongman - Space for Reflection, Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Space for Reflection
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
It can be really daunting starting therapy and knowing where to begin. I am a compassionate, down to earth therapist and offer a range of therapies that I am fully qualified in. I am happy to offer a free 15 minute telephone consultation to discuss how I might be able to help. I have a lot of experience working with people who are stuck in a cycle of low mood or anxiety, people who have experienced traumatic events and need to heal from symptoms of PTSD and with people who have difficulties stemming from their childhood. If you have a critical inner voice, repeating patterns or feel stuck and overwhelmed then I can help.
It can be really daunting starting therapy and knowing where to begin. I am a compassionate, down to earth therapist and offer a range of therapies that I am fully qualified in. I am happy to offer a free 15 minute telephone consultation to discuss how I might be able to help. I have a lot of experience working with people who are stuck in a cycle of low mood or anxiety, people who have experienced traumatic events and need to heal from symptoms of PTSD and with people who have difficulties stemming from their childhood. If you have a critical inner voice, repeating patterns or feel stuck and overwhelmed then I can help.
0191 743 6819 View 0191 743 6819
Photo of Dr Huw Williams, Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Huw Williams
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Additionally, I have experience working with people living with HIV, chronic pain, neurological disorders, FND, and traumatic brain injury.
I utilise evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and third-wave therapies like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) to support clients in managing difficulties with their mental health. I also offer Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy.
Additionally, I have experience working with people living with HIV, chronic pain, neurological disorders, FND, and traumatic brain injury.
I utilise evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and third-wave therapies like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) to support clients in managing difficulties with their mental health. I also offer Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy.
0191 743 6760 View 0191 743 6760
Photo of Louise Stubbs
Louise Stubbs
Verified Verified
Online Only
We can all experience times when our mental health doesn’t feel as strong as we would like it to be. Sometimes though, we can feel stuck and unable to return to a state of positive mental wellbeing. Perhaps we feel stuck in habits that don’t make us feel any better or caught up in cycles of worry that just seem to go on and on. We could be in a situation that doesn’t seem to be improving or feel concerned about the future of our relationship with our partner. Whether you’re seeking support on your own or attending sessions with your partner, Renewed Perspectives offers a protected and supportive space to explore your needs and goals
We can all experience times when our mental health doesn’t feel as strong as we would like it to be. Sometimes though, we can feel stuck and unable to return to a state of positive mental wellbeing. Perhaps we feel stuck in habits that don’t make us feel any better or caught up in cycles of worry that just seem to go on and on. We could be in a situation that doesn’t seem to be improving or feel concerned about the future of our relationship with our partner. Whether you’re seeking support on your own or attending sessions with your partner, Renewed Perspectives offers a protected and supportive space to explore your needs and goals
01207 263050 View 01207 263050
Photo of Donna McAllister, Counsellor, MBACP
Donna McAllister
Counsellor, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Welcome to my profile, hello. My credentials as a registered counsellor include a Bachelor of Arts in Therapeutic Counselling with Honours. I will give you a secure, private and accepting space where you may talk about whatever difficulties you are having. These difficulties could include low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and working and family life responsibilities. these can all lead to high levels of stress and burnout, working together with you and developing a solid therapeutic relationship based on mutual respect and trust in order to make you feel heard and understood and offering support throughout.
Welcome to my profile, hello. My credentials as a registered counsellor include a Bachelor of Arts in Therapeutic Counselling with Honours. I will give you a secure, private and accepting space where you may talk about whatever difficulties you are having. These difficulties could include low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and working and family life responsibilities. these can all lead to high levels of stress and burnout, working together with you and developing a solid therapeutic relationship based on mutual respect and trust in order to make you feel heard and understood and offering support throughout.
01325 808597 View 01325 808597
Photo of Caroline Harvey, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Caroline Harvey
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Serves Area
I am a BPC registered Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist and HCPC registered Clinical Psychologist with a private practice in Darlington, providing Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy to adults in the North East of England. I have helped many people, both in private practice and the NHS, overcome problems including those related to anxiety, depression, trauma, abuse, relationships, stress, low self-esteem, loss, life transitions, or medically unexplained symptoms. Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy can also be effective when you are experiencing a more general sense of dissatisfaction in life, helping you work towards greater fulfilment.
I am a BPC registered Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist and HCPC registered Clinical Psychologist with a private practice in Darlington, providing Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy to adults in the North East of England. I have helped many people, both in private practice and the NHS, overcome problems including those related to anxiety, depression, trauma, abuse, relationships, stress, low self-esteem, loss, life transitions, or medically unexplained symptoms. Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy can also be effective when you are experiencing a more general sense of dissatisfaction in life, helping you work towards greater fulfilment.
01325 808146 View 01325 808146
Photo of Val Adlparvar - Jesmond Therapy Centre, Counsellor, MA, MBACP Accred
Jesmond Therapy Centre
Counsellor, MA, MBACP Accred
Serves Area
We welcome you to a safe space....Coming for therapy can help you to identify what the issues are so that you can feel better about yourself, your relationships, your work and your life. All of our therapists are independent private practitioners with a great deal of experience of working with a vast range of issues in a variety of settings. We offer a wide range of daytime, late evening & Saturday appointments to fit around your busy schedule . If you're coming to us by car, we have free on-street parking and we are a few minutes walk from the nearest bus stop & metro stations.
We welcome you to a safe space....Coming for therapy can help you to identify what the issues are so that you can feel better about yourself, your relationships, your work and your life. All of our therapists are independent private practitioners with a great deal of experience of working with a vast range of issues in a variety of settings. We offer a wide range of daytime, late evening & Saturday appointments to fit around your busy schedule . If you're coming to us by car, we have free on-street parking and we are a few minutes walk from the nearest bus stop & metro stations.
0191 743 1447 View 0191 743 1447
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.