Chronic Pain Counselling in York

Photo of Sari Harenwall - York Psychological Therapies, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
York Psychological Therapies
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Online Only
I specialise in integrative physical and mental health including somatisation where emotional pain manifests itself physically.
I provide a safe space where difficulties can be explored to increase insight in to where they may come from and how they contribute to unhelpful coping behaviours in the now. Therapy includes being curious about the internal world, and learning how to respond to thoughts and feelings differently to optimise behaviours to contribute to living your best life.
I specialise in integrative physical and mental health including somatisation where emotional pain manifests itself physically.
I provide a safe space where difficulties can be explored to increase insight in to where they may come from and how they contribute to unhelpful coping behaviours in the now. Therapy includes being curious about the internal world, and learning how to respond to thoughts and feelings differently to optimise behaviours to contribute to living your best life.
01904 929658 View 01904 929658
Photo of Alex Lloyd, Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Alex Lloyd
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
York YO42
I am an experienced and fully accredited Cognitive Behavioural (CBT) and Cognitive Analytic (CAT) Therapist. I am experienced in working with a wide range of difficulties, including depression, low self esteem, anxiety disorders (such as phobias, generalised anxiety, OCD), eating problems, body image issues, relationship difficulties and trauma/PTSD. My therapy approach is semi structured, and driven by an individual and personalised formulation, typically drawing from CBT, compassion focused therapy (CFT) cognitive analytic therapy (CAT) approaches and EMDR. I offer both long and short term therapy.
I am an experienced and fully accredited Cognitive Behavioural (CBT) and Cognitive Analytic (CAT) Therapist. I am experienced in working with a wide range of difficulties, including depression, low self esteem, anxiety disorders (such as phobias, generalised anxiety, OCD), eating problems, body image issues, relationship difficulties and trauma/PTSD. My therapy approach is semi structured, and driven by an individual and personalised formulation, typically drawing from CBT, compassion focused therapy (CFT) cognitive analytic therapy (CAT) approaches and EMDR. I offer both long and short term therapy.
01759 487734 View 01759 487734
Photo of Allyson Donoghue - Awaken Discovery Counselling and Psychotherapy, Counsellor, MA, MBACP
They need understanding, support, and a safe space to process past pain and reconnect with themselves.
I help individuals and couples navigate life’s challenges, release past pain, and break stuck patterns. Using a Humanistic Integrative approach, I offer a safe space to explore emotions, reconnect with your authentic self, trust your inner guidance, and work toward growth, empowerment, and balance.
They need understanding, support, and a safe space to process past pain and reconnect with themselves.
I help individuals and couples navigate life’s challenges, release past pain, and break stuck patterns. Using a Humanistic Integrative approach, I offer a safe space to explore emotions, reconnect with your authentic self, trust your inner guidance, and work toward growth, empowerment, and balance.
01430 634258 View 01430 634258
Photo of Dr Elizabeth Mackriell, Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Dr Elizabeth Mackriell
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
York YO30
Are you feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges, struggling with anxiety or low mood? I know that taking the first steps towards seeking support can be daunting, but it is also an act of courage and self-compassion. I am here to help you navigate that journey. As a Counselling Psychologist, I provide a warm, safe and confidential space for adults and young people to explore their difficulties. Working with a person-centred approach, we will draw on a range of therapeutic models to tailor our work to your unique needs. I believe in working collaboratively finding the best methods to help you gain new insights and find a way forward.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges, struggling with anxiety or low mood? I know that taking the first steps towards seeking support can be daunting, but it is also an act of courage and self-compassion. I am here to help you navigate that journey. As a Counselling Psychologist, I provide a warm, safe and confidential space for adults and young people to explore their difficulties. Working with a person-centred approach, we will draw on a range of therapeutic models to tailor our work to your unique needs. I believe in working collaboratively finding the best methods to help you gain new insights and find a way forward.
01904 935654 View 01904 935654
Photo of Sarah Marzillier, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Sarah Marzillier
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Hi, I'm Sarah. I specialise in trauma/PTSD, spirituality, and sexual and relationship issues. I am polyamory, BDSM and kink aware. I am sex positive and supportive of diverse relationship orientations, sexualities and lifestyles. I am very experienced in third wave CBT, the trauma therapies (including EMDR) and energy psychology. I have just completed a Certificate in Psychosexual Therapy.
Hi, I'm Sarah. I specialise in trauma/PTSD, spirituality, and sexual and relationship issues. I am polyamory, BDSM and kink aware. I am sex positive and supportive of diverse relationship orientations, sexualities and lifestyles. I am very experienced in third wave CBT, the trauma therapies (including EMDR) and energy psychology. I have just completed a Certificate in Psychosexual Therapy.
01904 929110 View 01904 929110
Photo of Sarah Rayner, Counsellor, MBACP
Sarah Rayner
Counsellor, MBACP
York YO31
The counselling I provide offers you the time and space that so many of us need but often lack, especially when life becomes hard or you feel less able to cope as you once did. You may be struggling with depression, low mood, anxiety, low self-esteem, a relationship breakdown, bereavement, or perhaps there is no label that can best describe where you are at right now. Whatever the case and wherever you are at, I offer a safe, confidential and non-judgmental environment for you to begin your counselling journey.
The counselling I provide offers you the time and space that so many of us need but often lack, especially when life becomes hard or you feel less able to cope as you once did. You may be struggling with depression, low mood, anxiety, low self-esteem, a relationship breakdown, bereavement, or perhaps there is no label that can best describe where you are at right now. Whatever the case and wherever you are at, I offer a safe, confidential and non-judgmental environment for you to begin your counselling journey.
01904 803311 View 01904 803311
Photo of Polly Hayes - Polly Hayes Counselling , Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Polly Hayes Counselling
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
2 Endorsed
York YO10
I am an integrative therapist in sessions we talk about what you are feeling in combination with tuning into where and how the emotional dysregulation is manifesting physically. I incorporate gentle exercises specifically designed to release anxieties grip, held within the autonomic nervous system, deepening your connection to self. These exercises involve gentle movements, breathing techniques and information about the body-mind connection. By creating a sense of safety in the body it reduces anxiety widening the capacity to process trauma, which comes in many forms
I am an integrative therapist in sessions we talk about what you are feeling in combination with tuning into where and how the emotional dysregulation is manifesting physically. I incorporate gentle exercises specifically designed to release anxieties grip, held within the autonomic nervous system, deepening your connection to self. These exercises involve gentle movements, breathing techniques and information about the body-mind connection. By creating a sense of safety in the body it reduces anxiety widening the capacity to process trauma, which comes in many forms
01889 223816 View 01889 223816
Photo of Claire Stewart, Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Claire Stewart
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBACP
York YO24
You may feel uncertain, hopeless or in pain.
As your therapist I will help to untangle what has brought you to therapy. You can explore the possible issues with the view to strengthen communication, deepen insight and encourage reflective listening. I can help address recurring conflict that may involve repair.
You may feel uncertain, hopeless or in pain.
As your therapist I will help to untangle what has brought you to therapy. You can explore the possible issues with the view to strengthen communication, deepen insight and encourage reflective listening. I can help address recurring conflict that may involve repair.
01904 935311 View 01904 935311
Photo of Dr Julia Bognar, Psychotherapist, MSc, UKCP Trainee
Dr Julia Bognar
Psychotherapist, MSc, UKCP Trainee
York YO23
As well as a Pharmacist, I am also a Relational Therapist in advanced training. I believe that experiencing personal growth and self-containment is one of the most privileged journeys of one's life. For me, truly exploring who we are in this world is about embracing our ways in the here and now and understanding how they have been shaped by our past.
As well as a Pharmacist, I am also a Relational Therapist in advanced training. I believe that experiencing personal growth and self-containment is one of the most privileged journeys of one's life. For me, truly exploring who we are in this world is about embracing our ways in the here and now and understanding how they have been shaped by our past.
01904 935289 View 01904 935289
Photo of Cheryl Squire, Counsellor, MA, MNCPS Acc.
Cheryl Squire
Counsellor, MA, MNCPS Acc.
York YO30
Are you feeling anxious & distressed? At times do you get frustrated, irritated or angry? Do you have painful unwanted memories or struggle to sleep? Are you feeling sad or numb? Do you want to feel calm and more in control. If you are reading this, I know that you have already taken the brave step of admitting to yourself that you want some support or for something to be different. This is where I can help. I will meet you wherever you are at and explore what is important to you. That might be getting some stuff off your chest, it might be expressing some difficult emotions, or trying to make sense of something that has happened.
Are you feeling anxious & distressed? At times do you get frustrated, irritated or angry? Do you have painful unwanted memories or struggle to sleep? Are you feeling sad or numb? Do you want to feel calm and more in control. If you are reading this, I know that you have already taken the brave step of admitting to yourself that you want some support or for something to be different. This is where I can help. I will meet you wherever you are at and explore what is important to you. That might be getting some stuff off your chest, it might be expressing some difficult emotions, or trying to make sense of something that has happened.
01904 929241 View 01904 929241
Photo of Zeina Bushnaq, Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Zeina Bushnaq
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
York YO10
Sometimes life can feel overwhelming, especially during times of stress, burnout, or uncertainty. You might be navigating challenges around confidence, identity, or relationships, or simply noticing patterns you’d like to better understand. Therapy can offer a supportive space to explore what’s going on and begin moving forward with greater clarity and self-compassion.
Sometimes life can feel overwhelming, especially during times of stress, burnout, or uncertainty. You might be navigating challenges around confidence, identity, or relationships, or simply noticing patterns you’d like to better understand. Therapy can offer a supportive space to explore what’s going on and begin moving forward with greater clarity and self-compassion.
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Photo of Dorothy Hodgkinson, Counsellor, MBACP
Dorothy Hodgkinson
Counsellor, MBACP
2 Endorsed
York YO23
You may be struggling with others' or your own expectations, and wondering how your own values and priorities fit in. You may be wondering what really matters to you, or feel at a point of crisis, needing to make changes, or be facing challenging life events. Whatever it may be, I provide a safe space for you to show up, exactly as you are, without fear of judgement, so that together we can start to make sense of what’s holding you back from what you really need. I work with anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, grief & loss, and family issues. My practice is neurodivergent and trans/LGBTQI+ affirmative.
You may be struggling with others' or your own expectations, and wondering how your own values and priorities fit in. You may be wondering what really matters to you, or feel at a point of crisis, needing to make changes, or be facing challenging life events. Whatever it may be, I provide a safe space for you to show up, exactly as you are, without fear of judgement, so that together we can start to make sense of what’s holding you back from what you really need. I work with anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, grief & loss, and family issues. My practice is neurodivergent and trans/LGBTQI+ affirmative.
01904 935039 View 01904 935039
Photo of Suzie Wylie, Psychotherapist, MSc, UKCP Trainee
Suzie Wylie
Psychotherapist, MSc, UKCP Trainee
1 Endorsed
Online Only
You’re self-aware but keep repeating the same patterns. You overthink, self-criticise, or put others’ needs before your own. You feel stuck between who you are and who you know you could be. You might sense there’s something deeper holding you back—old beliefs, internal blocks, or a part of you that’s still trying to stay safe. You want clarity, freedom, and a more authentic life, but you can’t get there by thinking harder or pushing more. You’re ready to go deeper and understand what’s really happening beneath the surface. As a relational Gestalt psychotherapist (in advanced training) i can support you.
You’re self-aware but keep repeating the same patterns. You overthink, self-criticise, or put others’ needs before your own. You feel stuck between who you are and who you know you could be. You might sense there’s something deeper holding you back—old beliefs, internal blocks, or a part of you that’s still trying to stay safe. You want clarity, freedom, and a more authentic life, but you can’t get there by thinking harder or pushing more. You’re ready to go deeper and understand what’s really happening beneath the surface. As a relational Gestalt psychotherapist (in advanced training) i can support you.
01347 665299 View 01347 665299
Photo of Dr Stephen Bainbridge, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Stephen Bainbridge
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
York YO30
Hello and thank you for looking at my profile in this directory. I am a senior and experienced Chartered Clinical Psychologist and EMDR Consultant & Clinical Supervisor based in York and located at Clifton Moor. I have worked in private practice for over 20 years and in the NHS in various mental health services for over 22 years.
Hello and thank you for looking at my profile in this directory. I am a senior and experienced Chartered Clinical Psychologist and EMDR Consultant & Clinical Supervisor based in York and located at Clifton Moor. I have worked in private practice for over 20 years and in the NHS in various mental health services for over 22 years.
01347 668080 View 01347 668080
Photo of Emma Yates, Counsellor, MBACP
Emma Yates
Counsellor, MBACP
York YO1
I’m a BACP-registered integrative psychotherapeutic counsellor, specializing in children and young people. I also offer couples therapy. If you’re seeking a gentle, nurturing approach for your child, I provide in-person or online sessions, making therapy accessible for those who find attending in person challenging. I have experience helping children and young people navigate issues like bereavement, trauma, anxiety, and family breakdown, offering tailored support for each unique need.
I’m a BACP-registered integrative psychotherapeutic counsellor, specializing in children and young people. I also offer couples therapy. If you’re seeking a gentle, nurturing approach for your child, I provide in-person or online sessions, making therapy accessible for those who find attending in person challenging. I have experience helping children and young people navigate issues like bereavement, trauma, anxiety, and family breakdown, offering tailored support for each unique need.
01904 935745 View 01904 935745
Photo of Dr Nicky Bould, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Nicky Bould
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I have extensive experience of working with people who are living with conditions such as cancer, diabetes, persistent pain, gastrointestinal problems (such as IBS), dermatological issues and also life-limiting illnesses.
As an experienced Clinical Psychologist I am trained in and draw on a wide variety of evidence-based therapies. These include CBT, CAT, ACT, CFT, EMDR, Mindfulness, and Hypnosis. Together we will make a plan of which therapeutic approach(es) would fit best, to help you achieve what you want to out of our sessions.
I have extensive experience of working with people who are living with conditions such as cancer, diabetes, persistent pain, gastrointestinal problems (such as IBS), dermatological issues and also life-limiting illnesses.
As an experienced Clinical Psychologist I am trained in and draw on a wide variety of evidence-based therapies. These include CBT, CAT, ACT, CFT, EMDR, Mindfulness, and Hypnosis. Together we will make a plan of which therapeutic approach(es) would fit best, to help you achieve what you want to out of our sessions.
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Photo of Pippa Jane Crosby - Pippa-Crosby, Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Pippa-Crosby
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
York YO1
I have worked in a women's centre and services for eating disorders and chronic pain.
I know from my own experience, that therapy, can provide a deeply helpful space where issues can be explored, felt, understood and cared for. This can lead to a greater understanding of oneself, a deeper level of compassion for ones current situation and what one has been through, and a stronger understanding of ones strengths and resources to move forward with. I find being alongside my client in this process a privilege.
I have worked in a women's centre and services for eating disorders and chronic pain.
I know from my own experience, that therapy, can provide a deeply helpful space where issues can be explored, felt, understood and cared for. This can lead to a greater understanding of oneself, a deeper level of compassion for ones current situation and what one has been through, and a stronger understanding of ones strengths and resources to move forward with. I find being alongside my client in this process a privilege.
01904 230588 View 01904 230588
Photo of Magdalena Laskowska, Counsellor, MUKCP
Magdalena Laskowska
Counsellor, MUKCP
York YO43
Hello, thank you for visiting my profile. Hope you get an idea of what I offer and how I support you. I am an experienced and certified psychotherapy counsellor and a psychotherapist who works with individual clients, couples, both adults and teenagers. My working style is warm, empathetic and supportive and I am extremely passionate about working with my clients.
Hello, thank you for visiting my profile. Hope you get an idea of what I offer and how I support you. I am an experienced and certified psychotherapy counsellor and a psychotherapist who works with individual clients, couples, both adults and teenagers. My working style is warm, empathetic and supportive and I am extremely passionate about working with my clients.
01430 330064 View 01430 330064
Photo of Jacqueline Ann Bird - Jacquibird Counselling, Counsellor, MA, MBACP Accred
Jacquibird Counselling
Counsellor, MA, MBACP Accred
York YO26
Welcome I am a registered MBACP accredited Counsellor/psychotherapist. I am qualified in several modalities of therapy - meaning I can integrate a range of interventions to support you. I work with individuals, couples, families, children and young people. I offer online appointments and face to face appointments in York and Thirsk. I also offer walk and talk sessions in York and Thirsk. I specialise in relationship and psychosexual therapy, trauma and PTSD. If you are experiencing difficulties and would like to talk in confidence, I'm here by your side to support you and help you move forward at your pace.
Welcome I am a registered MBACP accredited Counsellor/psychotherapist. I am qualified in several modalities of therapy - meaning I can integrate a range of interventions to support you. I work with individuals, couples, families, children and young people. I offer online appointments and face to face appointments in York and Thirsk. I also offer walk and talk sessions in York and Thirsk. I specialise in relationship and psychosexual therapy, trauma and PTSD. If you are experiencing difficulties and would like to talk in confidence, I'm here by your side to support you and help you move forward at your pace.
01889 227313 View 01889 227313
Photo of Ben Groves, Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Ben Groves
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
1 Endorsed
York YO31
Hello, I’m Ben, a psychotherapist based in York, and I support people to resolve life and relationship difficulties. If you’ve ever felt trapped, possibly disliking who you have become and feeling others blaming you too; we can work together to make sense of how you came to be the person that you are today, and how to make positive changes in your life- to make you more you. Often we feel life’s pressures, or that there is some is just ‘wrong’ but we are unsure of what ‘it’ is, we can resolve the it - to make you more you. I support clients with childhood trauma, complex diagnosis, as well as seemly day to day issues.
Hello, I’m Ben, a psychotherapist based in York, and I support people to resolve life and relationship difficulties. If you’ve ever felt trapped, possibly disliking who you have become and feeling others blaming you too; we can work together to make sense of how you came to be the person that you are today, and how to make positive changes in your life- to make you more you. Often we feel life’s pressures, or that there is some is just ‘wrong’ but we are unsure of what ‘it’ is, we can resolve the it - to make you more you. I support clients with childhood trauma, complex diagnosis, as well as seemly day to day issues.
01904 935837 View 01904 935837

See more therapy options for York

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.