Photo of Cristina Snipes, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 27613, NC
Cristina Snipes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27613  (Online Only)
With over 15 years of therapeutic experience and a Master's Degree in Social Work, I will provide you with a supportive, relaxed and comfortable environment, rooted in a collaborative approach. I strongly believe in working together toward your personal growth by guiding you through the therapeutic process. By offering kind and compassionate care every step of the way, I will ease the daunting process of beginning and continuing individual therapy, resulting in the growth you desire.
With over 15 years of therapeutic experience and a Master's Degree in Social Work, I will provide you with a supportive, relaxed and comfortable environment, rooted in a collaborative approach. I strongly believe in working together toward your personal growth by guiding you through the therapeutic process. By offering kind and compassionate care every step of the way, I will ease the daunting process of beginning and continuing individual therapy, resulting in the growth you desire.
(919) 351-6924 View (919) 351-6924
Photo of Kirsten Newell-Marino, Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in 27613, NC
Kirsten Newell-Marino
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, MEd, LCMHC-A, NCC, AAT-I
Verified Verified
16 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27613  (Online Only)
I have always had an interest in not only how our minds, bodies, and spirits are connected, but also what takes place when an imbalance exists and then how to implore healing. I look at an individual through a holistic lens, and use this approach, when appropriate. A part of this holistic approach, I have the belief that as a part of the world and universe in which we live, that we are all, interconnected and operate as a part of a dynamic system. I am especially interested in how mindfulness practices, yoga, animals, and nature, might influence the ideas of acceptance and non-judgment, and overall, positively affect an individual.
I have always had an interest in not only how our minds, bodies, and spirits are connected, but also what takes place when an imbalance exists and then how to implore healing. I look at an individual through a holistic lens, and use this approach, when appropriate. A part of this holistic approach, I have the belief that as a part of the world and universe in which we live, that we are all, interconnected and operate as a part of a dynamic system. I am especially interested in how mindfulness practices, yoga, animals, and nature, might influence the ideas of acceptance and non-judgment, and overall, positively affect an individual.
(857) 816-7070 View (857) 816-7070
Photo of Shanika Paylor, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in 27613, NC
Shanika Paylor
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27613  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Congratulations on embarking upon the next step in your journey! Each of these steps — every experience of bliss, fear, frustration, or sorrow — have all lead you to this very moment. The challenges and complexities of your day-to-day life may have lead you here. The traumas, losses, and heartaches of the past have, too. And while I would rather that each of us would be spared these experiences — it is my hope that I may have a chance to partner alongside you as you grow and, ideally, heal from each of them.
Congratulations on embarking upon the next step in your journey! Each of these steps — every experience of bliss, fear, frustration, or sorrow — have all lead you to this very moment. The challenges and complexities of your day-to-day life may have lead you here. The traumas, losses, and heartaches of the past have, too. And while I would rather that each of us would be spared these experiences — it is my hope that I may have a chance to partner alongside you as you grow and, ideally, heal from each of them.
(919) 323-3841 View (919) 323-3841

Chronic Pain Therapists

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, catastrophizing, 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 behavioral 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.