Chronic Pain Therapists in 98109

Photo of Cory D Secrist - Cory D. Secrist, PhD, PhD, Psychologist
Cory D. Secrist, PhD
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98109  (Online Only)
I further trained in rehabilitation psychology during an internship/residency at Harborview Medical Center, working with patients immediately after traumatic injury, during intensive rehabilitation, and with chronic pain.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who works with adults and adolescents. I specialize in helping those with issues related to depression and other mood disorders, anxiety, and chronic pain. I support people struggling with relationship and communication difficulties, grief, pervasive worry, intrusive thoughts, and overwhelming feelings. I empower clients to gain the skills needed to reach their goals, understand and regulate their emotions, and improve mindfulness and acceptance through a nonjudgmental and collaborative approach. I also provide supportive and affirmative therapy to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender clients. I am available to assist transgender clients in attaining transitioning services.
I further trained in rehabilitation psychology during an internship/residency at Harborview Medical Center, working with patients immediately after traumatic injury, during intensive rehabilitation, and with chronic pain.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who works with adults and adolescents. I specialize in helping those with issues related to depression and other mood disorders, anxiety, and chronic pain. I support people struggling with relationship and communication difficulties, grief, pervasive worry, intrusive thoughts, and overwhelming feelings. I empower clients to gain the skills needed to reach their goals, understand and regulate their emotions, and improve mindfulness and acceptance through a nonjudgmental and collaborative approach. I also provide supportive and affirmative therapy to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender clients. I am available to assist transgender clients in attaining transitioning services.
(206) 717-8321 View (206) 717-8321
Photo of Moriah Brier, PhD, Psychologist
Moriah Brier
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98109  (Online Only)
Specific treatments include CBT for anxiety and depression, CBT-Insomnia, CBT- Chronic Pain, & Cognitive Processing Therapy.
My goal is to help you become more at ease with yourself and your emotions so that you can feel less daunted by the day-to-day, experience more fulfilling relationships, and be more productive in the domains of life that matter to you. I primarily treat anxiety, depression, chronic pain, insomnia, and trauma. My approach focuses on heightening your awareness of the thoughts, negative core beliefs, and behaviors that get in your way and helping you master strategies to address them. This is done within the framework of a relationship in which you feel supported, accepted, and heard.
Specific treatments include CBT for anxiety and depression, CBT-Insomnia, CBT- Chronic Pain, & Cognitive Processing Therapy.
My goal is to help you become more at ease with yourself and your emotions so that you can feel less daunted by the day-to-day, experience more fulfilling relationships, and be more productive in the domains of life that matter to you. I primarily treat anxiety, depression, chronic pain, insomnia, and trauma. My approach focuses on heightening your awareness of the thoughts, negative core beliefs, and behaviors that get in your way and helping you master strategies to address them. This is done within the framework of a relationship in which you feel supported, accepted, and heard.
(206) 202-5244 View (206) 202-5244
Photo of Felix Laevsky
Felix Laevsky
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98109
I have been specializing in Biofeedback since 2004, with a primary focus on chronic pain, anxiety and stress management. Through the use of Biofeedback techniques and technology, relaxation, breathing, and other mind-body techniques, I have helped many people struggling with stress, pain and pain-related symptoms such as sleep problems, anxiety, muscle tension and breathing difficulties. Biofeedback principles and technology are amazing! If you would like to know how stress affects your body you can see it in your own " biofeedback physiological mirror" which works similar to your bathroom mirror.
I have been specializing in Biofeedback since 2004, with a primary focus on chronic pain, anxiety and stress management. Through the use of Biofeedback techniques and technology, relaxation, breathing, and other mind-body techniques, I have helped many people struggling with stress, pain and pain-related symptoms such as sleep problems, anxiety, muscle tension and breathing difficulties. Biofeedback principles and technology are amazing! If you would like to know how stress affects your body you can see it in your own " biofeedback physiological mirror" which works similar to your bathroom mirror.
(847) 960-3313 View (847) 960-3313
Photo of Wayne E Carr, PhD, Psychologist
Wayne E Carr
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98109  (Online Only)
Carr works with anxiety, depression, fear, phobias, obsessions & compulsions, self-defeating behaviors, current emotional pain & deadness, past wounds, relationships, parenting & child problems, communication skills, denial & defensiveness, thinking skills, self-discovery, self-actualization and spiritual development.
Dr. Carr uses a unique blend of Cognitive-Behavioral, Gestalt, Integral, Primal, Transpersonal & Family Coaching techniques to focus on natural growth & healing thus expanding the common central emphasis on disorders & symptom reduction. Clients change as they heal their pain, get emotionally nourished, recognize what is toxic and become authentically themselves.
Carr works with anxiety, depression, fear, phobias, obsessions & compulsions, self-defeating behaviors, current emotional pain & deadness, past wounds, relationships, parenting & child problems, communication skills, denial & defensiveness, thinking skills, self-discovery, self-actualization and spiritual development.
Dr. Carr uses a unique blend of Cognitive-Behavioral, Gestalt, Integral, Primal, Transpersonal & Family Coaching techniques to focus on natural growth & healing thus expanding the common central emphasis on disorders & symptom reduction. Clients change as they heal their pain, get emotionally nourished, recognize what is toxic and become authentically themselves.
(425) 358-2986 View (425) 358-2986
Photo of D. Michael Louderback, MA, LMHC, Counselor
D. Michael Louderback
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98109
It is the intimate opportunity to get into relationship with psychic organization, pain, and suffering with the hope of understanding and overcoming these issues with greater freedom.
We are all alive and trying to learn something about living; we live the way that we feel. We do this automatically (and whether we know it or not) in relationship: in relating to our self and to others. Therefore, my philosophy is everything is emotional and relational and mindful; everything matters.
It is the intimate opportunity to get into relationship with psychic organization, pain, and suffering with the hope of understanding and overcoming these issues with greater freedom.
We are all alive and trying to learn something about living; we live the way that we feel. We do this automatically (and whether we know it or not) in relationship: in relating to our self and to others. Therefore, my philosophy is everything is emotional and relational and mindful; everything matters.
(206) 580-8338 View (206) 580-8338
Photo of Caitlin Noelani Minniear, LMFT, CST, MDFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Caitlin Noelani Minniear
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CST, MDFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98109
Waitlist for new clients
I help individuals and couples navigate complex relational issues involving trauma, depression, anxiety, acculturation, chronic illness, and life transitions.
I believe that healing occurs when people are given the space to explore their unique emotional experience to better understand how it colors their worldview, sense of self, and relationships with others. Within a safe therapeutic relationship, I work with my clients to make meaning out of both mundane and extraordinary moments, unlocking their ability to live a more fully present, authentic life.
I help individuals and couples navigate complex relational issues involving trauma, depression, anxiety, acculturation, chronic illness, and life transitions.
I believe that healing occurs when people are given the space to explore their unique emotional experience to better understand how it colors their worldview, sense of self, and relationships with others. Within a safe therapeutic relationship, I work with my clients to make meaning out of both mundane and extraordinary moments, unlocking their ability to live a more fully present, authentic life.
(206) 895-0722 View (206) 895-0722
Photo of Flor Fernandez Barrios, PhD, Marriage & Family Therapist
Flor Fernandez Barrios
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98109
" We are all broken and wounded in this world. Some choose to grow at the broken places." ~Harold J. Duarte-Bernhardt.~ You had the courage to travel this far in your quest for healing. As a Transpersonal therapist, I believe you are wise and that within you resides the ability to heal from pain and trauma. My role is to be a guide, a facilitator in your process of healing unhealthy patterns of behaviors causing you to feel anxious and depressed. My approach is holistic. I blend many disciplines in search of the most effective way to work with you.
" We are all broken and wounded in this world. Some choose to grow at the broken places." ~Harold J. Duarte-Bernhardt.~ You had the courage to travel this far in your quest for healing. As a Transpersonal therapist, I believe you are wise and that within you resides the ability to heal from pain and trauma. My role is to be a guide, a facilitator in your process of healing unhealthy patterns of behaviors causing you to feel anxious and depressed. My approach is holistic. I blend many disciplines in search of the most effective way to work with you.
(206) 922-8165 View (206) 922-8165
Photo of Tamara J Zundel - Tamara Zundel, MA, LMHC, PLLC, MA, LMHC, CMHC, Counselor
Tamara Zundel, MA, LMHC, PLLC
Counselor, MA, LMHC, CMHC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98109
I love supporting my clients learn how to live a life they want to live while effectively navigating through life's difficulties and challenges. I enjoy working with teens and adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, chronic mental health issues, chronic health problems and life transitions including divorce/breakup, developmental stages, career, education, grief, and illness. I also enjoy helping clients let go of negative core beliefs formed early in life using EMDR.
I love supporting my clients learn how to live a life they want to live while effectively navigating through life's difficulties and challenges. I enjoy working with teens and adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, chronic mental health issues, chronic health problems and life transitions including divorce/breakup, developmental stages, career, education, grief, and illness. I also enjoy helping clients let go of negative core beliefs formed early in life using EMDR.
(206) 785-1927 View (206) 785-1927
Photo of Heather J Reichmann, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Heather J Reichmann
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98109  (Online Only)
I have a passion for working with those in pain who have yet to find healing.
I want to offer you more than scratching the surface, or putting a band-aid on your pain. Let's get to the root. This work is about you - how you relate to yourself and to me. It's about the pain that you've carried (consciously or unconsciously), the grief that has shaped you and the coping mechanisms and defenses that you have adopted in order to live your life. I will bring my curiosity and my awareness to your thoughts, your feelings, your behavior. Together we will get to know the true you.
I have a passion for working with those in pain who have yet to find healing.
I want to offer you more than scratching the surface, or putting a band-aid on your pain. Let's get to the root. This work is about you - how you relate to yourself and to me. It's about the pain that you've carried (consciously or unconsciously), the grief that has shaped you and the coping mechanisms and defenses that you have adopted in order to live your life. I will bring my curiosity and my awareness to your thoughts, your feelings, your behavior. Together we will get to know the true you.
(206) 203-1121 View (206) 203-1121
Photo of Elissa Knight, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Elissa Knight
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98109  (Online Only)
I have experience working with a wide variety of individuals struggling with trauma, anxiety, adjustment, illness, grief/loss, maternal and reproductive health issues (fertility, pregnancy, postpartum issues), the experience of parenting special needs children, end of life care, and aging/ caregiving issues.
Changes and transitions in our lives can provide opportunities for growth and insight. My approach is tailored to each client's need- whether you have a specific goal or are simply in need of a supportive space. Everyone has inherent strength that can be drawn upon. Our work together will center around diminishing the struggles that you feel and increasing your enjoyment of life.
I have experience working with a wide variety of individuals struggling with trauma, anxiety, adjustment, illness, grief/loss, maternal and reproductive health issues (fertility, pregnancy, postpartum issues), the experience of parenting special needs children, end of life care, and aging/ caregiving issues.
Changes and transitions in our lives can provide opportunities for growth and insight. My approach is tailored to each client's need- whether you have a specific goal or are simply in need of a supportive space. Everyone has inherent strength that can be drawn upon. Our work together will center around diminishing the struggles that you feel and increasing your enjoyment of life.
(425) 629-9387 View (425) 629-9387
Photo of Rachel Gabrielle, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Rachel Gabrielle
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98109  (Online Only)
Current openings! Many people think their problems aren't bad enough to seek help and continue suffering in the status quo - but if you're reading this, you must be getting exhausted! You might be wondering why you have such big reactions to minor inconveniences, or why things seem to come easy for everyone else. You've probably tried all the "self care" and are frustrated that you're still struggling. I have a particular interest in working with late or self diagnosed neurodivergent women and chronic illness sufferers. If your anxiety or pain is increasing, or you just have a sense that things are "off," maybe I can help!
Current openings! Many people think their problems aren't bad enough to seek help and continue suffering in the status quo - but if you're reading this, you must be getting exhausted! You might be wondering why you have such big reactions to minor inconveniences, or why things seem to come easy for everyone else. You've probably tried all the "self care" and are frustrated that you're still struggling. I have a particular interest in working with late or self diagnosed neurodivergent women and chronic illness sufferers. If your anxiety or pain is increasing, or you just have a sense that things are "off," maybe I can help!
(425) 441-3517 View (425) 441-3517
Photo of Natalie Peters, PsyD, Psychologist
Natalie Peters
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98109
I work with older adults (65+), adults, and teens (17+), and I treat depression, anxiety, chronic pain, post-traumatic stress, grief and loss, and a broad range of adjustment and general life issues. While I take an integrative approach to therapy based on the needs of the individual, my passion lies with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, my primary treatment modality. In addition to my role as a clinician, I also serve as a Clinical Director (Seattle area) for LifeStance, helping to maintain quality of care and foster a strong clinical milieu via recruitment, retention, consultation, and culture.
I work with older adults (65+), adults, and teens (17+), and I treat depression, anxiety, chronic pain, post-traumatic stress, grief and loss, and a broad range of adjustment and general life issues. While I take an integrative approach to therapy based on the needs of the individual, my passion lies with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, my primary treatment modality. In addition to my role as a clinician, I also serve as a Clinical Director (Seattle area) for LifeStance, helping to maintain quality of care and foster a strong clinical milieu via recruitment, retention, consultation, and culture.
(206) 312-7572 View (206) 312-7572
Photo of Olivia Hope Morgaine, MA, LMHCA
Olivia Hope Morgaine
MA, LMHCA
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98109  (Online Only)
Engaging a holistic approach to psychotherapy that honors the interdependence of thoughts, emotions, feelings, and body I specialize in eating disorders, chronic and life threatening illness, medical trauma, and addictions.
Generally, we react to suffering and what we struggle with by trying to fix perceived problems, our selves, or others. It is natural to not want to suffer, but often our very resistance to suffering, or the habits we develop to avoid discomfort and pain work against us. I provide an integrative, soul-nourishing approach to therapy rooted in embodied depth psychology, health coaching, and mindfulness practices that encourages fully accepting ourselves: our bodies, feelings, and thoughts as they are.
Engaging a holistic approach to psychotherapy that honors the interdependence of thoughts, emotions, feelings, and body I specialize in eating disorders, chronic and life threatening illness, medical trauma, and addictions.
Generally, we react to suffering and what we struggle with by trying to fix perceived problems, our selves, or others. It is natural to not want to suffer, but often our very resistance to suffering, or the habits we develop to avoid discomfort and pain work against us. I provide an integrative, soul-nourishing approach to therapy rooted in embodied depth psychology, health coaching, and mindfulness practices that encourages fully accepting ourselves: our bodies, feelings, and thoughts as they are.
(808) 707-7540 View (808) 707-7540
Photo of Bobbie Winter, LMHCA, MA, Counselor
Bobbie Winter
Counselor, LMHCA, MA
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98109
I often work with trauma, PTSD, relational issues, depression, anxiety, illness/caregiving, and work/life balance and happiness.
Looking for support navigating life and life changes? I can help. Therapy can help shift something within our control or change how we relate to things outside of it. This might look like understanding why we're repeating patterns and what we can do to change them or developing healthy strategies and boundaries to deal with people, places, and things we can't change. We'll work to identify the patterns of emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and relationships currently showing up in your life, and how you want to adjust them to live a life more in alignment with what you truly value. For Couples, I do communication seminars only.
I often work with trauma, PTSD, relational issues, depression, anxiety, illness/caregiving, and work/life balance and happiness.
Looking for support navigating life and life changes? I can help. Therapy can help shift something within our control or change how we relate to things outside of it. This might look like understanding why we're repeating patterns and what we can do to change them or developing healthy strategies and boundaries to deal with people, places, and things we can't change. We'll work to identify the patterns of emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and relationships currently showing up in your life, and how you want to adjust them to live a life more in alignment with what you truly value. For Couples, I do communication seminars only.
(206) 438-9478 View (206) 438-9478
Photo of Dr. Priyal Ranasinghe, PsyD, MBA, LMHCA, Counselor
Dr. Priyal Ranasinghe
Counselor, PsyD, MBA, LMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98109  (Online Only)
I help those coping with trauma to get relief from emotional pain, and I support neurodivergent individuals to feel understood and learn specific strategies to thrive.
Do you and your partner struggle to understand each other? Does your ADHD lead to forgetfulness and arguments? Has infidelity or sexual addiction caused a rupture in trust with your relationship? I specialize in helping individuals and couples navigate the unique challenges of neurodivergent relationships, as well as breaches of trust from betrayal. I can help you connect on a deeper level by leveraging your strengths and addressing emotional barriers making it hard to communicate and express empathy. Together, you can build a stronger, more supportive relationship and create the connection and intimacy you both want.
I help those coping with trauma to get relief from emotional pain, and I support neurodivergent individuals to feel understood and learn specific strategies to thrive.
Do you and your partner struggle to understand each other? Does your ADHD lead to forgetfulness and arguments? Has infidelity or sexual addiction caused a rupture in trust with your relationship? I specialize in helping individuals and couples navigate the unique challenges of neurodivergent relationships, as well as breaches of trust from betrayal. I can help you connect on a deeper level by leveraging your strengths and addressing emotional barriers making it hard to communicate and express empathy. Together, you can build a stronger, more supportive relationship and create the connection and intimacy you both want.
(425) 437-2386 View (425) 437-2386
Photo of Angela Saidybah, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Angela Saidybah
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98109  (Online Only)
I have provided in-home therapy to child welfare involved families, provided therapy to adults with chronic and acute illness in the oncology setting, and served as a crisis clinician.
Therapy is a vehicle of exploration of your higher self. Clients are encouraged to assess their overall functioning across the life domains to identify their healing/wellness opportunities. Trauma exposures are often stored in the body and can manifest in maladaptive ways such as low self-esteem, shame, anger, interpersonal conflict, impulsivity, stagnation, anxiety, depression, and demoralization. Accordingly, I approach therapy from a collaborative perspective encouraging clients to discover their medicine by honoring their truth and intrinsic value.
I have provided in-home therapy to child welfare involved families, provided therapy to adults with chronic and acute illness in the oncology setting, and served as a crisis clinician.
Therapy is a vehicle of exploration of your higher self. Clients are encouraged to assess their overall functioning across the life domains to identify their healing/wellness opportunities. Trauma exposures are often stored in the body and can manifest in maladaptive ways such as low self-esteem, shame, anger, interpersonal conflict, impulsivity, stagnation, anxiety, depression, and demoralization. Accordingly, I approach therapy from a collaborative perspective encouraging clients to discover their medicine by honoring their truth and intrinsic value.
(253) 465-2844 View (253) 465-2844
Photo of Victoria Hudson, LMHC, Counselor
Victoria Hudson
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98109  (Online Only)
My counseling approach prioritizes the uniqueness of the individual, focusing beyond pain & trauma, inviting an honest exploration into your story.
Struggling with difficulties from your childhood or from recent past experiences? Feeling overwhelmed and needing new perspectives? Have uncomfortable experiences that seem to linger, impacting your emotional or physical well-being? Are you seeking ways to develop authenticity in your life and experience more confidence in your relationships? In this space we collaborate, exploring new ways to step into being "fully human", instead of pretending through the discomforts that life has to offer. I look forward to connecting with you soon. Feel free to email me to get set up with a free video consultation.
My counseling approach prioritizes the uniqueness of the individual, focusing beyond pain & trauma, inviting an honest exploration into your story.
Struggling with difficulties from your childhood or from recent past experiences? Feeling overwhelmed and needing new perspectives? Have uncomfortable experiences that seem to linger, impacting your emotional or physical well-being? Are you seeking ways to develop authenticity in your life and experience more confidence in your relationships? In this space we collaborate, exploring new ways to step into being "fully human", instead of pretending through the discomforts that life has to offer. I look forward to connecting with you soon. Feel free to email me to get set up with a free video consultation.
(360) 727-0084 View (360) 727-0084
Photo of Akila Osakwe, LMHC, Counselor
Akila Osakwe
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98109  (Online Only)
I am Akila Osakwe, A licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 10 years of experience working with individuals and families. My areas of expertise are Trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, behavioral issues, family issues, Injuries, parenting support, postpartum and prenatal issues, grief, severe mental illness, couples and family therapy, and co-occurring disorders.
I am Akila Osakwe, A licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 10 years of experience working with individuals and families. My areas of expertise are Trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, behavioral issues, family issues, Injuries, parenting support, postpartum and prenatal issues, grief, severe mental illness, couples and family therapy, and co-occurring disorders.
(425) 537-4674 View (425) 537-4674
Photo of Dr. Amy J Crow, PsyD, Psychologist
Dr. Amy J Crow
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98109
I work with people experiencing anxiety, chronic stress, lifestyle illness and those overwhelmed by symptoms of autoimmune and neurologic conditions. I enjoy working with people who have been injured or had surgery and are experiencing physical or emotional symptoms. I frequently help clients understand and implement the treatment recommendations given to them by specialists and assist in improving overall health through sustainable lifestyle changes.
I work with people experiencing anxiety, chronic stress, lifestyle illness and those overwhelmed by symptoms of autoimmune and neurologic conditions. I enjoy working with people who have been injured or had surgery and are experiencing physical or emotional symptoms. I frequently help clients understand and implement the treatment recommendations given to them by specialists and assist in improving overall health through sustainable lifestyle changes.
(206) 339-5710 View (206) 339-5710
Photo of Shelly M Huffman - Shelly Huffman, LMHC, LCPC, LLC, MA, LMHC, LCPC, LLC, Counselor
Shelly Huffman, LMHC, LCPC, LLC
Counselor, MA, LMHC, LCPC, LLC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98109
I use Somatic Experiencing, effective for depression & anxiety, chronic pain, issues of abuse, trauma, PTSD.
Clients who work with me feel empowered and reassured on their first visit, and they continue with me, because they notice changes happening. For the past 20 years, I've worked in private and group practices, providing counseling and other services to people from many different walks of life. I help people re-evaluate, become closer to a loved one, process difficult decisions or transitions and grieve significant losses. I enjoy helping people become more truthful about themselves and live with integrity. I fiercely protect the privacy and confidentiality of my clients and provide a private, safe setting for our work together.
I use Somatic Experiencing, effective for depression & anxiety, chronic pain, issues of abuse, trauma, PTSD.
Clients who work with me feel empowered and reassured on their first visit, and they continue with me, because they notice changes happening. For the past 20 years, I've worked in private and group practices, providing counseling and other services to people from many different walks of life. I help people re-evaluate, become closer to a loved one, process difficult decisions or transitions and grieve significant losses. I enjoy helping people become more truthful about themselves and live with integrity. I fiercely protect the privacy and confidentiality of my clients and provide a private, safe setting for our work together.
(206) 984-3013 View (206) 984-3013
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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.