Photo of J Lynne Heart Coach in Sacramento, CA
J Lynne Heart Coach
MSW, CHT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95819  (Online Only)
Are you in pain? Do you feel stuck? Get help to lose the weight or to quit smoking now.
Coach J. Lynne specializes in women's facilitation. Feel deeply calm and see clearly within to feel healing. Clients often see into their own real-time observation of their life from deep inside. She guides individuals ready to change, through the process of changing, helping them land in their new lifestyle of a healed outlook and feeling better. This typically feels good, gaining new confidence, freedom from pain (physical or emotional), and quitting bad habits such as smoking, binge-eating, and other compulsions such as hand-washing or codependency. If you are ready to take action and make a change Coach J. Lynne is a fit!
Are you in pain? Do you feel stuck? Get help to lose the weight or to quit smoking now.
Coach J. Lynne specializes in women's facilitation. Feel deeply calm and see clearly within to feel healing. Clients often see into their own real-time observation of their life from deep inside. She guides individuals ready to change, through the process of changing, helping them land in their new lifestyle of a healed outlook and feeling better. This typically feels good, gaining new confidence, freedom from pain (physical or emotional), and quitting bad habits such as smoking, binge-eating, and other compulsions such as hand-washing or codependency. If you are ready to take action and make a change Coach J. Lynne is a fit!
(530) 207-8934 View (530) 207-8934
Photo of Roshini Kumar, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Sacramento, CA
Roshini Kumar
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95843
Even if these disorders are not present, my therapeutic approach is an excellent fit for those with chronic pain, life transition stress, body image concerns, and social anxiety.
My name is Roshini Kumar, and I am a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) and certified Pilates instructor in the Bay Area, California. I specialize in mind + body wellness through my practice, The Pilates Psychology, a combination of talk therapy and Pilates movement. I offer talk therapy only, Pilates movement only, or a combination of both. All services are virtual throughout California, or in-person in Mill Valley and San Francisco, California.
Even if these disorders are not present, my therapeutic approach is an excellent fit for those with chronic pain, life transition stress, body image concerns, and social anxiety.
My name is Roshini Kumar, and I am a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) and certified Pilates instructor in the Bay Area, California. I specialize in mind + body wellness through my practice, The Pilates Psychology, a combination of talk therapy and Pilates movement. I offer talk therapy only, Pilates movement only, or a combination of both. All services are virtual throughout California, or in-person in Mill Valley and San Francisco, California.
(619) 391-9193 View (619) 391-9193
Photo of Kristin B Free, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Kristin B Free
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 94204
The body carries the legacy of trauma and attachment dynamics in habits of movement, posture and nervous system regulation that can keep us stuck in the past. Therapeutic engagement doesn't have to be dysregulating and overwhelming. You shouldn't leave a therapy session feeling worse than you did when you showed up. Unfortunately, traditional talk therapies can inadvertently trigger your nervous system into survival mode. If we aren't tracking and recognizing what is happening underneath the words, therapy can feel excruciating, especially if there is a history of trauma at any stage of development.
The body carries the legacy of trauma and attachment dynamics in habits of movement, posture and nervous system regulation that can keep us stuck in the past. Therapeutic engagement doesn't have to be dysregulating and overwhelming. You shouldn't leave a therapy session feeling worse than you did when you showed up. Unfortunately, traditional talk therapies can inadvertently trigger your nervous system into survival mode. If we aren't tracking and recognizing what is happening underneath the words, therapy can feel excruciating, especially if there is a history of trauma at any stage of development.
(530) 389-4817 View (530) 389-4817
Photo of Carole Brookshire, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Carole Brookshire
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95831
I am currently Licensed as an MFT and Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor. Therapy provides a safe space to bring about change in the areas we would like to grow by gaining a better understanding of ourselves. Let's work together to discover what will help you in reaching your goals. I practice with Solution Focused, Person-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral, Collaborative, Narrative, Mindfulness, and Emotionally Focused therapies.
I am currently Licensed as an MFT and Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor. Therapy provides a safe space to bring about change in the areas we would like to grow by gaining a better understanding of ourselves. Let's work together to discover what will help you in reaching your goals. I practice with Solution Focused, Person-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral, Collaborative, Narrative, Mindfulness, and Emotionally Focused therapies.
(559) 527-0623 View (559) 527-0623
Photo of Christhmus (Christopher Chu) Presence, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Sacramento, CA
Christhmus (Christopher Chu) Presence
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95819  (Online Only)
Offering CA-based Telehealth ideal for BIPOC: Black, Indigenous, &/or People of Color, including white-passing & mixed-race BIPOC. Also welcoming Families & Partnerships with 1 or more BIPOC in regular attendance. I offer Xychotherapy: psychotherapy that recognizes therapeutic experiences existed long before psychotherapy was invented, and incorporates psychotherapy into global therapeutic wisdoms and practices.
Offering CA-based Telehealth ideal for BIPOC: Black, Indigenous, &/or People of Color, including white-passing & mixed-race BIPOC. Also welcoming Families & Partnerships with 1 or more BIPOC in regular attendance. I offer Xychotherapy: psychotherapy that recognizes therapeutic experiences existed long before psychotherapy was invented, and incorporates psychotherapy into global therapeutic wisdoms and practices.
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Photo of Robert Schetter, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Robert Schetter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95822
(661) 927-4387 View (661) 927-4387

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Kimberly Fouche, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Kimberly Fouche
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Carmichael, CA 95608
I have had life experience in dealing with trauma which guided me to become engaged in the field of psychology, for the past 11 years. In the journey of healing my own trauma I was drawn into the field of psychotherapy-I can serve as a guide to return you to balance Through my own work with psychedelic medicines I have gained a great deal of knowledge of how the mind is impacted by the stories that we tell ourselves. These stories can cause anxiety and depression that affect the whole person: psycho-spiritually, physically, and mentally.
I have had life experience in dealing with trauma which guided me to become engaged in the field of psychology, for the past 11 years. In the journey of healing my own trauma I was drawn into the field of psychotherapy-I can serve as a guide to return you to balance Through my own work with psychedelic medicines I have gained a great deal of knowledge of how the mind is impacted by the stories that we tell ourselves. These stories can cause anxiety and depression that affect the whole person: psycho-spiritually, physically, and mentally.
(213) 460-5664 View (213) 460-5664

Online Therapists

Photo of Haley Hewitt, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Haley Hewitt
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, E-RYT
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563
Waitlist for new clients
My name is Haley Hewitt and I specialize in individual, couples, and family therapy. I believe that because we are complex and unique individuals, an approach that integrates both mind and body is essential for the healing, growth, and resiliency that is the goal of therapeutic counseling. Treatment specializations include: depression and anxiety, couples counseling, children and adolescents, psychedelic-assisted therapies, stress and/or pain management, life transitions, self-esteem, mental illness/mental health issues, gender and/or sexual identity, and LGBTQIA. I am trained in EMDR, Brainspotting, IFS, DBT/CBT & Somatics.
My name is Haley Hewitt and I specialize in individual, couples, and family therapy. I believe that because we are complex and unique individuals, an approach that integrates both mind and body is essential for the healing, growth, and resiliency that is the goal of therapeutic counseling. Treatment specializations include: depression and anxiety, couples counseling, children and adolescents, psychedelic-assisted therapies, stress and/or pain management, life transitions, self-esteem, mental illness/mental health issues, gender and/or sexual identity, and LGBTQIA. I am trained in EMDR, Brainspotting, IFS, DBT/CBT & Somatics.
(925) 275-5742 View (925) 275-5742
Photo of Abbie Endres, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Abbie Endres
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, PMH-C
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94131  (Online Only)
Two guiding intentions support this work: Develop tools, awareness, and self-compassion to transform pain and suffering.
You've begun a courageous search. Take heart, healing is possible. My work is rooted in the body/mind connection, nourished by the imagination, and anchored in the support of our therapy relationship. My style includes both directing and listening. I understand that your timing and willingness to explore your concerns are unique and must be navigated with respect. We work together to take stock, talk about your goals, and gather the tools needed - from your own strengths, the training I bring, and a community of resources - to help you continue your journey of wellbeing.
Two guiding intentions support this work: Develop tools, awareness, and self-compassion to transform pain and suffering.
You've begun a courageous search. Take heart, healing is possible. My work is rooted in the body/mind connection, nourished by the imagination, and anchored in the support of our therapy relationship. My style includes both directing and listening. I understand that your timing and willingness to explore your concerns are unique and must be navigated with respect. We work together to take stock, talk about your goals, and gather the tools needed - from your own strengths, the training I bring, and a community of resources - to help you continue your journey of wellbeing.
(415) 322-3318 View (415) 322-3318
Photo of Phoenix Song, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Phoenix Song
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, CHT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94709
As an LGBTQIA empath, intuitive, or highly sensitive person, you experience this world in a deeper, more complex, intuitive way - including painful experiences of trauma. With so much pain in the world, it's hard to care for your own feelings and needs, let alone heal from your experiences of trauma. I specialize in supporting LGBTQIA empaths to heal from the trauma of oppression, abuse, and sexual violence and reclaim their gifts and voice. To embody their own sacred needs and ways of being, and find sustainable, empowered ways to integrate empathy, spirituality, community, and nourished activism.
As an LGBTQIA empath, intuitive, or highly sensitive person, you experience this world in a deeper, more complex, intuitive way - including painful experiences of trauma. With so much pain in the world, it's hard to care for your own feelings and needs, let alone heal from your experiences of trauma. I specialize in supporting LGBTQIA empaths to heal from the trauma of oppression, abuse, and sexual violence and reclaim their gifts and voice. To embody their own sacred needs and ways of being, and find sustainable, empowered ways to integrate empathy, spirituality, community, and nourished activism.
(415) 548-2797 View (415) 548-2797
Photo of Shannon Knorr, Pre-Licensed Professional in Sacramento, CA
Shannon Knorr
Pre-Licensed Professional, AMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611  (Online Only)
I enjoy in working with; self esteem & worth, trauma healing & recovery, body image & body positivity, disordered eating & relationship to body, belonging as our birthright, transforming deep shame into liberation, body & sex shame, relationships and boundaries, anxiety, stress & hyper-vigilance, nervous system imbalances, life transitions & identity, honoring grief, loss & death, life threatening illness, cancer, auto-immune disease, rites of passage, aging, adolescence, menopause, women's empowerment, highly sensitive people & empaths, people pleasers, intergenerational trauma & ancestral healing, mothering & the mother wound.
I enjoy in working with; self esteem & worth, trauma healing & recovery, body image & body positivity, disordered eating & relationship to body, belonging as our birthright, transforming deep shame into liberation, body & sex shame, relationships and boundaries, anxiety, stress & hyper-vigilance, nervous system imbalances, life transitions & identity, honoring grief, loss & death, life threatening illness, cancer, auto-immune disease, rites of passage, aging, adolescence, menopause, women's empowerment, highly sensitive people & empaths, people pleasers, intergenerational trauma & ancestral healing, mothering & the mother wound.
(510) 983-4457 View (510) 983-4457
Photo of Rylan Jay Testa, Psychologist in Sacramento, CA
Rylan Jay Testa
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94109
As a health psychologist, my approach bridges mental and physical well-being, allowing you to reclaim your life from chronic health issues, such as chronic disease (ex. diabetes, chronic fatigue, IBS, CIRS etc.), weight and eating difficulties, stress-related illness, insomnia, pain, addiction, depression, and anxiety. I combine my expertise in multiple state of the art evidence-based treatment methods, with a nuanced understanding of who you are as a person, to create a tailored treatment approach specific to your aims. I also offer opportunities to incorporate mindfulness, music, art, movement, and nature therapy practices, to maximize your therapeutic success.
As a health psychologist, my approach bridges mental and physical well-being, allowing you to reclaim your life from chronic health issues, such as chronic disease (ex. diabetes, chronic fatigue, IBS, CIRS etc.), weight and eating difficulties, stress-related illness, insomnia, pain, addiction, depression, and anxiety. I combine my expertise in multiple state of the art evidence-based treatment methods, with a nuanced understanding of who you are as a person, to create a tailored treatment approach specific to your aims. I also offer opportunities to incorporate mindfulness, music, art, movement, and nature therapy practices, to maximize your therapeutic success.
(415) 358-0128 View (415) 358-0128
Photo of Shawna Cobabe, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Shawna Cobabe
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762  (Online Only)
I have worked with children, families, individuals and couples in many different capacities before finding my calling as a therapist. I have specialized training in couples and marriage counseling, family counseling, PTSD/trauma, adoption and foster care, anxiety and depression, and other mental illness, life changes, grief and loss. I also work with adolescents who are struggling in school or with behavior problems, defiance, and depression and anxiety. I work with couples and families for a variety of reasons. I can help you too.
I have worked with children, families, individuals and couples in many different capacities before finding my calling as a therapist. I have specialized training in couples and marriage counseling, family counseling, PTSD/trauma, adoption and foster care, anxiety and depression, and other mental illness, life changes, grief and loss. I also work with adolescents who are struggling in school or with behavior problems, defiance, and depression and anxiety. I work with couples and families for a variety of reasons. I can help you too.
(925) 329-6259 View (925) 329-6259
Photo of Nicki Koethner, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Nicki Koethner
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94705
Are you anxious, depressed and tired? Are you feeling emotional for no reason? Feeling disoriented and lonely? Questioning everything in your life? I help people to deeply listen inside and let their choices be based on what is true for them. While pain and emotions are part of being human, suffering can be minimized by allowing what is inside of us to be expressed and find acceptance in our experiences. I support you to move through trauma, anxiety, anger and depression to empowerment. Stress-management is part of the work and looking at communication with ourselves and others to have fulfilling relationships.
Are you anxious, depressed and tired? Are you feeling emotional for no reason? Feeling disoriented and lonely? Questioning everything in your life? I help people to deeply listen inside and let their choices be based on what is true for them. While pain and emotions are part of being human, suffering can be minimized by allowing what is inside of us to be expressed and find acceptance in our experiences. I support you to move through trauma, anxiety, anger and depression to empowerment. Stress-management is part of the work and looking at communication with ourselves and others to have fulfilling relationships.
(510) 606-9884 View (510) 606-9884
Photo of Lucia C Cargill in Sacramento, CA
Lucia C Cargill
PhD, MSN, MA, PHN, FNP-C
Verified Verified
Sebastopol, CA 95473
l am a cross-cultural specialist with a PhD in Medical Anthropology & a Family Nurse Practitioner with 15 years in psychiatric, pain & primary care practice.
Greetings! Welcome to our multidisciplinary, holistic, integrative mental health coaching practice. We are open to new ideas from Integrative/Functional Medicine, supportive care for your psychiatric needs, drug free care, and nutritional support. We believe whole body health is the best way to good brain health. Good brain health impacts mental health. We invite you to a different approach to brain health and mental health through coaching and support for referrals to the best functional medicine providers sourcing balance, resolution of inflammation & for all your whole body-mind-spirit healing. We invite you to join us for care.
l am a cross-cultural specialist with a PhD in Medical Anthropology & a Family Nurse Practitioner with 15 years in psychiatric, pain & primary care practice.
Greetings! Welcome to our multidisciplinary, holistic, integrative mental health coaching practice. We are open to new ideas from Integrative/Functional Medicine, supportive care for your psychiatric needs, drug free care, and nutritional support. We believe whole body health is the best way to good brain health. Good brain health impacts mental health. We invite you to a different approach to brain health and mental health through coaching and support for referrals to the best functional medicine providers sourcing balance, resolution of inflammation & for all your whole body-mind-spirit healing. We invite you to join us for care.
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Photo of Danielle Forastieri Short, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Sacramento, CA
Danielle Forastieri Short
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94703
Learning to love, tend, and support our bodies in a society that often devalues the experiences of the body is hard. If you are someone who has experienced trauma and/or is struggling with either chronic pain, fatigue, overwhelm, burnout, low self-esteem, struggles with your sense of self, boundaries, and/or even knowing what your needs are, you’re not alone. Do you want to learn how to better support your nervous system? To feel and communicate your boundaries and needs with those around you for stronger and more fulfilling connections? Do you hope to feel more joy, confidence, and ease in your day-to-day life? Welcome!
Learning to love, tend, and support our bodies in a society that often devalues the experiences of the body is hard. If you are someone who has experienced trauma and/or is struggling with either chronic pain, fatigue, overwhelm, burnout, low self-esteem, struggles with your sense of self, boundaries, and/or even knowing what your needs are, you’re not alone. Do you want to learn how to better support your nervous system? To feel and communicate your boundaries and needs with those around you for stronger and more fulfilling connections? Do you hope to feel more joy, confidence, and ease in your day-to-day life? Welcome!
(341) 444-3533 View (341) 444-3533
Photo of Jennifer C Cohen, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Jennifer C Cohen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MACL, LMFT, C-IAYT, RYT 500
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95138  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in working with chronic pain, chronic medical, and spirituality.
My general frame work is that you cannot separate the body from the mind nor can you separate a person from their life time of experiences, therefore working with all of these systems is a highly effective way to improve happiness, decrease anxiety and stress, and increase coping skills to manage life with more ease and improved relationships. Now offering emergency Intensive Couples Counseling! I work well with individuals and couples who are seeking to learn more holistic ways to address their emotional and relational challenges whether they be family of origin issues, trauma, chronic illness, anxiety, or depression.
I specialize in working with chronic pain, chronic medical, and spirituality.
My general frame work is that you cannot separate the body from the mind nor can you separate a person from their life time of experiences, therefore working with all of these systems is a highly effective way to improve happiness, decrease anxiety and stress, and increase coping skills to manage life with more ease and improved relationships. Now offering emergency Intensive Couples Counseling! I work well with individuals and couples who are seeking to learn more holistic ways to address their emotional and relational challenges whether they be family of origin issues, trauma, chronic illness, anxiety, or depression.
(562) 454-0709 View (562) 454-0709
Photo of James L Spira, Psychologist in Sacramento, CA
James L Spira
Psychologist, PhD, MPH, ABPP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94705  (Online Only)
I also specialize in pain, insomnia, migraine, IBS, Fibromyalgia, and coping with cancer, MS, and dementia, and controlling ADHD.
I approach therapy as education - helping clients to better identify patterns associated with difficulties, develop skills to overcome these difficulties, and learn how to utilize these skills in their daily lives in order to live as optimally as possible. We focus both on addressing the issues that have been plaguing you as well as learning to live more fully and comfortably in each moment and activity you are engaged in. Learning powerful skills helps overcome specific problems, boost resilience against future problems, and more fully enjoy daily life. Therapy is individually tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle.
I also specialize in pain, insomnia, migraine, IBS, Fibromyalgia, and coping with cancer, MS, and dementia, and controlling ADHD.
I approach therapy as education - helping clients to better identify patterns associated with difficulties, develop skills to overcome these difficulties, and learn how to utilize these skills in their daily lives in order to live as optimally as possible. We focus both on addressing the issues that have been plaguing you as well as learning to live more fully and comfortably in each moment and activity you are engaged in. Learning powerful skills helps overcome specific problems, boost resilience against future problems, and more fully enjoy daily life. Therapy is individually tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle.
(808) 495-0038 View (808) 495-0038
Photo of Gail Frizzell, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Gail Frizzell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BC-DMT, E-RYT
Verified Verified
Benicia, CA 94510
If stress, anxiety, conflict, or emotional paralysis are impacting your well-being and quality of life, you may benefit from a therapeutic approach that incorporates a mind-body component. By combining verbal/cognitive therapy with non-verbal formats of physical movement and breathing, you will be introduced to a holistic framework for expressing feelings, reframing, and redirecting pain and trauma to facilitate change. Therapeutic outcomes are individually determined and designed to promote healing, mindfulness, and personal empowerment. www.moveforwellness.net
If stress, anxiety, conflict, or emotional paralysis are impacting your well-being and quality of life, you may benefit from a therapeutic approach that incorporates a mind-body component. By combining verbal/cognitive therapy with non-verbal formats of physical movement and breathing, you will be introduced to a holistic framework for expressing feelings, reframing, and redirecting pain and trauma to facilitate change. Therapeutic outcomes are individually determined and designed to promote healing, mindfulness, and personal empowerment. www.moveforwellness.net
(707) 229-1122 View (707) 229-1122
Photo of Jessica Provenza, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Jessica Provenza
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, Somatic
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Napa, CA 94559
I am here to remind you, you are not broken, even if your mind may be suggesting that you are. It is probable that these thoughts are connected to trauma—a way to make sense out of how uncomfortable you feel in your own body. Trauma can impact our health, body, emotions, relationships, perception of self and reality. Somatic Therapy may support you finding some relief in being you. Let's begin to explore and integrate what's causing this pain and psychological suffering without bypassing or minimizing your experiences. Your body has the wisdom to provide the answers. We may need to listen, honor and acknowledge its truth.
I am here to remind you, you are not broken, even if your mind may be suggesting that you are. It is probable that these thoughts are connected to trauma—a way to make sense out of how uncomfortable you feel in your own body. Trauma can impact our health, body, emotions, relationships, perception of self and reality. Somatic Therapy may support you finding some relief in being you. Let's begin to explore and integrate what's causing this pain and psychological suffering without bypassing or minimizing your experiences. Your body has the wisdom to provide the answers. We may need to listen, honor and acknowledge its truth.
(707) 267-2519 View (707) 267-2519
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.