Photo of Rich Williams: Board Certified Hypnotherapist in Atlanta, GA
Rich Williams: Board Certified Hypnotherapist
CHT, NLP, LMT, CNMT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30324
My areas of expertise are anxiety disorders, pain management, depression, trauma recovery, PTSD/C-PTSD, ADHD, NLP, CBT, EFT, PLR, and alternative/energy medicine.
Are you feeling lost or stuck? I am passionate about making a real lasting difference in your life, and inspiring you to develop tools to move towards your goals in a flexible, gentle and supportive way. I approach the mind/body from an integrative and holistic point of view that combines eastern, western and energy medicine philosophies; my experience has shown that when this approach is used strategically you may heal the root causes and find deeply profound transformational healing. My goal is to help with any physical, mental, or emotional imbalance that may come up so that you can get back to living and loving life!
My areas of expertise are anxiety disorders, pain management, depression, trauma recovery, PTSD/C-PTSD, ADHD, NLP, CBT, EFT, PLR, and alternative/energy medicine.
Are you feeling lost or stuck? I am passionate about making a real lasting difference in your life, and inspiring you to develop tools to move towards your goals in a flexible, gentle and supportive way. I approach the mind/body from an integrative and holistic point of view that combines eastern, western and energy medicine philosophies; my experience has shown that when this approach is used strategically you may heal the root causes and find deeply profound transformational healing. My goal is to help with any physical, mental, or emotional imbalance that may come up so that you can get back to living and loving life!
(770) 525-9112 View (770) 525-9112
Photo of Turnmeika Smith, Licensed Professional Counselor in Atlanta, GA
Turnmeika Smith
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CCTS-I, CMAC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30308
Throughout life's journey, many people will or may have encountered some form of trauma, abuse, hurt, or pain. If that’s you, I want you also to know that it’s been me too. You’re Not Alone! I am passionate about working with Teens And Adults. I speak trauma, truth, and transparency. Allow me to walk with you along the journey and assist you in living and no longer existing.
Throughout life's journey, many people will or may have encountered some form of trauma, abuse, hurt, or pain. If that’s you, I want you also to know that it’s been me too. You’re Not Alone! I am passionate about working with Teens And Adults. I speak trauma, truth, and transparency. Allow me to walk with you along the journey and assist you in living and no longer existing.
(470) 468-2837 View (470) 468-2837
Photo of Maureen A. Grady Morales, Licensed Professional Counselor in Atlanta, GA
Maureen A. Grady Morales
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, SEP, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30305
Currently featured in Atlanta Magazine, I can help you through a cutting edge neuropsychological approach to therapy. Emotional and physical pain are often interrelated. I am a trauma specialist who uses a combination of therapies to help you transform your life from not-so-good to great. I can help you calm the mind and the body, reducing anxiety laden symptoms. Advanced BrainSpotting, CBT, DBT, and Somatic Experiencing™ are tools that can really help move you forward from the inside out. Conveniently located in Buckhead and Brookhaven. Currently taking “Virtual” counseling patients through Zoom.
Currently featured in Atlanta Magazine, I can help you through a cutting edge neuropsychological approach to therapy. Emotional and physical pain are often interrelated. I am a trauma specialist who uses a combination of therapies to help you transform your life from not-so-good to great. I can help you calm the mind and the body, reducing anxiety laden symptoms. Advanced BrainSpotting, CBT, DBT, and Somatic Experiencing™ are tools that can really help move you forward from the inside out. Conveniently located in Buckhead and Brookhaven. Currently taking “Virtual” counseling patients through Zoom.
(678) 498-1576 View (678) 498-1576
Photo of C. Kirven Weekley, Psychologist in Atlanta, GA
C. Kirven Weekley
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30305
The exquisitely personal work we do in psychotherapy is one of the most challenging, and most richly rewarding efforts we can undertake. Seeking a deeper understanding of ourselves, healing pain from past relationships and pursuing a more energetic life are essential journeys to take. It is a privilege for me to accompany clients on this journey, holding the lantern that lights the way ahead and sharing in their struggle to find an invigorated life. This relationship is the foundation of healing and healthy change; a relationship with a therapist who is genuine, respectful, resourceful, compassionate, humorous and nonjudgmental.
The exquisitely personal work we do in psychotherapy is one of the most challenging, and most richly rewarding efforts we can undertake. Seeking a deeper understanding of ourselves, healing pain from past relationships and pursuing a more energetic life are essential journeys to take. It is a privilege for me to accompany clients on this journey, holding the lantern that lights the way ahead and sharing in their struggle to find an invigorated life. This relationship is the foundation of healing and healthy change; a relationship with a therapist who is genuine, respectful, resourceful, compassionate, humorous and nonjudgmental.
(678) 719-2916 View (678) 719-2916
Photo of Jeffree Gars, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Atlanta, GA
Jeffree Gars
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30307
In addition, I bring to psychotherapy sessions an extensive holistic understanding of the mind-body connection and how the health of the mind (thoughts, behaviors, feelings, stress and anxiety) affects the body and how the health of the body (stress, illness, chronic pain, sleep, nutrition and exercise) affects the mind.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress (PTSD), childhood issues, relationship issues, work related and personal stress, or substance abuse? Together we address any obstacles getting in the way of you living your life with the peace you seek. I provide professional psychotherapy for adult individuals, adolescents and couples. I have experience working with individuals in variety of clinical settings including; psychiatric hospital, family services, residential facility, outpatient wilderness therapy and private practice. In your sacred space and at your pace we can begin to take a step into real change.
In addition, I bring to psychotherapy sessions an extensive holistic understanding of the mind-body connection and how the health of the mind (thoughts, behaviors, feelings, stress and anxiety) affects the body and how the health of the body (stress, illness, chronic pain, sleep, nutrition and exercise) affects the mind.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress (PTSD), childhood issues, relationship issues, work related and personal stress, or substance abuse? Together we address any obstacles getting in the way of you living your life with the peace you seek. I provide professional psychotherapy for adult individuals, adolescents and couples. I have experience working with individuals in variety of clinical settings including; psychiatric hospital, family services, residential facility, outpatient wilderness therapy and private practice. In your sacred space and at your pace we can begin to take a step into real change.
(770) 913-6904 View (770) 913-6904
Photo of Stacie Smith, Licensed Professional Counselor in Atlanta, GA
Stacie Smith
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30303
As we experience the truth of the pain with mindful awareness, we can better integrate it into the fabric of our life.
I combine insight-oriented psychotherapy with principles of mindfulness practice and other body-centered approaches and work with adults interested in: *Developing healthy and preventative responses to stress, depression and anxiety *Managing chronic pain and illness *Facilitating personal and spiritual growth *Healing loss and easing life transitions *Utilizing meditative awareness to understand deeper levels of self *Integrating Eastern perspectives of Buddhism, mindfulness, and meditation with Western concepts of psyche, self, and self-in-relationship *Developing rites of passage
As we experience the truth of the pain with mindful awareness, we can better integrate it into the fabric of our life.
I combine insight-oriented psychotherapy with principles of mindfulness practice and other body-centered approaches and work with adults interested in: *Developing healthy and preventative responses to stress, depression and anxiety *Managing chronic pain and illness *Facilitating personal and spiritual growth *Healing loss and easing life transitions *Utilizing meditative awareness to understand deeper levels of self *Integrating Eastern perspectives of Buddhism, mindfulness, and meditation with Western concepts of psyche, self, and self-in-relationship *Developing rites of passage
(404) 236-6006 View (404) 236-6006
Photo of Moore Consulting LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Atlanta, GA
Moore Consulting LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30309
I provide tools to transform and transmute pain.
Are you ready for change? Are you ready to live the life you are meant to live? To transform the old self, you have to gain awareness. I want you to get to know all your parts and to shine a light on the shadows that hold you back, I know you can heal your life when you make that decision and have focused discipline to take action to discover your greatness. Don't know where to start? We will start right where you are today. I use the Enneagram, Ayurveda, and Internal Family Systems along with honesty to get you on track. I will show you how you can heal and become whole again. You really can have what you want.
I provide tools to transform and transmute pain.
Are you ready for change? Are you ready to live the life you are meant to live? To transform the old self, you have to gain awareness. I want you to get to know all your parts and to shine a light on the shadows that hold you back, I know you can heal your life when you make that decision and have focused discipline to take action to discover your greatness. Don't know where to start? We will start right where you are today. I use the Enneagram, Ayurveda, and Internal Family Systems along with honesty to get you on track. I will show you how you can heal and become whole again. You really can have what you want.
(831) 231-1355 View (831) 231-1355
Photo of Deva Joy Gouss, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Atlanta, GA
Deva Joy Gouss
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30306
I see therapy as a powerful commitment to one's own healing and personal evolution, in the context of a genuine relationship based on equality and respect. I work best with people who are ready and willing to dive in and learn new ways to be with themselves, no matter what circumstances they are dealing with (relationship problems, grief and loss, sexuality and identity issues, negative thinking, depression, anxiety, family responsibilities, health issues, midlife transitions, etc). Though deep listening is foundational, I take an active role in offering feedback and teaching you tools for shifting your inner and outer realties.
I see therapy as a powerful commitment to one's own healing and personal evolution, in the context of a genuine relationship based on equality and respect. I work best with people who are ready and willing to dive in and learn new ways to be with themselves, no matter what circumstances they are dealing with (relationship problems, grief and loss, sexuality and identity issues, negative thinking, depression, anxiety, family responsibilities, health issues, midlife transitions, etc). Though deep listening is foundational, I take an active role in offering feedback and teaching you tools for shifting your inner and outer realties.
(404) 566-7019 View (404) 566-7019
Photo of Dennis P Buttimer in Atlanta, GA
Dennis P Buttimer
MEd, CEAP, RYT, CHC
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30324
If you are struggling with stress, worry/anxiety/fear, health and wellness issues, cancer diagnosis/recovery, grief, life changes, workplace challenges, relationship issues or personal growth, I am here to support and guide you in feeling your best and performing at your best. My Master's degree is in Counseling Psychology. As a Coach of forty (40) years, I have learned strategies that tend to create lasting changes. My commitment to you is to listen non-judgmentally and guide you with ideas and practices that I have seen work successfully over many years. You deserve to feel your best and live at your best!
If you are struggling with stress, worry/anxiety/fear, health and wellness issues, cancer diagnosis/recovery, grief, life changes, workplace challenges, relationship issues or personal growth, I am here to support and guide you in feeling your best and performing at your best. My Master's degree is in Counseling Psychology. As a Coach of forty (40) years, I have learned strategies that tend to create lasting changes. My commitment to you is to listen non-judgmentally and guide you with ideas and practices that I have seen work successfully over many years. You deserve to feel your best and live at your best!
(404) 476-7933 View (404) 476-7933
Photo of Tina Black, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Atlanta, GA
Tina Black
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RYT
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30327
Maximize the joy, happiness and fulfillment in your life. Let me help you navigate the challenging times, or reach even higher when things are good, to achieve the most positive life experience possible. Whether you are faced with mental health issues, personal or professional problems, or simply want to improve your day-to-day experience I can support and guide you through it. If you need more than therapy to meet your goals, I have the unique arrangement of working with a counselor who provides coaching and we can arrange a combination of services for a truly effective treatment experience.
Maximize the joy, happiness and fulfillment in your life. Let me help you navigate the challenging times, or reach even higher when things are good, to achieve the most positive life experience possible. Whether you are faced with mental health issues, personal or professional problems, or simply want to improve your day-to-day experience I can support and guide you through it. If you need more than therapy to meet your goals, I have the unique arrangement of working with a counselor who provides coaching and we can arrange a combination of services for a truly effective treatment experience.
(404) 491-8594 View (404) 491-8594
Photo of Judy Lev, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Atlanta, GA
Judy Lev
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30307
Maybe you are ready to make a shift and looking for a safe space and meaningful therapeutic process to support you. Let's see if I am the right fit for you....I am easy to talk to, warm and authentic. You will feel it when you sit with me. I will support you as you (re)learn to trust yourself and cultivate the ability to listen closely to what you already know. My orientation is grounded in the belief that we are all born into this world with an innate ability to know deeply what we need. We develop layers of protection to survive this world, and I am here to help you get back to who you truly are.
Maybe you are ready to make a shift and looking for a safe space and meaningful therapeutic process to support you. Let's see if I am the right fit for you....I am easy to talk to, warm and authentic. You will feel it when you sit with me. I will support you as you (re)learn to trust yourself and cultivate the ability to listen closely to what you already know. My orientation is grounded in the belief that we are all born into this world with an innate ability to know deeply what we need. We develop layers of protection to survive this world, and I am here to help you get back to who you truly are.
(678) 750-4647 View (678) 750-4647
Photo of Laura McNulty, Marriage & Family Therapist in Atlanta, GA
Laura McNulty
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, SEP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30307
Mental, physical and emotional distress often contain important clues to imbalance in your life. Learning to listen to yourself, with the active support of a trusted therapeutic relationship, can help you to become unstuck and live with greater ease. With this support, you are able to understand the interplay of the thoughts, feelings and behaviors that contribute to the distress in your life. You begin to find hope when recognizable patterns emerge. Hope grows when these patterns are understood and accepted in the context of your past experiences. Change occurs with ongoing feedback, practice and encouragement.
Mental, physical and emotional distress often contain important clues to imbalance in your life. Learning to listen to yourself, with the active support of a trusted therapeutic relationship, can help you to become unstuck and live with greater ease. With this support, you are able to understand the interplay of the thoughts, feelings and behaviors that contribute to the distress in your life. You begin to find hope when recognizable patterns emerge. Hope grows when these patterns are understood and accepted in the context of your past experiences. Change occurs with ongoing feedback, practice and encouragement.
(678) 264-6344 View (678) 264-6344
Photo of Maya Lemberg, Licensed Professional Counselor in Atlanta, GA
Maya Lemberg
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC, SEP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30341
As a warm, heart-centered, holistic therapist, I am deeply interested in accompanying my clients in their journey to health, happiness, and wholeness. In facilitating a safe healing space for adults, we gently explore what emerges in the present moment, letting the session organically unfold. I am welcoming clients who want to step into an authentic, more peaceful, more empowered and expansive place within themselves. I work with those experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship turmoil, spiritual or existential issues, grief, life transitions, women's issues, co-dependency, abuse, trauma, or those simply wanting to find deeper contentment in their lives.
As a warm, heart-centered, holistic therapist, I am deeply interested in accompanying my clients in their journey to health, happiness, and wholeness. In facilitating a safe healing space for adults, we gently explore what emerges in the present moment, letting the session organically unfold. I am welcoming clients who want to step into an authentic, more peaceful, more empowered and expansive place within themselves. I work with those experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship turmoil, spiritual or existential issues, grief, life transitions, women's issues, co-dependency, abuse, trauma, or those simply wanting to find deeper contentment in their lives.
(770) 629-0645 View (770) 629-0645
Photo of Nicole L Elliott, Licensed Professional Counselor in Atlanta, GA
Nicole L Elliott
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, CYT
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30342
As a therapist and yoga instructor, I combine counseling with mindfulness for stress, anxiety, and depression. I assist you in deeply understanding your suffering and uncovering inner strength through acceptance and choice, while cultivating compassion for yourself and others. Mindfulness helps us recognize emotional and physical experiences, while awareness of breath creates space to become more response-able. This develops healthy responses to stress, anxiety, and depression. It also improves our ability to communicate and be in relationship with others.
As a therapist and yoga instructor, I combine counseling with mindfulness for stress, anxiety, and depression. I assist you in deeply understanding your suffering and uncovering inner strength through acceptance and choice, while cultivating compassion for yourself and others. Mindfulness helps us recognize emotional and physical experiences, while awareness of breath creates space to become more response-able. This develops healthy responses to stress, anxiety, and depression. It also improves our ability to communicate and be in relationship with others.
(678) 288-4780 View (678) 288-4780
Photo of Pat Stogner, Marriage & Family Therapist in Atlanta, GA
Pat Stogner
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30339
My intention in working with you is to help you change unwanted behavior patterns. These patterns are frequently based on negative conclusions we may have drawn about ourselves in the past. I typically use a blend of traditional talk therapy combined with experiential approaches such as Brainspotting,, hypnotherapy, breathwork, psychodrama, and meditation. In this way we are able to re-introduce you to your strengths as well as take the healing to a deeper level. I consider it a privilege to do this work and I honor you for undertaking the challenge of personal growth.
My intention in working with you is to help you change unwanted behavior patterns. These patterns are frequently based on negative conclusions we may have drawn about ourselves in the past. I typically use a blend of traditional talk therapy combined with experiential approaches such as Brainspotting,, hypnotherapy, breathwork, psychodrama, and meditation. In this way we are able to re-introduce you to your strengths as well as take the healing to a deeper level. I consider it a privilege to do this work and I honor you for undertaking the challenge of personal growth.
(678) 671-7267 View (678) 671-7267
Photo of Emily Sarah Katz, Psychologist in Atlanta, GA
Emily Sarah Katz
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30317
We all have emotional wounds from the past. Left untreated, these experiences can harm us mentally, affect our relationships and make us unhappy. Therapy can help you explore, understand and ultimately heal by addressing the painful memories broken hearts, resentments, worries, and regrets that are often the root cause of the problem. By allowing ourselves to heal and grow, this experiences can also become sources of strengths and wisdom. I offer over a decade of experience as a clinical psychologist, helping people plant the seeds of change.
We all have emotional wounds from the past. Left untreated, these experiences can harm us mentally, affect our relationships and make us unhappy. Therapy can help you explore, understand and ultimately heal by addressing the painful memories broken hearts, resentments, worries, and regrets that are often the root cause of the problem. By allowing ourselves to heal and grow, this experiences can also become sources of strengths and wisdom. I offer over a decade of experience as a clinical psychologist, helping people plant the seeds of change.
(404) 948-4974 View (404) 948-4974
Photo of Thom Anderson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Atlanta, GA
Thom Anderson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MMC, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30309
Creating the life and relationships you want is not only possible, it can be fun, exciting, healing. Old patterns, beliefs, hurts, traumas don't have to hold you back. Heal the past and create a rich, new, and flexible present. Create a future that honors who you are and who you wish to become as an individual or as a couple or family. As you author your own life and relationships, you can create expansive opportunities and growth free from past patterns, rigid thinking, chaotic interactions, old wounds, childhood abuses, deep traumas or controlling fears and anxieties.
Creating the life and relationships you want is not only possible, it can be fun, exciting, healing. Old patterns, beliefs, hurts, traumas don't have to hold you back. Heal the past and create a rich, new, and flexible present. Create a future that honors who you are and who you wish to become as an individual or as a couple or family. As you author your own life and relationships, you can create expansive opportunities and growth free from past patterns, rigid thinking, chaotic interactions, old wounds, childhood abuses, deep traumas or controlling fears and anxieties.
(678) 671-7554 View (678) 671-7554
Maureen Ann O'Toole
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30307
I believe that good psychotherapy is rooted in a strong collaborative relationship. I began my career decades ago in community mental health, and I have worked in many different formats and settings with clients of all ages and dispositions. I have a good grasp of the relationship between immediate passions and long-term developmental needs, and I am flexibly responsive in helping clients to navigate apparent conflicts between them. I have many different skills to bring to bear to assist in examining these issues, and in making and implementing good decisions. These skills include humanistic, gestalt, and cognitive behavioral therapy, and hypnosis.
I believe that good psychotherapy is rooted in a strong collaborative relationship. I began my career decades ago in community mental health, and I have worked in many different formats and settings with clients of all ages and dispositions. I have a good grasp of the relationship between immediate passions and long-term developmental needs, and I am flexibly responsive in helping clients to navigate apparent conflicts between them. I have many different skills to bring to bear to assist in examining these issues, and in making and implementing good decisions. These skills include humanistic, gestalt, and cognitive behavioral therapy, and hypnosis.
(404) 874-4686 View (404) 874-4686
Photo of Leanne Shub, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Atlanta, GA
Leanne Shub
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30328
The greatest gift we can give to ourselves and those we love is to heal our wounds. Through healing, we can begin to hear what others are truly saying without the filter of our wounds. We can connect deeper with ourselves and others. We begin to feel a sense of ease and clarity in the present without constantly feeling plagued by our past. Maybe you're aware of certain circumstances that you have experienced which are impacting your current functioning; maybe you aren't. Either way, if you feel the inner pull toward self discovery, Nourish to Flourish Therapy is here for you.
The greatest gift we can give to ourselves and those we love is to heal our wounds. Through healing, we can begin to hear what others are truly saying without the filter of our wounds. We can connect deeper with ourselves and others. We begin to feel a sense of ease and clarity in the present without constantly feeling plagued by our past. Maybe you're aware of certain circumstances that you have experienced which are impacting your current functioning; maybe you aren't. Either way, if you feel the inner pull toward self discovery, Nourish to Flourish Therapy is here for you.
(770) 629-9780 View (770) 629-9780
Photo of Louis Fuertes Boynton, Licensed Professional Counselor in Atlanta, GA
Louis Fuertes Boynton
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, NCC, CPCS
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30318
I have a disability(Crohn's disease) and have worked with people to find a way to deal with the stress of having a chronic illness.
Do you feel stuck in life? Do you feel unhealthy and stressed out? My therapy focuses on positive psychology and how to help people find a healthy lifestyle. Using this model, I have developed a type of therapy that focuses on helping people achieve health in mind, body and soul. This work includes finding out what problems exist in a persons life, and working to solve the problems we all face in life (loss/grief, anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction and stress). My hope is that by finding solutions and working out those solutions life will get better.
I have a disability(Crohn's disease) and have worked with people to find a way to deal with the stress of having a chronic illness.
Do you feel stuck in life? Do you feel unhealthy and stressed out? My therapy focuses on positive psychology and how to help people find a healthy lifestyle. Using this model, I have developed a type of therapy that focuses on helping people achieve health in mind, body and soul. This work includes finding out what problems exist in a persons life, and working to solve the problems we all face in life (loss/grief, anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction and stress). My hope is that by finding solutions and working out those solutions life will get better.
(470) 400-8662 View (470) 400-8662

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.