Photo of CFC Therapy Group, Counselor in Chicago, IL
CFC Therapy Group
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60614
Accepting new clients in-person or virtual. Our approach is goal-oriented at all levels and we truly believe everyone deserves to be free from the things holding them back. At CFC you will find a team of therapists who truly care. We take our time to get to know our clients and create goals that we can support you with. Whether it is you and your partner seeking intimacy or you are looking for relief from anxiety that doesn't seem to ever go away; we are here to help. Our motto is to walk beside our clients and share in this journey. We have 3 EMDR trained therapists, 4 couples counselors, a somatic pain specialist, and 3 interns.
Accepting new clients in-person or virtual. Our approach is goal-oriented at all levels and we truly believe everyone deserves to be free from the things holding them back. At CFC you will find a team of therapists who truly care. We take our time to get to know our clients and create goals that we can support you with. Whether it is you and your partner seeking intimacy or you are looking for relief from anxiety that doesn't seem to ever go away; we are here to help. Our motto is to walk beside our clients and share in this journey. We have 3 EMDR trained therapists, 4 couples counselors, a somatic pain specialist, and 3 interns.
(872) 713-5402 View (872) 713-5402
Photo of Sushma Cheturvedula, Licensed Professional Counselor in Chicago, IL
Sushma Cheturvedula
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60629  (Online Only)
While supporting individuals as they face overwhelming distress and life circumstances, I find it valuable to explore a person’s history and the root causes that may be contributing to their existing pain and suffering.
There comes a time in each of our lives where we feel inadequate, anxious, depressed, heartbroken, lonely, confused, and in need of a helping hand. If your ultimate goal is to strengthen your emotional wellbeing, find peace with your past, and live the life you always wanted, you have found the right Therapist. Whatever is overwhelming you today, whether it’s a tough breakup, grief, abuse, work related stress, relationship issues, past trauma, or simply finding the motivation to get out of bed and have a productive day, help is a phone call away. My role is to listen, empower growth, and help you become the best version of yourself.
While supporting individuals as they face overwhelming distress and life circumstances, I find it valuable to explore a person’s history and the root causes that may be contributing to their existing pain and suffering.
There comes a time in each of our lives where we feel inadequate, anxious, depressed, heartbroken, lonely, confused, and in need of a helping hand. If your ultimate goal is to strengthen your emotional wellbeing, find peace with your past, and live the life you always wanted, you have found the right Therapist. Whatever is overwhelming you today, whether it’s a tough breakup, grief, abuse, work related stress, relationship issues, past trauma, or simply finding the motivation to get out of bed and have a productive day, help is a phone call away. My role is to listen, empower growth, and help you become the best version of yourself.
(773) 915-0573 View (773) 915-0573
Photo of Erinn Williams, Counselor in Chicago, IL
Erinn Williams
Counselor, LCPC, CST
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60602
Sometimes life stress piles up and we find ourselves needing to talk things through with someone. Starting or returning to therapy is a courageous step so it’s important to find the right therapist. I work with people who may be struggling with anxiety at work or in relationships, emotional pain from the past, struggles with sex and intimacy, and navigating life transitions. Often times my clients want to see changes take shape in their life. These changes may look like feeling more confident and self-assured, more present with the people they care most about, enjoying a more fulfilling sex life, and a sense of self-mastery.
Sometimes life stress piles up and we find ourselves needing to talk things through with someone. Starting or returning to therapy is a courageous step so it’s important to find the right therapist. I work with people who may be struggling with anxiety at work or in relationships, emotional pain from the past, struggles with sex and intimacy, and navigating life transitions. Often times my clients want to see changes take shape in their life. These changes may look like feeling more confident and self-assured, more present with the people they care most about, enjoying a more fulfilling sex life, and a sense of self-mastery.
(312) 278-3679 x100 View (312) 278-3679 x100
Photo of Kris D Thomas, Pre-Licensed Professional in Chicago, IL
Kris D Thomas
Pre-Licensed Professional, LPC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60605  (Online Only)
Clients working with me can expect an approach that is unorthodox, culturally adaptive, engaging and empathically challenging, Not to mention, there will certainly be humor! I believe that a healthy dose of humor allows us to find joy while learning effective coping strategies to handle life’s pain, frustrations and disappointments.
Understanding that the journey toward healing isn’t always glamorous and sometimes scary, I aim to provide clients with an emotionally safe environment to overcome the difficulties that plague them. I understand that choosing to start therapy isn't always an easy decision due to life’s demands and sociocultural stigma around seeking mental health care. I strive to create therapeutic relationships that are nonjudgmental, authentic, transparent, warm and collaborative. I provides a collaborative and objective platform to explore concerns, unlearn & replace thoughts or behaviors that no longer serve my clients.
Clients working with me can expect an approach that is unorthodox, culturally adaptive, engaging and empathically challenging, Not to mention, there will certainly be humor! I believe that a healthy dose of humor allows us to find joy while learning effective coping strategies to handle life’s pain, frustrations and disappointments.
Understanding that the journey toward healing isn’t always glamorous and sometimes scary, I aim to provide clients with an emotionally safe environment to overcome the difficulties that plague them. I understand that choosing to start therapy isn't always an easy decision due to life’s demands and sociocultural stigma around seeking mental health care. I strive to create therapeutic relationships that are nonjudgmental, authentic, transparent, warm and collaborative. I provides a collaborative and objective platform to explore concerns, unlearn & replace thoughts or behaviors that no longer serve my clients.
(312) 646-3988 View (312) 646-3988
Photo of Julleon Garrison, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chicago, IL
Julleon Garrison
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60602  (Online Only)
My ideal client comes from many walks of life. They are children, teenagers, and adults and present with anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, relationship and family problems, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), school problems, and oppositional-defiant disorder. They all share a common need to be heard, empowered, and guided on the path of recovery. I provide evidence-based treatments tailored to the needs of my clients. I focus on strengths and capabilities rather than "illness."
My ideal client comes from many walks of life. They are children, teenagers, and adults and present with anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, relationship and family problems, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), school problems, and oppositional-defiant disorder. They all share a common need to be heard, empowered, and guided on the path of recovery. I provide evidence-based treatments tailored to the needs of my clients. I focus on strengths and capabilities rather than "illness."
(312) 262-2473 View (312) 262-2473
Photo of Joshua Boyd, Licensed Professional Counselor in Chicago, IL
Joshua Boyd
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60618  (Online Only)
Even when life is seemingly going well, our thoughts and feelings can make our days and nights a struggle. Living with mental illness or going through a challenging time can be like there is an ever-looming cloud blocking us from feeling the sun. It is my belief that therapy can help us see and feel the light again. Depression, anxiety, ADHD, behavioral or personality issues, and abuse & trauma can make us feel like we’re alone and without hope. Therapy can be a place where you don’t have to go through life’s struggles alone and get to learn coping strategies and solutions.
Even when life is seemingly going well, our thoughts and feelings can make our days and nights a struggle. Living with mental illness or going through a challenging time can be like there is an ever-looming cloud blocking us from feeling the sun. It is my belief that therapy can help us see and feel the light again. Depression, anxiety, ADHD, behavioral or personality issues, and abuse & trauma can make us feel like we’re alone and without hope. Therapy can be a place where you don’t have to go through life’s struggles alone and get to learn coping strategies and solutions.
(773) 830-3374 View (773) 830-3374
Photo of Tamara Gittelson, Counselor in Chicago, IL
Tamara Gittelson
Counselor, MA, LCPC, Analyst, LMHC, LPCC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60657
I am not an agent of social adjustment or symptomatic melioration, but offer relief of inner pain and relief from conflict and confusion.
Hi. Come talk about what matters to you most. Together, we walk. Explore. Meander. Clarify. I love what I do and will help you feel better. I can help with multicultural issues, relocation, or if you're struggling with addiction, overcoming trauma, relationships, questions about polyamory, depression or abuse. If life has lost its meaning and you’re missing adventure, intimacy, greater self-expression and passion, let’s go. If you don’t talk about it, it won’t get better. I’m supportive, alternative, warm and kind. You’ll feel comfortable, and challenge thoughts and perceptions preventing you from getting out of your own way.
I am not an agent of social adjustment or symptomatic melioration, but offer relief of inner pain and relief from conflict and confusion.
Hi. Come talk about what matters to you most. Together, we walk. Explore. Meander. Clarify. I love what I do and will help you feel better. I can help with multicultural issues, relocation, or if you're struggling with addiction, overcoming trauma, relationships, questions about polyamory, depression or abuse. If life has lost its meaning and you’re missing adventure, intimacy, greater self-expression and passion, let’s go. If you don’t talk about it, it won’t get better. I’m supportive, alternative, warm and kind. You’ll feel comfortable, and challenge thoughts and perceptions preventing you from getting out of your own way.
(312) 410-8248 View (312) 410-8248
Photo of Tara Thompson, Licensed Professional Counselor in Chicago, IL
Tara Thompson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CADC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60602  (Online Only)
My professional background includes working with a wide variety of clients from children to older adults. I have provided mental health and substance abuse outpatient counseling including individual, group and family therapy. I have worked with a broad range of presenting issues including anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, adjustment difficulties, grief and loss, relationship problems, family conflict, mood disorders, personality disorders, psychosis, thinking disorders, codependency, domestic violence, self-esteem, women’s issues, spirituality, chronic illness, chronic pain, dual diagnosis, and addictions.
My professional background includes working with a wide variety of clients from children to older adults. I have provided mental health and substance abuse outpatient counseling including individual, group and family therapy. I have worked with a broad range of presenting issues including anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, adjustment difficulties, grief and loss, relationship problems, family conflict, mood disorders, personality disorders, psychosis, thinking disorders, codependency, domestic violence, self-esteem, women’s issues, spirituality, chronic illness, chronic pain, dual diagnosis, and addictions.
(618) 248-4604 View (618) 248-4604
Photo of Samantha Dauber, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chicago, IL
Samantha Dauber
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60602  (Online Only)
My professional experience has focused on working with adults and families dealing with adversity and life transitions and an array of other challenges including anxiety, depression, stress, grief and loss, trauma, family conflict, relationship problems, mood disorders, personality disorders, self-esteem, chronic illness, and women's issues.
I strive to use interventions that meet the specific needs of my clients in a safe, comfortable, and nonjudgmental way. I often use a cognitive-behavioral approach (CBT) in psychotherapy as I help my clients adjust and overcome maladaptive thinking patterns and behaviors. I also utilize dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and other therapeutic modalities as a way of teaching clients important coping techniques to manage their stress and navigate their challenges. My goal is to help my clients learning healthy ways of living and a positive mindset to overcome challenges.
My professional experience has focused on working with adults and families dealing with adversity and life transitions and an array of other challenges including anxiety, depression, stress, grief and loss, trauma, family conflict, relationship problems, mood disorders, personality disorders, self-esteem, chronic illness, and women's issues.
I strive to use interventions that meet the specific needs of my clients in a safe, comfortable, and nonjudgmental way. I often use a cognitive-behavioral approach (CBT) in psychotherapy as I help my clients adjust and overcome maladaptive thinking patterns and behaviors. I also utilize dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and other therapeutic modalities as a way of teaching clients important coping techniques to manage their stress and navigate their challenges. My goal is to help my clients learning healthy ways of living and a positive mindset to overcome challenges.
(773) 839-3106 View (773) 839-3106
Photo of Dr. Kristen Taylor, Psychologist in Chicago, IL
Dr. Kristen Taylor
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60657
I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults from a variety of cultural backgrounds. While I tend conceptualize from a psychodynamic perspective, my treatment tends towards a more integrative model. I often use treatment techniques from Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused treatment. I believe that one theory alone is not necessarily going to apply to every individual from a multitude of cultures and backgrounds.
I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults from a variety of cultural backgrounds. While I tend conceptualize from a psychodynamic perspective, my treatment tends towards a more integrative model. I often use treatment techniques from Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused treatment. I believe that one theory alone is not necessarily going to apply to every individual from a multitude of cultures and backgrounds.
(312) 967-9180 View (312) 967-9180
Photo of Association for Multicultural Behavioral Health , Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chicago, IL
Association for Multicultural Behavioral Health
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCPC, CADC, SAP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60631
Association for Multicultural Behavioral Health is a multispecialty group practice providing counseling, psychotherapy, consultation, evaluations and assessment services for individuals, families, and organizations. Our goal is to help people of different ethnic and cultural groups to access mental health services in their native language.
Association for Multicultural Behavioral Health is a multispecialty group practice providing counseling, psychotherapy, consultation, evaluations and assessment services for individuals, families, and organizations. Our goal is to help people of different ethnic and cultural groups to access mental health services in their native language.
(773) 313-3757 View (773) 313-3757
Photo of Derek Bylsma, Counselor in Chicago, IL
Derek Bylsma
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60601
Derek is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and respected expert in his field. He is also fully trained in EMDR Therapy. In addition to two bachelor degrees, one from Kalamazoo College and the other from University of Wisconsin-Madison, Derek also holds a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Roosevelt University. Derek has worked extensively with people suffering from all types of addictions as well as depression, anxiety and dual diagnosis. He believes in collaborating with his clients and "It all works out in the end. If it hasn't worked out, it's not the end"
Derek is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and respected expert in his field. He is also fully trained in EMDR Therapy. In addition to two bachelor degrees, one from Kalamazoo College and the other from University of Wisconsin-Madison, Derek also holds a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Roosevelt University. Derek has worked extensively with people suffering from all types of addictions as well as depression, anxiety and dual diagnosis. He believes in collaborating with his clients and "It all works out in the end. If it hasn't worked out, it's not the end"
(312) 757-7509 View (312) 757-7509
Photo of Inna Popko, Pre-Licensed Professional in Chicago, IL
Inna Popko
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, CADC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60614
Using an eclectic psychotherapy approach to address unique client needs, Inna helps clients and their families overcome impulsive, self-destructive behaviors. Her strategies enable people to better manage anger, cope with depression and anxiety, overcome addiction, promote personal growth, and exude higher levels of self-esteem while living happier, more successful lives. Inna integrates cultural fluency, her diverse understanding of cultural intelligence and interpersonal communications in multiple languages allows her to conquer barriers associated with cross-cultural differences.
Using an eclectic psychotherapy approach to address unique client needs, Inna helps clients and their families overcome impulsive, self-destructive behaviors. Her strategies enable people to better manage anger, cope with depression and anxiety, overcome addiction, promote personal growth, and exude higher levels of self-esteem while living happier, more successful lives. Inna integrates cultural fluency, her diverse understanding of cultural intelligence and interpersonal communications in multiple languages allows her to conquer barriers associated with cross-cultural differences.
(847) 443-5471 View (847) 443-5471
Photo of THA Therapy Group, Inc , Counselor in Chicago, IL
THA Therapy Group, Inc
Counselor, LCPC, Crystal, Clair
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60614
As of August 2021, Terry Hefter Associates, L.L.C. is delighted to join CFC Therapy and their family of psychotherapists. Together, we bring more than four decades of experience helping clients transform relationships, tackle roadblocks, and achieve their fullest potential. We look forward to empowering you as we embark on this exciting partnership! At THA Therapy Group, we believe in possibilities—and we empower you to realize yours. Working with our team of experienced therapists, you’ll gain the strength to navigate life’s challenges, confront what’s holding you back, and achieve your fullest potential.
As of August 2021, Terry Hefter Associates, L.L.C. is delighted to join CFC Therapy and their family of psychotherapists. Together, we bring more than four decades of experience helping clients transform relationships, tackle roadblocks, and achieve their fullest potential. We look forward to empowering you as we embark on this exciting partnership! At THA Therapy Group, we believe in possibilities—and we empower you to realize yours. Working with our team of experienced therapists, you’ll gain the strength to navigate life’s challenges, confront what’s holding you back, and achieve your fullest potential.
(872) 814-6604 View (872) 814-6604
Photo of Maria Mangiardi, Counselor in Chicago, IL
Maria Mangiardi
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60620
Hi, my name is Maria Mangiardi, and I hold an LCPC license. My approach to therapy is looking at the total mind, body, and spirit of a person and how all areas of life can affect mental health. I specialize in a variety of areas, such as Anxiety, Depression, LGBTQ, and OCD, to name a few. I look at the totality of a person because I find that possible medical issues, relationship issues, and environmental influences can be a factor. I typically work with adults over the age of 18. I have many clients that question their life relationships, stressors, and internal struggles.
Hi, my name is Maria Mangiardi, and I hold an LCPC license. My approach to therapy is looking at the total mind, body, and spirit of a person and how all areas of life can affect mental health. I specialize in a variety of areas, such as Anxiety, Depression, LGBTQ, and OCD, to name a few. I look at the totality of a person because I find that possible medical issues, relationship issues, and environmental influences can be a factor. I typically work with adults over the age of 18. I have many clients that question their life relationships, stressors, and internal struggles.
(312) 698-3717 View (312) 698-3717
Photo of Lola Wang, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chicago, IL
Lola Wang
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60661
I appreciate your willingness to take the time to put yourself first and look for a new therapist. In working with me, you will find a safe space where differences are honored. Together, we will explore challenging topics while incorporating different skills and tools that you can utilize regularly. My approach to psychotherapy is trauma-informed, client-centered, with a social justice lens. The goal is to have a holistic approach to healing so that you can reduce symptoms, meet goals, strengthen supports and overcome everyday stress as well as past trauma.
I appreciate your willingness to take the time to put yourself first and look for a new therapist. In working with me, you will find a safe space where differences are honored. Together, we will explore challenging topics while incorporating different skills and tools that you can utilize regularly. My approach to psychotherapy is trauma-informed, client-centered, with a social justice lens. The goal is to have a holistic approach to healing so that you can reduce symptoms, meet goals, strengthen supports and overcome everyday stress as well as past trauma.
(312) 262-2487 View (312) 262-2487
Photo of Primary Care Psychology Associates, LLC, Psychologist in Chicago, IL
Primary Care Psychology Associates, LLC
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60611
Primary Care Psychology Associates, LLC is the premier provider of outpatient adult and pediatric psychological services in Central and Northern Chicagoland. We provide comprehensive pediatric (0-18) and adult psychological services, including psychological assessment, consultation, and psychotherapy (individual, couples, and family). Our locations are accessible and conveniently located close to major transportation hubs throughout the greater Chicago area. For more information on our locations and our therapists, please visit www.pcpachicago.com
Primary Care Psychology Associates, LLC is the premier provider of outpatient adult and pediatric psychological services in Central and Northern Chicagoland. We provide comprehensive pediatric (0-18) and adult psychological services, including psychological assessment, consultation, and psychotherapy (individual, couples, and family). Our locations are accessible and conveniently located close to major transportation hubs throughout the greater Chicago area. For more information on our locations and our therapists, please visit www.pcpachicago.com
(224) 479-1590 View (224) 479-1590
Photo of Anixter Center - Community Mental Health Services, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Chicago, IL
Anixter Center - Community Mental Health Services
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, LPC, CCTP, CGCS, CYMHS
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60640
Our goal is to serve as your guide and walk with you on your life journey. We aim to help you overcome obstacles that may be holding you back from reaching your dreams, while providing you with healthy strategies to implement in your life outside of therapy. Whether exploring the past, present, or future; discussing coping strategies; processing stressful events; building resiliency; healing from trauma; creative problem-solving, or enhancing communication within your relationship. We serve an array of culturally diverse clients, including: children, adolescents, teenagers, college students, adults, couples, and families.
Our goal is to serve as your guide and walk with you on your life journey. We aim to help you overcome obstacles that may be holding you back from reaching your dreams, while providing you with healthy strategies to implement in your life outside of therapy. Whether exploring the past, present, or future; discussing coping strategies; processing stressful events; building resiliency; healing from trauma; creative problem-solving, or enhancing communication within your relationship. We serve an array of culturally diverse clients, including: children, adolescents, teenagers, college students, adults, couples, and families.
(773) 231-0870 View (773) 231-0870
Photo of Oliver M Williams, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chicago, IL
Oliver M Williams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60637  (Online Only)
Greetings! I am a high energy, compassionate behavioral health professional with four decades of experience. I have a Masters degree in Clinical Social Work, a Doctorate in Humanistic Science, and am a certified holistic life coach. I am also the author of two books and am ordained as an interfaith minister.
Greetings! I am a high energy, compassionate behavioral health professional with four decades of experience. I have a Masters degree in Clinical Social Work, a Doctorate in Humanistic Science, and am a certified holistic life coach. I am also the author of two books and am ordained as an interfaith minister.
(312) 625-5387 View (312) 625-5387
Photo of Center for Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Psychologist in Chicago, IL
Center for Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60640
Often, people come to us without having explored psychological concerns in a sophisticated way. If they had past therapy, they were at times disappointed that it did not go deeper, as it left the greater meaning (the "roots") of their symptoms unexplored. As psychodynamic therapists, however, our goal is to see comprehensively, with thoughtful attention to the subtle depths and intricacies of your experience. In so doing, we can help to both resolve symptoms and impart meaning to your experiences, even those thoughts, feelings, and emotions that are often deemed painful or meaningless.
Often, people come to us without having explored psychological concerns in a sophisticated way. If they had past therapy, they were at times disappointed that it did not go deeper, as it left the greater meaning (the "roots") of their symptoms unexplored. As psychodynamic therapists, however, our goal is to see comprehensively, with thoughtful attention to the subtle depths and intricacies of your experience. In so doing, we can help to both resolve symptoms and impart meaning to your experiences, even those thoughts, feelings, and emotions that are often deemed painful or meaningless.
(773) 492-8500 View (773) 492-8500
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.