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More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Aaron T Heaton, Psychologist in Mount Airy, MD
Aaron T Heaton
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Frederick, MD 21701
Aaron is a licensed psychologist. He and his daughters have moved from sunny Southern California to the community of Frederick with the intent to again practice in close community. He graduated with degrees in both Psychology and Biblical Literature from Azusa Pacific University, earned advanced degrees in psychology and clinical psychology from Marymount University and the American School of Professional Psychology, and has pursued advanced training in applied behavioral analysis, a modality well-suited to the treatment of children and adolescents.
Aaron is a licensed psychologist. He and his daughters have moved from sunny Southern California to the community of Frederick with the intent to again practice in close community. He graduated with degrees in both Psychology and Biblical Literature from Azusa Pacific University, earned advanced degrees in psychology and clinical psychology from Marymount University and the American School of Professional Psychology, and has pursued advanced training in applied behavioral analysis, a modality well-suited to the treatment of children and adolescents.
(301) 327-2805 View (301) 327-2805

Online Therapists

Photo of Olive & Oak Wellness , Counselor in Mount Airy, MD
Olive & Oak Wellness
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Frederick, MD 21704
Prior experience centers around anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, life transitions, relationship/social issues, family dynamics, school/executive functioning as well as navigating chronic illness, disability & special needs.
Life can feel really overwhelming sometimes. Maybe you haven’t felt like yourself lately, or you’re more stressed and anxious than usual. The pressures of work, school, relationships, & life changes can weigh on us. If you’re feeling stuck and unsure how to move forward, therapy can provide a safe space to explore options and gain knowledge. My approach is warm, collaborative, and non-judgmental, with the aim to help clients feel seen and heard.
Prior experience centers around anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, life transitions, relationship/social issues, family dynamics, school/executive functioning as well as navigating chronic illness, disability & special needs.
Life can feel really overwhelming sometimes. Maybe you haven’t felt like yourself lately, or you’re more stressed and anxious than usual. The pressures of work, school, relationships, & life changes can weigh on us. If you’re feeling stuck and unsure how to move forward, therapy can provide a safe space to explore options and gain knowledge. My approach is warm, collaborative, and non-judgmental, with the aim to help clients feel seen and heard.
(301) 288-1276 View (301) 288-1276
Photo of The Collective Healing Center, Counselor in Mount Airy, MD
The Collective Healing Center
Counselor
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Arnold, MD 21012
Our goal is to empower our clients to access their reparative energy, to acknowledge and express their pain, and to gain a sense of control.
The Collective Healing Center is an evidence-based private practice that provides trauma-informed mental health services to children, adolescents, and adults. Our clinical staff is especially trained to work in individual, couples, or family therapy formats. We specialize in the areas of children and families, trauma, attachment disruptions, perinatal and postpartum mental health, life transitions, gender diversity, and sexual orientation. Our clinicians have ample familiarity with trauma-related issues and symptoms such as self-injury, dissociation, eating concerns, grief and sexual behaviors.
Our goal is to empower our clients to access their reparative energy, to acknowledge and express their pain, and to gain a sense of control.
The Collective Healing Center is an evidence-based private practice that provides trauma-informed mental health services to children, adolescents, and adults. Our clinical staff is especially trained to work in individual, couples, or family therapy formats. We specialize in the areas of children and families, trauma, attachment disruptions, perinatal and postpartum mental health, life transitions, gender diversity, and sexual orientation. Our clinicians have ample familiarity with trauma-related issues and symptoms such as self-injury, dissociation, eating concerns, grief and sexual behaviors.
(410) 632-6097 View (410) 632-6097
Photo of Carol Lee Hilewick Phd, Psychologist in Mount Airy, MD
Carol Lee Hilewick Phd
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Silver Spring, MD 20902
My goal is to help patients learn to be responders and to be in charge of themselves. Throughout treatment, a functional medicine approach is employed. Care collaboration is valued. Patients with cognitive, emotional, and behavioral challenges benefit from a variety of cognitive behavioral, neurobehavioral, and psychophysiological modalities. Patients with such conditions as emotional and physical trauma, chronic pain, addictions, brain injuries and disorders (autism, Asperger's, ADD/ADHD, motor and balance challenges, for example), sleep disorders, anxiety, and depression are treated. Individuals with neurological, autoimmune, metabolic, endocrinological, and other complex medical conditions find that the treatment modalities promote healing.
My goal is to help patients learn to be responders and to be in charge of themselves. Throughout treatment, a functional medicine approach is employed. Care collaboration is valued. Patients with cognitive, emotional, and behavioral challenges benefit from a variety of cognitive behavioral, neurobehavioral, and psychophysiological modalities. Patients with such conditions as emotional and physical trauma, chronic pain, addictions, brain injuries and disorders (autism, Asperger's, ADD/ADHD, motor and balance challenges, for example), sleep disorders, anxiety, and depression are treated. Individuals with neurological, autoimmune, metabolic, endocrinological, and other complex medical conditions find that the treatment modalities promote healing.
(301) 327-2544 View (301) 327-2544
Photo of Gabriel Newman, Psychologist in Mount Airy, MD
Gabriel Newman
Psychologist, PhD, CNutr, BCIA, ABDA
Verified Verified
Pikesville, MD 21208
I know the pain of wandering from one specialist to another, and not hearing anything encouraging.
Not all therapists are able to support you fully when medical or other conditions have caused cognitive decline. This is my specialty. Having worked closely with neurologists, radiologists and many other medical specialties, I can offer you neuropsyc or psych evaluations and brain maps that shed light on problems, and create a treatment plan that really makes a difference. We've helped folks with brain injury or general concerns for cognition, restore memory and attention skills, get to better thinking and reasoning, and enhanced joy in life. I go beyond the limits where others stopped, because rehabilitating brains is my passion.
I know the pain of wandering from one specialist to another, and not hearing anything encouraging.
Not all therapists are able to support you fully when medical or other conditions have caused cognitive decline. This is my specialty. Having worked closely with neurologists, radiologists and many other medical specialties, I can offer you neuropsyc or psych evaluations and brain maps that shed light on problems, and create a treatment plan that really makes a difference. We've helped folks with brain injury or general concerns for cognition, restore memory and attention skills, get to better thinking and reasoning, and enhanced joy in life. I go beyond the limits where others stopped, because rehabilitating brains is my passion.
(410) 346-5664 View (410) 346-5664
Photo of John W Cornelius, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Mount Airy, MD
John W Cornelius
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MS, MSW, LCSW-C, LICSW
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
For traumatic stress, I help individuals reduce symptoms of hyperarousal, panic, numbness, and pain in response to relationship and life challenges.
I help individuals work on life issues tied to anxiety and depression, relationship difficulties, stress symptoms tied to childhood trauma, and families struggling with behavioral challenges. I teach communication skills that help with difficult relationships. These skills include helping my clients improve their power, voice, and contact with significant others. I employ many approaches in psychotherapy, including psychodynamic, gestalt, somatic experiencing (SE), accelerated experiential dynamic (AEDP), cognitive behavioral (CBT) and emotionally focused couples therapy (EFT).
For traumatic stress, I help individuals reduce symptoms of hyperarousal, panic, numbness, and pain in response to relationship and life challenges.
I help individuals work on life issues tied to anxiety and depression, relationship difficulties, stress symptoms tied to childhood trauma, and families struggling with behavioral challenges. I teach communication skills that help with difficult relationships. These skills include helping my clients improve their power, voice, and contact with significant others. I employ many approaches in psychotherapy, including psychodynamic, gestalt, somatic experiencing (SE), accelerated experiential dynamic (AEDP), cognitive behavioral (CBT) and emotionally focused couples therapy (EFT).
(202) 600-9053 View (202) 600-9053
Photo of Mary Lesser, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Mount Airy, MD
Mary Lesser
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Edgewater, MD 21037  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I utilize a wholistic approach to psychotherapy. I am interested in helping families heal from disagreement, emotional pain, trauma, loss and change through the use of individual, couples, family, and group therapy. I believe that each one of us has a strong inner voice that we need to find and connect with in order to be well. When difficult feelings surface, our energy or connection to ourselves and others can become weakened and we feel drained or blocked from living to our fullest potential. I am eclectic in my approach. I seek to assist clients to understand their true potential.
I utilize a wholistic approach to psychotherapy. I am interested in helping families heal from disagreement, emotional pain, trauma, loss and change through the use of individual, couples, family, and group therapy. I believe that each one of us has a strong inner voice that we need to find and connect with in order to be well. When difficult feelings surface, our energy or connection to ourselves and others can become weakened and we feel drained or blocked from living to our fullest potential. I am eclectic in my approach. I seek to assist clients to understand their true potential.
(301) 852-6698 View (301) 852-6698
Photo of Donica Harper, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Mount Airy, MD
Donica Harper
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC-S
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Bel Air, MD 21015
Are you feeling invisible? Angry about a breakup? Have you recently experienced a loss/death? Do you feel misunderstood? Are you experiencing more pain, burnout, and/or fatigue than normal? Does your adolescent need extra support? Is your family/relationship falling apart? If your answer to any of these questions is "Yes," or even if you have questions of your own, it may be time to reach out and talk through those thoughts and feelings. I would be delighted to be the person you reach out to.
Are you feeling invisible? Angry about a breakup? Have you recently experienced a loss/death? Do you feel misunderstood? Are you experiencing more pain, burnout, and/or fatigue than normal? Does your adolescent need extra support? Is your family/relationship falling apart? If your answer to any of these questions is "Yes," or even if you have questions of your own, it may be time to reach out and talk through those thoughts and feelings. I would be delighted to be the person you reach out to.
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Photo of Frandi Mars Integrative And Holistic, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Mount Airy, MD
Frandi Mars Integrative And Holistic
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, Health , Coach
Verified Verified
Olney, MD 20832
Are you experiencing major anxiety and/or depression? Are you stuck in a place of chronic overwhelm? Do you have chronic fatigue, joint aches, pain, digestive issues no matter what you try? Is your child experiencing mental health and/or behavioral issues? As a clinical social worker for the last 25 years and a Health Coach for 11, I combine an integrative and holistic approach to emotional AND physical well-being. We all deal with daily stress, loss, and crisis, but if we feel better physically and learn tools and techniques how to handle the stress, we will be better equipped to face the challenges that are presented to us.
Are you experiencing major anxiety and/or depression? Are you stuck in a place of chronic overwhelm? Do you have chronic fatigue, joint aches, pain, digestive issues no matter what you try? Is your child experiencing mental health and/or behavioral issues? As a clinical social worker for the last 25 years and a Health Coach for 11, I combine an integrative and holistic approach to emotional AND physical well-being. We all deal with daily stress, loss, and crisis, but if we feel better physically and learn tools and techniques how to handle the stress, we will be better equipped to face the challenges that are presented to us.
(301) 683-5084 View (301) 683-5084
Photo of Jennifer Manning Plassnig & Associates, LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Mount Airy, MD
Jennifer Manning Plassnig & Associates, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, SEP, ACHt
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodstock, MD 21163
To be human is to feel great joy, as well as have times of pain. Sometimes along the way, we may need support to address and re-balance the difficult and joyful aspects of our daily life. I listen closely to the needs and experiences of each individual and support his or her unique ability to heal. I believe that each of us has the intrinsic capacity to recognize how to grow in a healthy way. My approach to treatment is grounded in the belief that each person possesses innate, inner resources that they can use to heal, grow, and thrive.
To be human is to feel great joy, as well as have times of pain. Sometimes along the way, we may need support to address and re-balance the difficult and joyful aspects of our daily life. I listen closely to the needs and experiences of each individual and support his or her unique ability to heal. I believe that each of us has the intrinsic capacity to recognize how to grow in a healthy way. My approach to treatment is grounded in the belief that each person possesses innate, inner resources that they can use to heal, grow, and thrive.
(410) 775-5499 View (410) 775-5499
Photo of Pat Webbink, Psychologist in Mount Airy, MD
Pat Webbink
Psychologist, PhD, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20816
I have produced 15 Creative Visualization recordings on Mindfulness, Dream & Sleep, Enhancing Relationships, Healing Pain & Illness, Centering & Weight Loss.
With 50 years of clinical experience, a Duke U. Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, I am an empathic, results-oriented psychologist. My specialties: relationships, anxiety, depression, stress reduction, intimacy, trauma & abuse. I work with adults, adolescents, & children in individual, couple, family & group therapy. I counsel in Spanish, French & Japanese. I've authored 4 books on intimacy & relationships & hold FREE monthly Zoom workshops on Mindfulness, Creative Movement & Relationships using guided imagery & music. My licensed associates and I serve MD, D.C. & VA. My interactive audio flyer is available at AacCounseling.com. Call me.
I have produced 15 Creative Visualization recordings on Mindfulness, Dream & Sleep, Enhancing Relationships, Healing Pain & Illness, Centering & Weight Loss.
With 50 years of clinical experience, a Duke U. Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, I am an empathic, results-oriented psychologist. My specialties: relationships, anxiety, depression, stress reduction, intimacy, trauma & abuse. I work with adults, adolescents, & children in individual, couple, family & group therapy. I counsel in Spanish, French & Japanese. I've authored 4 books on intimacy & relationships & hold FREE monthly Zoom workshops on Mindfulness, Creative Movement & Relationships using guided imagery & music. My licensed associates and I serve MD, D.C. & VA. My interactive audio flyer is available at AacCounseling.com. Call me.
(240) 435-4843 View (240) 435-4843
Photo of Maurine K Kelly, Psychologist in Mount Airy, MD
Maurine K Kelly
Psychologist, PhD, FIPA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
North Bethesda, MD 20852
I specialize in working with families, couples, groups, and individuals. I treat children as young as three, have experience with school phobia, adoption, blended families, gender issues, gay, lesbian, and transgender individuals, and the challenges of elderly. I am experienced working with psychoses, severe post traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, body dysmorphic disorder, and problems of every day life. I have special expertise working with the LGBTQ+ population, with adolescents, sexual development, severe mental illness, post traumatic stress disorder, and physical illnesses.
I specialize in working with families, couples, groups, and individuals. I treat children as young as three, have experience with school phobia, adoption, blended families, gender issues, gay, lesbian, and transgender individuals, and the challenges of elderly. I am experienced working with psychoses, severe post traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, body dysmorphic disorder, and problems of every day life. I have special expertise working with the LGBTQ+ population, with adolescents, sexual development, severe mental illness, post traumatic stress disorder, and physical illnesses.
(240) 242-9949 View (240) 242-9949
Photo of Thomas DiPaola, Psychologist in Mount Airy, MD
Thomas DiPaola
Psychologist, MA, PsyD, (He, Him, His)
Verified Verified
Burtonsville, MD 20866
If you are currently struggling or know someone who is, I am here to help. You've already taken a positive step in trying to improve your life, by finding a supportive path. With over 20 years of experience as a licensed clinical psychologist, I have had the pleasure of working with individuals dealing with many concerns hindering their growth, such as: relationship concerns, chronic pain, depression, anxiety, life transitions, pain management, career counseling, personal growth, law enforcement/EMS, LGBTI. Many years psychological assessment experience and supervision to doctoral students in clinical settings.
If you are currently struggling or know someone who is, I am here to help. You've already taken a positive step in trying to improve your life, by finding a supportive path. With over 20 years of experience as a licensed clinical psychologist, I have had the pleasure of working with individuals dealing with many concerns hindering their growth, such as: relationship concerns, chronic pain, depression, anxiety, life transitions, pain management, career counseling, personal growth, law enforcement/EMS, LGBTI. Many years psychological assessment experience and supervision to doctoral students in clinical settings.
(301) 761-1090 View (301) 761-1090
Photo of Nancy Brutsché in Mount Airy, MD
Nancy Brutsché
MSN, RN, PMHCNS, BC
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
MINDFULNESS-BASED SOMATIC PSYCHOTHERAPY & INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS: "What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." [Ralph Waldo Emerson]. All that you seek already lies within you. It is my great pleasure to assist you in opening up to your wholeness. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship issues, chronic illness, pain, feeling stuck, existential/spiritual issues or simply seeking what you have been missing or what calls you, I am here to help you find the freedom, peace, love and joy you desire. I DO NOT PRESCRIBE NOR MANAGE MEDICATIONS.
MINDFULNESS-BASED SOMATIC PSYCHOTHERAPY & INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS: "What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." [Ralph Waldo Emerson]. All that you seek already lies within you. It is my great pleasure to assist you in opening up to your wholeness. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship issues, chronic illness, pain, feeling stuck, existential/spiritual issues or simply seeking what you have been missing or what calls you, I am here to help you find the freedom, peace, love and joy you desire. I DO NOT PRESCRIBE NOR MANAGE MEDICATIONS.
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Photo of Jennifer Yarbro, Licensed Professional Counselor in Mount Airy, MD
Jennifer Yarbro
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21229
I have a deep knowing and appreciation for working with grief and loss, end of life, chronic/ terminal illness and other significant life transitions.
We can't always control what life brings our way, but we can choose how we respond to it. I enjoy helping people reconnect with their natural wisdom in the midst of life's challenges. My goal is to help my clients gain awareness of what is already working in their lives and what patterns and habits have become outdated or self-defeating. A situation, problem or symptom that appears unworkable or overwhelming can offer the key to its own healing when held with gentle, inquisitive attention.
I have a deep knowing and appreciation for working with grief and loss, end of life, chronic/ terminal illness and other significant life transitions.
We can't always control what life brings our way, but we can choose how we respond to it. I enjoy helping people reconnect with their natural wisdom in the midst of life's challenges. My goal is to help my clients gain awareness of what is already working in their lives and what patterns and habits have become outdated or self-defeating. A situation, problem or symptom that appears unworkable or overwhelming can offer the key to its own healing when held with gentle, inquisitive attention.
(720) 513-7344 View (720) 513-7344
Photo of Christine E. Buckingham, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Mount Airy, MD
Christine E. Buckingham
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PhD, LCPC, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
If your life is not working as well as you believe it should and you are willing to investigate why, you are my ideal client. You may be angry, depressed, anxious, or using food to deal with emotional pain. You may be reeling from the effects of childhood issues, abuse, or PTSD, or in such turmoil that you don't know what is real anymore. You may just need a sounding board. You may be struggling with aspects of your identity, or looking for a way to heal from infidelity, trauma, grief, or loss. We will explore that together.
If your life is not working as well as you believe it should and you are willing to investigate why, you are my ideal client. You may be angry, depressed, anxious, or using food to deal with emotional pain. You may be reeling from the effects of childhood issues, abuse, or PTSD, or in such turmoil that you don't know what is real anymore. You may just need a sounding board. You may be struggling with aspects of your identity, or looking for a way to heal from infidelity, trauma, grief, or loss. We will explore that together.
(240) 392-1292 View (240) 392-1292
Photo of Cindy Bull Crane, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Mount Airy, MD
Cindy Bull Crane
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20817
If you are sitting on my couch, SOME kind of trauma or pain has touched you. Whether you are straight or gay, a teen, adult or or older adult, first responder, couple in crisis, or struggling with illness or grief, I will help you learn to better process and manage your emotions, including worry, fear, anxiety, sadness or anger to develop better coping strategies TODAY. My therapy is non-judgmental and client-focused where therapeutic goals are driven by the client's needs.
If you are sitting on my couch, SOME kind of trauma or pain has touched you. Whether you are straight or gay, a teen, adult or or older adult, first responder, couple in crisis, or struggling with illness or grief, I will help you learn to better process and manage your emotions, including worry, fear, anxiety, sadness or anger to develop better coping strategies TODAY. My therapy is non-judgmental and client-focused where therapeutic goals are driven by the client's needs.
(301) 246-2921 View (301) 246-2921
Photo of Nancy McPartland, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Mount Airy, MD
Nancy McPartland
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MS, LCSW-C, ERYT, IAYT
Verified Verified
Timonium, MD 21093
Clients that resonate with my counseling style are open to understanding the relationship between the body and the mind. They are looking to learn skills to control their anxiety, pain, distractibility, or depression and are willing to explore their patterns of behavior within the supportive context of the therapist-client relationship.
Clients that resonate with my counseling style are open to understanding the relationship between the body and the mind. They are looking to learn skills to control their anxiety, pain, distractibility, or depression and are willing to explore their patterns of behavior within the supportive context of the therapist-client relationship.
(410) 397-7544 View (410) 397-7544
Photo of Angela Gilbert, Psychologist in Mount Airy, MD
Angela Gilbert
Psychologist, PsyD, NBCCH
Verified Verified
Silver Spring, MD 20910
I am a seasoned psychologist, consultant, clinician who has been practicing in the DC 30 years. I'm returning to f/t self employment/ private practice after working f/t in the medical context at Walter Reed Bethesda, Kaiser, Nursing homes. Strengths as an agent of positive change include my personable, collaborative approach and our success in achieving agreed- upon desired results. I have extensive experience in the fields of behavioral medicine, trauma recovery, hypnosis, and clinical supervision and training. My clients see positive results and return on investment relatively quickly. I love this work, and always learning.
I am a seasoned psychologist, consultant, clinician who has been practicing in the DC 30 years. I'm returning to f/t self employment/ private practice after working f/t in the medical context at Walter Reed Bethesda, Kaiser, Nursing homes. Strengths as an agent of positive change include my personable, collaborative approach and our success in achieving agreed- upon desired results. I have extensive experience in the fields of behavioral medicine, trauma recovery, hypnosis, and clinical supervision and training. My clients see positive results and return on investment relatively quickly. I love this work, and always learning.
(240) 647-9278 View (240) 647-9278
Photo of Jennifer Bugg Wright, Psychologist in Mount Airy, MD
Jennifer Bugg Wright
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Let's focus on your strengths to create the life you want to be living! No matter what ails you: anxiety, depression, grief, trauma... even simpler things, such as relationships, work stress, or finding a more meaningful life... I can provide education, emotional skills, coping strategies, and a compassionate ear. As a CBT and ACT therapist, I use therapy and skill building, looking at the interplay between our beliefs and ideas, our experiences and environment, and our values and choices in life. I also address biopsychological concerns such as sleep, neuropsychological functioning, breathing, and fight or flight responses.
Let's focus on your strengths to create the life you want to be living! No matter what ails you: anxiety, depression, grief, trauma... even simpler things, such as relationships, work stress, or finding a more meaningful life... I can provide education, emotional skills, coping strategies, and a compassionate ear. As a CBT and ACT therapist, I use therapy and skill building, looking at the interplay between our beliefs and ideas, our experiences and environment, and our values and choices in life. I also address biopsychological concerns such as sleep, neuropsychological functioning, breathing, and fight or flight responses.
(720) 575-3268 View (720) 575-3268

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Chronic Pain Therapists

How does chronic pain therapy work?

Engaging with a psychotherapist to help treat chronic pain does not mean that one’s pain is all in their head. Therapy for chronic-pain patients has been shown to benefit both the mind and the body, targeting physical symptoms and increasing daily functioning. In other words, for many, addressing their emotional health through therapy affects their physical health. A therapist can help a client challenge unhelpful thoughts about pain and develop new ways to respond to it, such as distraction or calming breathing techniques. Studies have found that therapy can be as effective as surgery for certain cases of chronic pain and many doctors recommend trying psychotherapy in advance of considering invasive surgery.

What are the most effective treatment options for chronic pain?

Stress, anxiety, depression, catastrophizing, ruminating, lack of activity, and social withdrawal all make chronic pain worse. Addressing these issues, research shows, can help people gain control over their pain symptoms. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, and mindfulness-based stress reduction, along with greater pain-management education, have been found to help people reduce fear and disability.

Are there new treatments for chronic pain?

Many cases of chronic pain, particularly those involving back pain, remain medically unexplained. But there is evidence that changes in the brain or nervous system are caused by previous physical ailments such as tissue damage; in such cases, the brain may continue to send out pain signals despite the physical cause having healed. To aid patients under these circumstances, a recently developed treatment known as pain reprocessing therapy (PRT) is designed to help the brain “unlearn” this response. A PRT practitioner helps individuals to reduce the “threat value” of their ongoing pain signals until they can reappraise them as less threatening and fear-inducing. They also help an individual to develop new emotional regulation skills.

How long does therapy for chronic pain take?

There is no set timeline for recovery from chronic pain, especially as there may be a range of physical and psychological causes for any individual’s discomfort, but most patients should expect to see a therapist for a number of weeks or months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions. Studies of pain reprocessing therapy found that many individuals’ experience of pain lessened in eight sessions over four weeks.