Photo of Shannon Clark, Psychologist in Saint Louis, MO
Shannon Clark
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63117
What's not working with your health and life goals? Do you suffer from pain and can't get a clear answer why? Do you find the motivation to stay healthy an impossible task with your busy schedule? Do difficult relationships or trauma make it hard to manage stress? It's time to do the deeper work.
What's not working with your health and life goals? Do you suffer from pain and can't get a clear answer why? Do you find the motivation to stay healthy an impossible task with your busy schedule? Do difficult relationships or trauma make it hard to manage stress? It's time to do the deeper work.
(314) 866-3957 View (314) 866-3957
Photo of Taylor J Scott, Licensed Professional Counselor in Saint Louis, MO
Taylor J Scott
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63108  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
As someone who has had personal experiences with chronic pain, deconstructing religion and childhood trauma I have found a deeply rooted passion to be with others as they take the journey of self-awareness and personal transformation.
I provide a unique and practical approach to therapy that focuses on integrating the spiritual, physical, and emotional parts of a person. This union reduces anxiety and increases confidence along with creativity. We deserve to live from the little fire in our souls, creating the life we not only deeply desire but the one we desperately need. I would love to journey alongside you as you take back your personal power!
As someone who has had personal experiences with chronic pain, deconstructing religion and childhood trauma I have found a deeply rooted passion to be with others as they take the journey of self-awareness and personal transformation.
I provide a unique and practical approach to therapy that focuses on integrating the spiritual, physical, and emotional parts of a person. This union reduces anxiety and increases confidence along with creativity. We deserve to live from the little fire in our souls, creating the life we not only deeply desire but the one we desperately need. I would love to journey alongside you as you take back your personal power!
(314) 501-9092 View (314) 501-9092
Photo of Kaitlin Keister, Psychologist in Saint Louis, MO
Kaitlin Keister
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63101  (Online Only)
I utilize psychological science to enhance health and prevent illness.
Do you face a health issue that significantly affects your day-to-day activities, your relationships, and other vital aspects of your life? Are you feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or frustrated in handling these health challenges? Do you aspire for a more fulfilling life? As a health psychologist, I acknowledge the psychological strain of coping with physical health challenges and am committed to helping individuals navigate these obstacles. My goal is support individuals in finding meaning and direction in their lives despite the challenges posed by their health conditions.
I utilize psychological science to enhance health and prevent illness.
Do you face a health issue that significantly affects your day-to-day activities, your relationships, and other vital aspects of your life? Are you feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or frustrated in handling these health challenges? Do you aspire for a more fulfilling life? As a health psychologist, I acknowledge the psychological strain of coping with physical health challenges and am committed to helping individuals navigate these obstacles. My goal is support individuals in finding meaning and direction in their lives despite the challenges posed by their health conditions.
(618) 602-2607 View (618) 602-2607
Photo of Stephene VandenBrink, Licensed Professional Counselor in Saint Louis, MO
Stephene VandenBrink
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63118
Life can present us with a myriad of troubles. Sometimes we get stuck in survival mode; we’ve spent years just getting by or we’ve been knee deep in struggle. Maybe you’re tired? Tired of sadness, anger, hopelessness, physical pain, and anxiety. You’re ready for change, but need someone you can be honest with. Someone who won’t judge you, but will gently help you walk in new paths and gain the freedom and healing that you long for.
Life can present us with a myriad of troubles. Sometimes we get stuck in survival mode; we’ve spent years just getting by or we’ve been knee deep in struggle. Maybe you’re tired? Tired of sadness, anger, hopelessness, physical pain, and anxiety. You’re ready for change, but need someone you can be honest with. Someone who won’t judge you, but will gently help you walk in new paths and gain the freedom and healing that you long for.
(314) 396-8460 View (314) 396-8460
Photo of Kate Early, Licensed Professional Counselor in Saint Louis, MO
Kate Early
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63117
I am a Certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) and IFS couple's therapist with 20 years and 20,000 hours of experience helping people of diverse backgrounds to navigate through dark times in their lives. I have REAL hope that people can overcome depression, calm anxiety, be transformed through grief, and find their peaceful center in the midst of over-stimulation and busyness. I love helping angry, estranged couples find connection and play again. I enjoy helping people find psychological relief in the presence of physical pain.
I am a Certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) and IFS couple's therapist with 20 years and 20,000 hours of experience helping people of diverse backgrounds to navigate through dark times in their lives. I have REAL hope that people can overcome depression, calm anxiety, be transformed through grief, and find their peaceful center in the midst of over-stimulation and busyness. I love helping angry, estranged couples find connection and play again. I enjoy helping people find psychological relief in the presence of physical pain.
(314) 394-8332 View (314) 394-8332
Photo of Sherry Bassi, Psychologist in Saint Louis, MO
Sherry Bassi
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63146  (Online Only)
Life transitions can be hard. I help clients identify inner strengths and values so that they can experience growth after crisis, loss, or medical illness. My approach to therapy is grounded in helping clients develop confidence in managing stressors and communicating effectively in their relationships. Clients with depression or anxiety related to medical illness will gain tools to manage pain and health anxiety. Clients who are experiencing relationship stress will learn new healthy relationship patterns. Client's who want to heal after a stressful experience will learn how to increase feelings of inner strength and safety.
Life transitions can be hard. I help clients identify inner strengths and values so that they can experience growth after crisis, loss, or medical illness. My approach to therapy is grounded in helping clients develop confidence in managing stressors and communicating effectively in their relationships. Clients with depression or anxiety related to medical illness will gain tools to manage pain and health anxiety. Clients who are experiencing relationship stress will learn new healthy relationship patterns. Client's who want to heal after a stressful experience will learn how to increase feelings of inner strength and safety.
(314) 970-5652 View (314) 970-5652
Photo of Maria Kometer, Licensed Professional Counselor in Saint Louis, MO
Maria Kometer
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63108
If you are reading this, there’s a good chance you feel unknown. Your family and friends think highly of you, but you’re afraid that might be because you’ve fooled them. Deep down you feel like there is something wrong with you, and no amount of “doing the right thing” can change that. You’ve spent much of your life between procrastination and perfection, but nothing really calms the racing thoughts and anxiety. A lifetime of trying to fix what feels broken in your family has taken its toll. It’s actually been pretty tough—and there’s a lot of pain.
If you are reading this, there’s a good chance you feel unknown. Your family and friends think highly of you, but you’re afraid that might be because you’ve fooled them. Deep down you feel like there is something wrong with you, and no amount of “doing the right thing” can change that. You’ve spent much of your life between procrastination and perfection, but nothing really calms the racing thoughts and anxiety. A lifetime of trying to fix what feels broken in your family has taken its toll. It’s actually been pretty tough—and there’s a lot of pain.
(314) 274-6510 View (314) 274-6510
Photo of Emily Hudson, Licensed Professional Counselor in Saint Louis, MO
Emily Hudson
Licensed Professional Counselor, ND, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63118
Waitlist for new clients
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with the state of Missouri. I received a Masters in Counseling Psychology as well as a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in 2017. During my studies, I was a staff counselor at Bastyr University. In addition, I offered low cost therapy to the community at a year long internship at Seattle Therapy Alliance. I spent 4 years as a clinical fellow at Roots Renewal Counseling in St. Louis, MO. I enjoy working with adults experiencing issues related to anxiety, depression, OCD, grief/loss, chronic illness, identity development, career, body image and self confidence.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with the state of Missouri. I received a Masters in Counseling Psychology as well as a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in 2017. During my studies, I was a staff counselor at Bastyr University. In addition, I offered low cost therapy to the community at a year long internship at Seattle Therapy Alliance. I spent 4 years as a clinical fellow at Roots Renewal Counseling in St. Louis, MO. I enjoy working with adults experiencing issues related to anxiety, depression, OCD, grief/loss, chronic illness, identity development, career, body image and self confidence.
(314) 626-8862 View (314) 626-8862
Photo of Cathy Luebbering, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Saint Louis, MO
Cathy Luebbering
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63117
There may be unresolved losses, disappointments and pain showing up as chronic pain, headaches or low-level depression.
I work with those who are courageously facing pain and trauma in their lives. Perhaps you wonder if you can look at your own experiences... Maybe you fear being overwhelmed if you dare look. You may be thinking anxiety will overwhelm you. It need not be this way. Allow me to journey with you as you explore the questions tugging at you. You need not face them alone. Support is here; it is real. You CAN face these challenges, and you need not face them alone in the silence of your heart. Reach out now for the support you deserve.
There may be unresolved losses, disappointments and pain showing up as chronic pain, headaches or low-level depression.
I work with those who are courageously facing pain and trauma in their lives. Perhaps you wonder if you can look at your own experiences... Maybe you fear being overwhelmed if you dare look. You may be thinking anxiety will overwhelm you. It need not be this way. Allow me to journey with you as you explore the questions tugging at you. You need not face them alone. Support is here; it is real. You CAN face these challenges, and you need not face them alone in the silence of your heart. Reach out now for the support you deserve.
(314) 309-3431 View (314) 309-3431
Photo of Washington University Psychological Service Ctr, Psychologist in Saint Louis, MO
Washington University Psychological Service Ctr
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63130
Possible openings for individual therapy; call for availability! The Washington University Psychological Service Center (PSC) offers psychotherapy and neuropsychological/cognitive testing. Therapists are trained to treat a variety of concerns including: Anxiety, Panic, Depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Trauma/Post-Traumatic Stress, Eating Disorders, Relationship problems, Aging-related issues, Grief and loss, Insomnia, and Behavioral health (e.g., pain). Neuropsychological testing can assess concerns like ADHD, learning disability, memory complaints, or cognitive problems after stroke, brain injury, or other condition.
Possible openings for individual therapy; call for availability! The Washington University Psychological Service Center (PSC) offers psychotherapy and neuropsychological/cognitive testing. Therapists are trained to treat a variety of concerns including: Anxiety, Panic, Depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Trauma/Post-Traumatic Stress, Eating Disorders, Relationship problems, Aging-related issues, Grief and loss, Insomnia, and Behavioral health (e.g., pain). Neuropsychological testing can assess concerns like ADHD, learning disability, memory complaints, or cognitive problems after stroke, brain injury, or other condition.
(314) 858-5195 View (314) 858-5195
Photo of Brenda Lee Casey, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Saint Louis, MO
Brenda Lee Casey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63127  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Casey utilizes many aspects of 'mindfulness' including breathing techniques, grounding exercises, and progressive relaxation to help clients self sooth during times of excessive stress, pain or sadness.
Are there times when you feel over-whelmed, or perhaps 'stuck' in your current situation? Would you like to learn how to positively cope with issues of anxiety, depression, anger management or life transitions? Ms. Casey is a non-judgmental, cognitive behavioral therapist with an extensive background in empowering clients. Brenda believes in utilizing a holistic point of view where all aspects of your current life are taken into consideration when designing your treatment plan. Sessions are geared toward forward movement through positive rephrasing of thoughts and encouraging behavioral changes through practice and repetition.
Casey utilizes many aspects of 'mindfulness' including breathing techniques, grounding exercises, and progressive relaxation to help clients self sooth during times of excessive stress, pain or sadness.
Are there times when you feel over-whelmed, or perhaps 'stuck' in your current situation? Would you like to learn how to positively cope with issues of anxiety, depression, anger management or life transitions? Ms. Casey is a non-judgmental, cognitive behavioral therapist with an extensive background in empowering clients. Brenda believes in utilizing a holistic point of view where all aspects of your current life are taken into consideration when designing your treatment plan. Sessions are geared toward forward movement through positive rephrasing of thoughts and encouraging behavioral changes through practice and repetition.
(636) 484-2733 View (636) 484-2733
Photo of Laila Merz, Psychologist in Saint Louis, MO
Laila Merz
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63124
Some of my specialty areas are Attachment- Based Issues, Anxiety and Depressive/ Mood Disorders, Addictions/Substance Abuse, Post Traumatic Disorders, Trauma, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders, Couples Therapy, Divorce, Women's Health Issues, Chronic Pain, Yoga, Somatic based Therapies, and Spirituality.
I went into the field of psychology because I love helping people transform to the best version of themselves. We all need a safe place to understand ourselves and how we relate to others/self. I often say "We need to be Mindful of our Total-Well Being and that our minds and our bodies are an inter-connected systems. Where the mind goes, so does the man or woman in their actions and body states. We go to the physician for our physical health, so how much healthier would we be if we went to our psychologist for our mental health?" At heart, I am a holistic practitioner and love seeing my clients Thrive.
Some of my specialty areas are Attachment- Based Issues, Anxiety and Depressive/ Mood Disorders, Addictions/Substance Abuse, Post Traumatic Disorders, Trauma, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders, Couples Therapy, Divorce, Women's Health Issues, Chronic Pain, Yoga, Somatic based Therapies, and Spirituality.
I went into the field of psychology because I love helping people transform to the best version of themselves. We all need a safe place to understand ourselves and how we relate to others/self. I often say "We need to be Mindful of our Total-Well Being and that our minds and our bodies are an inter-connected systems. Where the mind goes, so does the man or woman in their actions and body states. We go to the physician for our physical health, so how much healthier would we be if we went to our psychologist for our mental health?" At heart, I am a holistic practitioner and love seeing my clients Thrive.
(314) 485-4853 View (314) 485-4853
Photo of James P Ahearn, Licensed Professional Counselor in Saint Louis, MO
James P Ahearn
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, JD
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63102
In our humanness we carry so much pain and doubt, anger and grief, and every other emotion possible.
The clients I serve are often at a crossroads in their life story and unsure of how to close one chapter and begin anew. Clients I enjoy working with recognize that counseling continues outside of the session in self reflection, exploring behavior change, and shifting how we think and relate to ourselves. I find that counseling helps meet goals and needs as diverse as the client, and sometimes goals arise throughout the course of the relationship. No one needs a "good reason" to come to counseling, for the desire to reach out and try will always be sufficient.
In our humanness we carry so much pain and doubt, anger and grief, and every other emotion possible.
The clients I serve are often at a crossroads in their life story and unsure of how to close one chapter and begin anew. Clients I enjoy working with recognize that counseling continues outside of the session in self reflection, exploring behavior change, and shifting how we think and relate to ourselves. I find that counseling helps meet goals and needs as diverse as the client, and sometimes goals arise throughout the course of the relationship. No one needs a "good reason" to come to counseling, for the desire to reach out and try will always be sufficient.
(314) 325-1594 View (314) 325-1594
Photo of Deborah S Scallorn, Licensed Professional Counselor in Saint Louis, MO
Deborah S Scallorn
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, EMDR
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63141
Together we can work to: recover from substance abuse, improve relationships, create healthy boundaries, break undesirable and damaging life patterns, overcome disturbing memories or traumas, cope with issues related to aging, make self-care a priority, manage stress or pain, and move towards creating a new dream.
Please consider allowing me to help guide you to live your life to the fullest, to live the life you have always wanted, to become all you are meant to be. Do you find that joy and happiness are missing from your life? Are negative beliefs holding you back from living the life you truly want? You do not have to live like this any longer. Let me help you discover your true potential and awaken to the life you have always imagined. A life with more happiness, joy and gratitude.
Together we can work to: recover from substance abuse, improve relationships, create healthy boundaries, break undesirable and damaging life patterns, overcome disturbing memories or traumas, cope with issues related to aging, make self-care a priority, manage stress or pain, and move towards creating a new dream.
Please consider allowing me to help guide you to live your life to the fullest, to live the life you have always wanted, to become all you are meant to be. Do you find that joy and happiness are missing from your life? Are negative beliefs holding you back from living the life you truly want? You do not have to live like this any longer. Let me help you discover your true potential and awaken to the life you have always imagined. A life with more happiness, joy and gratitude.
(636) 779-3820 View (636) 779-3820
Photo of Sheri Rezak-Irons, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Saint Louis, MO
Sheri Rezak-Irons
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63141
I practice with the utmost respect for my clients and their process of healing and growth, and maintain a supportive, encouraging and safe atmosphere.I believe in balancing the mind and body to assist in stress relief and healing. Clients receive a self soothe kit when they begin working with me.I have been practicing EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitizing and Reprocessing ) since 1993 and am an EMDR Consultant and Certified EMDR therapist. EMDR is invaluable in treating the trauma that accompanies, illness, grief, pain and loss, as well as helping clients find their inner resources and reconnect to themselves.
I practice with the utmost respect for my clients and their process of healing and growth, and maintain a supportive, encouraging and safe atmosphere.I believe in balancing the mind and body to assist in stress relief and healing. Clients receive a self soothe kit when they begin working with me.I have been practicing EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitizing and Reprocessing ) since 1993 and am an EMDR Consultant and Certified EMDR therapist. EMDR is invaluable in treating the trauma that accompanies, illness, grief, pain and loss, as well as helping clients find their inner resources and reconnect to themselves.
(314) 222-0895 View (314) 222-0895
Photo of Alicia Seidler, Licensed Professional Counselor in Saint Louis, MO
Alicia Seidler
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63129
I have worked in a variety of settings: Saint Louis County court, assisting victims of crime and those in domestic violence situations, Saint Louis City as the director of a psychiatric group home, serving those with addictions, severe mental illness, and homelessness, and now as the founder of a thriving business.
I seek to do whatever possible to help you feel safe in counseling. The relationship between you and I needs to be one that feels warm, inviting, non-judgmental, and encouraging. From the safety of this relationship, you can then feel supported enough to grieve what has been lost and push to fight for the things that have been taken from your life.
I have worked in a variety of settings: Saint Louis County court, assisting victims of crime and those in domestic violence situations, Saint Louis City as the director of a psychiatric group home, serving those with addictions, severe mental illness, and homelessness, and now as the founder of a thriving business.
I seek to do whatever possible to help you feel safe in counseling. The relationship between you and I needs to be one that feels warm, inviting, non-judgmental, and encouraging. From the safety of this relationship, you can then feel supported enough to grieve what has been lost and push to fight for the things that have been taken from your life.
(314) 696-6125 View (314) 696-6125
Photo of Morgan Van Nest, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Saint Louis, MO
Morgan Van Nest
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, BFA, MSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63119
I understand that life’s challenges can have a profound effect on one’s mental health. I am committed to helping my clients meet these challenges. My treatment approach is rooted in empathy, respect and cultural humility, and recognizes the unique backgrounds and experiences of each person I work with. My areas of specialization are anxiety, depression, grief, coping with chronic illness, and navigating adverse life events.
I understand that life’s challenges can have a profound effect on one’s mental health. I am committed to helping my clients meet these challenges. My treatment approach is rooted in empathy, respect and cultural humility, and recognizes the unique backgrounds and experiences of each person I work with. My areas of specialization are anxiety, depression, grief, coping with chronic illness, and navigating adverse life events.
(314) 916-1739 x3 View (314) 916-1739 x3
Photo of Steven R Buchheit, Licensed Professional Counselor in Saint Louis, MO
Steven R Buchheit
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63127
Are you currently struggling and in pain? You're not alone.
Hello, I'm Steven Buchheit, a Licensed Professional Counselor, with 20 years of experience dedicated to guiding people toward healing and personal growth. My ideal client is someone who is motivated to heal and desires to cultivate presence in their life. I enjoy working with individuals who are seeking to deepen their self-awareness and enhance their relationships, both with themselves and others. I enjoy working with people who struggle in these areas. Through a compassionate somatic approach I seek to help my clients find self love and a deep sense of connection. People of all genders and sexual orientations are welcome.
Are you currently struggling and in pain? You're not alone.
Hello, I'm Steven Buchheit, a Licensed Professional Counselor, with 20 years of experience dedicated to guiding people toward healing and personal growth. My ideal client is someone who is motivated to heal and desires to cultivate presence in their life. I enjoy working with individuals who are seeking to deepen their self-awareness and enhance their relationships, both with themselves and others. I enjoy working with people who struggle in these areas. Through a compassionate somatic approach I seek to help my clients find self love and a deep sense of connection. People of all genders and sexual orientations are welcome.
(314) 742-7018 View (314) 742-7018
Photo of Rebecca Pastor, Licensed Professional Counselor in Saint Louis, MO
Rebecca Pastor
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, MFA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63146
Our symptoms have something to say. Different symptoms bring people into psychotherapy: anxiousness, chronic sadness, creative and artistic block, loneliness, addictions, sexual obsessions. Symptoms are a language, and though they are often labeled as depression or anxiety, the meaning of a symptom is unique to the person who suffers with it. Symptoms are painful, but they are also startlingly creative, personal and specific. Sometimes the body is asked to express the scary, painful things that words cannot. When physical symptoms occur without a medical explanation, we can look to them to help us understand the mental and emotional landscape.
Our symptoms have something to say. Different symptoms bring people into psychotherapy: anxiousness, chronic sadness, creative and artistic block, loneliness, addictions, sexual obsessions. Symptoms are a language, and though they are often labeled as depression or anxiety, the meaning of a symptom is unique to the person who suffers with it. Symptoms are painful, but they are also startlingly creative, personal and specific. Sometimes the body is asked to express the scary, painful things that words cannot. When physical symptoms occur without a medical explanation, we can look to them to help us understand the mental and emotional landscape.
(314) 266-4276 View (314) 266-4276
Photo of Chari Rae Thompson, Licensed Professional Counselor in Saint Louis, MO
Chari Rae Thompson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63104  (Online Only)
My speciality and focus includes the whole body, and our ability to change. My current studies in this field, allow me to work with my clients through a more integrative approach. This approach uses science and psychotherapy to assist clients to find their own power to cope, change behaviors, and most importantly, heal.
My speciality and focus includes the whole body, and our ability to change. My current studies in this field, allow me to work with my clients through a more integrative approach. This approach uses science and psychotherapy to assist clients to find their own power to cope, change behaviors, and most importantly, heal.
(417) 238-1123 View (417) 238-1123

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.