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More Therapists Nearby

Chayah Stoneberg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LMSW, MS, MA, LPC-A
Verified Verified
Butner, NC 27509
When emotional pain, anxiety, and fear undermine confidence that life will ever be free of suffering, remember that the solutions to life's problems are within reach.
If you are going through difficult times and feeling emotionally distressed without enough support, know that you are not alone. Having the help of a skilled and confidential therapist can help you regain a sense of balance and well-being. As a therapist, my aim is to support you on your journey to becoming your best self. If you are reading this, know that you have already taken the first step towards healing. Let's work together towards your goals and finding new meaning in your path forward.
When emotional pain, anxiety, and fear undermine confidence that life will ever be free of suffering, remember that the solutions to life's problems are within reach.
If you are going through difficult times and feeling emotionally distressed without enough support, know that you are not alone. Having the help of a skilled and confidential therapist can help you regain a sense of balance and well-being. As a therapist, my aim is to support you on your journey to becoming your best self. If you are reading this, know that you have already taken the first step towards healing. Let's work together towards your goals and finding new meaning in your path forward.
(803) 676-1871 View (803) 676-1871
Photo of Meg Barry, Licensed Professional Counselor in Creedmoor, NC
Meg Barry
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LCMHC
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27704
Waitlist for new clients
8-9 Month Waitlist-You matter and you are enough! I am a trauma therapist whose approach is integrative and honors each client’s unique emotional system. I believe that creating safety in client-counselor relationship is at the heart of effective therapy. I greet each client with warmth, understanding, and non-judgement, drawing on each client’s strength and inner wisdom to bring about change in their lives. I am passionate about working with adults with a history of trauma, attachment trauma, codependency, relationship issues, and auto-immune/chronic pain.
8-9 Month Waitlist-You matter and you are enough! I am a trauma therapist whose approach is integrative and honors each client’s unique emotional system. I believe that creating safety in client-counselor relationship is at the heart of effective therapy. I greet each client with warmth, understanding, and non-judgement, drawing on each client’s strength and inner wisdom to bring about change in their lives. I am passionate about working with adults with a history of trauma, attachment trauma, codependency, relationship issues, and auto-immune/chronic pain.
(919) 726-0565 View (919) 726-0565
Photo of Denise Ann Rothman, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Creedmoor, NC
Denise Ann Rothman
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MPC, LPC, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27712  (Online Only)
My name is Denise Rothman and I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in NC and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in both SC and NJ. I offer a welcoming, non-judgmental approach in working with my clients to help them achieve personal fulfillment and individual growth. I am experienced in treating adults, couples, children, and adolescents with various difficulties including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, ADHD, attachment disorders, parenting issues, family conflicts, and childhood trauma. I am licensed in NC, SC, and NJ and I am available to provide Teletherapy to those who live in these states
My name is Denise Rothman and I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in NC and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in both SC and NJ. I offer a welcoming, non-judgmental approach in working with my clients to help them achieve personal fulfillment and individual growth. I am experienced in treating adults, couples, children, and adolescents with various difficulties including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, ADHD, attachment disorders, parenting issues, family conflicts, and childhood trauma. I am licensed in NC, SC, and NJ and I am available to provide Teletherapy to those who live in these states
(919) 289-1296 View (919) 289-1296
Photo of Romayne Mappes, Counselor in Creedmoor, NC
Romayne Mappes
Counselor, MA, LCPC-S, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27614
I provide services for clients who I believe have the capacity to resolve their own problems with my assistance. I offer a professional relationship with my clients to assist them in exploring and resolving difficult issues. I believe that as people become more accepting of themselves, they are more capable of finding happiness and contentment in their lives. Self-awareness and self-acceptance are goals that sometimes take a long time to achieve. While some clients may need only a few counseling sessions to feel complete, others may require months. I offer a caring, empathic space to explore, heal and to try new ways of being.
I provide services for clients who I believe have the capacity to resolve their own problems with my assistance. I offer a professional relationship with my clients to assist them in exploring and resolving difficult issues. I believe that as people become more accepting of themselves, they are more capable of finding happiness and contentment in their lives. Self-awareness and self-acceptance are goals that sometimes take a long time to achieve. While some clients may need only a few counseling sessions to feel complete, others may require months. I offer a caring, empathic space to explore, heal and to try new ways of being.
(240) 270-2640 View (240) 270-2640
Photo of Julie A Hovrud, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Creedmoor, NC
Julie A Hovrud
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27614  (Online Only)
Addressing challenges in our personal life is not easy. While a common reaction to difficulties and challenges is to attempt to avoid them, it seldom solves the problem. Friends can help with some struggles in life, while other challenges need unbiased, emotional support from a professional. I utilize compassion and practical feedback to help you effectively address these difficulties and challenges. My style of therapy utilizes an eclectic approach to personalize and tailor the therapy to your needs. I help individuals and couples recognize and build on strengths to attain growth and help facilitate change to enrich your life.
Addressing challenges in our personal life is not easy. While a common reaction to difficulties and challenges is to attempt to avoid them, it seldom solves the problem. Friends can help with some struggles in life, while other challenges need unbiased, emotional support from a professional. I utilize compassion and practical feedback to help you effectively address these difficulties and challenges. My style of therapy utilizes an eclectic approach to personalize and tailor the therapy to your needs. I help individuals and couples recognize and build on strengths to attain growth and help facilitate change to enrich your life.
(919) 586-8236 View (919) 586-8236

Online Therapists

Photo of Megan Wrast, Counselor in Creedmoor, NC
Megan Wrast
Counselor, LCMHCA, CRC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27617
My counseling experiences have allowed me to work with individuals ranging from elementary aged children, to elderly adults. I have obtained a skillset working with individuals who have been involved in the criminal justice system, have experienced a variety of trauma, have been living with severe and persistent mental illness, have interacted with juvie and foster care systems, have experienced human trafficking, face daily challenges with anxiety, depression, & life transitions as well as individuals that have histories of abuse. I am passionate about working with individuals to reach their goals, and live authentically.
My counseling experiences have allowed me to work with individuals ranging from elementary aged children, to elderly adults. I have obtained a skillset working with individuals who have been involved in the criminal justice system, have experienced a variety of trauma, have been living with severe and persistent mental illness, have interacted with juvie and foster care systems, have experienced human trafficking, face daily challenges with anxiety, depression, & life transitions as well as individuals that have histories of abuse. I am passionate about working with individuals to reach their goals, and live authentically.
(984) 689-9852 View (984) 689-9852
Photo of Amy Phariss, Counselor in Creedmoor, NC
Amy Phariss
Counselor, MS, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
Southern Pines, NC 28387
Are you sick of feeling anxious and overwhelmed? Do you wonder where your energy has gone? Is it difficult to make decisions or plan for future goals? Are your relationships suffering? I work with clients every day who answer yes to these questions. They are anxious and overwhelmed. They are living with grief and sadness. They struggle with relationships (parenting, marriage, partners, friendships, work). Some live with chronic pain; many are burned out.
Are you sick of feeling anxious and overwhelmed? Do you wonder where your energy has gone? Is it difficult to make decisions or plan for future goals? Are your relationships suffering? I work with clients every day who answer yes to these questions. They are anxious and overwhelmed. They are living with grief and sadness. They struggle with relationships (parenting, marriage, partners, friendships, work). Some live with chronic pain; many are burned out.
(910) 725-5945 View (910) 725-5945
Photo of Lauren Cardwell, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Creedmoor, NC
Lauren Cardwell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27517
She has a special interest in people experiencing chronic illness, grief and loss, medical professional burn out, perinatal and postpartum depression, and the special needs population.
****Not accepting new clients***Lauren Cardwell, MSW, LCSW is a clinical therapist.. She believes that being a human is hard and messy, but that people have the capability to be resilient. She is passionate about helping others make positive changes in their own timing. Her approach to therapy is strengths-based and a collaborative experience between her and her clients. Her goal of therapy is to help clients feel seen and heard in their experiences. She utilizes Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and is trauma-focused. She is LBGTQ+ affirming and works with individuals, children, adults, couples, and families.
She has a special interest in people experiencing chronic illness, grief and loss, medical professional burn out, perinatal and postpartum depression, and the special needs population.
****Not accepting new clients***Lauren Cardwell, MSW, LCSW is a clinical therapist.. She believes that being a human is hard and messy, but that people have the capability to be resilient. She is passionate about helping others make positive changes in their own timing. Her approach to therapy is strengths-based and a collaborative experience between her and her clients. Her goal of therapy is to help clients feel seen and heard in their experiences. She utilizes Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and is trauma-focused. She is LBGTQ+ affirming and works with individuals, children, adults, couples, and families.
(919) 679-9691 View (919) 679-9691
Photo of Becky Shaffer, Counselor in Creedmoor, NC
Becky Shaffer
Counselor, MA, LCMHCA, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27615  (Online Only)
Life is not always easy, but I believe we all have the strength within us to grow, adapt, and heal. My goal is to create a safe space for you to uncover your own resilience and cultivate a sense of meaning and purpose in this life. I primarily work with adults of all ages facing a variety of concerns such as: anxiety, panic, mild-to-moderate depression, grief and loss, OCD, chronic and terminal physical illness, relational/family stressors, and difficulties related to addiction. I am able to integrate faith and spirituality into counseling if so desired.
Life is not always easy, but I believe we all have the strength within us to grow, adapt, and heal. My goal is to create a safe space for you to uncover your own resilience and cultivate a sense of meaning and purpose in this life. I primarily work with adults of all ages facing a variety of concerns such as: anxiety, panic, mild-to-moderate depression, grief and loss, OCD, chronic and terminal physical illness, relational/family stressors, and difficulties related to addiction. I am able to integrate faith and spirituality into counseling if so desired.
(919) 679-9515 View (919) 679-9515
Photo of Kylie Peele, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Creedmoor, NC
Kylie Peele
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27615
It may be difficult to find a therapist who is well versed on being sex positive, kink friendly, non-monogamous allied, and informed on chronic illnesses. These unique relationships require experience from someone who is passionate about them! You may need help with your multiple relationships, your relationship structure, or just someone to talk to who will not wince when your sex life is brought up. You may be struggling with a recent diagnosis of a chronic illness and want to talk with someone about it who understands the gravity a chronic illness diagnosis can bring. I love for clients to educate me on their lived experiences!
It may be difficult to find a therapist who is well versed on being sex positive, kink friendly, non-monogamous allied, and informed on chronic illnesses. These unique relationships require experience from someone who is passionate about them! You may need help with your multiple relationships, your relationship structure, or just someone to talk to who will not wince when your sex life is brought up. You may be struggling with a recent diagnosis of a chronic illness and want to talk with someone about it who understands the gravity a chronic illness diagnosis can bring. I love for clients to educate me on their lived experiences!
(984) 409-9049 View (984) 409-9049
Photo of Clete L deller, Counselor in Creedmoor, NC
Clete L deller
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Lewisville, NC 27023  (Online Only)
We all want more Peace and less Pain in our live. The symptoms of trauma can prevent you from having the life you want, destroy your ability to have intimate and lasting relationships, and ultimately, steal your Peace. Peace or Pain Therapy will not only help you address trauma, but together we will create a concrete plan, for a Meaningful Values-Base Life.
We all want more Peace and less Pain in our live. The symptoms of trauma can prevent you from having the life you want, destroy your ability to have intimate and lasting relationships, and ultimately, steal your Peace. Peace or Pain Therapy will not only help you address trauma, but together we will create a concrete plan, for a Meaningful Values-Base Life.
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Photo of Janet Heuring Larsen, Psychologist in Creedmoor, NC
Janet Heuring Larsen
Psychologist, MA, LCAS, LPA, HSP-PA, CTP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27615
PRACTICE MAY HAVE A WAITLIST, PLEASE EMAIL YOUR INQUIRIES: My psychology practice is committed to delivering highly effective treatment and outstanding client care. I've helped individuals navigate challenges and improve their lives for over 10 years. I treat clients with an array of issues including relationship struggles, anxiety, trauma, panic attacks, PTSD, depression, anger, insomnia, ADD/ADHD, chronic pain, substance use/addiction and grief. I serve many clients with co-occurring disorders and have trained other therapists. I specialize in treating clients with anxiety and trauma using EMDR and also offer ADHD/ADD counseling.
PRACTICE MAY HAVE A WAITLIST, PLEASE EMAIL YOUR INQUIRIES: My psychology practice is committed to delivering highly effective treatment and outstanding client care. I've helped individuals navigate challenges and improve their lives for over 10 years. I treat clients with an array of issues including relationship struggles, anxiety, trauma, panic attacks, PTSD, depression, anger, insomnia, ADD/ADHD, chronic pain, substance use/addiction and grief. I serve many clients with co-occurring disorders and have trained other therapists. I specialize in treating clients with anxiety and trauma using EMDR and also offer ADHD/ADD counseling.
(919) 948-3053 View (919) 948-3053
Photo of Page J. Littlewood, Marriage & Family Therapist in Creedmoor, NC
Page J. Littlewood
Marriage & Family Therapist, MBA, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Medical Family Therapy includes helping clients cope with a chronic illness or disability.
I am a Certified Emotionally Focused Therapist. My work supports individuals, couples, families and small businesses seeking to unlock their ability to access the best they have to offer. We all need to experience a secure bond with another to provide a safe haven for comfort and support and a secure base to go out into the world. Together, we can find the secure bond, fun, love, and caring masked by conflicts, connect you with the resources we are all born with that build self esteem, strengthen relationships, bring into awareness and transform old and familiar patterns of communication that are defensive rather than connecting.
Medical Family Therapy includes helping clients cope with a chronic illness or disability.
I am a Certified Emotionally Focused Therapist. My work supports individuals, couples, families and small businesses seeking to unlock their ability to access the best they have to offer. We all need to experience a secure bond with another to provide a safe haven for comfort and support and a secure base to go out into the world. Together, we can find the secure bond, fun, love, and caring masked by conflicts, connect you with the resources we are all born with that build self esteem, strengthen relationships, bring into awareness and transform old and familiar patterns of communication that are defensive rather than connecting.
(919) 948-3457 View (919) 948-3457
Photo of Paige Orlandi-Holmes, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Creedmoor, NC
Paige Orlandi-Holmes
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MEd, LCMHC
Verified Verified
20 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27607
Waitlist for new clients
I enjoy helping young adults in transitions or seeking career counseling, clients overcoming trauma, anxiety, depression, pregnancy/postpartum, or chronic illness/pain, and highly sensitive people.
Accepting New Clients - (Open slots are for telehealth only); Our world today can be such a loud, chaotic, unpredictable place - and we are all feeling it, especially post COVID. Life can knock us to the ground and then lift us up to the highest of highs. None of us are immune to pain, but this is of course what makes us human. If you choose to work with me, I will be someone who can support you, encourage you to grow with self-discovery, guide you towards a greater sense of well-being, and help you feel empowered to manage life’s ups and downs.
I enjoy helping young adults in transitions or seeking career counseling, clients overcoming trauma, anxiety, depression, pregnancy/postpartum, or chronic illness/pain, and highly sensitive people.
Accepting New Clients - (Open slots are for telehealth only); Our world today can be such a loud, chaotic, unpredictable place - and we are all feeling it, especially post COVID. Life can knock us to the ground and then lift us up to the highest of highs. None of us are immune to pain, but this is of course what makes us human. If you choose to work with me, I will be someone who can support you, encourage you to grow with self-discovery, guide you towards a greater sense of well-being, and help you feel empowered to manage life’s ups and downs.
(984) 223-0061 View (984) 223-0061
Photo of Elana T Stephens, LCSW Associate in Creedmoor, NC
Elana T Stephens
LCSW Associate , LCSWA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27609
I'm currently accepting new client appointments and have immediate availability. Do you or someone you know struggle with pushing away big emotions? There are many people who try to avoid painful feelings and thoughts. Avoiding and ignoring painful emotions feels good in the moment and can help you survive trauma. However, if you continue to ignore emotional pain, your body can store that pain. As a result, you may feel numb or easily overwhelmed. Avoidance can become addictive, diminish your tolerance, and can lead to you choosing harmful methods to cope with stressors.
I'm currently accepting new client appointments and have immediate availability. Do you or someone you know struggle with pushing away big emotions? There are many people who try to avoid painful feelings and thoughts. Avoiding and ignoring painful emotions feels good in the moment and can help you survive trauma. However, if you continue to ignore emotional pain, your body can store that pain. As a result, you may feel numb or easily overwhelmed. Avoidance can become addictive, diminish your tolerance, and can lead to you choosing harmful methods to cope with stressors.
(984) 300-3410 x729 View (984) 300-3410 x729
Photo of Bridget Pemberton-Smith, Art Therapist in Creedmoor, NC
Bridget Pemberton-Smith
Art Therapist, MA, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Carrboro, NC 27510
As an expressive arts therapist, I promote the healing power of the arts and am dedicated to helping my clients discover their strengths and healing potential. I love being able to walk with people on their healing journies, guiding them through transitions and periods of growth. I have worked with a variety of people including children with physical illness, at-risk adolescents, adults with mental illness, seniors both with and without dementia, refugees and immigrants and as a supervisor for art therapists seeking art therapy registration. I have worked in schools, hospitals, retirement centers and mental health agencies.
As an expressive arts therapist, I promote the healing power of the arts and am dedicated to helping my clients discover their strengths and healing potential. I love being able to walk with people on their healing journies, guiding them through transitions and periods of growth. I have worked with a variety of people including children with physical illness, at-risk adolescents, adults with mental illness, seniors both with and without dementia, refugees and immigrants and as a supervisor for art therapists seeking art therapy registration. I have worked in schools, hospitals, retirement centers and mental health agencies.
(919) 925-4191 View (919) 925-4191
Photo of Judith Ann Stubanas in Creedmoor, NC
Judith Ann Stubanas
RN, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27614  (Online Only)
New clients accepted for teletherapy via a secure link. Please know you will receive ethical, non-judgmental, confidential and compassionate counseling. When any type of stress or trauma, PTSD or chronic pain becomes overwhelming, I will assist you assist you in finding ways to meet your overall physical and emotional needs in balance. I have an interest in addressing the impact of nutrition on mental and physical health. As a counselor and a nurse, I want to provide hope, resources and practical coping skills to live with life's challenges and experience peace, healing and joy.
New clients accepted for teletherapy via a secure link. Please know you will receive ethical, non-judgmental, confidential and compassionate counseling. When any type of stress or trauma, PTSD or chronic pain becomes overwhelming, I will assist you assist you in finding ways to meet your overall physical and emotional needs in balance. I have an interest in addressing the impact of nutrition on mental and physical health. As a counselor and a nurse, I want to provide hope, resources and practical coping skills to live with life's challenges and experience peace, healing and joy.
(919) 263-2903 x259 View (919) 263-2903 x259
Photo of Sandra Painter, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Creedmoor, NC
Sandra Painter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27704
Are you feeling overwhelmed, confused, down, or struggling in relationships with family, friends or significant others? Are you experiencing loss or dealing with chronic illness in you or a family member? We all face a variety of challenging situations, emotions relationships and events. I believe there are times people may want to clarify their thinking about a problem or take their management of a life challenge up a notch. I believe my job is to support people’s efforts to do that by listening and assisting people in leveraging their strengths.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, confused, down, or struggling in relationships with family, friends or significant others? Are you experiencing loss or dealing with chronic illness in you or a family member? We all face a variety of challenging situations, emotions relationships and events. I believe there are times people may want to clarify their thinking about a problem or take their management of a life challenge up a notch. I believe my job is to support people’s efforts to do that by listening and assisting people in leveraging their strengths.
(919) 766-2706 x24 View (919) 766-2706 x24
Photo of Cara Jones Counseling, PLLC, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Creedmoor, NC
Cara Jones Counseling, PLLC
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC, BCPCC
Verified Verified
Mebane, NC 27302
Do you need help thriving to function at your best or improve your relationships? Are peace and joy missing in this season of life? I help driven women relieve the suffering that comes from living life busy, but unfulfilled. Suffering that feels like anxiety, overwhelm, depression, emptiness, relationship conflict and loneliness, grief, spiritual struggles or physical pain. Learn how to reconnect with what's most important to you, feel alive, and accept yourself and others. Embrace the good offered from transitions you're in or forge new possibilities for a meaningful, joyful and internally peaceful life.
Do you need help thriving to function at your best or improve your relationships? Are peace and joy missing in this season of life? I help driven women relieve the suffering that comes from living life busy, but unfulfilled. Suffering that feels like anxiety, overwhelm, depression, emptiness, relationship conflict and loneliness, grief, spiritual struggles or physical pain. Learn how to reconnect with what's most important to you, feel alive, and accept yourself and others. Embrace the good offered from transitions you're in or forge new possibilities for a meaningful, joyful and internally peaceful life.
(919) 504-5736 View (919) 504-5736
Photo of Char Boyette, Drug & Alcohol Counselor in Creedmoor, NC
Char Boyette
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, LCAS, EMDRIA, CCS, MDiv, JD
Verified Verified
Winterville, NC 28590
I am a person on the journey of wellness myself so I can empathize with the pain of feeling isolated and misunderstood, stuck in old patterns and unable to break unhelpful cycles of abuse, trauma, poverty, addictions, and multiple mental health challenges.
Everyone's story is unique and every person deserves an individualized approach to their problems. Initially we will complete an assessment. Then we become partners in your therapeutic journey. If you have been suffering alone or found past attempts unsatisfactory, please contact me. The therapeutic relationship we develop will be the cornerstone of your wellness journey. I will do everything I can to support you in feeling safe and respected to share. I strive to provide a setting that will allows you to do this. I am open to your input and welcome your feedback as we progress on the path of your renewed happiness.
I am a person on the journey of wellness myself so I can empathize with the pain of feeling isolated and misunderstood, stuck in old patterns and unable to break unhelpful cycles of abuse, trauma, poverty, addictions, and multiple mental health challenges.
Everyone's story is unique and every person deserves an individualized approach to their problems. Initially we will complete an assessment. Then we become partners in your therapeutic journey. If you have been suffering alone or found past attempts unsatisfactory, please contact me. The therapeutic relationship we develop will be the cornerstone of your wellness journey. I will do everything I can to support you in feeling safe and respected to share. I strive to provide a setting that will allows you to do this. I am open to your input and welcome your feedback as we progress on the path of your renewed happiness.
(910) 634-6171 View (910) 634-6171

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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.