Chronic Pain Therapists in Forest City, NC

Photo of Sarah Philbeck, Licensed Professional Counselor in Forest City, NC
Sarah Philbeck
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LCMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Forest City, NC 28043
Waitlist for new clients
Many of us desire a sense of calm, connection, and well-being. Yet life circumstances and even parts of ourselves can prevent us from having these experiences in our day to day lives. Providing a safe and non-judgmental place to explore your struggles and emotional pain is essential to my practice. I feel honored to support those who desire to grow and heal.
Many of us desire a sense of calm, connection, and well-being. Yet life circumstances and even parts of ourselves can prevent us from having these experiences in our day to day lives. Providing a safe and non-judgmental place to explore your struggles and emotional pain is essential to my practice. I feel honored to support those who desire to grow and heal.
(704) 802-9945 View (704) 802-9945
Photo of Michele C. Blackman, Marriage & Family Therapist in Forest City, NC
Michele C. Blackman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LCAS-A
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Forest City, NC 28043
I offer therapy services to all individuals, couples, and families. I also offer parenting classes and anger management. I believe in tailoring treatment to fit the needs of the individual client. For this reason I don't use the same therapeutic approach with every client. Every person is unique and I believe it is important to recognize this. In addition to traditional therapy I also offer "Relationship Checkups". These checkups consist of two sessions designed for couples to attend once a year. The checkup is to provide maintenance, prevention and intervention to keep your relationship strong throughout the year.
I offer therapy services to all individuals, couples, and families. I also offer parenting classes and anger management. I believe in tailoring treatment to fit the needs of the individual client. For this reason I don't use the same therapeutic approach with every client. Every person is unique and I believe it is important to recognize this. In addition to traditional therapy I also offer "Relationship Checkups". These checkups consist of two sessions designed for couples to attend once a year. The checkup is to provide maintenance, prevention and intervention to keep your relationship strong throughout the year.
(704) 278-8076 View (704) 278-8076
Photo of Toni Nicholson Jones, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Forest City, NC
Toni Nicholson Jones
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LCAS-A
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Forest City, NC 28043
Some life experiences can leave us confused, afraid, angry, and longing for joy. Supporting individuals of all ages, couples or families trying to navigate a path back to joy is a privilege like no other. I provide honest encouragement and practical education to those who are seeking positive changes.
Some life experiences can leave us confused, afraid, angry, and longing for joy. Supporting individuals of all ages, couples or families trying to navigate a path back to joy is a privilege like no other. I provide honest encouragement and practical education to those who are seeking positive changes.
(980) 246-3875 View (980) 246-3875

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Kathryn Shanks, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Forest City, NC
Kathryn Shanks
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Rutherfordton, NC 28139  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I work with people who feel overwhelmed--by work, big transitions, relationships, family, life. My approach is gentle, non-judgmental, and deep. I enjoy helping clients become more fully aware of themselves and of the patterns that hold them back in life, and working with them to feel more grounded and connected with themselves and with others. Many of my clients are people who are in helping professions or caretaking roles. Many are women or non-binary individuals, and are longing to feel more at home in their own skin and more confident in their own strength, beauty, and wisdom.
I work with people who feel overwhelmed--by work, big transitions, relationships, family, life. My approach is gentle, non-judgmental, and deep. I enjoy helping clients become more fully aware of themselves and of the patterns that hold them back in life, and working with them to feel more grounded and connected with themselves and with others. Many of my clients are people who are in helping professions or caretaking roles. Many are women or non-binary individuals, and are longing to feel more at home in their own skin and more confident in their own strength, beauty, and wisdom.
(828) 354-0564 View (828) 354-0564
Photo of Caleb Lantz Pusey, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Forest City, NC
Caleb Lantz Pusey
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MDiv, MA, LCMHC, CSIP, NCC
Verified Verified
Rutherfordton, NC 28139
Waitlist for new clients
I believe that you bring wisdom to the places of disorientation in your life. As a spiritually-integrated psychotherapist, my role is to help you nurture the conditions where you can reconnect with this wisdom. The primary condition for this reconnection is an authentic relationship with another person. At its best, therapy can help deepen self-awareness, awaken self-compassion, and broaden your capacity for meaningful relationships. My practice resonates for contemplative persons seeking an active partner in the work of reconnection and re-creation.
I believe that you bring wisdom to the places of disorientation in your life. As a spiritually-integrated psychotherapist, my role is to help you nurture the conditions where you can reconnect with this wisdom. The primary condition for this reconnection is an authentic relationship with another person. At its best, therapy can help deepen self-awareness, awaken self-compassion, and broaden your capacity for meaningful relationships. My practice resonates for contemplative persons seeking an active partner in the work of reconnection and re-creation.
(828) 332-5198 View (828) 332-5198

Online Therapists

Photo of Tara Jubanowsky, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Forest City, NC
Tara Jubanowsky
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LCSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28270  (Online Only)
My passion has always been working with children and families impacted by life changing health issues. An ideal patient is an individual who is recently diagnosed with a condition such as cancer or major health issues including life threatening conditions and chronic pain. I specialize in treating medical trauma, anxiety, depression as well as grief, loss, and bereavement.
My passion has always been working with children and families impacted by life changing health issues. An ideal patient is an individual who is recently diagnosed with a condition such as cancer or major health issues including life threatening conditions and chronic pain. I specialize in treating medical trauma, anxiety, depression as well as grief, loss, and bereavement.
(984) 265-8755 View (984) 265-8755
Photo of Chronic Health Counseling, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Forest City, NC
Chronic Health Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Concord, NC 28025
Living with a chronic medical condition such as diabetes, chronic pain, cancer, or neurological disorders can take a toll on our emotional well-being making it even more difficult to live with the illness. Whether you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with a chronic medical condition, or have been living with a chronic illness for many years emotions such as sadness, hopelessness, fear, anxiety, and even anger can emerge making life difficult to face. I am here to help you find ways to express such emotions and work toward finding a sense of peace and joy.
Living with a chronic medical condition such as diabetes, chronic pain, cancer, or neurological disorders can take a toll on our emotional well-being making it even more difficult to live with the illness. Whether you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with a chronic medical condition, or have been living with a chronic illness for many years emotions such as sadness, hopelessness, fear, anxiety, and even anger can emerge making life difficult to face. I am here to help you find ways to express such emotions and work toward finding a sense of peace and joy.
(704) 842-9915 View (704) 842-9915
Photo of Sandy Van Horn, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Forest City, NC
Sandy Van Horn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RYT200, SEP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Franklin, NC 28734
I believe growth occurs when we courageously stay along the edges of our comfort zone and gently press into that boundary widening it inch by inch. I believe healing occurs when we fully allow ourselves to feel our pain, to sit with it, to befriend it, and to find out that it has edges and boundaries ... a beginning and an end. If you've been struggling with life - that can be big and small things - we can work together to identify challenges and build your capacity to move in the direction of optimal healing and wellness.
I believe growth occurs when we courageously stay along the edges of our comfort zone and gently press into that boundary widening it inch by inch. I believe healing occurs when we fully allow ourselves to feel our pain, to sit with it, to befriend it, and to find out that it has edges and boundaries ... a beginning and an end. If you've been struggling with life - that can be big and small things - we can work together to identify challenges and build your capacity to move in the direction of optimal healing and wellness.
(828) 268-3363 View (828) 268-3363
Photo of Sister WELLS Counseling, Coaching & Consulting, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Forest City, NC
Sister WELLS Counseling, Coaching & Consulting
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, PhD, LCMHC-S, LCAS, CRC, CCS
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28262  (Online Only)
We've worked with patients living with chronic pain, chronic diseases (Diabetes, Hypertension, HIV/AIDS, Lupus, Sickle Cell), perinatal mental health concerns, anxiety, depression and those needing career/vocational coaching.
We give so much of ourselves to our jobs, families, friends and more that we often lose ourselves and focus on the daily struggle of just surviving. Becoming overwhelmed or feeling anxious, depressed, scared or even angry, may stop you from reaching your full potential. We believe that the value of your health goes beyond just your physical health. We have a passion for helping others to find their voice, passion, and to create a healthier reality than their present state. We provide Teletherapy & Coaching services. Therapy services are provided by a Four Therapists & Coaching services by Drs. Watkins, Elbert & Blumell.
We've worked with patients living with chronic pain, chronic diseases (Diabetes, Hypertension, HIV/AIDS, Lupus, Sickle Cell), perinatal mental health concerns, anxiety, depression and those needing career/vocational coaching.
We give so much of ourselves to our jobs, families, friends and more that we often lose ourselves and focus on the daily struggle of just surviving. Becoming overwhelmed or feeling anxious, depressed, scared or even angry, may stop you from reaching your full potential. We believe that the value of your health goes beyond just your physical health. We have a passion for helping others to find their voice, passion, and to create a healthier reality than their present state. We provide Teletherapy & Coaching services. Therapy services are provided by a Four Therapists & Coaching services by Drs. Watkins, Elbert & Blumell.
(704) 512-0618 View (704) 512-0618
Photo of Erin Iraggi, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Forest City, NC
Erin Iraggi
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Waynesville, NC 28786
Many of us struggle with patterns of distressing emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. I believe it is not what is wrong with you, but what has happened to you that causes emotional difficulty in life. If you are a human being alive today, then you have experienced some type of trauma or ongoing stress that therapy can help address. I work with adults 18+ struggling with any of the symptoms caused by trauma or chronic stress. These symptoms may include depression, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, insomnia, chronic pain or health conditions, difficulty in relationships or parenting, and addictive behaviors to name a few.
Many of us struggle with patterns of distressing emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. I believe it is not what is wrong with you, but what has happened to you that causes emotional difficulty in life. If you are a human being alive today, then you have experienced some type of trauma or ongoing stress that therapy can help address. I work with adults 18+ struggling with any of the symptoms caused by trauma or chronic stress. These symptoms may include depression, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, insomnia, chronic pain or health conditions, difficulty in relationships or parenting, and addictive behaviors to name a few.
(828) 522-9278 View (828) 522-9278
Photo of Deborah Whitley Van Wieren, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Forest City, NC
Deborah Whitley Van Wieren
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC , LCAS
Verified Verified
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Waitlist for new clients
Life can present challenges, some we live with every day, and others seem to come out of nowhere. Maybe life doesn't follow along a path we've spent years creating and working toward. The business of living can begin to feel like a grind, and simple tasks may create exhaustion, fear, and uncertainty. Unresolved and painful childhood memories seem to revisit out of nowhere, and even though you've worked and wished, or prayed about the pain, the pain lingers. We often resign ourselves to perceiving life as a chore instead of a joyful experience, which can lead to a lack of fulfillment and even chronic illness.
Life can present challenges, some we live with every day, and others seem to come out of nowhere. Maybe life doesn't follow along a path we've spent years creating and working toward. The business of living can begin to feel like a grind, and simple tasks may create exhaustion, fear, and uncertainty. Unresolved and painful childhood memories seem to revisit out of nowhere, and even though you've worked and wished, or prayed about the pain, the pain lingers. We often resign ourselves to perceiving life as a chore instead of a joyful experience, which can lead to a lack of fulfillment and even chronic illness.
(828) 373-1168 View (828) 373-1168
Photo of Kelsey S. Crowe, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Forest City, NC
Kelsey S. Crowe
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCAS, CCS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28226  (Online Only)
I believe we must face our fears, doubts, and pain with compassion.
“Tell me, What is it that you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” –Mary Oliver I am licensed in NC, SC and VA. I hold tight to the experience and belief that we already have the answers within us. I want my clients to not only survive the things that challenge them the most, but to thrive and fall in love with their life. I love the process of supporting people in reconnecting to themselves, especially during times of life’s inevitable transitions. You may find yourself separating, becoming a parent, experiencing grief and loss, or beginning to shift your identity. Growth is never easy.
I believe we must face our fears, doubts, and pain with compassion.
“Tell me, What is it that you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” –Mary Oliver I am licensed in NC, SC and VA. I hold tight to the experience and belief that we already have the answers within us. I want my clients to not only survive the things that challenge them the most, but to thrive and fall in love with their life. I love the process of supporting people in reconnecting to themselves, especially during times of life’s inevitable transitions. You may find yourself separating, becoming a parent, experiencing grief and loss, or beginning to shift your identity. Growth is never easy.
(704) 469-4105 View (704) 469-4105
Photo of Michelle Einson, Psychologist in Forest City, NC
Michelle Einson
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28277
With over 14 years in the medical setting, I also specialize in chronic illness, bereavement and pain management.
Raising a child with developmental, medical, or psychological difficulties can be a struggle for even the best of families. Couples, as well, often need help with navigating the myriad of "man/woman communication styles and parenting difficulties..
With over 14 years in the medical setting, I also specialize in chronic illness, bereavement and pain management.
Raising a child with developmental, medical, or psychological difficulties can be a struggle for even the best of families. Couples, as well, often need help with navigating the myriad of "man/woman communication styles and parenting difficulties..
(980) 389-2892 View (980) 389-2892
Photo of Grace Parsley, Counselor in Forest City, NC
Grace Parsley
Counselor, MS, LCMHC-A, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28801
Waitlist for new clients
I’ve always found that authenticity is the only path to true connection. For those wanting support in transition(s), processing loss or trauma, living with chronic illness/disability, or simply unable to find your way forward; You deserve a counselor who will see you as a person first, not defined by your struggles but someone deserving of validation, support, and care. I pay close attention to the systems in which you are surrounded, the relationships that factor in your wellness, how the past informs the present, and the strengths you have within yourself to make a meaningful life.
I’ve always found that authenticity is the only path to true connection. For those wanting support in transition(s), processing loss or trauma, living with chronic illness/disability, or simply unable to find your way forward; You deserve a counselor who will see you as a person first, not defined by your struggles but someone deserving of validation, support, and care. I pay close attention to the systems in which you are surrounded, the relationships that factor in your wellness, how the past informs the present, and the strengths you have within yourself to make a meaningful life.
(828) 547-9064 View (828) 547-9064
Photo of Jeremy T. Cochran - Cochran Christian Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapist in Forest City, NC
Jeremy T. Cochran - Cochran Christian Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Your pain is unique to you, only you can understand it.
For any relationship to work you must be able to communicate. Marriage can be tough. I help people communicate and manage their conflict. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, serving North Carolina since 2003. I provide marriage, premarital, individual counseling for adults. I see people with a variety of therapeutic concerns including, but not limited to, trauma, depression, anxiety, & non-supportive spouse.
Your pain is unique to you, only you can understand it.
For any relationship to work you must be able to communicate. Marriage can be tough. I help people communicate and manage their conflict. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, serving North Carolina since 2003. I provide marriage, premarital, individual counseling for adults. I see people with a variety of therapeutic concerns including, but not limited to, trauma, depression, anxiety, & non-supportive spouse.
(828) 479-0284 View (828) 479-0284
Photo of Bradley Vaughn, Counselor in Forest City, NC
Bradley Vaughn
Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28204
Lastly, I also work with individuals who live with chronic pain.
Being human is hard, emotions are complicative, and our mental health is real and important. I encourage clients to come to me as they are with a desire to make changes to become who they want to be. Together we will explore and challenge our thoughts and beliefs while remaining gentle recognizing that the process can be hard and slow at times. We will set goals and strive to reach them. We will stay open to gain a sense of self-awareness as you move forward on your path of becoming who you desire to be. I work with individuals and couples who are experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship/sex issues, & LGBTQIA+.
Lastly, I also work with individuals who live with chronic pain.
Being human is hard, emotions are complicative, and our mental health is real and important. I encourage clients to come to me as they are with a desire to make changes to become who they want to be. Together we will explore and challenge our thoughts and beliefs while remaining gentle recognizing that the process can be hard and slow at times. We will set goals and strive to reach them. We will stay open to gain a sense of self-awareness as you move forward on your path of becoming who you desire to be. I work with individuals and couples who are experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship/sex issues, & LGBTQIA+.
(980) 655-2283 View (980) 655-2283
Photo of SHINE Counseling, PLLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Forest City, NC
SHINE Counseling, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28262
We want to help you grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, and move forward to living your best life as you want it to be.
Asking for help is an act of strength, courage, and resilience. If you or a loved one suffers from trauma, anxiety, and depression, contact us. For a faster response, please email. Negative thoughts, feelings, and self-defeating behaviors get in the way of us realizing our full potential. We facilitate the healing process needed to recover. We know that with adequate support, compassion, and insight, one can have a new lease on life. We believe in the power we have to transform and overcome minor mistakes to the most significant obstacles to live the life that we want to live, enabling peace to surface and calmness to be present.
We want to help you grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, and move forward to living your best life as you want it to be.
Asking for help is an act of strength, courage, and resilience. If you or a loved one suffers from trauma, anxiety, and depression, contact us. For a faster response, please email. Negative thoughts, feelings, and self-defeating behaviors get in the way of us realizing our full potential. We facilitate the healing process needed to recover. We know that with adequate support, compassion, and insight, one can have a new lease on life. We believe in the power we have to transform and overcome minor mistakes to the most significant obstacles to live the life that we want to live, enabling peace to surface and calmness to be present.
(704) 327-0132 View (704) 327-0132
Photo of Lawrence Cull, Psychologist in Forest City, NC
Lawrence Cull
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Brevard, NC 28712
I have been practicing clinical psychology for nearly 20 years as a licensed psychologist. In that time, I have had the pleasure of working with many people who have struggled with a wide range of challenges including relationship and couple's difficulties, addiction, anxiety, depression, serious health concerns, loss, and trauma. I utilize a number of different perspectives including cognitive-behavioral, emotion focused individual and couples, and dynamic therapies. I am also trained in EMDR, mindfulness, relaxation, stress, and pain management.
I have been practicing clinical psychology for nearly 20 years as a licensed psychologist. In that time, I have had the pleasure of working with many people who have struggled with a wide range of challenges including relationship and couple's difficulties, addiction, anxiety, depression, serious health concerns, loss, and trauma. I utilize a number of different perspectives including cognitive-behavioral, emotion focused individual and couples, and dynamic therapies. I am also trained in EMDR, mindfulness, relaxation, stress, and pain management.
(872) 814-7294 View (872) 814-7294
Photo of Corey Costanzo, Drug & Alcohol Counselor in Forest City, NC
Corey Costanzo
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, MA, LCAS, LMBT, SEP
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801
Lets explore your life experience in a new and exciting way. I see suffering as an opportunity to break free from old patterns, habits, and ways of thinking that are not working for you anymore. It's a call from deep inside saying, "something needs to shift". This shift can come from exploring a relationship to a substance that you are using, and the pain, anxiety, depression, or a general sense of not loving your life that may come with it. Your unique journey is here right now, and experiencing it from a nonjudgmental perspective can be a vital ingredient to moving past whatever is holding you back from living your best life.
Lets explore your life experience in a new and exciting way. I see suffering as an opportunity to break free from old patterns, habits, and ways of thinking that are not working for you anymore. It's a call from deep inside saying, "something needs to shift". This shift can come from exploring a relationship to a substance that you are using, and the pain, anxiety, depression, or a general sense of not loving your life that may come with it. Your unique journey is here right now, and experiencing it from a nonjudgmental perspective can be a vital ingredient to moving past whatever is holding you back from living your best life.
(828) 970-1704 View (828) 970-1704
Photo of Lucyna Sonek, Licensed Professional Counselor in Forest City, NC
Lucyna Sonek
Licensed Professional Counselor, MPsych, MA, LPC, LCAS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boone, NC 28607  (Online Only)
I specialize in treating emotional dysfunctions, addictions, ADHD, relational problems, gender issues as well as the challenges related to chronic illness/pain including depression, bipolar, anxiety, social phobia, OCD, behavioral compulsions, self-harming, low self esteem, anger, domestic violence, parenting, sexual issues, low motivation, online addiction, gambling, substance abuse, smoking.
I strive to assist distressed individuals in regulating emotions, improving mood, cultivating positive thinking, changing unproductive behaviors, and in creating wellness, life satisfaction, and self-acceptance. By exploring and identifying unique, personal thinking patterns, challenges, needs, and strengths we work in therapy to promote the meaning in life, responsibility, and the pursuit of genuineness and the best in self, life and relationships. My approach is compassionate, backed by extensive training and I have over 30 years of experience in education, community service, and psychotherapy with children, students, adults, couples, families, and groups.
I specialize in treating emotional dysfunctions, addictions, ADHD, relational problems, gender issues as well as the challenges related to chronic illness/pain including depression, bipolar, anxiety, social phobia, OCD, behavioral compulsions, self-harming, low self esteem, anger, domestic violence, parenting, sexual issues, low motivation, online addiction, gambling, substance abuse, smoking.
I strive to assist distressed individuals in regulating emotions, improving mood, cultivating positive thinking, changing unproductive behaviors, and in creating wellness, life satisfaction, and self-acceptance. By exploring and identifying unique, personal thinking patterns, challenges, needs, and strengths we work in therapy to promote the meaning in life, responsibility, and the pursuit of genuineness and the best in self, life and relationships. My approach is compassionate, backed by extensive training and I have over 30 years of experience in education, community service, and psychotherapy with children, students, adults, couples, families, and groups.
(828) 527-0143 View (828) 527-0143

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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.