Therapists in Henderson County, NC

Photo of Madison Brightwell, Marriage & Family Therapist in Henderson County, NC
Madison Brightwell
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hendersonville, NC 28739  (Online Only)
I specialize in helping people with addictions, pain, trauma and mood disorders such as anxiety, depression and anger.
I am licensed in four states and can offer Telehealth sessions to clients in CA, NC, WA and OR. Let's face it - life can be difficult. If you feel overwhelmed by anxiety or stress, or you're struggling to just to feel "normal" again, you've made the right choice by seeking therapy. I'm confident that together we can work to help equip you with the necessary tools to face and overcome life's challenges. You don't have to be alone in this journey. I have the experience to help you live a more fulfilling and meaningful life. I know no two individuals are the same, and I'll tailor our sessions to address the challenges unique to you.
I specialize in helping people with addictions, pain, trauma and mood disorders such as anxiety, depression and anger.
I am licensed in four states and can offer Telehealth sessions to clients in CA, NC, WA and OR. Let's face it - life can be difficult. If you feel overwhelmed by anxiety or stress, or you're struggling to just to feel "normal" again, you've made the right choice by seeking therapy. I'm confident that together we can work to help equip you with the necessary tools to face and overcome life's challenges. You don't have to be alone in this journey. I have the experience to help you live a more fulfilling and meaningful life. I know no two individuals are the same, and I'll tailor our sessions to address the challenges unique to you.
(828) 575-5097 View (828) 575-5097
Photo of Starr Renee Roberts, Licensed Professional Counselor in Henderson County, NC
Starr Renee Roberts
Licensed Professional Counselor, M ED, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Do you need someone to bear witness to your daily struggles, and pain? Do you need someone to listen to your story about the difficulties you are having in life that leave you feeling stuck and unable to move forward? Do you feel shut down, worried, anxious, tired, sad, or angry? Are you struggling with school, work, or financial issues? Are you struggling to make it through the day because you are having problems adjusting to changes in your life? Do you feel unappreciated or misunderstood by friends, family or your partner? Are you feeling unsteady or afraid because you've been abused.
Do you need someone to bear witness to your daily struggles, and pain? Do you need someone to listen to your story about the difficulties you are having in life that leave you feeling stuck and unable to move forward? Do you feel shut down, worried, anxious, tired, sad, or angry? Are you struggling with school, work, or financial issues? Are you struggling to make it through the day because you are having problems adjusting to changes in your life? Do you feel unappreciated or misunderstood by friends, family or your partner? Are you feeling unsteady or afraid because you've been abused.
(828) 458-7371 View (828) 458-7371
Photo of Katie Fitzpatrick Camenzind, Psychologist in Henderson County, NC
Katie Fitzpatrick Camenzind
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Mills River, NC 28759
Waitlist for new clients
In times like these it can feel like you’re losing a lot: losing hope, losing sleep, losing control. But pain can be productive. Struggles can be opportunities to see what we're made of. They can also be the impetus to make changes we've been putting off, maybe out of fear that they would upset the balance we work so hard to maintain. Right now during this pandemic, it's hard to find one thing in our lives that hasn't changed and there are so many unknowns. It can be very difficult to persevere when you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel and when your usual outlets for support and coping are now limited.
In times like these it can feel like you’re losing a lot: losing hope, losing sleep, losing control. But pain can be productive. Struggles can be opportunities to see what we're made of. They can also be the impetus to make changes we've been putting off, maybe out of fear that they would upset the balance we work so hard to maintain. Right now during this pandemic, it's hard to find one thing in our lives that hasn't changed and there are so many unknowns. It can be very difficult to persevere when you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel and when your usual outlets for support and coping are now limited.
(828) 383-9981 View (828) 383-9981
Photo of Audrey Amir, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Henderson County, NC
Audrey Amir
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MA, RYT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fletcher, NC 28732
Other areas of focus include chronic illness, medical trauma, and managing grief and isolation.
Being a person can be hard. Living a life that best suits you as an individual is a work in progress. Along the way, there are undoubtedly challenges. Sometimes, our experiences leave us confused, overwhelmed, and in need of some support. As a therapist, my role is to help understand where you’ve been, where you’d like to go, and help you get there. It’s possible to move from getting by to feeling you have agency over your own life and choices. I specialize in working with challenging life events such as trauma, major life changes, relationship distress, and chronic illnesses. I also work with C-PTSD and Narcissistic Abuse recovery.
Other areas of focus include chronic illness, medical trauma, and managing grief and isolation.
Being a person can be hard. Living a life that best suits you as an individual is a work in progress. Along the way, there are undoubtedly challenges. Sometimes, our experiences leave us confused, overwhelmed, and in need of some support. As a therapist, my role is to help understand where you’ve been, where you’d like to go, and help you get there. It’s possible to move from getting by to feeling you have agency over your own life and choices. I specialize in working with challenging life events such as trauma, major life changes, relationship distress, and chronic illnesses. I also work with C-PTSD and Narcissistic Abuse recovery.
(828) 373-8290 View (828) 373-8290
Photo of Dr. Andrea Dughoff, Psychologist in Henderson County, NC
Dr. Andrea Dughoff
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
My calling and expertise is to help women better manage anxiety, worry, and stress in order to cultivate and connect with their inner peace and joy. The pace of life seems to quicken with time, along with the multiple demands to be a good mom, wife, woman, and professional. It can seem impossible to find moments of rest and happiness while balancing “all of the things”. I have found that when women try to "do it all" it can lead to burnout, resentment, depression, and chronic illness. Are your nerves shot? Are you tired but wired? Are you struggling to reign-in unhealthy habits? You've come to the right place!
My calling and expertise is to help women better manage anxiety, worry, and stress in order to cultivate and connect with their inner peace and joy. The pace of life seems to quicken with time, along with the multiple demands to be a good mom, wife, woman, and professional. It can seem impossible to find moments of rest and happiness while balancing “all of the things”. I have found that when women try to "do it all" it can lead to burnout, resentment, depression, and chronic illness. Are your nerves shot? Are you tired but wired? Are you struggling to reign-in unhealthy habits? You've come to the right place!
(828) 415-5304 View (828) 415-5304
Photo of Deborah Whitley Van Wieren, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Henderson County, NC
Deborah Whitley Van Wieren
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC , LCAS
Verified Verified
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 Jeremy T. Cochran - Cochran Christian Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapist in Henderson County, NC
Jeremy T. Cochran - Cochran Christian Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
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 Vanessa Guerrero, LCMHC Associate in Henderson County, NC
Vanessa Guerrero
LCMHC Associate, MA, LCMHC-A, NCC
Verified Verified
Hendersonville, NC 28739  (Online Only)
I work primarily with female adolescents and young adults with a history of chronic illness, trauma, perfectionism, depression, anxiety, and/or mood disorders.
Currently Accepting Clients ( Telehealth Only)-My name is Vanessa Guerero and I am a clinical therapist with Winter to Spring Wellness. Prior to being in Asheville for almost a decade, I originally hail from Miami, Fl. I am a proud daughter of Cuban immigrants and a first-generation college student. As a teen I had my own battles with physical and mental wellness, difficulties with acculturation as well as struggled with cultural stigma in regard to mental health care. Through my own work, I have been able to find healing and am now honored to support others who struggle with their own mental wellness and similar issues.
I work primarily with female adolescents and young adults with a history of chronic illness, trauma, perfectionism, depression, anxiety, and/or mood disorders.
Currently Accepting Clients ( Telehealth Only)-My name is Vanessa Guerero and I am a clinical therapist with Winter to Spring Wellness. Prior to being in Asheville for almost a decade, I originally hail from Miami, Fl. I am a proud daughter of Cuban immigrants and a first-generation college student. As a teen I had my own battles with physical and mental wellness, difficulties with acculturation as well as struggled with cultural stigma in regard to mental health care. Through my own work, I have been able to find healing and am now honored to support others who struggle with their own mental wellness and similar issues.
(828) 382-8550 View (828) 382-8550
Photo of Online Teletherapy For Asheville North Carolina Martha Watson in Henderson County, NC
Online Teletherapy For Asheville North Carolina Martha Watson
PhD, CAMS-II
Verified Verified
Navigate life challenges, battling stress, cancer, grief or loss, chronic conditions (migraines, pain), illness, healing anxiety, trauma, IBS or childs anger/stress.
Feeling overwhelmed by trauma, IBS/anxiety, or your child's anger? The COVID-19 pandemic has undeniably increased stress and anxiety, impacting both adults and children's mental and physical well-being. A holistic approach that combines CBT, mindfulness, and mind-body medicine offers evidence-based methods for lasting results. This comprehensive approach addresses a wide range of stress challenges, helping you cope, restore your health & handle life transitions. It tackles stress triggers like fear, negative emotions & feeling overwhelmed. Book your complimentary online consultation today for a drug free positive coping strategy.
Navigate life challenges, battling stress, cancer, grief or loss, chronic conditions (migraines, pain), illness, healing anxiety, trauma, IBS or childs anger/stress.
Feeling overwhelmed by trauma, IBS/anxiety, or your child's anger? The COVID-19 pandemic has undeniably increased stress and anxiety, impacting both adults and children's mental and physical well-being. A holistic approach that combines CBT, mindfulness, and mind-body medicine offers evidence-based methods for lasting results. This comprehensive approach addresses a wide range of stress challenges, helping you cope, restore your health & handle life transitions. It tackles stress triggers like fear, negative emotions & feeling overwhelmed. Book your complimentary online consultation today for a drug free positive coping strategy.
(828) 888-0944 View (828) 888-0944
Photo of Celeste McKeever, Counselor in Henderson County, NC
Celeste McKeever
Counselor, LCMHC, LMHC, RRT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hendersonville, NC 28792  (Online Only)
Licensed in FL and NC. Do you want to feel more connected? In therapy we’ll get to the root of what holds you back, heal, and integrate new ways of being. I specialize in deepening relationships, healing attachment wounds, attachment styles, LGBTQIA+, and conscious living. This work is very personal to me. That’s why I’ve dedicated my life to healing generational trauma, and supporting others on their journey. Deep understanding is the most powerful healer. If you want to embrace all of your emotions and all parts of yourself and others; call me. I’d love to hear from you!
Licensed in FL and NC. Do you want to feel more connected? In therapy we’ll get to the root of what holds you back, heal, and integrate new ways of being. I specialize in deepening relationships, healing attachment wounds, attachment styles, LGBTQIA+, and conscious living. This work is very personal to me. That’s why I’ve dedicated my life to healing generational trauma, and supporting others on their journey. Deep understanding is the most powerful healer. If you want to embrace all of your emotions and all parts of yourself and others; call me. I’d love to hear from you!
(828) 360-8517 View (828) 360-8517
Photo of Matt Snyder, Licensed Professional Counselor in Henderson County, NC
Matt Snyder
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, MA, LCMHCS, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hendersonville, NC 28792  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
People often think psychotherapy is only for crises. However research shows that therapy is one of the best investments you can make for life satisfaction and growth. In addition to therapy are other modalities that support healing and growth. Some of these holistic wellness tools include exercise, mindfulness, tai chi and yoga. I have a rich background in the application of mindfulness to promote healing and growth, and have experience integrating tools such as Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, DBT, CBT, Hypnosis and EMDR. I also find authenticity and humor essential for healing and use both liberally.
People often think psychotherapy is only for crises. However research shows that therapy is one of the best investments you can make for life satisfaction and growth. In addition to therapy are other modalities that support healing and growth. Some of these holistic wellness tools include exercise, mindfulness, tai chi and yoga. I have a rich background in the application of mindfulness to promote healing and growth, and have experience integrating tools such as Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, DBT, CBT, Hypnosis and EMDR. I also find authenticity and humor essential for healing and use both liberally.
(828) 332-5927 View (828) 332-5927
Photo of Jeff H Thompson, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Henderson County, NC
Jeff H Thompson
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Hendersonville, NC 28791  (Online Only)
We all struggle with some degree of anxiety, trauma, some kinds of interpersonal challenges. It really helps to have someone to help us navigate these struggles and build skills. As a therapist, I offer lots of ideas and practices, and the folks who get the most out of our work are willing to try things out on their own. I offer these approaches with kindness, authenticity, and a sense of humor. There’s no reason therapy can’t be fun!
We all struggle with some degree of anxiety, trauma, some kinds of interpersonal challenges. It really helps to have someone to help us navigate these struggles and build skills. As a therapist, I offer lots of ideas and practices, and the folks who get the most out of our work are willing to try things out on their own. I offer these approaches with kindness, authenticity, and a sense of humor. There’s no reason therapy can’t be fun!
(828) 944-8113 View (828) 944-8113
Photo of Full Circle Community Wellness, Licensed Professional Counselor in Henderson County, NC
Full Circle Community Wellness
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, MA, PsyD, LCMHCS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Full Circle Counseling and Wellness provides access to high quality, experienced counselors and integrative wellness practitioners who operate in a holistic, community oriented environment. Our counselors have experience with a wide range of emotional and psychological health challenges and seek to make effective treatment strategies affordable and sustainable. We employ the power of relationship for therapeutic benefit and to help foster belonging and connection by surrounding you with resources and support. Whether making art together, weeding gardens, or playing a board game, we hope to provide community oriented opportunities for everyone.
Full Circle Counseling and Wellness provides access to high quality, experienced counselors and integrative wellness practitioners who operate in a holistic, community oriented environment. Our counselors have experience with a wide range of emotional and psychological health challenges and seek to make effective treatment strategies affordable and sustainable. We employ the power of relationship for therapeutic benefit and to help foster belonging and connection by surrounding you with resources and support. Whether making art together, weeding gardens, or playing a board game, we hope to provide community oriented opportunities for everyone.
(828) 483-4232 View (828) 483-4232
Photo of Karen S. Cottingham, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Henderson County, NC
Karen S. Cottingham
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, ACSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Hendersonville, NC 28791  (Online Only)
Sometimes it's hard to relax when you feel tired, stuck and overwhelmed. It's your turn to feel better. I can help you learn the tools to manage anxiety so you can relax, feel less stress and increase your energy. Give yourself the opportunity to discover new ways to overcome the difficult challenges. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sometimes it's hard to relax when you feel tired, stuck and overwhelmed. It's your turn to feel better. I can help you learn the tools to manage anxiety so you can relax, feel less stress and increase your energy. Give yourself the opportunity to discover new ways to overcome the difficult challenges. I look forward to hearing from you.
(828) 826-1546 View (828) 826-1546
Photo of Brian Dugdale, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Henderson County, NC
Brian Dugdale
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
I provide relational and person-centered therapy to individuals, couples, and families. For the last 14 years I have served a diverse population in treating mental health needs including, anxiety, addiction, relationship/marital trouble, and negative behavior/thinking patterns. People often come wanting a solution to these and many other problems. In my practice, I have found success in helping people look deeper than the surface or for an easy solution. I wish I could promise an easy road ahead. What I can promise is compassion, empathy, support, and guided help on this road to healing.
I provide relational and person-centered therapy to individuals, couples, and families. For the last 14 years I have served a diverse population in treating mental health needs including, anxiety, addiction, relationship/marital trouble, and negative behavior/thinking patterns. People often come wanting a solution to these and many other problems. In my practice, I have found success in helping people look deeper than the surface or for an easy solution. I wish I could promise an easy road ahead. What I can promise is compassion, empathy, support, and guided help on this road to healing.
(828) 348-6572 View (828) 348-6572
Photo of Jason McKeown, Marriage & Family Therapist in Henderson County, NC
Jason McKeown
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, CCATPCA
Verified Verified
Fletcher, NC 28732
Hello and welcome! I'm a dedicated Marriage & Family Therapist committed to creating a safe and supportive space for individuals, couples, and families to navigate the challenges life. I work with clients relationally, whether that relationship is with yourself, a partner, or family member, I am here to guide and support your journey. I have helped thousands of families, couples, and individuals find peace, comfort, and happiness in their lives and relationships. I focus on deepening communication, creating new connection, and moving beyond the past events that control our present lives.
Hello and welcome! I'm a dedicated Marriage & Family Therapist committed to creating a safe and supportive space for individuals, couples, and families to navigate the challenges life. I work with clients relationally, whether that relationship is with yourself, a partner, or family member, I am here to guide and support your journey. I have helped thousands of families, couples, and individuals find peace, comfort, and happiness in their lives and relationships. I focus on deepening communication, creating new connection, and moving beyond the past events that control our present lives.
(828) 392-5949 View (828) 392-5949
Photo of Ian P Haag, Psychologist in Henderson County, NC
Ian P Haag
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Fletcher, NC 28732
So many of us feel stuck in life. Burdened by the weight of our personal history, and constrained by our fears and self-doubts about the future, it can feel increasingly constricted. We struggle to find our bearings as we're confronted with the consequences of prior choices, many that don't make sense to us when we look back at them. Therapy allows you to slow down, to lay everything out before you. It's a chance to honestly and compassionately address the parts of self you'd like to change and to remember and reclaim the parts of self you've lost, particularly the ones that made you feel alive to the possibilities of what could be.
So many of us feel stuck in life. Burdened by the weight of our personal history, and constrained by our fears and self-doubts about the future, it can feel increasingly constricted. We struggle to find our bearings as we're confronted with the consequences of prior choices, many that don't make sense to us when we look back at them. Therapy allows you to slow down, to lay everything out before you. It's a chance to honestly and compassionately address the parts of self you'd like to change and to remember and reclaim the parts of self you've lost, particularly the ones that made you feel alive to the possibilities of what could be.
(828) 295-1321 View (828) 295-1321
Photo of Nancy Kent, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Henderson County, NC
Nancy Kent
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC-S, CCTP
Verified Verified
Hendersonville, NC 28739  (Online Only)
​I've always wanted to incorporate animals into therapeutic activities. My family has all rescues and I’ve volunteered with APS of Durham for over 10 years. Animal assisted therapy is generally done with the therapist's personal animal. My pre-Covid sessions were typically in home with you and your pet, developing more connection and emotional support. I moved my small practice to primarily tele-health but try to be available and flexible to meet when you need. It’s also important that the therapy is a fit for what you need and you can be yourself. I’m building a therapy space in Hendersonville Fall 2024 onsite sessions..
​I've always wanted to incorporate animals into therapeutic activities. My family has all rescues and I’ve volunteered with APS of Durham for over 10 years. Animal assisted therapy is generally done with the therapist's personal animal. My pre-Covid sessions were typically in home with you and your pet, developing more connection and emotional support. I moved my small practice to primarily tele-health but try to be available and flexible to meet when you need. It’s also important that the therapy is a fit for what you need and you can be yourself. I’m building a therapy space in Hendersonville Fall 2024 onsite sessions..
(984) 205-6658 View (984) 205-6658
Photo of Jeff Lockhart, Psychologist in Henderson County, NC
Jeff Lockhart
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Hendersonville, NC 28792  (Online Only)
I work with adult individuals. Every individual is unique, and every couple reflects the uniqueness of the individuals - I tailor my therapeutic approach to the issues that the individual presents, and, if he or she is in a significant relationship, how those issues may be reflected and resolved in the relationship with another. I draw on the person's strengths for solutions not only for their own issues but within the context of relating to others. Psychotherapy is a partnership between the patient and the therapist that fosters problem-solving and growth as an individual and within a relationship.
I work with adult individuals. Every individual is unique, and every couple reflects the uniqueness of the individuals - I tailor my therapeutic approach to the issues that the individual presents, and, if he or she is in a significant relationship, how those issues may be reflected and resolved in the relationship with another. I draw on the person's strengths for solutions not only for their own issues but within the context of relating to others. Psychotherapy is a partnership between the patient and the therapist that fosters problem-solving and growth as an individual and within a relationship.
(781) 990-6398 View (781) 990-6398
Photo of Healing Solutions Counseling at JFS, Counselor in Henderson County, NC
Healing Solutions Counseling at JFS
Counselor, LCSW, LCMHC, PhD
Verified Verified
Healing Solutions Counseling at JFS provides unique and coordinated services that will engage you in identifying your needs, strengths, and goals. Regardless of your situation, we will help empower you to attain a better quality of life. We specialize in treating depression, anxiety, parenting challenges, grief, trauma, adjustment disorders, relationship problems, stress management, healthy aging, and LGBT support. Our approach is strengths-based and tailored to each unique individual we serve. Our therapy sessions are safe, private, and confidential. We will always meet you where you are.
Healing Solutions Counseling at JFS provides unique and coordinated services that will engage you in identifying your needs, strengths, and goals. Regardless of your situation, we will help empower you to attain a better quality of life. We specialize in treating depression, anxiety, parenting challenges, grief, trauma, adjustment disorders, relationship problems, stress management, healthy aging, and LGBT support. Our approach is strengths-based and tailored to each unique individual we serve. Our therapy sessions are safe, private, and confidential. We will always meet you where you are.
(828) 253-2900 View (828) 253-2900

See more therapy options for Henderson County

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.