Therapists in Hobucken, NC

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Online Therapists

Photo of Leslie A Veach, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Hobucken, NC
Leslie A Veach
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MS, NCC, LCMHCS, CGP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Greenville, NC 27858
Sometimes we feel alone, even in a crowd or with significant others. Pain, trauma, feeling different/misunderstood/unknown or even how we see ourselves can drive a wedge between us and the people and life experiences that matter most to us. If you are looking for someone who will join with you as you find your way through to a more meaningful way of living and toward more fulfilling relationships, then I welcome you to contact me for a free consultation.
Sometimes we feel alone, even in a crowd or with significant others. Pain, trauma, feeling different/misunderstood/unknown or even how we see ourselves can drive a wedge between us and the people and life experiences that matter most to us. If you are looking for someone who will join with you as you find your way through to a more meaningful way of living and toward more fulfilling relationships, then I welcome you to contact me for a free consultation.
(252) 489-4588 View (252) 489-4588
Photo of Marcy Arnold, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Hobucken, NC
Marcy Arnold
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LISW-CP, LCAS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New Bern, NC 28562  (Online Only)
I specialize in helping people who are struggling with stress, anxiety and chronic illness.
Do you struggle with feeling that you're "too much" and "not enough" all at the same time. To the outside world, you look "fine," but inside, you feel downright exhausted, and pretending everything is okay is getting old. Your stress level is through the roof. You bury your feelings and prioritize putting others first, meaning you hardly ever find time for yourself. What's self-care?! Eventually, the stress and exhaustion catch up! You're tired of pretending and ready for change. The good news is, there is help. Whatever curveball life has thrown you, relief is possible.
I specialize in helping people who are struggling with stress, anxiety and chronic illness.
Do you struggle with feeling that you're "too much" and "not enough" all at the same time. To the outside world, you look "fine," but inside, you feel downright exhausted, and pretending everything is okay is getting old. Your stress level is through the roof. You bury your feelings and prioritize putting others first, meaning you hardly ever find time for yourself. What's self-care?! Eventually, the stress and exhaustion catch up! You're tired of pretending and ready for change. The good news is, there is help. Whatever curveball life has thrown you, relief is possible.
(252) 772-9378 View (252) 772-9378
Photo of Jennifer Tremblay Pettee, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Hobucken, NC
Jennifer Tremblay Pettee
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Cape Carteret, NC 28584  (Online Only)
Together, we can work to reduce emotional pain and stress and instead develop an overall sense of wellness.
Overwhelmed? We can be overwhelmed by many things; work/family demands, grief, romantic relationships, health, traumatic events, and so on. Sometimes, even when we feel like we SHOULD be happy, we are not. At Bonne Journée PLLC, I take a "Big Picture" approach to help empower clients to sort out what is meaningful and helpful in their lives.
Together, we can work to reduce emotional pain and stress and instead develop an overall sense of wellness.
Overwhelmed? We can be overwhelmed by many things; work/family demands, grief, romantic relationships, health, traumatic events, and so on. Sometimes, even when we feel like we SHOULD be happy, we are not. At Bonne Journée PLLC, I take a "Big Picture" approach to help empower clients to sort out what is meaningful and helpful in their lives.
(252) 542-2160 View (252) 542-2160
Photo of Roots to Blooms Counseling PLLC , Counselor in Hobucken, NC
Roots to Blooms Counseling PLLC
Counselor, LCMHCS , LCAS, CCS, LPC
Verified Verified
New Bern, NC 28562  (Online Only)
I HAVE OPENINGS FOR NEW CLIENTS!! Are you feeling stuck? Do you feel trapped by your strong emotional reactions? Are you feeling alone and disconnected in your relationship? Anxious or not good enough? We all have moments in our lives when we need support, and we are not meant to suffer alone. There is no shame in reaching out for help. I help clients work through current struggles & emotional pain by so they can experience calm, self-compassion, freedom and meaning in their lives.
I HAVE OPENINGS FOR NEW CLIENTS!! Are you feeling stuck? Do you feel trapped by your strong emotional reactions? Are you feeling alone and disconnected in your relationship? Anxious or not good enough? We all have moments in our lives when we need support, and we are not meant to suffer alone. There is no shame in reaching out for help. I help clients work through current struggles & emotional pain by so they can experience calm, self-compassion, freedom and meaning in their lives.
(252) 336-9687 View (252) 336-9687
Photo of Olinda Davidson in Hobucken, NC
Olinda Davidson
LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New Bern, NC 28562  (Online Only)
You may be feeling overwhelmed, exhausted and anxious from trying to hold it all together for everyone and everything. You put on a “happy” face and push through the day only to wonder if you will ever feel better. Until now, you’ve been able to manage it on your own, but it’s starting to affect other areas of your life and you can’t pretend everything is ok anymore. Maybe you’re struggling with anxiety, stress, a relationship or health concerns but wherever the pain is coming from you are tired of feeling alone and stuck. You want to make lasting changes, but deciding where to start feels impossible. I’m here and I get it.
You may be feeling overwhelmed, exhausted and anxious from trying to hold it all together for everyone and everything. You put on a “happy” face and push through the day only to wonder if you will ever feel better. Until now, you’ve been able to manage it on your own, but it’s starting to affect other areas of your life and you can’t pretend everything is ok anymore. Maybe you’re struggling with anxiety, stress, a relationship or health concerns but wherever the pain is coming from you are tired of feeling alone and stuck. You want to make lasting changes, but deciding where to start feels impossible. I’m here and I get it.
(252) 582-6024 View (252) 582-6024
Photo of Dr. Ralph Fox II, Licensed Professional Counselor in Hobucken, NC
Dr. Ralph Fox II
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC-S, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Wilmington, NC 28405
Anxiety, Marital Tensions, Desire, Fetish/Kink/Poly, Pain, ED, Confusion, LBGTQIA+, Apprehension, and more.
The world is very different in 2024 and can cause depression, trauma, anxiety, etc. You need a place to discuss things that you can't or shouldn't talk about w/friends & family. Let's determine your needs in a safe, non-judgmental environment. Let me help empower you, stabilize, & deal with anger, sadness, anxiety, embarrassment, grief, etc. Together we develop a plan. Privacy, discretion, stability & compassion are important to your life & career. I strive to enable people to smile again. Thank you for the opportunity to guide you through life's ups and downs. Helping Individuals & Couples find balance for over 35 years.
Anxiety, Marital Tensions, Desire, Fetish/Kink/Poly, Pain, ED, Confusion, LBGTQIA+, Apprehension, and more.
The world is very different in 2024 and can cause depression, trauma, anxiety, etc. You need a place to discuss things that you can't or shouldn't talk about w/friends & family. Let's determine your needs in a safe, non-judgmental environment. Let me help empower you, stabilize, & deal with anger, sadness, anxiety, embarrassment, grief, etc. Together we develop a plan. Privacy, discretion, stability & compassion are important to your life & career. I strive to enable people to smile again. Thank you for the opportunity to guide you through life's ups and downs. Helping Individuals & Couples find balance for over 35 years.
(910) 216-4872 View (910) 216-4872
Photo of Courtney Howard Ind. Contractor @ Deep Connections Counseling in Hobucken, NC
Courtney Howard Ind. Contractor @ Deep Connections Counseling
MS, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, NC 27889  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Life can be…a bit of a rollercoaster at times and can often feel unmanageable. If you find yourself becoming bogged down by life’s twists and turns, I’m here to help! My name is Courtney Howard and I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in the state of North Carolina. My mission is to provide a safe space for you to explore, repair, and grow. Taking the steps to begin a counseling journey isn’t easy and I’m proud of you for searching for a therapist to fit your needs. Are you stressed, depressed, anxious, suffering with illness, grieving, or struggling with mood? Then I may be the perfect fit for you!
Life can be…a bit of a rollercoaster at times and can often feel unmanageable. If you find yourself becoming bogged down by life’s twists and turns, I’m here to help! My name is Courtney Howard and I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in the state of North Carolina. My mission is to provide a safe space for you to explore, repair, and grow. Taking the steps to begin a counseling journey isn’t easy and I’m proud of you for searching for a therapist to fit your needs. Are you stressed, depressed, anxious, suffering with illness, grieving, or struggling with mood? Then I may be the perfect fit for you!
(252) 486-5072 View (252) 486-5072
Photo of Catherine A McGrogan, Psychologist in Hobucken, NC
Catherine A McGrogan
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Kitty Hawk, NC 27949
I have been in full-time private practice as a clinical and counseling psychologist for 31 years. I completed a hospital internship and have spent my career seeing not only patients with emotional disorders, but also patients with medical diagnoses such as chronic pain, cancer, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, and morbid obesity. I have considerable experience with psychological testing and use tests to help patients' physicians and psychiatrists find the optimal psychotropic medications for their symptoms. I have been trained in traditional psychodynamic therapy but also employ a variety of treatment modalities including cognitive and behavioral therapies and family therapy.
I have been in full-time private practice as a clinical and counseling psychologist for 31 years. I completed a hospital internship and have spent my career seeing not only patients with emotional disorders, but also patients with medical diagnoses such as chronic pain, cancer, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, and morbid obesity. I have considerable experience with psychological testing and use tests to help patients' physicians and psychiatrists find the optimal psychotropic medications for their symptoms. I have been trained in traditional psychodynamic therapy but also employ a variety of treatment modalities including cognitive and behavioral therapies and family therapy.
(252) 368-2143 View (252) 368-2143
Photo of Jean Hansson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Hobucken, NC
Jean Hansson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CHT
Verified Verified
Greenville, NC 27858
I am a psychotherapist with many years on mental health experience. My clientele is adults, 16 and up. Areas of practice focus are anxiety and depression, chronic pain, grief, traumatic loss, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and adult ADHD. I'm trained in the therapy modalities of hypnotherapy, EMDR Exposure (CBT), and Emotional Freedom Technique - an energy psychology method. In helping clients break old habits, I'm a licensed provider of Trim Life, a weight loss program using hypnosis. Another program is Clean Break for smoking cessation.
I am a psychotherapist with many years on mental health experience. My clientele is adults, 16 and up. Areas of practice focus are anxiety and depression, chronic pain, grief, traumatic loss, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and adult ADHD. I'm trained in the therapy modalities of hypnotherapy, EMDR Exposure (CBT), and Emotional Freedom Technique - an energy psychology method. In helping clients break old habits, I'm a licensed provider of Trim Life, a weight loss program using hypnosis. Another program is Clean Break for smoking cessation.
(252) 627-9304 View (252) 627-9304
Photo of Char Boyette, Drug & Alcohol Counselor in Hobucken, 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
Photo of Patricia A Toth, Licensed Professional Counselor in Hobucken, NC
Patricia A Toth
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New Bern, NC 28560  (Online Only)
Rather than identifying and categorizing the presence or absence of symptoms of illness, my practice seeks to uncover the psychological health in my clients.
I bring a unique perspective to my counseling practice. It is a gift to be able to point my clients towards their innate inner health via three Principles (Mind, Consciousness, and Thought) that, when understood, taps into our natural wisdom and common sense. This is an inside out process that heightens awareness to bring forth new insightful thinking. This inside-out understanding, fresh in the moment, bubbles up creativity to solve problems, enhance relationships, & brings good feelings for a meaningful, satisfying life. This is an experiential, not an intellectual process that is rich, fresh, and rewarding because it is the genuine self.
Rather than identifying and categorizing the presence or absence of symptoms of illness, my practice seeks to uncover the psychological health in my clients.
I bring a unique perspective to my counseling practice. It is a gift to be able to point my clients towards their innate inner health via three Principles (Mind, Consciousness, and Thought) that, when understood, taps into our natural wisdom and common sense. This is an inside out process that heightens awareness to bring forth new insightful thinking. This inside-out understanding, fresh in the moment, bubbles up creativity to solve problems, enhance relationships, & brings good feelings for a meaningful, satisfying life. This is an experiential, not an intellectual process that is rich, fresh, and rewarding because it is the genuine self.
(252) 392-4371 View (252) 392-4371
Photo of Anne Mauldin, Psychologist in Hobucken, NC
Anne Mauldin
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Greenville, NC 27858
Such issues include: Depression, anxiety, health issues (stress, pain management, smoking cessation, obesity), divorce recovery (for adults and children), adoption, low self-esteem, abuse survivors, PTSD, ADHD, grief, couples problems and psychological testing.
My goal as a psychologist is to increase self-awareness and create positive change in a nonjudgmental environment. Psychotherapy can relieve emotional distress, improve one's quality of life, help process painful events and increase self-awareness. Unfortunately many people are conflicted about the decision to get help and may see psychotherapy as a sign of weakness. It has been my experience that people who are unhappy for whatever reason and choose to go to psychotherapy are being assertive, healthy, and courageous in the handling of their problems.
Such issues include: Depression, anxiety, health issues (stress, pain management, smoking cessation, obesity), divorce recovery (for adults and children), adoption, low self-esteem, abuse survivors, PTSD, ADHD, grief, couples problems and psychological testing.
My goal as a psychologist is to increase self-awareness and create positive change in a nonjudgmental environment. Psychotherapy can relieve emotional distress, improve one's quality of life, help process painful events and increase self-awareness. Unfortunately many people are conflicted about the decision to get help and may see psychotherapy as a sign of weakness. It has been my experience that people who are unhappy for whatever reason and choose to go to psychotherapy are being assertive, healthy, and courageous in the handling of their problems.
(252) 455-9998 View (252) 455-9998
Photo of Kasey Saunders, Marriage & Family Therapist in Hobucken, NC
Kasey Saunders
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Grimesland, NC 27837  (Online Only)
I am so glad you found your way here! It takes courage and strength to invest in yourself. You are in a great place to begin this journey. We all go through ups and downs throughout life. There are times we all need a little support to get through the tougher times. Having someone who is compassionate, non-judgmental, and unbiased to talk to can be the key to unlocking what is already inside you, waiting to be discovered. Finding someone you feel comfortable with is one of the most important parts of this journey. I would love to talk with you and discuss how I can support you.
I am so glad you found your way here! It takes courage and strength to invest in yourself. You are in a great place to begin this journey. We all go through ups and downs throughout life. There are times we all need a little support to get through the tougher times. Having someone who is compassionate, non-judgmental, and unbiased to talk to can be the key to unlocking what is already inside you, waiting to be discovered. Finding someone you feel comfortable with is one of the most important parts of this journey. I would love to talk with you and discuss how I can support you.
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Photo of Michelle Tennant, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Hobucken, NC
Michelle Tennant
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MS, NCC, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Greenville, NC 27858  (Online Only)
Drawing from my experiences in culturally diverse communities across the globe, I strive to create a safe space in which your values and beliefs form the foundation of our therapeutic relationship. By pairing your interests, preferences, and strengths with my background in modalities such as CBT, DBT, CPT, ACT, and expressive arts therapy, we’ll work together to craft an approach that works for you. No matter what’s going on in your life that’s led you to seek therapy, we can figure this out together. You don’t have to do it alone.
Drawing from my experiences in culturally diverse communities across the globe, I strive to create a safe space in which your values and beliefs form the foundation of our therapeutic relationship. By pairing your interests, preferences, and strengths with my background in modalities such as CBT, DBT, CPT, ACT, and expressive arts therapy, we’ll work together to craft an approach that works for you. No matter what’s going on in your life that’s led you to seek therapy, we can figure this out together. You don’t have to do it alone.
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Photo of Peaceful Waters Counseling and Wellness Center, PC, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Hobucken, NC
Peaceful Waters Counseling and Wellness Center, PC
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC, NCC, CCMHC
Verified Verified
Moyock, NC 27958
Peaceful Waters exists to serve northeastern North Carolina, Hampton Roads, and surrounding areas with kind, compassionate, and empathetic care. Our mission is to reflect a spirit of love that inspires hope and life-long change. We believe in holistic healing and are committed to providing the highest level of professional services that lead to happier, healthier, and more whole living.
Peaceful Waters exists to serve northeastern North Carolina, Hampton Roads, and surrounding areas with kind, compassionate, and empathetic care. Our mission is to reflect a spirit of love that inspires hope and life-long change. We believe in holistic healing and are committed to providing the highest level of professional services that lead to happier, healthier, and more whole living.
(252) 297-6297 View (252) 297-6297
Photo of Jennifer Witkowski, Licensed Professional Counselor in Hobucken, NC
Jennifer Witkowski
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Burgaw, NC 28425  (Online Only)
Real change means real work. You must put forth effort and action to have a deeper understanding of the old patterns that exist. I hope to develop a safe, open relationship in which you feel safe to look at your patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that are holding you back from where you want to be, and develop a pattern of self awareness, and explore the possibilities before you. Telling our stories aloud allows us to have the conscious choice to move forward in the direction we want to take it
Real change means real work. You must put forth effort and action to have a deeper understanding of the old patterns that exist. I hope to develop a safe, open relationship in which you feel safe to look at your patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that are holding you back from where you want to be, and develop a pattern of self awareness, and explore the possibilities before you. Telling our stories aloud allows us to have the conscious choice to move forward in the direction we want to take it
(910) 390-8127 View (910) 390-8127
Photo of Kaylee Bynum, Licensed Professional Counselor in Hobucken, NC
Kaylee Bynum
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC, NCC, CCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Moyock, NC 27958
I provide a full range of psychotherapy services that guide individuals in reaching their potential & discovering a life that thrives, not just survives. Using personally tailored techniques and therapeutic approaches, I help clients get "unstuck" and experience joy. I work with those experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, addiction, marital issues, parenting issues, career indecision, behavioral problems, and more. I offer concrete tools that allow individuals to meet their unique goals and dreams. If I am unable to meet your. needs, I will make sure I find the perfect fit from our 14 other providers.
I provide a full range of psychotherapy services that guide individuals in reaching their potential & discovering a life that thrives, not just survives. Using personally tailored techniques and therapeutic approaches, I help clients get "unstuck" and experience joy. I work with those experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, addiction, marital issues, parenting issues, career indecision, behavioral problems, and more. I offer concrete tools that allow individuals to meet their unique goals and dreams. If I am unable to meet your. needs, I will make sure I find the perfect fit from our 14 other providers.
(252) 302-2324 View (252) 302-2324
Photo of Jairo Orellana, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Hobucken, NC
Jairo Orellana
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LISW CP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Greenville, NC 27858  (Online Only)
In the fast-paced world we live in, prioritizing mental health is more important than ever. As a licensed clinical therapist with over 15 years of experience, my focus is on assisting adults and adolescents in comprehending and managing challenging emotions and behaviors that hinder their progress. At times, we may experience unexplained sadness, loneliness, withdrawal, defeat, alienation, anxiety, or self-defeating tendencies. These emotions can adversely affect our lives and relationships. It is often difficult to live with these emotions. You can get the help you need. I can help you!
In the fast-paced world we live in, prioritizing mental health is more important than ever. As a licensed clinical therapist with over 15 years of experience, my focus is on assisting adults and adolescents in comprehending and managing challenging emotions and behaviors that hinder their progress. At times, we may experience unexplained sadness, loneliness, withdrawal, defeat, alienation, anxiety, or self-defeating tendencies. These emotions can adversely affect our lives and relationships. It is often difficult to live with these emotions. You can get the help you need. I can help you!
(252) 765-4146 View (252) 765-4146
Photo of Alex Hernandez, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Hobucken, NC
Alex Hernandez
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFTA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Winterville, NC 28590
Seeking therapy can be scary, but it's also a courageous step that shows you care about your well-being and relationships. I'm here to support you on your journey towards healing, personal growth, and feeling better. I'm committed to helping individuals, couples, and families overcome their unique challenges and find healing. I understand the unique difficulties that can come up in relationships. My goal is to create a safe and understanding space where couples and families can work through communication problems, conflicts, and other issues. I want to help you build healthier and more fulfilling connections.
Seeking therapy can be scary, but it's also a courageous step that shows you care about your well-being and relationships. I'm here to support you on your journey towards healing, personal growth, and feeling better. I'm committed to helping individuals, couples, and families overcome their unique challenges and find healing. I understand the unique difficulties that can come up in relationships. My goal is to create a safe and understanding space where couples and families can work through communication problems, conflicts, and other issues. I want to help you build healthier and more fulfilling connections.
(252) 486-5684 View (252) 486-5684
Photo of Eva Washington, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Hobucken, NC
Eva Washington
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC, LCAS, CSOTS
Verified Verified
Snow Hill, NC 28580
My name is Eva Washington, owner of Journey Towards Improved Health. I use an eclectic treatment approach which can embrace people from all backgrounds. The one approach I do believe is appropriate for all is the Person Centered approach. You can never go wrong focusing on the person and tailoring treatment to the individual. My life experience affords me a practical approach not every therapist can experience from the classroom. I specialize in LBGQT+, trauma and substance abuse. I work with adults, young adults, teens, and couples.
My name is Eva Washington, owner of Journey Towards Improved Health. I use an eclectic treatment approach which can embrace people from all backgrounds. The one approach I do believe is appropriate for all is the Person Centered approach. You can never go wrong focusing on the person and tailoring treatment to the individual. My life experience affords me a practical approach not every therapist can experience from the classroom. I specialize in LBGQT+, trauma and substance abuse. I work with adults, young adults, teens, and couples.
(336) 920-8843 View (336) 920-8843
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.