There are no results for therapists in Lake Junaluska

Check out therapists located nearby or offering teletherapy in North Carolina below.

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Mary Monaghan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lake Junaluska, NC
Mary Monaghan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCAS, CCS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Waynesville, NC 28785
Stress, anxiety, uncertainty, and fear can feel overwhelming. You may find yourself turning to drugs or alcohol, harmful eating patterns, self-harm, or fall back on other old habits to cope with your emotions. You may be struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, or fear. Maybe you are in recovery from addiction or an eating disorder, and are having trouble maintaining your progress. You may be navigating your gender and sexual identify. Or perhaps you are concerned that your teenager is dealing with some of these issues. Whatever you are facing, you are not alone! I am here to provide support, guidance, and encouragement.
Stress, anxiety, uncertainty, and fear can feel overwhelming. You may find yourself turning to drugs or alcohol, harmful eating patterns, self-harm, or fall back on other old habits to cope with your emotions. You may be struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, or fear. Maybe you are in recovery from addiction or an eating disorder, and are having trouble maintaining your progress. You may be navigating your gender and sexual identify. Or perhaps you are concerned that your teenager is dealing with some of these issues. Whatever you are facing, you are not alone! I am here to provide support, guidance, and encouragement.
View

Online Therapists

Photo of Guy Morganstein, Licensed Professional Counselor in Lake Junaluska, NC
Guy Morganstein
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801
I also enjoy working with people dealing with chronic pain and illness, and those with LGBTQ issues.
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS! With over 35 years of mental health and substance abuse counseling experience, I believe that anyone can make changes necessary to improve their mood, relationships, and quality of life. My focus is on helping you, your partner, and your family implement practical strategies to solve problems, reach goals, and create lasting change. Areas of focus include helping couples improve communication and avoid patterns which result in conflict, and helping people with behavior, anger, or mood issues. I work with you in a safe, compassionate, and confidential environment, and respect of your needs and desires.
I also enjoy working with people dealing with chronic pain and illness, and those with LGBTQ issues.
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS! With over 35 years of mental health and substance abuse counseling experience, I believe that anyone can make changes necessary to improve their mood, relationships, and quality of life. My focus is on helping you, your partner, and your family implement practical strategies to solve problems, reach goals, and create lasting change. Areas of focus include helping couples improve communication and avoid patterns which result in conflict, and helping people with behavior, anger, or mood issues. I work with you in a safe, compassionate, and confidential environment, and respect of your needs and desires.
(828) 337-7549 View (828) 337-7549
Photo of Corey Costanzo, Drug & Alcohol Counselor in Lake Junaluska, 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 Jennifer Livingstone, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lake Junaluska, NC
Jennifer Livingstone
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCAS, LISW-CP
Verified Verified
Arden, NC 28704  (Online Only)
Your life has not turned out how you had planned or hoped. You are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, anger, substance use, or loss. You find yourself trying to solve this discomfort by repeating behaviors that provide temporary relief, but ultimately lead you further away from the kind of life you want, and the kind of person you want to be. Instead of stuck, exhausted, desperate, and dissatisfied, you'd like to move through your life with confidence, compassion, clarity, trust, creativity, curiosity, and centeredness. You'd like to finally resolve the hurt or pain you have been carrying inside you.
Your life has not turned out how you had planned or hoped. You are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, anger, substance use, or loss. You find yourself trying to solve this discomfort by repeating behaviors that provide temporary relief, but ultimately lead you further away from the kind of life you want, and the kind of person you want to be. Instead of stuck, exhausted, desperate, and dissatisfied, you'd like to move through your life with confidence, compassion, clarity, trust, creativity, curiosity, and centeredness. You'd like to finally resolve the hurt or pain you have been carrying inside you.
View
Photo of Kristin Bure, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lake Junaluska, NC
Kristin Bure
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LCAS
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801
For all of us, there are times when we seek a new direction, a way forward, a fresh possibility for living. Are you feeling stuck or wanting to improve some aspect of your life or yourself? Are you using substances to cope with mental health issues such mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, or chronic pain, stress and life transitions? If you’re here, you know things aren’t okay and life feels unmanageable. Substance use and/or mental health disorders can hijack your life. I can help you get back into the driver’s seat. I can help you feel more empowered to access your innate inner strengths, and reach your fullest recovery potential.
For all of us, there are times when we seek a new direction, a way forward, a fresh possibility for living. Are you feeling stuck or wanting to improve some aspect of your life or yourself? Are you using substances to cope with mental health issues such mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, or chronic pain, stress and life transitions? If you’re here, you know things aren’t okay and life feels unmanageable. Substance use and/or mental health disorders can hijack your life. I can help you get back into the driver’s seat. I can help you feel more empowered to access your innate inner strengths, and reach your fullest recovery potential.
(828) 575-5984 View (828) 575-5984
Photo of Lucyna Sonek, Licensed Professional Counselor in Lake Junaluska, 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
Photo of Carol Greenberger, Counselor in Lake Junaluska, NC
Carol Greenberger
Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28805
Are you feeling alone, anxious or depressed? Unsatisfied with your career, have chronic pain or illness? Relationship stress, extended family issues? My clients tell me I'm warm, easy to talk to, and down to earth. I use a variety of treatment approaches: psychodynamic and relational, combined with CBT, EFT, and EMDR. EMDR can help almost any problem resolve more quickly because it allows the brain to make changes on a deeper level than just talking. We still talk plenty though, before, during and after EMDR. My clients find telehealth to be helpful and convenient. I see regular clients occasionally at my home office.
Are you feeling alone, anxious or depressed? Unsatisfied with your career, have chronic pain or illness? Relationship stress, extended family issues? My clients tell me I'm warm, easy to talk to, and down to earth. I use a variety of treatment approaches: psychodynamic and relational, combined with CBT, EFT, and EMDR. EMDR can help almost any problem resolve more quickly because it allows the brain to make changes on a deeper level than just talking. We still talk plenty though, before, during and after EMDR. My clients find telehealth to be helpful and convenient. I see regular clients occasionally at my home office.
(828) 484-2226 View (828) 484-2226
Photo of Deborah Whitley Van Wieren, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Lake Junaluska, 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 Josh Stone, Counselor in Lake Junaluska, NC
Josh Stone
Counselor, MEd , LCMHC-A, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28803
There is no need to struggle alone, and yet we often do. Our suffering may appear in many different forms, from depression and anxiety, to relationship issues, substance use and more. It’s time to shed this idea that “we have to have it all together” and allow ourselves be human for a moment. In this honest space, my clients tend to become more in touch with their authentic selves and establish beliefs, values, narratives and take steps towards a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
There is no need to struggle alone, and yet we often do. Our suffering may appear in many different forms, from depression and anxiety, to relationship issues, substance use and more. It’s time to shed this idea that “we have to have it all together” and allow ourselves be human for a moment. In this honest space, my clients tend to become more in touch with their authentic selves and establish beliefs, values, narratives and take steps towards a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
(828) 800-9401 View (828) 800-9401
Photo of Denise V Weegar, Psychological Associate in Lake Junaluska, NC
Denise V Weegar
Psychological Associate, MA, LCAS
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28803
Waitlist for new clients
There are times in life when things can feel incredibly hard. Lingering sadness and anxiety can threaten to overwhelm us. Maybe it has been a long time since you remember feeling happy. Trauma and early adversity can take root in our bodies and impact every area of our life. We may also be relying on unhealthy behaviors to cope with our deep unease. If you find yourself feeling stuck in old patterns and are wanting to reclaim more happiness in your life, then therapy can help you find the change you are seeking. My intention is to create a safe, compassionate space to support your journey toward living your best life.
There are times in life when things can feel incredibly hard. Lingering sadness and anxiety can threaten to overwhelm us. Maybe it has been a long time since you remember feeling happy. Trauma and early adversity can take root in our bodies and impact every area of our life. We may also be relying on unhealthy behaviors to cope with our deep unease. If you find yourself feeling stuck in old patterns and are wanting to reclaim more happiness in your life, then therapy can help you find the change you are seeking. My intention is to create a safe, compassionate space to support your journey toward living your best life.
(828) 585-6780 View (828) 585-6780
Photo of Glenda Vinson-Nnaji, Licensed Professional Counselor in Lake Junaluska, NC
Glenda Vinson-Nnaji
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LCMHCS, LCAS, LPC
Verified Verified
Kings Mountain, NC 28086
My specialty areas include Trauma Resolution, Anxiety and Depression management, and ADHD. I take pride in helping individuals find solutions to difficulties they encounter to live happy healthy lives. My therapeutic style is empathetic and warm while focused on building on clients' strengths to help them heal from the past and find solutions for the future. My overall goal in therapy is to help clients acknowledge their problems and then focus on positive solutions that allow them to feel better and do better.
My specialty areas include Trauma Resolution, Anxiety and Depression management, and ADHD. I take pride in helping individuals find solutions to difficulties they encounter to live happy healthy lives. My therapeutic style is empathetic and warm while focused on building on clients' strengths to help them heal from the past and find solutions for the future. My overall goal in therapy is to help clients acknowledge their problems and then focus on positive solutions that allow them to feel better and do better.
(704) 769-2607 View (704) 769-2607
Photo of Elizabeth Clay Doxey, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Lake Junaluska, NC
Elizabeth Clay Doxey
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC, LCAS, CCS, MAC
Verified Verified
Bakersville, NC 28705
Looking for an experienced, confidential therapist to begin with to help with anxiety or depression? Are you tired of trying to get through life without serenity and purpose? Are financial worries, addiction issues, or problems about how you look bothering you? I have 23 years in the field of mental health and substance abuse, and I would love to work with you. Confidentially. For only $77 a session, and NO information will go to your insurance company. That's important, because if you use your insurance with mental health or addictions, information IS recorded on your insurance record, including your diagnosis.
Looking for an experienced, confidential therapist to begin with to help with anxiety or depression? Are you tired of trying to get through life without serenity and purpose? Are financial worries, addiction issues, or problems about how you look bothering you? I have 23 years in the field of mental health and substance abuse, and I would love to work with you. Confidentially. For only $77 a session, and NO information will go to your insurance company. That's important, because if you use your insurance with mental health or addictions, information IS recorded on your insurance record, including your diagnosis.
(910) 716-4181 View (910) 716-4181
Photo of Forsyth Family Counseling, Licensed Professional Counselor in Lake Junaluska, NC
Forsyth Family Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28801
Our licensed therapists have extensive training and experience in issues affecting adults, couples, children, adolescents and their families. We specialize in treating a range of conditions including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, attachment, addiction, grief, women/men's issues, ADHD, oppositional/defiance, trauma, post traumatic stress disorder, OCD, and much more. We also offer extensive effective parenting training if your child is oppositional, defiant, and sometimes even aggressive.
Our licensed therapists have extensive training and experience in issues affecting adults, couples, children, adolescents and their families. We specialize in treating a range of conditions including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, attachment, addiction, grief, women/men's issues, ADHD, oppositional/defiance, trauma, post traumatic stress disorder, OCD, and much more. We also offer extensive effective parenting training if your child is oppositional, defiant, and sometimes even aggressive.
(828) 367-1010 View (828) 367-1010
Photo of Cara Blevins, Psychologist in Lake Junaluska, NC
Cara Blevins
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801  (Online Only)
My approach to therapy is rooted in compassion, acceptance, and mindfulness. I am an expert in the field of post-traumatic growth and am skilled in working with trauma and addiction. I am passionate about helping people manage distress and to connect with meaning and purpose in life. I strive to be genuine and authentic, incorporating humor and warmth to create a safe, nonjudgmental, and respectful space for healing. I am committed to facilitating a transformative experience which will help you to deepen and make desired changes to truly thrive in your life.
My approach to therapy is rooted in compassion, acceptance, and mindfulness. I am an expert in the field of post-traumatic growth and am skilled in working with trauma and addiction. I am passionate about helping people manage distress and to connect with meaning and purpose in life. I strive to be genuine and authentic, incorporating humor and warmth to create a safe, nonjudgmental, and respectful space for healing. I am committed to facilitating a transformative experience which will help you to deepen and make desired changes to truly thrive in your life.
(828) 521-0188 View (828) 521-0188
Photo of Cliff Koos in Lake Junaluska, NC
Cliff Koos
M Ed
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28806  (Online Only)
I am a trauma-informed, integrative, EMDR therapist. I use ego states and parts work in conjunction with somatic work to help bring ‘online’ the left and right hemispheres of your brain. I am focused on treating the whole person and would like to have an open, honest conversation about what you are looking for and your treatment wants and needs.
I am a trauma-informed, integrative, EMDR therapist. I use ego states and parts work in conjunction with somatic work to help bring ‘online’ the left and right hemispheres of your brain. I am focused on treating the whole person and would like to have an open, honest conversation about what you are looking for and your treatment wants and needs.
(609) 610-6501 View (609) 610-6501
Photo of Lauren Britton Counseling, Counselor in Lake Junaluska, NC
Lauren Britton Counseling
Counselor, MA, LCMHC, LMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28805
Waitlist for new clients
The decision to attend counseling can be a difficult step, and finding the right therapist can feel daunting! I hope the information here will answer some of your questions. My goal as your therapist will be to walk next to you as you identify and move closer to your personal goals. I am passionate about empowering individuals with the skills to manage challenges and move towards an enhanced sense of fulfillment in life. I approach therapy from the belief that you are the ONLY expert on yourself. Together we can help you tap into and trust your internal wisdom.
The decision to attend counseling can be a difficult step, and finding the right therapist can feel daunting! I hope the information here will answer some of your questions. My goal as your therapist will be to walk next to you as you identify and move closer to your personal goals. I am passionate about empowering individuals with the skills to manage challenges and move towards an enhanced sense of fulfillment in life. I approach therapy from the belief that you are the ONLY expert on yourself. Together we can help you tap into and trust your internal wisdom.
(828) 293-4302 View (828) 293-4302
Photo of Kristen Skulicz, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lake Junaluska, NC
Kristen Skulicz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCAS
Verified Verified
Boone, NC 28607
Waitlist for new clients
Hello, I have been working in therapy, or mental health and addictions recovery, for the past 20 years. I enjoy working with adults who are going through a transition, change, need extra support, or are dealing with on-going struggles. Some areas I specialize in include managing symptoms of depression, anxiety, anger, bi-polar, past trauma, parenting struggles, pregnancy and postpartum mood disorders, relationship issues, coping with a loved one's mental health or addiction, and addictions recovery.
Hello, I have been working in therapy, or mental health and addictions recovery, for the past 20 years. I enjoy working with adults who are going through a transition, change, need extra support, or are dealing with on-going struggles. Some areas I specialize in include managing symptoms of depression, anxiety, anger, bi-polar, past trauma, parenting struggles, pregnancy and postpartum mood disorders, relationship issues, coping with a loved one's mental health or addiction, and addictions recovery.
(716) 271-5208 View (716) 271-5208
Photo of Matt Snyder, Licensed Professional Counselor in Lake Junaluska, 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 Kambra Meyer, Licensed Professional Counselor in Lake Junaluska, NC
Kambra Meyer
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCMHC, LCAS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28801
Even the most self-aware humans can experience periods of confusion, stuckness, and destabilization, and oftentimes suffering has unconscious roots. I've dedicated my training and education as a helping professional to learn how to unlock messages from the unconscious to promote healing and well-being. I also strive to arm my clients with concrete tools to use independently, long after our work together is completed. I have many years of experience helping people heal, blending a variety of nontraditional and expressive therapeutic approaches with evidence-based interventions to meet the individual needs of the people I serve.
Even the most self-aware humans can experience periods of confusion, stuckness, and destabilization, and oftentimes suffering has unconscious roots. I've dedicated my training and education as a helping professional to learn how to unlock messages from the unconscious to promote healing and well-being. I also strive to arm my clients with concrete tools to use independently, long after our work together is completed. I have many years of experience helping people heal, blending a variety of nontraditional and expressive therapeutic approaches with evidence-based interventions to meet the individual needs of the people I serve.
(828) 333-5410 View (828) 333-5410
Photo of Perry Lavin, Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in Lake Junaluska, NC
Perry Lavin
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28803
All humans are equipped with the capacity for healing and transformation. I believe that everyone deserves the chance to undergo this process of change. Everyone deserves to create a life that is worth living and is full of meaning. Unfortunately, we are often left feeing disconnected, detached, depressed, or anxious. As a clinician, I am passionate about helping change these patterns. It is a gift to be with people as they find deeper meaning and a more fulfilling life. I love going deep with people so that we may find the roots of your problem and create the change that leads to a truer, more vital version of yourself.
All humans are equipped with the capacity for healing and transformation. I believe that everyone deserves the chance to undergo this process of change. Everyone deserves to create a life that is worth living and is full of meaning. Unfortunately, we are often left feeing disconnected, detached, depressed, or anxious. As a clinician, I am passionate about helping change these patterns. It is a gift to be with people as they find deeper meaning and a more fulfilling life. I love going deep with people so that we may find the roots of your problem and create the change that leads to a truer, more vital version of yourself.
(828) 332-5403 View (828) 332-5403

See more therapy options for Lake Junaluska

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.