Photo of Michele C. Blackman, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lincolnton, NC
Michele C. Blackman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LCAS-A
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Lincolnton, NC 28092
I offer therapy services to all individuals, couples, and families. I also offer parenting classes and anger management. I believe in tailoring treatment to fit the needs of the individual client. For this reason I don't use the same therapeutic approach with every client. Every person is unique and I believe it is important to recognize this. In addition to traditional therapy I also offer "Relationship Checkups". These checkups consist of two sessions designed for couples to attend once a year. The checkup is to provide maintenance, prevention and intervention to keep your relationship strong throughout the year.
I offer therapy services to all individuals, couples, and families. I also offer parenting classes and anger management. I believe in tailoring treatment to fit the needs of the individual client. For this reason I don't use the same therapeutic approach with every client. Every person is unique and I believe it is important to recognize this. In addition to traditional therapy I also offer "Relationship Checkups". These checkups consist of two sessions designed for couples to attend once a year. The checkup is to provide maintenance, prevention and intervention to keep your relationship strong throughout the year.
(704) 278-8076 View (704) 278-8076

Online Therapists

Photo of Kristin Bure, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lincolnton, 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 Starr Renee Roberts, Licensed Professional Counselor in Lincolnton, NC
Starr Renee Roberts
Licensed Professional Counselor, M ED, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Hendersonville, NC 28792
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 Pat Holsclaw, Counselor in Lincolnton, NC
Pat Holsclaw
Counselor, LCMHC, ATR
Verified Verified
Greensboro, NC 27408
I am a Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapist and Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. For more than 20 years, I have walked alongside Clients through Grief and Trauma in both Individual and Group Settings. I have experience working with all ages, although my focus currently is with Teen Girls and Women experiencing Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Trauma, Medical Illness, Anger/Stress Management, and Life Transitions.
I am a Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapist and Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. For more than 20 years, I have walked alongside Clients through Grief and Trauma in both Individual and Group Settings. I have experience working with all ages, although my focus currently is with Teen Girls and Women experiencing Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Trauma, Medical Illness, Anger/Stress Management, and Life Transitions.
(336) 490-9054 View (336) 490-9054
Photo of Guy Morganstein, Licensed Professional Counselor in Lincolnton, 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 Lisa Lavelle Bowen, Licensed Professional Counselor in Lincolnton, NC
Lisa Lavelle Bowen
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28803  (Online Only)
My specialties: anxiety, stress, trauma, depression, illness, grief, relationship or family conflicts, parenting skills, anger management, work conflicts, ADHD or other problematic issues, bipolar disorder or other personality disorders.
My specialties are trauma, anxiety, depression. 21 yrs experience counseling adolescents, adults, couples and families. I do supportive listening, accepting, understanding and compassionate counseling to help problem solve together and cope to focus on healing. Kinds of therapy I do: CBT, DBT, REBT, Art therapy, Play therapy and Christian counseling. Experience: worked with World Trade Center 9/11 survivors, survivors of torture, in a psychiatric hospital, an outpatient clinic, as a clinical supervisor, as a school based therapist, counseled military, their spouses & children at bases in USA, Europe and Japan and private practice.
My specialties: anxiety, stress, trauma, depression, illness, grief, relationship or family conflicts, parenting skills, anger management, work conflicts, ADHD or other problematic issues, bipolar disorder or other personality disorders.
My specialties are trauma, anxiety, depression. 21 yrs experience counseling adolescents, adults, couples and families. I do supportive listening, accepting, understanding and compassionate counseling to help problem solve together and cope to focus on healing. Kinds of therapy I do: CBT, DBT, REBT, Art therapy, Play therapy and Christian counseling. Experience: worked with World Trade Center 9/11 survivors, survivors of torture, in a psychiatric hospital, an outpatient clinic, as a clinical supervisor, as a school based therapist, counseled military, their spouses & children at bases in USA, Europe and Japan and private practice.
(828) 360-8820 View (828) 360-8820
Photo of Jeremy T. Cochran - Cochran Christian Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lincolnton, NC
Jeremy T. Cochran - Cochran Christian Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Your pain is unique to you, only you can understand it.
For any relationship to work you must be able to communicate. Marriage can be tough. I help people communicate and manage their conflict. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, serving North Carolina since 2003. I provide marriage, premarital, individual counseling for adults. I see people with a variety of therapeutic concerns including, but not limited to, trauma, depression, anxiety, & non-supportive spouse.
Your pain is unique to you, only you can understand it.
For any relationship to work you must be able to communicate. Marriage can be tough. I help people communicate and manage their conflict. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, serving North Carolina since 2003. I provide marriage, premarital, individual counseling for adults. I see people with a variety of therapeutic concerns including, but not limited to, trauma, depression, anxiety, & non-supportive spouse.
(828) 479-0284 View (828) 479-0284
Photo of Lucyna Sonek, Licensed Professional Counselor in Lincolnton, 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 Karen E Hooper, Psychologist in Lincolnton, NC
Karen E Hooper
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Matthews, NC 28105
I specialize in the health/illness spectrum.
Research has found that happiness is one of the most effective health interventions. I work with individuals, couples, and families, using a positive psychology approach that helps clients identify and build upon what they are already doing well. I can help you understand the importance of the mind/body connection, and how to utilize this to feel better. I can help you become aware of how your choices are impacting your life satisfaction and help you gain new skills and perspectives on your challenges. Feeling energetic and hopeful again is possible. I encourage you to call today.
I specialize in the health/illness spectrum.
Research has found that happiness is one of the most effective health interventions. I work with individuals, couples, and families, using a positive psychology approach that helps clients identify and build upon what they are already doing well. I can help you understand the importance of the mind/body connection, and how to utilize this to feel better. I can help you become aware of how your choices are impacting your life satisfaction and help you gain new skills and perspectives on your challenges. Feeling energetic and hopeful again is possible. I encourage you to call today.
(704) 240-5232 View (704) 240-5232
Photo of Carole F Bombardier, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lincolnton, NC
Carole F Bombardier
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, CHT, HCHI
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Huntersville, NC 28078
I specialize in women's issues including pregnancy, infertility, prenatal and postpartum depression/anxiety, weight issues, chronic pain from Fibromyalgia, PMS, and other chronic diseases.
It is my passion to help people help themselves using a holistic approach to address the whole person. Sometimes we get so caught up in the details of life that we have difficulty seeing the big picture. Counseling can help you get more out of life, help you reach your goals and work through challenges and move forward to create and live the life you desire. Stress, anxiety, phobias, depression and life transitions are just some of the issues that I typically address within my practice.
I specialize in women's issues including pregnancy, infertility, prenatal and postpartum depression/anxiety, weight issues, chronic pain from Fibromyalgia, PMS, and other chronic diseases.
It is my passion to help people help themselves using a holistic approach to address the whole person. Sometimes we get so caught up in the details of life that we have difficulty seeing the big picture. Counseling can help you get more out of life, help you reach your goals and work through challenges and move forward to create and live the life you desire. Stress, anxiety, phobias, depression and life transitions are just some of the issues that I typically address within my practice.
(704) 266-6691 View (704) 266-6691
Photo of Nancy Waring, Psychologist in Lincolnton, NC
Nancy Waring
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Matthews, NC 28105  (Online Only)
I work with clients who are experiencing depression, anxiety, a wide range of relationship issues (including marital, pre-marital, divorce and singleness), chronic illness, grief and also offer career assessment and counseling. I combine a practical, problem solving approach with a focus on the client's emotional and family history to facilitate greater insight for the client as we collaborate to bring balance and wholeness to that client's life. In my many years of practice, I have been on staff at a university counseling center, a large private practice and currently am with a ministry-based counseling center.
I work with clients who are experiencing depression, anxiety, a wide range of relationship issues (including marital, pre-marital, divorce and singleness), chronic illness, grief and also offer career assessment and counseling. I combine a practical, problem solving approach with a focus on the client's emotional and family history to facilitate greater insight for the client as we collaborate to bring balance and wholeness to that client's life. In my many years of practice, I have been on staff at a university counseling center, a large private practice and currently am with a ministry-based counseling center.
(704) 727-4277 x3052 View (704) 727-4277 x3052
Photo of Valarie Anne Snell, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lincolnton, NC
Valarie Anne Snell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
High Point, NC 27265
Waitlist for new clients
At my office, I hope to make sure all feel welcome. I want my clients to know that I hear you and I see you; your pain matters. Brutality at the hands of others is hard to process, but I hope we can go on that journey together. I specialize in trauma recovery, but also treat a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, relationship problems, and more severe disorders. I work with my client to find what therapy methods work best for her/him/them, as we are all different individuals with different needs.
At my office, I hope to make sure all feel welcome. I want my clients to know that I hear you and I see you; your pain matters. Brutality at the hands of others is hard to process, but I hope we can go on that journey together. I specialize in trauma recovery, but also treat a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, relationship problems, and more severe disorders. I work with my client to find what therapy methods work best for her/him/them, as we are all different individuals with different needs.
(336) 754-2119 x228 View (336) 754-2119 x228
Photo of Corey Costanzo, Drug & Alcohol Counselor in Lincolnton, 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 Asha Sims, Licensed Professional Counselor in Lincolnton, NC
Asha Sims
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCMHCS, RYT-200
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28202
Are you tired of traditional psychotherapy and feel like its not helping any more? Do you feel the current forms of treatment are not enough? Dealing with stress, anxiety, and overly sensitive to others? Body pain and somatic concerns? Feeling disconnected? Not grounded? Financial issues? Relationship issues? Its time to come into balance! Time to reconnect with SELF!!
Are you tired of traditional psychotherapy and feel like its not helping any more? Do you feel the current forms of treatment are not enough? Dealing with stress, anxiety, and overly sensitive to others? Body pain and somatic concerns? Feeling disconnected? Not grounded? Financial issues? Relationship issues? Its time to come into balance! Time to reconnect with SELF!!
(704) 703-7278 View (704) 703-7278
Photo of Greensboro Counseling Partners, PLLC in Lincolnton, NC
Greensboro Counseling Partners, PLLC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Greensboro, NC 27410  (Online Only)
Greensboro Counseling Partners is a private practice serving the counseling needs of adults and adolescents in the Triad area. Our therapists are masters level-trained clinicians with a combined experience spanning over 30 years in the mental health field. Our mission is to inspire hope and healing in those who struggle with depression, anxiety, and life challenges. We are here to walk with you through your pain, stress and struggles.
Greensboro Counseling Partners is a private practice serving the counseling needs of adults and adolescents in the Triad area. Our therapists are masters level-trained clinicians with a combined experience spanning over 30 years in the mental health field. Our mission is to inspire hope and healing in those who struggle with depression, anxiety, and life challenges. We are here to walk with you through your pain, stress and struggles.
(336) 739-4105 View (336) 739-4105
Photo of Robert Limkeman, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Lincolnton, NC
Robert Limkeman
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFTA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28277
Life can be incredibly painful. We can find ourselves feeling stuck, confused, lonely, anxious, despairing, or lost. We want to make sense of our past & present circumstances, map out a path forward, all in a way that feels true to our values and honors the pain we experience. My clients often struggle with issues like depression & anxiety, grief & loss, trauma & abuse, identity & meaning formation, sexuality & pornography, spiritual distress & relationship strife. Whether highly motivated or exhausted and on the verge of giving up, I am honored to meet each client where they are and walk with them step by step toward change.
Life can be incredibly painful. We can find ourselves feeling stuck, confused, lonely, anxious, despairing, or lost. We want to make sense of our past & present circumstances, map out a path forward, all in a way that feels true to our values and honors the pain we experience. My clients often struggle with issues like depression & anxiety, grief & loss, trauma & abuse, identity & meaning formation, sexuality & pornography, spiritual distress & relationship strife. Whether highly motivated or exhausted and on the verge of giving up, I am honored to meet each client where they are and walk with them step by step toward change.
(704) 769-2168 x114 View (704) 769-2168 x114
Photo of Chronic Health Counseling, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lincolnton, NC
Chronic Health Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Concord, NC 28025
Living with a chronic medical condition such as diabetes, chronic pain, cancer, or neurological disorders can take a toll on our emotional well-being making it even more difficult to live with the illness. Whether you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with a chronic medical condition, or have been living with a chronic illness for many years emotions such as sadness, hopelessness, fear, anxiety, and even anger can emerge making life difficult to face. I am here to help you find ways to express such emotions and work toward finding a sense of peace and joy.
Living with a chronic medical condition such as diabetes, chronic pain, cancer, or neurological disorders can take a toll on our emotional well-being making it even more difficult to live with the illness. Whether you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with a chronic medical condition, or have been living with a chronic illness for many years emotions such as sadness, hopelessness, fear, anxiety, and even anger can emerge making life difficult to face. I am here to help you find ways to express such emotions and work toward finding a sense of peace and joy.
(704) 842-9915 View (704) 842-9915
Photo of Rebecca Fugate, Counselor in Lincolnton, NC
Rebecca Fugate
Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Black Mountain, NC 28711  (Online Only)
Many people arrive in therapy in emotional pain and distress.
I provide individual therapy services to adults of all ages, and am licensed to practice in NC. I have over 20 years of experience working with clients of various backgrounds and life situations. I worked for years providing therapy in adult community mental health settings, a college counseling center, as well as experience serving as a Mental Health therapist for Native American/tribal population. I am well experienced in treatment of anxiety (including OCD, Generalized Anxiety, Phobia, Panic Disorder, etc), depression, grief/loss, codependency, life adjustment/transitions, family of origin issues, and PTSD.
Many people arrive in therapy in emotional pain and distress.
I provide individual therapy services to adults of all ages, and am licensed to practice in NC. I have over 20 years of experience working with clients of various backgrounds and life situations. I worked for years providing therapy in adult community mental health settings, a college counseling center, as well as experience serving as a Mental Health therapist for Native American/tribal population. I am well experienced in treatment of anxiety (including OCD, Generalized Anxiety, Phobia, Panic Disorder, etc), depression, grief/loss, codependency, life adjustment/transitions, family of origin issues, and PTSD.
(828) 528-6879 View (828) 528-6879
Photo of Gene Haas, Psychological Associate in Lincolnton, NC
Gene Haas
Psychological Associate, MA, LPA, HSP
Verified Verified
Concord, NC 28025  (Online Only)
Clients with chronic illness, or pain, or PTSD work well with my approach to therapy including the use of EMDR.
I work best with an individual client, couple, or the family of a child or adolescent that recognizes that what they have been trying to do to deal with their life or behavioral issues is not working well, and they are now open to finding understanding, and trying new approaches to old, or recently acute problems. My experience has been that most couples really want to save their marriage or other family relationships and will do the work necessary to build a new and loving relationship.
Clients with chronic illness, or pain, or PTSD work well with my approach to therapy including the use of EMDR.
I work best with an individual client, couple, or the family of a child or adolescent that recognizes that what they have been trying to do to deal with their life or behavioral issues is not working well, and they are now open to finding understanding, and trying new approaches to old, or recently acute problems. My experience has been that most couples really want to save their marriage or other family relationships and will do the work necessary to build a new and loving relationship.
(704) 326-1197 View (704) 326-1197
Photo of Paula Garrard, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lincolnton, NC
Paula Garrard
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Morganton, NC 28655
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and have worked over the last 15 + years helping people through difficult times in their lives. I am compassionate, caring and offer a safe place to express your feelings without judgement, to improve your life regardless of the issues you face. I help people experiencing loss and grief, anxiety, depression, LGBTQ+ issues, life changes, self-worth, relationship/marital issues, chronic/terminal illness, adjustment at retirement, and many other issues that maybe keeping you from living your best life. The holistic approach I incorporate is always tailored to your specific issues and needs.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and have worked over the last 15 + years helping people through difficult times in their lives. I am compassionate, caring and offer a safe place to express your feelings without judgement, to improve your life regardless of the issues you face. I help people experiencing loss and grief, anxiety, depression, LGBTQ+ issues, life changes, self-worth, relationship/marital issues, chronic/terminal illness, adjustment at retirement, and many other issues that maybe keeping you from living your best life. The holistic approach I incorporate is always tailored to your specific issues and needs.
(828) 900-2599 View (828) 900-2599
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.