Therapists in Madison County, NC
Sheila Mary McKeon
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LCAS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Mars Hill, NC 28754
I connect easily with clients to feel lighter and clearer in their minds, body, and Spirit. I work with people with stressful careers in medicine, law, finance, and small businesses. Knowing the necessity of keeping a clear head and calm body, yet have been struggling with heartbreak, anxiety, fears, loss and grief that has created overwhelming stress and expectations that limits functioning. It is a challenging balancing act with career, family, relationships, along with finding some quiet time to relax. I help you master these challenges with a very confidential, (no insurance or electronic records) safe, and caring environment.
I connect easily with clients to feel lighter and clearer in their minds, body, and Spirit. I work with people with stressful careers in medicine, law, finance, and small businesses. Knowing the necessity of keeping a clear head and calm body, yet have been struggling with heartbreak, anxiety, fears, loss and grief that has created overwhelming stress and expectations that limits functioning. It is a challenging balancing act with career, family, relationships, along with finding some quiet time to relax. I help you master these challenges with a very confidential, (no insurance or electronic records) safe, and caring environment.
Online Therapists
Sarah Philbeck
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LCMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Shelby, NC 28150
Waitlist for new clients
Many of us desire a sense of calm, connection, and well-being. Yet life circumstances and even parts of ourselves can prevent us from having these experiences in our day to day lives. Providing a safe and non-judgmental place to explore your struggles and emotional pain is essential to my practice. I feel honored to support those who desire to grow and heal.
Many of us desire a sense of calm, connection, and well-being. Yet life circumstances and even parts of ourselves can prevent us from having these experiences in our day to day lives. Providing a safe and non-judgmental place to explore your struggles and emotional pain is essential to my practice. I feel honored to support those who desire to grow and heal.
Shannon South
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC, ThD
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801
These heal depression and anxiety, pain and grief, increase immunity, empower you and build confidence, increase a feeling of wholeness and connection to others and set you free from the past.
I am an integrative therapist focused on healing the split associated with trauma. Trauma can disconnect you from your authenticity and power, creating a misalignment in your mind-body and spirit. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and the Inner Counselor are two highly effective approaches used for healing. I see clients with panic disorder and depression, sexual abuse, abusive relationships, codependency and self-esteem issues and more. Bringing health and balance back around areas that have become compulsions (eating, sex, alcohol, relationships, etc.) is another important part of this personal healing journey.
These heal depression and anxiety, pain and grief, increase immunity, empower you and build confidence, increase a feeling of wholeness and connection to others and set you free from the past.
I am an integrative therapist focused on healing the split associated with trauma. Trauma can disconnect you from your authenticity and power, creating a misalignment in your mind-body and spirit. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and the Inner Counselor are two highly effective approaches used for healing. I see clients with panic disorder and depression, sexual abuse, abusive relationships, codependency and self-esteem issues and more. Bringing health and balance back around areas that have become compulsions (eating, sex, alcohol, relationships, etc.) is another important part of this personal healing journey.
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.
Jennifer Beeghly
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801
I have specialized expertise in providing evidenced-based therapy to treat PTSD, adjustment from military service, relationship dissatisfaction, couple therapy, insomnia, pain, anxiety, somatic concerns, suicidality, and depression.
I am a licensed doctoral level clinical psychologist who provides individual and couple therapy. My approach is individualized based on the specific needs and goals of each client or couple and involves providing warmth and genuineness. My role is to assist you in gaining insight and perspective into the obstacles that are limiting you from living the life that you desire using a supportive and non-judgmental style that will facilitate personal exploration.
I have specialized expertise in providing evidenced-based therapy to treat PTSD, adjustment from military service, relationship dissatisfaction, couple therapy, insomnia, pain, anxiety, somatic concerns, suicidality, and depression.
I am a licensed doctoral level clinical psychologist who provides individual and couple therapy. My approach is individualized based on the specific needs and goals of each client or couple and involves providing warmth and genuineness. My role is to assist you in gaining insight and perspective into the obstacles that are limiting you from living the life that you desire using a supportive and non-judgmental style that will facilitate personal exploration.
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.
Cindy Austin Lineberger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CIMPH, CMIP
Verified Verified
Hickory, NC 28601
Over a decade of helping women to break free from overdoing & overcommitting with little return. Whether a fellow helper or chronic illness warrior, let's create a life you genuinely embrace vs tolerate. Imagine balance, confidence, ignited sexual wellness, & body positivity! Having personally lived with chronic illness, I understand its impact on various facets of life, including your job, sex life, self-esteem, and confidence. Fellow helpers can find refuge here, where you can leave your professional hat at the door in exchange for vulnerability. Let's chat!
Over a decade of helping women to break free from overdoing & overcommitting with little return. Whether a fellow helper or chronic illness warrior, let's create a life you genuinely embrace vs tolerate. Imagine balance, confidence, ignited sexual wellness, & body positivity! Having personally lived with chronic illness, I understand its impact on various facets of life, including your job, sex life, self-esteem, and confidence. Fellow helpers can find refuge here, where you can leave your professional hat at the door in exchange for vulnerability. Let's chat!
Sandy Van Horn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RYT200, SEP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Franklin, NC 28734
I believe growth occurs when we courageously stay along the edges of our comfort zone and gently press into that boundary widening it inch by inch. I believe healing occurs when we fully allow ourselves to feel our pain, to sit with it, to befriend it, and to find out that it has edges and boundaries ... a beginning and an end. If you've been struggling with life - that can be big and small things - we can work together to identify challenges and build your capacity to move in the direction of optimal healing and wellness.
I believe growth occurs when we courageously stay along the edges of our comfort zone and gently press into that boundary widening it inch by inch. I believe healing occurs when we fully allow ourselves to feel our pain, to sit with it, to befriend it, and to find out that it has edges and boundaries ... a beginning and an end. If you've been struggling with life - that can be big and small things - we can work together to identify challenges and build your capacity to move in the direction of optimal healing and wellness.
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.
Kristin Mignogna
Counselor, LCMHC-A
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801
I help clients work through problems related to relational issues, life transitions, chronic pain, PTSD/trauma, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, autism, and borderline traits.
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counseling Associate who strives to create a space of trust and safety in which clients can heal, progress, and develop self-compassion. I have experience helping clients with a broad range of presenting concerns, with an educational focus on trauma. I cater my therapeutic techniques to each individual client's needs, drawing most heavily from Person-Centered (approaching clients as equal collaborators, with empathy and non-judgement), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (focusing on thought patterns), and Gestalt Therapy (focusing on emotional and somatic experiences).
I help clients work through problems related to relational issues, life transitions, chronic pain, PTSD/trauma, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, autism, and borderline traits.
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counseling Associate who strives to create a space of trust and safety in which clients can heal, progress, and develop self-compassion. I have experience helping clients with a broad range of presenting concerns, with an educational focus on trauma. I cater my therapeutic techniques to each individual client's needs, drawing most heavily from Person-Centered (approaching clients as equal collaborators, with empathy and non-judgement), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (focusing on thought patterns), and Gestalt Therapy (focusing on emotional and somatic experiences).
Melissa Middlebrook
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, MPH, RYT200
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28806
Waitlist for new clients
None of us are immune to life's challenges and we also don't come with instructions on how to navigate these. We often carry our past experiences and stress without realizing it— to the point where we feel it not only emotionally, but also in our physical bodies. Research confirms the mind and body aren’t so separate after all, but more of an interdependent unit greatly influencing one another. Past traumas, anxiety, depression, feeling stuck, chronic illness, difficult life transition, caught in the cycles of shame + self criticism; these are all labels and struggles many of us identify with at some point, but they don't define us.
None of us are immune to life's challenges and we also don't come with instructions on how to navigate these. We often carry our past experiences and stress without realizing it— to the point where we feel it not only emotionally, but also in our physical bodies. Research confirms the mind and body aren’t so separate after all, but more of an interdependent unit greatly influencing one another. Past traumas, anxiety, depression, feeling stuck, chronic illness, difficult life transition, caught in the cycles of shame + self criticism; these are all labels and struggles many of us identify with at some point, but they don't define us.
Rock of Refuge Counseling Center
Counselor
Verified Verified
Gastonia, NC 28054
As the instruments of change, it is a privilege and honor to come alongside each person we support, as they navigate the uncertainty and pain that often comes as a result of our individual lived experiences.
ROCK of REFUGE began as a way to bring the message of Hope and Restoration to those seeking answers in the day to day storms and challenges that life throws us. As a professional counseling and training center, we are committed to serving our communities in North and South Carolina, through the provision of psychological, spiritual, educational and training opportunities.
As the instruments of change, it is a privilege and honor to come alongside each person we support, as they navigate the uncertainty and pain that often comes as a result of our individual lived experiences.
ROCK of REFUGE began as a way to bring the message of Hope and Restoration to those seeking answers in the day to day storms and challenges that life throws us. As a professional counseling and training center, we are committed to serving our communities in North and South Carolina, through the provision of psychological, spiritual, educational and training opportunities.
Martha Watson
PhD, CAMS-II
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801
Specialties: Trauma & PTSD (Online Men's Trauma Coaching), Anxiety & Stress Management, Stress Reduction for Cancer Patients, Grief and Loss, Life Transitions, Chronic Illness, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome Coaching), Pain Management, Spirituality, Spiritual Care, Anger, Mindfulness, Emotional Regulation, and Mind-body Medicine.
Feeling overwhelmed by trauma, IBS/anxiety, or your child's anger? The COVID-19 pandemic has undeniably increased stress and anxiety, impacting both adults and children's mental and physical well-being. A holistic approach that combines CBT, mindfulness, and mind-body medicine offers evidence-based methods for lasting results. This comprehensive approach addresses a wide range of stress challenges, helping you cope, restore your health & handle life transitions. It tackles stress triggers like fear, negative emotions & feeling overwhelmed. Book your complimentary online consultation today for a drug free positive coping strategy.
Specialties: Trauma & PTSD (Online Men's Trauma Coaching), Anxiety & Stress Management, Stress Reduction for Cancer Patients, Grief and Loss, Life Transitions, Chronic Illness, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome Coaching), Pain Management, Spirituality, Spiritual Care, Anger, Mindfulness, Emotional Regulation, and Mind-body Medicine.
Feeling overwhelmed by trauma, IBS/anxiety, or your child's anger? The COVID-19 pandemic has undeniably increased stress and anxiety, impacting both adults and children's mental and physical well-being. A holistic approach that combines CBT, mindfulness, and mind-body medicine offers evidence-based methods for lasting results. This comprehensive approach addresses a wide range of stress challenges, helping you cope, restore your health & handle life transitions. It tackles stress triggers like fear, negative emotions & feeling overwhelmed. Book your complimentary online consultation today for a drug free positive coping strategy.
Audrey Amir
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MA, RYT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fletcher, NC 28732
Other areas of focus include chronic illness, medical trauma, and managing grief and isolation.
Being a person can be hard. Living a life that best suits you as an individual is a work in progress. Along the way, there are undoubtedly challenges. Sometimes, our experiences leave us confused, overwhelmed, and in need of some support. As a therapist, my role is to help understand where you’ve been, where you’d like to go, and help you get there. It’s possible to move from getting by to feeling you have agency over your own life and choices. I specialize in working with challenging life events such as trauma, major life changes, relationship distress, and chronic illnesses. I also work with C-PTSD and Narcissistic Abuse recovery.
Other areas of focus include chronic illness, medical trauma, and managing grief and isolation.
Being a person can be hard. Living a life that best suits you as an individual is a work in progress. Along the way, there are undoubtedly challenges. Sometimes, our experiences leave us confused, overwhelmed, and in need of some support. As a therapist, my role is to help understand where you’ve been, where you’d like to go, and help you get there. It’s possible to move from getting by to feeling you have agency over your own life and choices. I specialize in working with challenging life events such as trauma, major life changes, relationship distress, and chronic illnesses. I also work with C-PTSD and Narcissistic Abuse recovery.
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.
Michelle McKinzie
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CIMHP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fairview, NC 28730 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I help clients with histories of trauma in the context of chronic illness.
Have you experienced a life-altering medical condition? Are you experiencing difficulties regulating your mood, including depression and anxiety? Let me help you find ways to manage your emotions and your health more effectively! I would love to help you on a journey to finding more peace and happiness.
I help clients with histories of trauma in the context of chronic illness.
Have you experienced a life-altering medical condition? Are you experiencing difficulties regulating your mood, including depression and anxiety? Let me help you find ways to manage your emotions and your health more effectively! I would love to help you on a journey to finding more peace and happiness.
Christen Mullane
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28805 (Online Only)
It may feel as though you are your illness, right now - as though your medical diagnosis is what defines you.
There are good days, bad days, and days that are completely overwhelming. You have never thought so much about your body in your life, and now you struggle with it every day. You remember when you trusted your body. There were times when you felt ill, but you recovered before. Now, your medical team is telling you that there is no going back to how things used to be. You are angry, you are frightened, you are hurting, and your loved ones are, too. Nobody seems to know exactly what to say, or what you need. It feels like a bomb has gone off in your life, and you are sifting through the rubble.
It may feel as though you are your illness, right now - as though your medical diagnosis is what defines you.
There are good days, bad days, and days that are completely overwhelming. You have never thought so much about your body in your life, and now you struggle with it every day. You remember when you trusted your body. There were times when you felt ill, but you recovered before. Now, your medical team is telling you that there is no going back to how things used to be. You are angry, you are frightened, you are hurting, and your loved ones are, too. Nobody seems to know exactly what to say, or what you need. It feels like a bomb has gone off in your life, and you are sifting through the rubble.
Karen Jordan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCAS
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801 (Online Only)
For so many people, our childhoods were not "good enough, safe enough." Maybe our caregivers were tricky and lacked the capacity to allow us full human experiences as children, and now our bodies are holding that pain. For some of us, we bonded with what was available- substances, food, sex, pain. For all of us, our emotions and behaviors make sense within the context of who we are and what we've been through. And we have survived the worst. Some of our behaviors may not be helping the way they once did. Together, we can start fulfilling the unmet needs that are underneath those behaviors so that you can grow in meaningful ways.
For so many people, our childhoods were not "good enough, safe enough." Maybe our caregivers were tricky and lacked the capacity to allow us full human experiences as children, and now our bodies are holding that pain. For some of us, we bonded with what was available- substances, food, sex, pain. For all of us, our emotions and behaviors make sense within the context of who we are and what we've been through. And we have survived the worst. Some of our behaviors may not be helping the way they once did. Together, we can start fulfilling the unmet needs that are underneath those behaviors so that you can grow in meaningful ways.
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.
Vanessa Guerrero
LCMHC Associate, MA, LCMHC-A, NCC
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28803 (Online Only)
I work primarily with female adolescents and young adults with a history of chronic illness, trauma, perfectionism, depression, anxiety, and/or mood disorders.
Currently Accepting Clients ( Telehealth Only)-My name is Vanessa Guerero and I am a clinical therapist with Winter to Spring Wellness. Prior to being in Asheville for almost a decade, I originally hail from Miami, Fl. I am a proud daughter of Cuban immigrants and a first-generation college student. As a teen I had my own battles with physical and mental wellness, difficulties with acculturation as well as struggled with cultural stigma in regard to mental health care. Through my own work, I have been able to find healing and am now honored to support others who struggle with their own mental wellness and similar issues.
I work primarily with female adolescents and young adults with a history of chronic illness, trauma, perfectionism, depression, anxiety, and/or mood disorders.
Currently Accepting Clients ( Telehealth Only)-My name is Vanessa Guerero and I am a clinical therapist with Winter to Spring Wellness. Prior to being in Asheville for almost a decade, I originally hail from Miami, Fl. I am a proud daughter of Cuban immigrants and a first-generation college student. As a teen I had my own battles with physical and mental wellness, difficulties with acculturation as well as struggled with cultural stigma in regard to mental health care. Through my own work, I have been able to find healing and am now honored to support others who struggle with their own mental wellness and similar issues.
See more therapy options for Madison County
Chronic Pain Therapists
How does chronic pain therapy work?
Engaging with a psychotherapist to help treat chronic pain does not mean that one’s pain is all in their head. Therapy for chronic-pain patients has been shown to benefit both the mind and the body, targeting physical symptoms and increasing daily functioning. In other words, for many, addressing their emotional health through therapy affects their physical health. A therapist can help a client challenge unhelpful thoughts about pain and develop new ways to respond to it, such as distraction or calming breathing techniques. Studies have found that therapy can be as effective as surgery for certain cases of chronic pain and many doctors recommend trying psychotherapy in advance of considering invasive surgery.
What are the most effective treatment options for chronic pain?
Stress, anxiety, depression, catastrophizing, ruminating, lack of activity, and social withdrawal all make chronic pain worse. Addressing these issues, research shows, can help people gain control over their pain symptoms. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, and mindfulness-based stress reduction, along with greater pain-management education, have been found to help people reduce fear and disability.
Are there new treatments for chronic pain?
Many cases of chronic pain, particularly those involving back pain, remain medically unexplained. But there is evidence that changes in the brain or nervous system are caused by previous physical ailments such as tissue damage; in such cases, the brain may continue to send out pain signals despite the physical cause having healed. To aid patients under these circumstances, a recently developed treatment known as pain reprocessing therapy (PRT) is designed to help the brain “unlearn” this response. A PRT practitioner helps individuals to reduce the “threat value” of their ongoing pain signals until they can reappraise them as less threatening and fear-inducing. They also help an individual to develop new emotional regulation skills.
How long does therapy for chronic pain take?
There is no set timeline for recovery from chronic pain, especially as there may be a range of physical and psychological causes for any individual’s discomfort, but most patients should expect to see a therapist for a number of weeks or months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions. Studies of pain reprocessing therapy found that many individuals’ experience of pain lessened in eight sessions over four weeks.