Chronic Pain Therapists in Northampton County, NC

Photo of Teresa Cox Mayle, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Northampton County, NC
Teresa Cox Mayle
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MSRC, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Gaston, NC 27832
Waitlist for new clients
My ideal client is a child, adolescent or adult who experiences anxiety, depression or confusion finding the right path.They have experienced trauma or emotional pain from complex life situations, medical issues, career situations, relationships or are overwhelmed by life. They seek guidance from someone with lived experience and special skills to ease their distress and help them find a way out. They need to feel someone cares while they new insights and coping strategies to find peace and move on with their life. They use these new insights and life skills guide them with new confidence through the next life adventure.
My ideal client is a child, adolescent or adult who experiences anxiety, depression or confusion finding the right path.They have experienced trauma or emotional pain from complex life situations, medical issues, career situations, relationships or are overwhelmed by life. They seek guidance from someone with lived experience and special skills to ease their distress and help them find a way out. They need to feel someone cares while they new insights and coping strategies to find peace and move on with their life. They use these new insights and life skills guide them with new confidence through the next life adventure.
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Photo of Teresa Cox Mayle, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Northampton County, NC
Teresa Cox Mayle
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Gaston, NC 27832
I enjoy working with children, adolescents and adults who have anxiety, depression, or have experienced trauma. I work in both telemental health and face to face. The office space is warm and welcoming. I worked out of a chiropractic office with an emotional support dog. Many people come to see Nala as well as the practitioners! People I see frequently have difficulties with relationships, personal issues, or acute or chronic trauma. I treat people from lived experience as clinical expertise in EMDR, Flash technique, trauma focused treatments, and hypnosis.
I enjoy working with children, adolescents and adults who have anxiety, depression, or have experienced trauma. I work in both telemental health and face to face. The office space is warm and welcoming. I worked out of a chiropractic office with an emotional support dog. Many people come to see Nala as well as the practitioners! People I see frequently have difficulties with relationships, personal issues, or acute or chronic trauma. I treat people from lived experience as clinical expertise in EMDR, Flash technique, trauma focused treatments, and hypnosis.
(252) 421-5169 View (252) 421-5169

Online Therapists

Photo of Anna Mulhollem, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Northampton County, NC
Anna Mulhollem
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSWA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27609
I serve individual adults needing support with emotion regulation, chronic pain, grief and loss, life transitions, anxiety, and depression.
Welcome! I am so glad you are here. It takes so much courage to be on this journey, and it can be overwhelming to search for a therapist. I get that and will meet you right where you are. As a psychotherapist and former mental health peer support specialist, I bring my lived experience and professional expertise to our work together. My goal is to co-create a space with you of trust, compassion, and respect to build a foundation for healing. I am honored to join you on your path.
I serve individual adults needing support with emotion regulation, chronic pain, grief and loss, life transitions, anxiety, and depression.
Welcome! I am so glad you are here. It takes so much courage to be on this journey, and it can be overwhelming to search for a therapist. I get that and will meet you right where you are. As a psychotherapist and former mental health peer support specialist, I bring my lived experience and professional expertise to our work together. My goal is to co-create a space with you of trust, compassion, and respect to build a foundation for healing. I am honored to join you on your path.
(919) 289-4161 View (919) 289-4161
Photo of Pam Koretsky, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Northampton County, NC
Pam Koretsky, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27615  (Online Only)
I have an all telehealth practice for adults who live in Florida and North Carolina using a HIPAA compliant video platform. In this stressful environment we live in, learning to be our own best friend can lead us down a happier path. Through Cognitive Behavioral techniques we can understand the connection between our thoughts, emotions and behaviors. I work with individuals that are struggling with anxiety, life transitions chronic pain and illness, depression, caregiver issues, low self-esteem and grief. These are only some of the issues. By using solution focused therapy, clients can begin to feel better in a shorter time frame.
I have an all telehealth practice for adults who live in Florida and North Carolina using a HIPAA compliant video platform. In this stressful environment we live in, learning to be our own best friend can lead us down a happier path. Through Cognitive Behavioral techniques we can understand the connection between our thoughts, emotions and behaviors. I work with individuals that are struggling with anxiety, life transitions chronic pain and illness, depression, caregiver issues, low self-esteem and grief. These are only some of the issues. By using solution focused therapy, clients can begin to feel better in a shorter time frame.
(919) 605-3544 View (919) 605-3544
Photo of Olinda Davidson in Northampton County, NC
Olinda Davidson
LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New Bern, NC 28562  (Online Only)
You may be feeling overwhelmed, exhausted and anxious from trying to hold it all together for everyone and everything. You put on a “happy” face and push through the day only to wonder if you will ever feel better. Until now, you’ve been able to manage it on your own, but it’s starting to affect other areas of your life and you can’t pretend everything is ok anymore. Maybe you’re struggling with anxiety, stress, a relationship or health concerns but wherever the pain is coming from you are tired of feeling alone and stuck. You want to make lasting changes, but deciding where to start feels impossible. I’m here and I get it.
You may be feeling overwhelmed, exhausted and anxious from trying to hold it all together for everyone and everything. You put on a “happy” face and push through the day only to wonder if you will ever feel better. Until now, you’ve been able to manage it on your own, but it’s starting to affect other areas of your life and you can’t pretend everything is ok anymore. Maybe you’re struggling with anxiety, stress, a relationship or health concerns but wherever the pain is coming from you are tired of feeling alone and stuck. You want to make lasting changes, but deciding where to start feels impossible. I’m here and I get it.
(252) 582-6024 View (252) 582-6024
Photo of Mindy Brodsky, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Northampton County, NC
Mindy Brodsky
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSWA, LGSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27615
Waitlist for new clients
Limited Availability - I specialize in trauma-informed, strengths-based counseling with a passion for integrative health and healing. I serve diverse adolescent and adult populations, including those impacted by cancer and other chronic illness, as well as those who struggle with anxiety, grief, trauma, chronic pain, and other life transitions such as prenatal/postpartum support.
Limited Availability - I specialize in trauma-informed, strengths-based counseling with a passion for integrative health and healing. I serve diverse adolescent and adult populations, including those impacted by cancer and other chronic illness, as well as those who struggle with anxiety, grief, trauma, chronic pain, and other life transitions such as prenatal/postpartum support.
(984) 464-7277 View (984) 464-7277
Photo of Nancy K Holliman, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Northampton County, NC
Nancy K Holliman
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, NCC, LCMHC, CEDS
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27701
Waitlist for new clients
Personal issues such as anxiety, difficulties with food, a new medical diagnosis, depression, or dealing with a chronic illness or condition may be making you feel like life is one big struggle. Whether you have these sorts of problems or other concerns that are making your life hard or even unbearable, change is always possible if you are willing to work and you have the support you need. I offer that support. I have 4 years of experience serving adolescents and adults with eating disorders, anxiety, personality disorders, depression, trauma, PTSD, and mood disorders. I would be honored to work with you around whatever difficulties you may be facing. Together we will discover new perspectives and skills that will enable you to develop deeper awareness so that you can handle whatever life brings you and thrive.
Personal issues such as anxiety, difficulties with food, a new medical diagnosis, depression, or dealing with a chronic illness or condition may be making you feel like life is one big struggle. Whether you have these sorts of problems or other concerns that are making your life hard or even unbearable, change is always possible if you are willing to work and you have the support you need. I offer that support. I have 4 years of experience serving adolescents and adults with eating disorders, anxiety, personality disorders, depression, trauma, PTSD, and mood disorders. I would be honored to work with you around whatever difficulties you may be facing. Together we will discover new perspectives and skills that will enable you to develop deeper awareness so that you can handle whatever life brings you and thrive.
(984) 205-4658 View (984) 205-4658
Photo of Rachel Macko, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Northampton County, NC
Rachel Macko
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Fuquay Varina, NC 27526
I am most passionate about providing a safe space for courageous individuals like you to explore thoughts and feelings that might leave you feeling depleted, overwhelmed, isolated or fearful. Together, we will engage your strengths and apply tools you can use in your everyday life to address what is causing you daily pain or tension. Relief is possible! I work with adults on an individual basis to address concerns such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship concerns, mood swings or various life transitions.
I am most passionate about providing a safe space for courageous individuals like you to explore thoughts and feelings that might leave you feeling depleted, overwhelmed, isolated or fearful. Together, we will engage your strengths and apply tools you can use in your everyday life to address what is causing you daily pain or tension. Relief is possible! I work with adults on an individual basis to address concerns such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship concerns, mood swings or various life transitions.
(919) 887-1100 View (919) 887-1100
Photo of Sarah Harrocks, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Northampton County, NC
Sarah Harrocks
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LMBT
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27707
We are all journeying through life. At times the path you are traveling becomes unclear and may require action to move the debris blocking your way. Debris may show up as depression, anxiety, self-doubt, or even fear. There may also have been something along your journey which caused you great pain that could be hindering your ability to move forward in life. Counseling can support you with clearing the way so that you may see yourself and your path more clearly, allowing you to live the life you most desire.
We are all journeying through life. At times the path you are traveling becomes unclear and may require action to move the debris blocking your way. Debris may show up as depression, anxiety, self-doubt, or even fear. There may also have been something along your journey which caused you great pain that could be hindering your ability to move forward in life. Counseling can support you with clearing the way so that you may see yourself and your path more clearly, allowing you to live the life you most desire.
(919) 858-6073 View (919) 858-6073
Photo of Kathy Murray, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Northampton County, NC
Kathy Murray
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SEP, Somatic
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27707  (Online Only)
As a Somatic Therapist, I believe that everyone has within them an inner wisdom and inner healing power that is their natural birthright. My role is to help create the environment for that inner genius to arise and find itself. When this is done, new meaning, purpose and life narratives can be discovered and lived out. I have wide experience assisting individuals in managing a variety of behavioral and emotional concerns including trauma, chronic pain and health issues, difficult life transitions, weight management, anxiety, depression, and stress management.
As a Somatic Therapist, I believe that everyone has within them an inner wisdom and inner healing power that is their natural birthright. My role is to help create the environment for that inner genius to arise and find itself. When this is done, new meaning, purpose and life narratives can be discovered and lived out. I have wide experience assisting individuals in managing a variety of behavioral and emotional concerns including trauma, chronic pain and health issues, difficult life transitions, weight management, anxiety, depression, and stress management.
(919) 276-8754 View (919) 276-8754
Photo of Tiffany Rogers, Licensed Professional Counselor in Northampton County, NC
Tiffany Rogers
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHCS, LCASA, NCC, TF-CBT
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27612
However, what I can do is stand with you in your pain while we get through it together! I can guarantee you that I will provide you with professional counseling without judgment but with empathy and compassion .
Ever felt alone, rejected or misunderstood? Or simply just felt overwhelmed with many obstacles coming at once? If you have, you are not the only one, nor are you in this by yourself. In fact, I believe that it is my duty and my obligation to give you support and help you realize that there is a way to get your life back, to become a better you! Regardless if it is addiction, depression, anxiety or just overall life- you can overcome whatever you are facing with the right tools , skills and support.
However, what I can do is stand with you in your pain while we get through it together! I can guarantee you that I will provide you with professional counseling without judgment but with empathy and compassion .
Ever felt alone, rejected or misunderstood? Or simply just felt overwhelmed with many obstacles coming at once? If you have, you are not the only one, nor are you in this by yourself. In fact, I believe that it is my duty and my obligation to give you support and help you realize that there is a way to get your life back, to become a better you! Regardless if it is addiction, depression, anxiety or just overall life- you can overcome whatever you are facing with the right tools , skills and support.
(984) 207-3267 View (984) 207-3267
Photo of Bethany Wichman-Buescher, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Northampton County, NC
Bethany Wichman-Buescher
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27707
Do you feel inundated with self-critical thoughts, or perhaps you experience a sense of emptiness and separateness? Are you unfulfilled with the relationships in your life, or wish you had more connections? Sometimes all the time we spend thinking and doing makes us miss important messages from our body about what we are feeling and needing. We then feel confused, anxious, or distracted. Unfortunately, we often learn from an early age to ignore our feelings and our bodies, which leads us to feel a lingering sense of shame, disconnection from others, and even physical pain and illness.
Do you feel inundated with self-critical thoughts, or perhaps you experience a sense of emptiness and separateness? Are you unfulfilled with the relationships in your life, or wish you had more connections? Sometimes all the time we spend thinking and doing makes us miss important messages from our body about what we are feeling and needing. We then feel confused, anxious, or distracted. Unfortunately, we often learn from an early age to ignore our feelings and our bodies, which leads us to feel a lingering sense of shame, disconnection from others, and even physical pain and illness.
(984) 213-4535 View (984) 213-4535
Photo of Mandy Tewell, Licensed Professional Counselor in Northampton County, NC
Mandy Tewell
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, CRC, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27705
Waitlist for new clients
Things are hard right now. You're here because you want things to be different and don't quite know how to make that happen. I want to help you feel hopeful, powerful, and in control of your life. I want to help you heal. Whether you're feeling pain from trauma/abuse, engaging in behaviors that are no longer working for your life (self-harming, risky behaviors, disordered eating), or struggling with relationships, I can help. I have a person-centered approach so I can meet you at your current point in life and support you in reaching your goals.
Things are hard right now. You're here because you want things to be different and don't quite know how to make that happen. I want to help you feel hopeful, powerful, and in control of your life. I want to help you heal. Whether you're feeling pain from trauma/abuse, engaging in behaviors that are no longer working for your life (self-harming, risky behaviors, disordered eating), or struggling with relationships, I can help. I have a person-centered approach so I can meet you at your current point in life and support you in reaching your goals.
(919) 237-9699 View (919) 237-9699
Photo of Heather Ingram, Counselor in Northampton County, NC
Heather Ingram
Counselor, MS, LCMHC, CRC
Verified Verified
Cary, NC 27513
Waitlist for new clients
Growing up with family members living with mental illness gave me a deeply personal perspective on how important compassionate high quality mental health care is for clients and families. I am passionate about helping adolescents, adults, and families with managing life transitions and coping with change, anxiety and depression, parenting, career issues, burnout, adjustment to disability and chronic illness, substance abuse, stress management, and lasting lifestyle behavioral change. I truly believe you can't heal what you don't feel, and I strive to provide a safe place for processing feelings and emotions.
Growing up with family members living with mental illness gave me a deeply personal perspective on how important compassionate high quality mental health care is for clients and families. I am passionate about helping adolescents, adults, and families with managing life transitions and coping with change, anxiety and depression, parenting, career issues, burnout, adjustment to disability and chronic illness, substance abuse, stress management, and lasting lifestyle behavioral change. I truly believe you can't heal what you don't feel, and I strive to provide a safe place for processing feelings and emotions.
(919) 343-5649 View (919) 343-5649
Photo of Bethany Minster, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Northampton County, NC
Bethany Minster
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-A
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27707
Welcome! I am so glad you are here! My name is Bethany and I am an Outpatient Psychotherapist at Three Oaks Behavioral Health and Wellness. My hope is that you find a space to feel heard and understood. Whether or not you are new to therapy or not, I know it takes a lot of strength to reach out. I would love to support you in your journey whether navigating chronic illness ,life transitions, interpersonal conflict and setting boundaries, finding freedom from eating disorders/disordered eating, anxiety and depression.
Welcome! I am so glad you are here! My name is Bethany and I am an Outpatient Psychotherapist at Three Oaks Behavioral Health and Wellness. My hope is that you find a space to feel heard and understood. Whether or not you are new to therapy or not, I know it takes a lot of strength to reach out. I would love to support you in your journey whether navigating chronic illness ,life transitions, interpersonal conflict and setting boundaries, finding freedom from eating disorders/disordered eating, anxiety and depression.
(919) 276-8572 View (919) 276-8572
Photo of Brittany Thompson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Northampton County, NC
Brittany Thompson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PLLC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hillsborough, NC 27278
A focus of mine is working with those affected by illness or a neurological disorder, such as Traumatic brain injury (TBI), Parkinson's disorder, or Stroke.
I believe that we have all of the tools in us already to make the change we desire. Therapy can serve to identify and access those qualities, offering a place to create a safe relationship and to explore and strengthen ones' sense of self, and to work through challenges. Do you have trouble liking yourself? Do you struggle with low confidence, anxiety or other intense emotions, such as shame or guilt? In my relational approach to treatment, I strive to find a balance, reduce suffering, and work toward the change the individual desires.
A focus of mine is working with those affected by illness or a neurological disorder, such as Traumatic brain injury (TBI), Parkinson's disorder, or Stroke.
I believe that we have all of the tools in us already to make the change we desire. Therapy can serve to identify and access those qualities, offering a place to create a safe relationship and to explore and strengthen ones' sense of self, and to work through challenges. Do you have trouble liking yourself? Do you struggle with low confidence, anxiety or other intense emotions, such as shame or guilt? In my relational approach to treatment, I strive to find a balance, reduce suffering, and work toward the change the individual desires.
(919) 323-3832 View (919) 323-3832
Photo of Kristin Nakhla, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Northampton County, NC
Kristin Nakhla
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cary, NC 27511
I create a casual, down-to-earth space for women to process anxiety, depression, grief, and chronic pain/illness in light of their faith.
Your faith has lost its spark. You want to believe, but right now it’s hard. You want to feel close to God, yet everything you do makes you feel farther and farther from Him, leaving you feeling defeated and hopeless. The questions. The doubts. They’re LOUD. You remember a time when your faith was strong. But now? Now the suffering you experience has you questioning everything you thought you knew. Maybe church abuse is real for you. Whether the leadership of the church or the people of the church. It’s brutally painful. “If that’s what a Christian is,” you think…"I’m out.” But in your heart, you don’t want to abandon ship.
I create a casual, down-to-earth space for women to process anxiety, depression, grief, and chronic pain/illness in light of their faith.
Your faith has lost its spark. You want to believe, but right now it’s hard. You want to feel close to God, yet everything you do makes you feel farther and farther from Him, leaving you feeling defeated and hopeless. The questions. The doubts. They’re LOUD. You remember a time when your faith was strong. But now? Now the suffering you experience has you questioning everything you thought you knew. Maybe church abuse is real for you. Whether the leadership of the church or the people of the church. It’s brutally painful. “If that’s what a Christian is,” you think…"I’m out.” But in your heart, you don’t want to abandon ship.
(984) 229-8195 View (984) 229-8195
Photo of Mindful Reflections, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Northampton County, NC
Mindful Reflections
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC, DBH
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27617  (Online Only)
Salman offers therapeutic interventions for depression, anxiety, stress due to chronic physical health issues such as chronic pain, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, smoking etc.
Dr. Salman provides “whole person care” through Motivational interviewing techniques, Acceptance & Commitment therapy, Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Mindfulness and Person-centered care. Dr. Salman provides Teletherapy in NC via HIPPA compliant platform. “You are not your pain”. Dr. Salman believes and specializes in providing services to adults & elderly struggling with chronic pain. Blending ACT, CBT, and Mindfulness, she helps the clients to change their perspective on pain. Clients learn the neurobiology of the pain which leads to build neuroplasticity and coping skills to improve their mental and physical functioning.
Salman offers therapeutic interventions for depression, anxiety, stress due to chronic physical health issues such as chronic pain, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, smoking etc.
Dr. Salman provides “whole person care” through Motivational interviewing techniques, Acceptance & Commitment therapy, Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Mindfulness and Person-centered care. Dr. Salman provides Teletherapy in NC via HIPPA compliant platform. “You are not your pain”. Dr. Salman believes and specializes in providing services to adults & elderly struggling with chronic pain. Blending ACT, CBT, and Mindfulness, she helps the clients to change their perspective on pain. Clients learn the neurobiology of the pain which leads to build neuroplasticity and coping skills to improve their mental and physical functioning.
(984) 985-2729 View (984) 985-2729
Photo of Jenny Smith Person, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Northampton County, NC
Jenny Smith Person
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Garner, NC 27529
I am strengths-based and I utilize different therapy techniques, including EMDR, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, Motivational interviewing, and CBT for Chronic Pain.
I strive to provide a warm and caring environment for clients to feel open to explore challenges in their life. I appreciate working with clients who are tired of being “stuck” and want to address trauma and/or stressful life events from their past that are standing in the way of them achieving their dreams.
I am strengths-based and I utilize different therapy techniques, including EMDR, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, Motivational interviewing, and CBT for Chronic Pain.
I strive to provide a warm and caring environment for clients to feel open to explore challenges in their life. I appreciate working with clients who are tired of being “stuck” and want to address trauma and/or stressful life events from their past that are standing in the way of them achieving their dreams.
(919) 891-1235 View (919) 891-1235
Photo of Anna-Kate Miller, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Northampton County, NC
Anna-Kate Miller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Garner, NC 27529
I want to help you heal from events that caused you pain, guilt and shame.
There are many reasons people decide to start therapy. Are you overwhelmed? Having a hard time controlling your emotions? Feel lost or need help with a goal? Are you a mom who constantly feels guilt that you aren't good enough? Are you having relationship issues? Are you dealing with chronic pain or grief? Reaching takes strength and shows a persons desire to heal and improve. We all deserve a time for ourselves to feel heard, understood and supported while we work towards positive changes.
I want to help you heal from events that caused you pain, guilt and shame.
There are many reasons people decide to start therapy. Are you overwhelmed? Having a hard time controlling your emotions? Feel lost or need help with a goal? Are you a mom who constantly feels guilt that you aren't good enough? Are you having relationship issues? Are you dealing with chronic pain or grief? Reaching takes strength and shows a persons desire to heal and improve. We all deserve a time for ourselves to feel heard, understood and supported while we work towards positive changes.
(855) 697-6665 View (855) 697-6665

See more therapy options for Northampton 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.