Photo of Lynn Crothers, Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in Polk County, NC
Lynn Crothers
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, MA, LCMHCA, LMHCA
Verified Verified
Tryon, NC 28782  (Online Only)
I work with adults navigating a variety of issues, including chronic pain and chronic illness, dissociative conditions, depression and grief, complex trauma, relationship challenges, searches for meaning, and family of origin concerns. If you have ever felt like an "outsider"—someone misunderstood and/or struggling to fit in—you'll find a home here. Trained in depth psychology, I am an ideal fit for anyone who is engaged in the process of self-understanding, curious about life, and seeking to be known. I believe the potential for deep healing, connection, and revitalization exists within this work.
I work with adults navigating a variety of issues, including chronic pain and chronic illness, dissociative conditions, depression and grief, complex trauma, relationship challenges, searches for meaning, and family of origin concerns. If you have ever felt like an "outsider"—someone misunderstood and/or struggling to fit in—you'll find a home here. Trained in depth psychology, I am an ideal fit for anyone who is engaged in the process of self-understanding, curious about life, and seeking to be known. I believe the potential for deep healing, connection, and revitalization exists within this work.
(828) 547-4679 View (828) 547-4679

Online Therapists

Photo of David Kaufmann, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Polk County, NC
David Kaufmann
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC, LCAS
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801
Waitlist for new clients
Life is challenging, sometimes it can feel like we aren’t made for the pace that is asked of us in today’s world. The result can feel like disconnect, overwhelm, or even depression and anxiety. Therapy can help. It is clear to me in my work, and in my own life, that once we start paying attention to our pain, we can do something about it. Having a guide in that process can make it simpler and more effective. Everyone is unique and as individuals what we need can take time to uncover and incorporate into our daily lives.
Life is challenging, sometimes it can feel like we aren’t made for the pace that is asked of us in today’s world. The result can feel like disconnect, overwhelm, or even depression and anxiety. Therapy can help. It is clear to me in my work, and in my own life, that once we start paying attention to our pain, we can do something about it. Having a guide in that process can make it simpler and more effective. Everyone is unique and as individuals what we need can take time to uncover and incorporate into our daily lives.
(828) 332-5594 View (828) 332-5594
Photo of John Magee, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Polk County, NC
John Magee
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC, LCAS
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801
I believe that most people have the answers within themselves to work through their own problems - my role is to be there with you through the process. I have experience helping people who are struggling with anxiety and depression, or who are numbing out through substance use. My clients are often working through life transitions and other challenging situations, such as relationship issues, grief, or chronic pain. Perhaps you have not been handling your emotions very well. You may even feel hopeless, or unsure how to articulate what you are feeling. Therapy is a collaborative journey to a more healthy state of mind.
I believe that most people have the answers within themselves to work through their own problems - my role is to be there with you through the process. I have experience helping people who are struggling with anxiety and depression, or who are numbing out through substance use. My clients are often working through life transitions and other challenging situations, such as relationship issues, grief, or chronic pain. Perhaps you have not been handling your emotions very well. You may even feel hopeless, or unsure how to articulate what you are feeling. Therapy is a collaborative journey to a more healthy state of mind.
(828) 547-4272 View (828) 547-4272
Photo of Lawrence Cull, Psychologist in Polk County, NC
Lawrence Cull
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Brevard, NC 28712
I have been practicing clinical psychology for nearly 20 years as a licensed psychologist. In that time, I have had the pleasure of working with many people who have struggled with a wide range of challenges including relationship and couple's difficulties, addiction, anxiety, depression, serious health concerns, loss, and trauma. I utilize a number of different perspectives including cognitive-behavioral, emotion focused individual and couples, and dynamic therapies. I am also trained in EMDR, mindfulness, relaxation, stress, and pain management.
I have been practicing clinical psychology for nearly 20 years as a licensed psychologist. In that time, I have had the pleasure of working with many people who have struggled with a wide range of challenges including relationship and couple's difficulties, addiction, anxiety, depression, serious health concerns, loss, and trauma. I utilize a number of different perspectives including cognitive-behavioral, emotion focused individual and couples, and dynamic therapies. I am also trained in EMDR, mindfulness, relaxation, stress, and pain management.
(872) 814-7294 View (872) 814-7294
Photo of Guy Morganstein, Licensed Professional Counselor in Polk County, 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 Tim Bandell, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Polk County, NC
Tim Bandell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CTTS, CCTP
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801  (Online Only)
Are you struggling with hopelessness, ongoing despair, lack of motivation, worrying, panic? Can't relax? Is your past wreaking havoc on your present? Chronic pain consuming your life? Does it feel like life is just too much? Is your baggage damaging your relationship? In a safe space, I provide therapy to individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship stress, trauma, chronic pain or life transitions.
Are you struggling with hopelessness, ongoing despair, lack of motivation, worrying, panic? Can't relax? Is your past wreaking havoc on your present? Chronic pain consuming your life? Does it feel like life is just too much? Is your baggage damaging your relationship? In a safe space, I provide therapy to individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship stress, trauma, chronic pain or life transitions.
(828) 383-8385 View (828) 383-8385
Photo of The Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Center of Charlot, Drug & Alcohol Counselor in Polk County, NC
The Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Center of Charlot
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, MS, LCMHC, LCAS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Matthews, NC 28105
Particular areas of focus include anxiety, depression, addictions, and chronic pain.
You have a right to a better life, to live with less distress; to have a life with possibility, potential, and vitality. I have worked with people like you who have found that within the warm, accepting, nonjudgmental, and supportive environment of our therapeutic relationship that change becomes possible. I invite you to be courageous and to reach beyond your fears to claim the life that you want. Utilizing established, researched, and respected therapies, I treat many emotional and behavioral disorders by helping clients face their struggles and move towards a valued life.
Particular areas of focus include anxiety, depression, addictions, and chronic pain.
You have a right to a better life, to live with less distress; to have a life with possibility, potential, and vitality. I have worked with people like you who have found that within the warm, accepting, nonjudgmental, and supportive environment of our therapeutic relationship that change becomes possible. I invite you to be courageous and to reach beyond your fears to claim the life that you want. Utilizing established, researched, and respected therapies, I treat many emotional and behavioral disorders by helping clients face their struggles and move towards a valued life.
(980) 399-5470 View (980) 399-5470
Photo of The International Center for Wellness PLLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Polk County, NC
The International Center for Wellness PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LISW-CP, LCAS-A
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Concord, NC 28025  (Online Only)
Getting to the root cause of mental illness is ideal for successful long term recovery.
The Center for Wellness PLLC is a small group practice dedicated in providing high quality care tailored to meet your individual needs. Our goal is to provide an intimate environment that is safe, supportive and confidential. We offer a wide variety of experience working with many different life challenges. We will walk with you through your journey and work with you to restore health, hope and healing holistically. Lekeshia Lynch, founder and clinical director of the Center for Wellness is a graduate of the University of South Carolina-Columbia. She has over 25 years experience in the field of health/mental health and addiction.
Getting to the root cause of mental illness is ideal for successful long term recovery.
The Center for Wellness PLLC is a small group practice dedicated in providing high quality care tailored to meet your individual needs. Our goal is to provide an intimate environment that is safe, supportive and confidential. We offer a wide variety of experience working with many different life challenges. We will walk with you through your journey and work with you to restore health, hope and healing holistically. Lekeshia Lynch, founder and clinical director of the Center for Wellness is a graduate of the University of South Carolina-Columbia. She has over 25 years experience in the field of health/mental health and addiction.
(704) 327-5647 x101 View (704) 327-5647 x101
Photo of Audrey Amir, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Polk County, NC
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.
(828) 373-8290 View (828) 373-8290
Photo of Jennifer Livingstone, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Polk County, NC
Jennifer Livingstone
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCAS, LISW-CP
Verified Verified
Arden, NC 28704  (Online Only)
Your life has not turned out how you had planned or hoped. You are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, anger, substance use, or loss. You find yourself trying to solve this discomfort by repeating behaviors that provide temporary relief, but ultimately lead you further away from the kind of life you want, and the kind of person you want to be. Instead of stuck, exhausted, desperate, and dissatisfied, you'd like to move through your life with confidence, compassion, clarity, trust, creativity, curiosity, and centeredness. You'd like to finally resolve the hurt or pain you have been carrying inside you.
Your life has not turned out how you had planned or hoped. You are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, anger, substance use, or loss. You find yourself trying to solve this discomfort by repeating behaviors that provide temporary relief, but ultimately lead you further away from the kind of life you want, and the kind of person you want to be. Instead of stuck, exhausted, desperate, and dissatisfied, you'd like to move through your life with confidence, compassion, clarity, trust, creativity, curiosity, and centeredness. You'd like to finally resolve the hurt or pain you have been carrying inside you.
View
Photo of Sister WELLS Counseling, Coaching & Consulting, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Polk County, NC
Sister WELLS Counseling, Coaching & Consulting
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, PhD, LCMHC-S, LCAS, CRC, CCS
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28262  (Online Only)
We've worked with patients living with chronic pain, chronic diseases (Diabetes, Hypertension, HIV/AIDS, Lupus, Sickle Cell), perinatal mental health concerns, anxiety, depression and those needing career/vocational coaching.
We give so much of ourselves to our jobs, families, friends and more that we often lose ourselves and focus on the daily struggle of just surviving. Becoming overwhelmed or feeling anxious, depressed, scared or even angry, may stop you from reaching your full potential. We believe that the value of your health goes beyond just your physical health. We have a passion for helping others to find their voice, passion, and to create a healthier reality than their present state. We provide Teletherapy & Coaching services. Therapy services are provided by a Four Therapists & Coaching services by Drs. Watkins, Elbert & Blumell.
We've worked with patients living with chronic pain, chronic diseases (Diabetes, Hypertension, HIV/AIDS, Lupus, Sickle Cell), perinatal mental health concerns, anxiety, depression and those needing career/vocational coaching.
We give so much of ourselves to our jobs, families, friends and more that we often lose ourselves and focus on the daily struggle of just surviving. Becoming overwhelmed or feeling anxious, depressed, scared or even angry, may stop you from reaching your full potential. We believe that the value of your health goes beyond just your physical health. We have a passion for helping others to find their voice, passion, and to create a healthier reality than their present state. We provide Teletherapy & Coaching services. Therapy services are provided by a Four Therapists & Coaching services by Drs. Watkins, Elbert & Blumell.
(704) 512-0618 View (704) 512-0618
Photo of Jeremy T. Cochran - Cochran Christian Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapist in Polk County, NC
Jeremy T. Cochran - Cochran Christian Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
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 Alysann Whitley Price, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Polk County, NC
Alysann Whitley Price
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28205
Hi, my name is Alysann and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 6 years of clinical experience. My therapeutic approach is strengths-based, which means I will empower you by building on your strengths. I specialize in OCD, Anxiety, Depression, Alcohol Addiction, Eating Disorders, Sleep/Insomnia, Stress, Self-esteem, Coping Skills, and Chronic Pain. I am trained in many different modalities such as, ERP, DBT, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, CBT, and ACT, but I will tailor my therapy modality to the individual and find which approach will aid you the most to help accomplish any goals you might have.
Hi, my name is Alysann and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 6 years of clinical experience. My therapeutic approach is strengths-based, which means I will empower you by building on your strengths. I specialize in OCD, Anxiety, Depression, Alcohol Addiction, Eating Disorders, Sleep/Insomnia, Stress, Self-esteem, Coping Skills, and Chronic Pain. I am trained in many different modalities such as, ERP, DBT, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, CBT, and ACT, but I will tailor my therapy modality to the individual and find which approach will aid you the most to help accomplish any goals you might have.
(919) 925-4566 View (919) 925-4566
Photo of Myriam Rabaste, Licensed Professional Counselor in Polk County, NC
Myriam Rabaste
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC, EMDR, II
Verified Verified
Mint Hill, NC 28227
Every life trauma and struggle can be transformed into strength and beauty. My passion is to work alongside those who are determined to face their pain, fears, and limitations and discover their purpose in life. I specialize in the treatment of trauma, grief, adjustment issues, anxiety, and BPD. Every week, we have a DBT group meeting online. Additionally, I also work with people (artists, and athletes) who wish to develop their performance and creativity.
Every life trauma and struggle can be transformed into strength and beauty. My passion is to work alongside those who are determined to face their pain, fears, and limitations and discover their purpose in life. I specialize in the treatment of trauma, grief, adjustment issues, anxiety, and BPD. Every week, we have a DBT group meeting online. Additionally, I also work with people (artists, and athletes) who wish to develop their performance and creativity.
(704) 870-2290 View (704) 870-2290
Photo of SHINE Counseling, PLLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Polk County, NC
SHINE Counseling, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28262
We want to help you grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, and move forward to living your best life as you want it to be.
Asking for help is an act of strength, courage, and resilience. If you or a loved one suffers from trauma, anxiety, and depression, contact us. For a faster response, please email. Negative thoughts, feelings, and self-defeating behaviors get in the way of us realizing our full potential. We facilitate the healing process needed to recover. We know that with adequate support, compassion, and insight, one can have a new lease on life. We believe in the power we have to transform and overcome minor mistakes to the most significant obstacles to live the life that we want to live, enabling peace to surface and calmness to be present.
We want to help you grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, and move forward to living your best life as you want it to be.
Asking for help is an act of strength, courage, and resilience. If you or a loved one suffers from trauma, anxiety, and depression, contact us. For a faster response, please email. Negative thoughts, feelings, and self-defeating behaviors get in the way of us realizing our full potential. We facilitate the healing process needed to recover. We know that with adequate support, compassion, and insight, one can have a new lease on life. We believe in the power we have to transform and overcome minor mistakes to the most significant obstacles to live the life that we want to live, enabling peace to surface and calmness to be present.
(704) 327-0132 View (704) 327-0132
Photo of Melissa Middlebrook, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Polk County, NC
Melissa Middlebrook
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SEP, RYT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28806
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.
(828) 818-9110 View (828) 818-9110
Photo of Shannon South, Licensed Professional Counselor in Polk County, NC
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.
(828) 351-9963 View (828) 351-9963
Photo of Gene Haas, Psychological Associate in Polk County, 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 Carol Greenberger, Counselor in Polk County, NC
Carol Greenberger
Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28805
Are you feeling alone, anxious or depressed? Unsatisfied with your career, have chronic pain or illness? Relationship stress, extended family issues? My clients tell me I'm warm, easy to talk to, and down to earth. I use a variety of treatment approaches: psychodynamic and relational, combined with CBT, EFT, and EMDR. EMDR can help almost any problem resolve more quickly because it allows the brain to make changes on a deeper level than just talking. We still talk plenty though, before, during and after EMDR. My clients find telehealth to be helpful and convenient. I see regular clients occasionally at my home office.
Are you feeling alone, anxious or depressed? Unsatisfied with your career, have chronic pain or illness? Relationship stress, extended family issues? My clients tell me I'm warm, easy to talk to, and down to earth. I use a variety of treatment approaches: psychodynamic and relational, combined with CBT, EFT, and EMDR. EMDR can help almost any problem resolve more quickly because it allows the brain to make changes on a deeper level than just talking. We still talk plenty though, before, during and after EMDR. My clients find telehealth to be helpful and convenient. I see regular clients occasionally at my home office.
(828) 484-2226 View (828) 484-2226
Photo of John Joseph McCarthy, Pastoral Counselor in Polk County, NC
John Joseph McCarthy
Pastoral Counselor, MSW
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28210  (Online Only)
Are you experiencing pain, emotional distress or challenges in your life? Do you feel lost, stuck, or hopeless with your situation? Are you willing to take the steps that are within your control to improve it? Do you want to deal with your pain and emotional distress in a healthier way? If so, I am here to assist you in reaching your goals.
Are you experiencing pain, emotional distress or challenges in your life? Do you feel lost, stuck, or hopeless with your situation? Are you willing to take the steps that are within your control to improve it? Do you want to deal with your pain and emotional distress in a healthier way? If so, I am here to assist you in reaching your goals.
(980) 655-3318 View (980) 655-3318

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.