Photo of Barbara Jean Lowe, Psychologist in Raleigh, NC
Barbara Jean Lowe
Psychologist, PhD, LP, BCC, SEP
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27615
Are you hurting, frustrated, or feel stuck? I honor your courage to seek wholeness & growth. I know you want relief. Enduring change through therapy can happen for you. Trauma, relationship challenges, family struggles & internal pain can be shifted! I welcome you into a space of honor, hope, safety, & power to change. I partner w/ you to achieve your goals for skillful living, belonging, & wholeness. I artfully employ therapeutic & scientific techniques that bring wellness to the heart & mind (SE, DBT, ART, CBT, IFS, EMDR, Gottman, EFT). Ages 5-75. I also offer faith integration upon request. I offer hourly sessions & intensives.
Are you hurting, frustrated, or feel stuck? I honor your courage to seek wholeness & growth. I know you want relief. Enduring change through therapy can happen for you. Trauma, relationship challenges, family struggles & internal pain can be shifted! I welcome you into a space of honor, hope, safety, & power to change. I partner w/ you to achieve your goals for skillful living, belonging, & wholeness. I artfully employ therapeutic & scientific techniques that bring wellness to the heart & mind (SE, DBT, ART, CBT, IFS, EMDR, Gottman, EFT). Ages 5-75. I also offer faith integration upon request. I offer hourly sessions & intensives.
(919) 585-1575 View (919) 585-1575
Photo of Becca Leifer, Licensed Professional Counselor in Raleigh, NC
Becca Leifer
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27605
I support folx struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, chronic illness, navigating neurodiversities, unpack systemic adversities, and sense of self.
To me, therapy isn’t a workbook or a road map that’s the same for everyone. Therapy is about meeting you where you are. I want to learn about your unique strengths, values, goals, and struggles. I strive to support you in navigating your struggles, and in making choices in alignment with your values as you work toward your goals. I am curious about what brings you fulfillment and exploring avenues to infuse joy into your days, with a strength-based, benefit-enhancement approach. I view therapy as a collaborative process, know that you are the expert on your own experience, and meet each client as the individual you are.
I support folx struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, chronic illness, navigating neurodiversities, unpack systemic adversities, and sense of self.
To me, therapy isn’t a workbook or a road map that’s the same for everyone. Therapy is about meeting you where you are. I want to learn about your unique strengths, values, goals, and struggles. I strive to support you in navigating your struggles, and in making choices in alignment with your values as you work toward your goals. I am curious about what brings you fulfillment and exploring avenues to infuse joy into your days, with a strength-based, benefit-enhancement approach. I view therapy as a collaborative process, know that you are the expert on your own experience, and meet each client as the individual you are.
(919) 823-7599 View (919) 823-7599
Photo of Graciela Aires Rust, Licensed Professional Counselor in Raleigh, NC
Graciela Aires Rust
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, MS, LCMHC, CRC, IWLC
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27609
An individual's mental, physical, social, emotional and spiritual dimensions are deeply intertwined. Consequently, and considering a person's multiple dimensions, I provide a holistic approach to mental health and well-being that enables me to see an individual as a complete being, which allows helping each client to achieve comprehensive results. I offer a warm, confidential and empathetic style of individual, family and group counseling providing modern and evidence-based practices of psychotherapy, as well as ancient healing modalities such as meditation and energy healing.
An individual's mental, physical, social, emotional and spiritual dimensions are deeply intertwined. Consequently, and considering a person's multiple dimensions, I provide a holistic approach to mental health and well-being that enables me to see an individual as a complete being, which allows helping each client to achieve comprehensive results. I offer a warm, confidential and empathetic style of individual, family and group counseling providing modern and evidence-based practices of psychotherapy, as well as ancient healing modalities such as meditation and energy healing.
(808) 518-3741 View (808) 518-3741
Photo of Animal Assisted Therapy of the Triangle, PC, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Raleigh, NC
Animal Assisted Therapy of the Triangle, PC
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC, LCAS-A, DCC
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27609
Animal Assisted Therapy of the Triangle is a mental health and wellness clinic with offices located in located in Clayton, Raleigh, and Powell's Point. Serving children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families in Johnston, Wake, Dare and surrounding counties in NC. We have a team of therapists with the knowledge and experience to help clients with a wide range of mental health and wellness issues. We believe in the power of the human-animal bond and most of our therapists work with animals as co-therapists to accelerate the insight, healing, and growth process.
Animal Assisted Therapy of the Triangle is a mental health and wellness clinic with offices located in located in Clayton, Raleigh, and Powell's Point. Serving children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families in Johnston, Wake, Dare and surrounding counties in NC. We have a team of therapists with the knowledge and experience to help clients with a wide range of mental health and wellness issues. We believe in the power of the human-animal bond and most of our therapists work with animals as co-therapists to accelerate the insight, healing, and growth process.
(919) 980-9132 View (919) 980-9132
Photo of Nour Counseling & Consulting, PLLC in Raleigh, NC
Nour Counseling & Consulting, PLLC
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27614  (Online Only)
Has finding an inclusive therapist been a challenge for you? Do you need a counselor who understands experiences around BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, neurodiversity, ability differences, and any other wonderful traits that make you who you are? As therapists at Nour Counseling, we self-identify with historically marginalized backgrounds, and have a special passion for supporting our communities. You can come to each therapy session resting assured that your therapist recognizes how the intersection of your various identities impacts the way you experience the world and presenting concerns. We celebrate folx who identify as bicultural, Black, African American, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, ability diverse, and all who have been historically marginalized because… Everyone means everyone.
Has finding an inclusive therapist been a challenge for you? Do you need a counselor who understands experiences around BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, neurodiversity, ability differences, and any other wonderful traits that make you who you are? As therapists at Nour Counseling, we self-identify with historically marginalized backgrounds, and have a special passion for supporting our communities. You can come to each therapy session resting assured that your therapist recognizes how the intersection of your various identities impacts the way you experience the world and presenting concerns. We celebrate folx who identify as bicultural, Black, African American, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, ability diverse, and all who have been historically marginalized because… Everyone means everyone.
(919) 587-8394 View (919) 587-8394
Photo of Vincent M Wright, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Raleigh, NC
Vincent M Wright
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, FBMHP
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27603  (Online Only)
**Accepting New Clients** Life can be overwhelming, confusing, disappointing, and painful. Life can be very fast-paced, and it can be very difficult in knowing how to keep up. If you’re feeling depressed, or having difficulty with friendships/relationships/family/job, therapy can help. Are the experiences earlier in your life (childhood and/or early adulthood) impacting you now? Is it difficult to make healthy choices? Do you have anger issues? Do you struggle to share emotions that are natural and more vulnerable? Therapy can aid a person in making healthy choices, and improve your daily decision-making.
**Accepting New Clients** Life can be overwhelming, confusing, disappointing, and painful. Life can be very fast-paced, and it can be very difficult in knowing how to keep up. If you’re feeling depressed, or having difficulty with friendships/relationships/family/job, therapy can help. Are the experiences earlier in your life (childhood and/or early adulthood) impacting you now? Is it difficult to make healthy choices? Do you have anger issues? Do you struggle to share emotions that are natural and more vulnerable? Therapy can aid a person in making healthy choices, and improve your daily decision-making.
(919) 944-8293 View (919) 944-8293
Photo of Summer Pittman, LCSW Associate in Raleigh, NC
Summer Pittman
LCSW Associate, MSW, LCSWA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27607
Hi there! If you’ve landed on my page, there’s a high chance the universe brought you here to continue your healing journey! Welcome! Let me tell you a little about what our work together will look like! In our pursuit to your highest self and life situation, we’ll explore your subconscious and work to increase your awareness and resilience through compassionate curiosity of your emotions, identities, beliefs, interpersonal relationships, past experiences, and habitual patterns.
Hi there! If you’ve landed on my page, there’s a high chance the universe brought you here to continue your healing journey! Welcome! Let me tell you a little about what our work together will look like! In our pursuit to your highest self and life situation, we’ll explore your subconscious and work to increase your awareness and resilience through compassionate curiosity of your emotions, identities, beliefs, interpersonal relationships, past experiences, and habitual patterns.
(984) 985-2241 View (984) 985-2241
Photo of Mindful Collaboration, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Raleigh, NC
Mindful Collaboration
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27609
Are you ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing? Meet the compassionate and skilled therapists at Mindful Collaboration! Our team is here to guide you through life's challenges with empathy, support, and expertise. Our therapists are dedicated to helping you navigate through difficult times and find your inner strength. With a blend of warmth, expertise, and a touch of humor, we create a safe and welcoming space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Are you ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing? Meet the compassionate and skilled therapists at Mindful Collaboration! Our team is here to guide you through life's challenges with empathy, support, and expertise. Our therapists are dedicated to helping you navigate through difficult times and find your inner strength. With a blend of warmth, expertise, and a touch of humor, we create a safe and welcoming space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
(919) 275-2174 View (919) 275-2174
Photo of Kristian Gibson-Ford, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Raleigh, NC
Kristian Gibson-Ford
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27614
Now Accepting New Clients! Tell me what’s going on. I am here for you. I understand that you may be going through a lot right now, and may be feeling overwhelmed, depressed, stressed, or anxious, but that is why I am here to help you. I enjoy working with those in all stages of their career life whether they are just getting started, in the middle, or in retirement. My practice areas include: Trauma and emotional safety, relationship and communication, self-esteem and shame, life and career transitions, grief and loss, anxiety and depression, stress and time management, emotional wellbeing and mindfulness.
Now Accepting New Clients! Tell me what’s going on. I am here for you. I understand that you may be going through a lot right now, and may be feeling overwhelmed, depressed, stressed, or anxious, but that is why I am here to help you. I enjoy working with those in all stages of their career life whether they are just getting started, in the middle, or in retirement. My practice areas include: Trauma and emotional safety, relationship and communication, self-esteem and shame, life and career transitions, grief and loss, anxiety and depression, stress and time management, emotional wellbeing and mindfulness.
(919) 205-5021 View (919) 205-5021
Photo of Enfinity Dobson, Marriage & Family Therapist in Raleigh, NC
Enfinity Dobson
Marriage & Family Therapist, QP, MS, LCAS-A, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27601  (Online Only)
The journey begins with you! You have made it this far but may not know where to go from here. Well that’s okay! Challenges, interactions, experiences, and daily life has all impacted us in various forms. Whether you are a friend, partner, sibling, parent, or professional, the art of therapy can be life changing. Though therapy may not always be sunshine and rainbows, I can promise you that your future will thank you. It will thank you for challenging yourself, it will thank you for your strength, and it will also will thank you for the growth that you will obtain just by participating in therapy.
The journey begins with you! You have made it this far but may not know where to go from here. Well that’s okay! Challenges, interactions, experiences, and daily life has all impacted us in various forms. Whether you are a friend, partner, sibling, parent, or professional, the art of therapy can be life changing. Though therapy may not always be sunshine and rainbows, I can promise you that your future will thank you. It will thank you for challenging yourself, it will thank you for your strength, and it will also will thank you for the growth that you will obtain just by participating in therapy.
(919) 873-4845 View (919) 873-4845
Photo of Shawnette Horton, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in Raleigh, NC
Shawnette Horton
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, MEd, NCC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27601  (Online Only)
My ideal client consists of anyone who is struggling with their mental health. I enjoy supporting people in all life stages and transitions, and primarily work alongside parents who are encountering challenges with anxiety, depression, and PMADs. Even though perinatal and maternal mental health is a large focus of mine, I also enjoy working alongside others who do not identify as parents.
My ideal client consists of anyone who is struggling with their mental health. I enjoy supporting people in all life stages and transitions, and primarily work alongside parents who are encountering challenges with anxiety, depression, and PMADs. Even though perinatal and maternal mental health is a large focus of mine, I also enjoy working alongside others who do not identify as parents.
(843) 508-2757 View (843) 508-2757
Photo of Neurodiversity Empowerment Services, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Raleigh, NC
Neurodiversity Empowerment Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27607  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Mary Lynn Marus (Molly), works primarily with neurodivergent adults, with confirmed or suspected diagnoses of Autism, ADHD, and/or other mental health conditions. Do you find that behaviors are hard to manage, social communication is challenging, or that mood or worries are constantly weighing on you? Do you have a hard time finding someone who understands your concerns related to your lived experience of Autism, ADHD, or another Intellectual or Developmental diagnosis? Are you a parent or caregiver of an Autisitc, ADHD, or IDD Child, who needs your own therapist who understands what you are going through? I am here to help!
Mary Lynn Marus (Molly), works primarily with neurodivergent adults, with confirmed or suspected diagnoses of Autism, ADHD, and/or other mental health conditions. Do you find that behaviors are hard to manage, social communication is challenging, or that mood or worries are constantly weighing on you? Do you have a hard time finding someone who understands your concerns related to your lived experience of Autism, ADHD, or another Intellectual or Developmental diagnosis? Are you a parent or caregiver of an Autisitc, ADHD, or IDD Child, who needs your own therapist who understands what you are going through? I am here to help!
(984) 213-4316 View (984) 213-4316
Photo of Stephanie Ann Kraczkowski, Licensed Professional Counselor in Raleigh, NC
Stephanie Ann Kraczkowski
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, LCMHC, BC-TMH, NCC
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27616  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Do you feel like you are just staying above water? I can help! Counseling is appropriate for everyone at one time or another. Life throws us all curveballs. It's how we deal with them that makes the difference in our abilities to maintain a balance of wellness. No one gets out of this life unscathed. Sometimes we get stuck and need a little guidance to get back to our lives. It's vital that we resolve trauma because mental and emotional challenges can affect our physical and spiritual health and vice versa. There is no reason to ever feel shame for seeking solutions.
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Do you feel like you are just staying above water? I can help! Counseling is appropriate for everyone at one time or another. Life throws us all curveballs. It's how we deal with them that makes the difference in our abilities to maintain a balance of wellness. No one gets out of this life unscathed. Sometimes we get stuck and need a little guidance to get back to our lives. It's vital that we resolve trauma because mental and emotional challenges can affect our physical and spiritual health and vice versa. There is no reason to ever feel shame for seeking solutions.
(334) 781-5385 View (334) 781-5385

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Willow Creek Counseling Associates, Counselor in Raleigh, NC
Willow Creek Counseling Associates
Counselor, LCSW, RPT
Verified Verified
Cary, NC 27518
We specialize in providing counseling for children and teens grappling with issues like anxiety, depression, or behavioral challenges. We offer a warm and inviting space where your child can feel understood, valued, and supported. Our goal is to empower children and teens to navigate life's hurdles with confidence and resilience. Through personalized therapy tailored to their unique needs, we aim to help them uncover their inner strengths, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and build a positive outlook on life. We also provide additional counseling for adults and marital counseling.
We specialize in providing counseling for children and teens grappling with issues like anxiety, depression, or behavioral challenges. We offer a warm and inviting space where your child can feel understood, valued, and supported. Our goal is to empower children and teens to navigate life's hurdles with confidence and resilience. Through personalized therapy tailored to their unique needs, we aim to help them uncover their inner strengths, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and build a positive outlook on life. We also provide additional counseling for adults and marital counseling.
(919) 694-4229 View (919) 694-4229
Photo of Melissa Aguilar, Marriage & Family Therapist in Raleigh, NC
Melissa Aguilar
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cary, NC 27518  (Online Only)
Are you feeling overwhelmed in how to manage your emotions or perhaps you are feeling overwhelmed in your relationships (marital, parent-child, parent-teenager, family, or friends)? Do you find yourself becoming irritable at small things or simply being someone you do not want to be anymore? If the answer is yes to any of those questions, I am glad you have found my page. We all have difficult times throughout our life and it is okay to need and ask for help. Difficult times or difficult symptoms vary from person to person. I am here to help guide you and find ways to alleviate your concerns.
Are you feeling overwhelmed in how to manage your emotions or perhaps you are feeling overwhelmed in your relationships (marital, parent-child, parent-teenager, family, or friends)? Do you find yourself becoming irritable at small things or simply being someone you do not want to be anymore? If the answer is yes to any of those questions, I am glad you have found my page. We all have difficult times throughout our life and it is okay to need and ask for help. Difficult times or difficult symptoms vary from person to person. I am here to help guide you and find ways to alleviate your concerns.
(919) 351-6417 View (919) 351-6417

Online Therapists

Photo of Deidre Montgomery, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Raleigh, NC
Deidre Montgomery
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSWA
Verified Verified
Winston Salem, NC 27101
Outside of my focus areas, I have experience working with bipolar disorder, substance use, depression, grief, trauma, borderline personality disorder, chronic illness/pain, children, teens, young adults, older adults, and low-income.
Seeking therapeutic counseling can be challenging for any number of reasons, from being ready to take the first step on your mental health journey to finding a therapist that's right for you. Wherever you are on your path, I aim to provide a comforting, non-judgmental environment where you feel heard, valued, and comfortable being yourself. Therapy is collaborative work with your goals as the focus. The number of different therapeutic treatments out there may be overwhelming, but I can help you find what works. No matter who you are, I will work with you to reach your next step and grow while you decide what we are working towards.
Outside of my focus areas, I have experience working with bipolar disorder, substance use, depression, grief, trauma, borderline personality disorder, chronic illness/pain, children, teens, young adults, older adults, and low-income.
Seeking therapeutic counseling can be challenging for any number of reasons, from being ready to take the first step on your mental health journey to finding a therapist that's right for you. Wherever you are on your path, I aim to provide a comforting, non-judgmental environment where you feel heard, valued, and comfortable being yourself. Therapy is collaborative work with your goals as the focus. The number of different therapeutic treatments out there may be overwhelming, but I can help you find what works. No matter who you are, I will work with you to reach your next step and grow while you decide what we are working towards.
(336) 396-5798 View (336) 396-5798
Photo of Anita Bhat, Counselor in Raleigh, NC
Anita Bhat
Counselor, PsyD, MA, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
Holly Springs, NC 27540
If you are in need of trauma healing from the past and present, I am the therapist for you! "Pain is inevitable but suffering is optional." Pain is a part of life but it does not have to rule your life. Suffering is not a part of life. We do it to ourselves by allowing our pain to take over our lives. You don't have to sit alone with your pain and suffer. I am a deeply empathetic and effective therapist. Trauma should not be a life sentence for anyone. I am trained in the best techniques using hypnotherapy and mind-body healing to resolve PTSD, trauma and other conditions powerfully, rapidly and effectively using the subconscious
If you are in need of trauma healing from the past and present, I am the therapist for you! "Pain is inevitable but suffering is optional." Pain is a part of life but it does not have to rule your life. Suffering is not a part of life. We do it to ourselves by allowing our pain to take over our lives. You don't have to sit alone with your pain and suffer. I am a deeply empathetic and effective therapist. Trauma should not be a life sentence for anyone. I am trained in the best techniques using hypnotherapy and mind-body healing to resolve PTSD, trauma and other conditions powerfully, rapidly and effectively using the subconscious
(984) 205-6585 View (984) 205-6585
Photo of Cherie Powers, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Raleigh, NC
Cherie Powers
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC, MS, MEd, NBCC, BC-TMH
Verified Verified
Greensboro, NC 27401  (Online Only)
Virtual only, Day & Evening appointments. I believe that everyone has the power within themselves to move forward in their journey. Our feelings and behaviors are affected by the experiences and environments that are encountered. Together we will create a path that is designed to meet your needs and support your goals. Collectively, we will strive to find harmony, balance, and wellness through the mind, body, spirit connection. This will be achieved by using evidenced-based practices that honors each person’s resilience and exploration through a strength-based approach.
Virtual only, Day & Evening appointments. I believe that everyone has the power within themselves to move forward in their journey. Our feelings and behaviors are affected by the experiences and environments that are encountered. Together we will create a path that is designed to meet your needs and support your goals. Collectively, we will strive to find harmony, balance, and wellness through the mind, body, spirit connection. This will be achieved by using evidenced-based practices that honors each person’s resilience and exploration through a strength-based approach.
(336) 360-8744 View (336) 360-8744
Photo of Jennifer L Harrell, Counselor in Raleigh, NC
Jennifer L Harrell
Counselor, LCMHCA, LCASA, CRC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Smithfield, NC 27577
I am a therapist at Living Beyond It in Smithfield, NC. I have spent the past two decades working in the mental health and substance use field. I am accepting new youth and adult patients. My specialties are transition age youth (ages 14-24) and at risk populations. If you or your child are having difficulty with anxiety, depression, social relationships or life in general, I would love to help!
I am a therapist at Living Beyond It in Smithfield, NC. I have spent the past two decades working in the mental health and substance use field. I am accepting new youth and adult patients. My specialties are transition age youth (ages 14-24) and at risk populations. If you or your child are having difficulty with anxiety, depression, social relationships or life in general, I would love to help!
(919) 899-2750 View (919) 899-2750
Photo of Greenway Counseling & Wellness, Licensed Professional Counselor in Raleigh, NC
Greenway Counseling & Wellness
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHCS, LCMHC, LCMHCA, LCASA, LCSW
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
High Point, NC 27265
[Good news! Day, evening & Saturday openings are now available] As a group practice, we have a particular interest in helping our adult clients address traumas that may have occurred across their lifespan. Trauma can come in all shapes & sizes - we believe that trauma can be at the center of many concerns like anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, performance issues, & addiction, to name a few. We also love working with little ones, teens, and their families! Fears & worries, behavior problems, family & life changes, school & relationship struggles - these are just a few reasons why we see younger people & families.
[Good news! Day, evening & Saturday openings are now available] As a group practice, we have a particular interest in helping our adult clients address traumas that may have occurred across their lifespan. Trauma can come in all shapes & sizes - we believe that trauma can be at the center of many concerns like anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, performance issues, & addiction, to name a few. We also love working with little ones, teens, and their families! Fears & worries, behavior problems, family & life changes, school & relationship struggles - these are just a few reasons why we see younger people & families.
(336) 496-2361 View (336) 496-2361

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.