Photo of Julie Hardman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Raleigh, NC
Julie Hardman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27607  (Online Only)
I spent years working with clients in Wake and Durham counties and still do! Are you struggling day in day out and want to see something change? I'd love to get to know you and collaborate on how you might cultivate a more fulfilling, less distressing life. I counsel women ages 21+ living with anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic pain and illness; relationship issues, work stressors, major life transitions, grief and loss, creative block, learning self advocacy. I am an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community. You can learn to flourish despite issues you may now see as impediments. Let me walk with you on this journey. Let's find your joy!
I spent years working with clients in Wake and Durham counties and still do! Are you struggling day in day out and want to see something change? I'd love to get to know you and collaborate on how you might cultivate a more fulfilling, less distressing life. I counsel women ages 21+ living with anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic pain and illness; relationship issues, work stressors, major life transitions, grief and loss, creative block, learning self advocacy. I am an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community. You can learn to flourish despite issues you may now see as impediments. Let me walk with you on this journey. Let's find your joy!
(336) 203-7986 View (336) 203-7986
Photo of Anna Mulhollem, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Raleigh, 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 Mindy Brodsky, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Raleigh, 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 Megan Lanier, Counselor in Raleigh, NC
Megan Lanier
Counselor, LCMHCA, CRC
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27605
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA) who provides therapy to adolescents 15+ and adults with a primary focus on anxiety, OCD, phobias, chronic pain, depression, self-esteem, life transitions, and relationship concerns. My goal as a therapist is to help you move from a place of feeling "stuck" to one where you are empowered to do what matters to you even in the midst of life's difficulties!
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA) who provides therapy to adolescents 15+ and adults with a primary focus on anxiety, OCD, phobias, chronic pain, depression, self-esteem, life transitions, and relationship concerns. My goal as a therapist is to help you move from a place of feeling "stuck" to one where you are empowered to do what matters to you even in the midst of life's difficulties!
(984) 464-6609 View (984) 464-6609
Photo of Judith Ann Stubanas in Raleigh, NC
Judith Ann Stubanas
RN, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27614  (Online Only)
New clients accepted for teletherapy via a secure link. Please know you will receive ethical, non-judgmental, confidential and compassionate counseling. When any type of stress or trauma, PTSD or chronic pain becomes overwhelming, I will assist you assist you in finding ways to meet your overall physical and emotional needs in balance. I have an interest in addressing the impact of nutrition on mental and physical health. As a counselor and a nurse, I want to provide hope, resources and practical coping skills to live with life's challenges and experience peace, healing and joy.
New clients accepted for teletherapy via a secure link. Please know you will receive ethical, non-judgmental, confidential and compassionate counseling. When any type of stress or trauma, PTSD or chronic pain becomes overwhelming, I will assist you assist you in finding ways to meet your overall physical and emotional needs in balance. I have an interest in addressing the impact of nutrition on mental and physical health. As a counselor and a nurse, I want to provide hope, resources and practical coping skills to live with life's challenges and experience peace, healing and joy.
(919) 263-2903 x259 View (919) 263-2903 x259
Photo of Seriana Gamble, Counselor in Raleigh, NC
Seriana Gamble
Counselor, Lmcha
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27609
As someone who had a parent with a severe autoimmune disorder as well as living with my own paired with chronic pain, I have a passion for helping kids and adults strengthen the connection between medical trauma, pain, and mental health.
Hey there! If you have found my profile and you are seeking a counselor who will help you work through your current life issues, then you have found the right place. I work with children 8 and under, teens, and adults. When working with kids, I love to focus on building the child's coping skills, providing the emotional support they need, and helping them work through their stressors while also supporting the parents in their interactions with their children. When working with adults, I like to focus on helping you bring out the best version of yourself while aiding you in working through any issues you may have.
As someone who had a parent with a severe autoimmune disorder as well as living with my own paired with chronic pain, I have a passion for helping kids and adults strengthen the connection between medical trauma, pain, and mental health.
Hey there! If you have found my profile and you are seeking a counselor who will help you work through your current life issues, then you have found the right place. I work with children 8 and under, teens, and adults. When working with kids, I love to focus on building the child's coping skills, providing the emotional support they need, and helping them work through their stressors while also supporting the parents in their interactions with their children. When working with adults, I like to focus on helping you bring out the best version of yourself while aiding you in working through any issues you may have.
(984) 867-2307 View (984) 867-2307
Photo of Gisela Weimer, Counselor in Raleigh, NC
Gisela Weimer
Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27615  (Online Only)
I work with motivated individuals seeking relief from chronic pain as well as reduced stress and anxiety in their personal lives or at work. Chronic pain conditions that I treat include but are not limited to neck and back pain, headaches, pelvic pain, IBS, tinnitus, and fibromyalgia.
I work with motivated individuals seeking relief from chronic pain as well as reduced stress and anxiety in their personal lives or at work. Chronic pain conditions that I treat include but are not limited to neck and back pain, headaches, pelvic pain, IBS, tinnitus, and fibromyalgia.
(919) 551-6904 View (919) 551-6904
Photo of Kristy Bastone, Counselor in Raleigh, NC
Kristy Bastone
Counselor, LCMHCA, NCC, C-AAIS, MEd, RYT-200
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27615
I have experience working with clients of all ages on a wide range of issues, including chronic pain and illness, anxiety, parenting, adoption, trauma, LGBTQIA+ identity, addiction, veterans concerns, and grief. I believe that counseling is a collaborative experience, where both the client and therapist decide on a way forward together.
I have experience working with clients of all ages on a wide range of issues, including chronic pain and illness, anxiety, parenting, adoption, trauma, LGBTQIA+ identity, addiction, veterans concerns, and grief. I believe that counseling is a collaborative experience, where both the client and therapist decide on a way forward together.
(919) 709-3620 View (919) 709-3620
Photo of Chronic Hope Counseling PLLC, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Raleigh, NC
Chronic Hope Counseling PLLC
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27615  (Online Only)
If you or someone you love struggles with chronic pain or illness please reach out to us and begin the steps to taking control of your pain and mental health.
We have interns for sliding scale sessions, play therapy for children and everything in-between! If you are feeling overwhelmed. anxious, isolated, lonely or simply want to learn how to live your best life with your pain Chronic Hope is the place to be. We offer counseling services for those with chronic pain and illness. Your pain/illness effects everything you do, so it needs to be taken into every consideration as you heal. We can help you learn to live beyond you pain by getting you in your best place mentally. All of our clinicians and interns have personal experience with pain creating a unique, empathetic experience.
If you or someone you love struggles with chronic pain or illness please reach out to us and begin the steps to taking control of your pain and mental health.
We have interns for sliding scale sessions, play therapy for children and everything in-between! If you are feeling overwhelmed. anxious, isolated, lonely or simply want to learn how to live your best life with your pain Chronic Hope is the place to be. We offer counseling services for those with chronic pain and illness. Your pain/illness effects everything you do, so it needs to be taken into every consideration as you heal. We can help you learn to live beyond you pain by getting you in your best place mentally. All of our clinicians and interns have personal experience with pain creating a unique, empathetic experience.
(919) 626-3303 View (919) 626-3303
Photo of Steve Heymen, Psychological Associate in Raleigh, NC
Steve Heymen
Psychological Associate, PhD, BCIAC
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27605
My primary areas of interest are working with adult patients who suffer with emotional dysregulation, anxiety, chronic pain, or gastrointestinal disorders.
My goal is to help individuals develop skills to increase control over their own mental and physical health. I provide a combination of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Biofeedback Therapy to treat a broad range of psychological and physical challenges in an atmosphere that is friendly and efficient.
My primary areas of interest are working with adult patients who suffer with emotional dysregulation, anxiety, chronic pain, or gastrointestinal disorders.
My goal is to help individuals develop skills to increase control over their own mental and physical health. I provide a combination of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Biofeedback Therapy to treat a broad range of psychological and physical challenges in an atmosphere that is friendly and efficient.
(919) 725-8592 View (919) 725-8592
Photo of Erin L Joyner in Raleigh, NC
Erin L Joyner
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27603  (Online Only)
My name is Erin Joyner, and I am a Master’s Intern Therapist at Breaking Cycles Counseling. I have experience working with depression, anxiety, trauma, interpersonal relationships, life changes, and grief. I also specialize in helping clients living with chronic pain, illness, and disability. I can happily provide for a broad spectrum of needs for individual adults, seniors, teens, couples, and families, via telehealth. I always aim to help people by tailoring my approach to your individual needs. I have a nonjudgmental perspective on everyone and have yet to meet anyone from whom I can’t learn something, too!
My name is Erin Joyner, and I am a Master’s Intern Therapist at Breaking Cycles Counseling. I have experience working with depression, anxiety, trauma, interpersonal relationships, life changes, and grief. I also specialize in helping clients living with chronic pain, illness, and disability. I can happily provide for a broad spectrum of needs for individual adults, seniors, teens, couples, and families, via telehealth. I always aim to help people by tailoring my approach to your individual needs. I have a nonjudgmental perspective on everyone and have yet to meet anyone from whom I can’t learn something, too!
(336) 715-0047 View (336) 715-0047
Photo of Samantha Quiel, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Raleigh, NC
Samantha Quiel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSWA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27607
My specialties include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, life transitions, chronic illness, and survivors of interpersonal violence.
Accepting New Clients-I believe that we all face unique challenges throughout our lives. I provide a space for you to authentically be yourself, without judgment. I aim to forge a trusting relationship to help you feel comfortable discussing your most protected thoughts and feelings. I provide support as we process through tough times, ask questions, and work with you to find solutions to your challenges. There are no quick fixes, but developing life skills, improving self-respect, and connecting with loved ones can be key in building a positive path for your future. We will create a custom treatment plan that works best for you.
My specialties include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, life transitions, chronic illness, and survivors of interpersonal violence.
Accepting New Clients-I believe that we all face unique challenges throughout our lives. I provide a space for you to authentically be yourself, without judgment. I aim to forge a trusting relationship to help you feel comfortable discussing your most protected thoughts and feelings. I provide support as we process through tough times, ask questions, and work with you to find solutions to your challenges. There are no quick fixes, but developing life skills, improving self-respect, and connecting with loved ones can be key in building a positive path for your future. We will create a custom treatment plan that works best for you.
(919) 289-4023 View (919) 289-4023
Photo of Becky Shaffer, Counselor in Raleigh, NC
Becky Shaffer
Counselor, MA, LCMHCA, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27615  (Online Only)
Life is not always easy, but I believe we all have the strength within us to grow, adapt, and heal. My goal is to create a safe space for you to uncover your own resilience and cultivate a sense of meaning and purpose in this life. I primarily work with adults of all ages facing a variety of concerns such as: anxiety, panic, mild-to-moderate depression, grief and loss, OCD, chronic and terminal physical illness, relational/family stressors, and difficulties related to addiction. I am able to integrate faith and spirituality into counseling if so desired.
Life is not always easy, but I believe we all have the strength within us to grow, adapt, and heal. My goal is to create a safe space for you to uncover your own resilience and cultivate a sense of meaning and purpose in this life. I primarily work with adults of all ages facing a variety of concerns such as: anxiety, panic, mild-to-moderate depression, grief and loss, OCD, chronic and terminal physical illness, relational/family stressors, and difficulties related to addiction. I am able to integrate faith and spirituality into counseling if so desired.
(919) 679-9515 View (919) 679-9515
Photo of Carolina Counseling and Therapeutic Solutions, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Raleigh, NC
Carolina Counseling and Therapeutic Solutions
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LPC-A, LCAS-A, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27615
I specialize in treating the emotional effect of physical pain, addiction, chronic health conditions and losses including divorce, infertility, job loss.
Providing safety for you to talk about what's on your mind is important to me. Whether this is the first time you've sought help or you've been in therapy before, I can help you cope with your life in meaningful ways. I work collaboratively with you toward your goals. Your courage and desire for change coupled with my compassion and experience helps you to make improvements in your life. Together we will develop goals which can become a long term plan of action. I will help you create a plan for a better future.
I specialize in treating the emotional effect of physical pain, addiction, chronic health conditions and losses including divorce, infertility, job loss.
Providing safety for you to talk about what's on your mind is important to me. Whether this is the first time you've sought help or you've been in therapy before, I can help you cope with your life in meaningful ways. I work collaboratively with you toward your goals. Your courage and desire for change coupled with my compassion and experience helps you to make improvements in your life. Together we will develop goals which can become a long term plan of action. I will help you create a plan for a better future.
(919) 888-4531 View (919) 888-4531
Photo of Dr. Brad Rappaport, Psychologist in Raleigh, NC
Dr. Brad Rappaport
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27615
Clients say that I have a calm and non-judgmental manner that demonstrates great respect for their difficulties and pain.
Are you feeling anxious? Overwhelmed? Stuck? Have you been feeling depressed? Irritable? Unsure of how to feel better or move forward? Are you turning to coping skills that may work in the short-run but offer no long-term potential to help you develop confidence and resilience? If you are struggling with these issues, our work together can help you cultivate a more meaningful life when it comes to love, work, and play. Our work together will focus on developing the tools and the practical "know-how" so that you can meet the challenges of life with calmness and confidence and sustain this growth.
Clients say that I have a calm and non-judgmental manner that demonstrates great respect for their difficulties and pain.
Are you feeling anxious? Overwhelmed? Stuck? Have you been feeling depressed? Irritable? Unsure of how to feel better or move forward? Are you turning to coping skills that may work in the short-run but offer no long-term potential to help you develop confidence and resilience? If you are struggling with these issues, our work together can help you cultivate a more meaningful life when it comes to love, work, and play. Our work together will focus on developing the tools and the practical "know-how" so that you can meet the challenges of life with calmness and confidence and sustain this growth.
(984) 207-5328 View (984) 207-5328
Photo of Kimberly Lillig, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Raleigh, NC
Kimberly Lillig
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27612  (Online Only)
Bilingual in Spanish, I offer help for anxiety, depression, unraveling past traumas, chronic illness, parenting issues, anger management, grief and life transitions.
Do you have persistent worries, have boundary issues, always feeling stuck or sad or are haunted by past traumas? I can help you in your healing journey and we can work together to untangle unresolved issues in your life. Above all however, compassionate listening is the first hallmark of my practice. To feel safe enough to make changes you must first feel you have been truly heard without judgement while expressing your concerns. Together we can create a space where both your feel safe to express Bothe thoughts and embodied emotions. Feel free to reach out to me for a short free 15 minute session.
Bilingual in Spanish, I offer help for anxiety, depression, unraveling past traumas, chronic illness, parenting issues, anger management, grief and life transitions.
Do you have persistent worries, have boundary issues, always feeling stuck or sad or are haunted by past traumas? I can help you in your healing journey and we can work together to untangle unresolved issues in your life. Above all however, compassionate listening is the first hallmark of my practice. To feel safe enough to make changes you must first feel you have been truly heard without judgement while expressing your concerns. Together we can create a space where both your feel safe to express Bothe thoughts and embodied emotions. Feel free to reach out to me for a short free 15 minute session.
(919) 646-2672 View (919) 646-2672
Photo of Mindful Reflections, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Raleigh, 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 Rachel Maguire, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Raleigh, NC
Rachel Maguire
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSWA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27612
Waitlist for new clients
I work well with anyone struggling with symptoms of mental illness (including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder), processing trauma or grief, undergoing transitions, exploring their gender or sexual identity, or is a survivor of gender violence. I also understand the emotional impact of online relationships, friendships, and community building, and enjoy working with folks immersed in online culture or who have online/long-distance support systems.
I work well with anyone struggling with symptoms of mental illness (including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder), processing trauma or grief, undergoing transitions, exploring their gender or sexual identity, or is a survivor of gender violence. I also understand the emotional impact of online relationships, friendships, and community building, and enjoy working with folks immersed in online culture or who have online/long-distance support systems.
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Photo of Emily Ann Dew-Adorno, Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in Raleigh, NC
Emily Ann Dew-Adorno
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27615
I am passionate about creating a supportive and empowering space for folx come and be their most authentic selves. I am skilled in conducting therapy with clients who have depression, trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), trauma relating to immigration, depression, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and chronic illness/chronic pain. I have worked very closely with the LGBTQIA+ community, Latinx community, and the disabled community. I am knowledgeable regarding trans healthcare, including medical and social transition.
I am passionate about creating a supportive and empowering space for folx come and be their most authentic selves. I am skilled in conducting therapy with clients who have depression, trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), trauma relating to immigration, depression, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and chronic illness/chronic pain. I have worked very closely with the LGBTQIA+ community, Latinx community, and the disabled community. I am knowledgeable regarding trans healthcare, including medical and social transition.
(919) 568-5095 View (919) 568-5095
Photo of Dan Chartier, Psychologist in Raleigh, NC
Dan Chartier
Psychologist
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27612
Dan Chartier, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist- Health Service Provider, Raleigh, NC has been in private practice since 1983. As a psychotherapist, in addition to "talk therapy", Dr. Chartier uses psychophysiological methods of biofeedback and neurofeedback to facilitate mind-body healing. In his work, deepening awareness and release of non-productive behaviors is a primary process. By learning to enter neutral emotional space clients come to more clearly recognize options and choices that result in improved health. In addition to treating clients with psychological and emotional distress, Dr. Chartier works with patients coping with chronic pain or recovering from brain injury.
Dan Chartier, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist- Health Service Provider, Raleigh, NC has been in private practice since 1983. As a psychotherapist, in addition to "talk therapy", Dr. Chartier uses psychophysiological methods of biofeedback and neurofeedback to facilitate mind-body healing. In his work, deepening awareness and release of non-productive behaviors is a primary process. By learning to enter neutral emotional space clients come to more clearly recognize options and choices that result in improved health. In addition to treating clients with psychological and emotional distress, Dr. Chartier works with patients coping with chronic pain or recovering from brain injury.
(252) 349-0938 View (252) 349-0938
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.