Photo of Janet Heuring Larsen, Psychologist in Raleigh, NC
Janet Heuring Larsen
Psychologist, MA, LCAS, LPA, HSP-PA, CTP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27615
PRACTICE MAY HAVE A WAITLIST, PLEASE EMAIL YOUR INQUIRIES: My psychology practice is committed to delivering highly effective treatment and outstanding client care. I've helped individuals navigate challenges and improve their lives for over 10 years. I treat clients with an array of issues including relationship struggles, anxiety, trauma, panic attacks, PTSD, depression, anger, insomnia, ADD/ADHD, chronic pain, substance use/addiction and grief. I serve many clients with co-occurring disorders and have trained other therapists. I specialize in treating clients with anxiety and trauma using EMDR and also offer ADHD/ADD counseling.
PRACTICE MAY HAVE A WAITLIST, PLEASE EMAIL YOUR INQUIRIES: My psychology practice is committed to delivering highly effective treatment and outstanding client care. I've helped individuals navigate challenges and improve their lives for over 10 years. I treat clients with an array of issues including relationship struggles, anxiety, trauma, panic attacks, PTSD, depression, anger, insomnia, ADD/ADHD, chronic pain, substance use/addiction and grief. I serve many clients with co-occurring disorders and have trained other therapists. I specialize in treating clients with anxiety and trauma using EMDR and also offer ADHD/ADD counseling.
(919) 948-3053 View (919) 948-3053
Photo of Kathleen Hyland, Psychologist in Raleigh, NC
Kathleen Hyland
Psychologist, PsyD, LP
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27615
Waitlist for new clients
I have expertise helping those struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, family conflict & marital discord. My work with clients helps them reclaim their lives and bounce forward from pain and difficulties. I take a practical, evidence-based approach to assist clients in learning effective coping, communication & conflict resolution skills. I aim to help couples and families develop stronger relational bonds and restore peace in their lives. In my individual work with teens & adults, I provide a non-judgmental space to gain insight and offer the skills to successfully navigate struggles, find purpose, and increase happiness.
I have expertise helping those struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, family conflict & marital discord. My work with clients helps them reclaim their lives and bounce forward from pain and difficulties. I take a practical, evidence-based approach to assist clients in learning effective coping, communication & conflict resolution skills. I aim to help couples and families develop stronger relational bonds and restore peace in their lives. In my individual work with teens & adults, I provide a non-judgmental space to gain insight and offer the skills to successfully navigate struggles, find purpose, and increase happiness.
(919) 429-7230 View (919) 429-7230
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 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 Suzanne F Bates, Psychologist in Raleigh, NC
Suzanne F Bates
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27601
Many of my clients struggle with depression, bipolar disorder, OCD and other anxiety disorders, chronic illness, relationship issues, and grief and loss issues.
Psychotherapy is an opportunity to enhance learning about behavior, emotions, relationships, and oneself. My goal is to work through the difficulties you are experiencing now while we also build your resiliency to prevent or minimize future difficulties. I ask clients to devote time in between sessions to our work: to increase how accurately we understand your concerns and to take the therapeutic work into your everyday life. Treatment effectiveness relies heavily on the match between therapist and client. If it is not a positive match with me, I assist clients in finding your best match.
Many of my clients struggle with depression, bipolar disorder, OCD and other anxiety disorders, chronic illness, relationship issues, and grief and loss issues.
Psychotherapy is an opportunity to enhance learning about behavior, emotions, relationships, and oneself. My goal is to work through the difficulties you are experiencing now while we also build your resiliency to prevent or minimize future difficulties. I ask clients to devote time in between sessions to our work: to increase how accurately we understand your concerns and to take the therapeutic work into your everyday life. Treatment effectiveness relies heavily on the match between therapist and client. If it is not a positive match with me, I assist clients in finding your best match.
(919) 429-7291 View (919) 429-7291
Photo of Complement & Complete Biblical Counseling, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Raleigh, NC
Complement & Complete Biblical Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27602  (Online Only)
Complement & Complete is a virtual, mental health practice designed to help individuals overcome emotional roots that cause emotional, physical and spiritual pain.
Welcome to my practice! I'm Denetra Gary, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Maryland (LCSW-C), Indiana (LCSW), and North Carolina (LCSW). I'm a Christian-based counselor and use the Bible as my foundation. I have ten years of experience in the field of social work and mental health counseling. My therapeutic focus includes working with adults, teens, and children who struggle with anxiety, depression, and chronic disorganization. I'm confident and dedicated to helping you reach your goals.
Complement & Complete is a virtual, mental health practice designed to help individuals overcome emotional roots that cause emotional, physical and spiritual pain.
Welcome to my practice! I'm Denetra Gary, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Maryland (LCSW-C), Indiana (LCSW), and North Carolina (LCSW). I'm a Christian-based counselor and use the Bible as my foundation. I have ten years of experience in the field of social work and mental health counseling. My therapeutic focus includes working with adults, teens, and children who struggle with anxiety, depression, and chronic disorganization. I'm confident and dedicated to helping you reach your goals.
(301) 215-2887 View (301) 215-2887
Photo of Anderson Psychotherapy, PLLC, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Raleigh, NC
Anderson Psychotherapy, PLLC
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC, NCC, MA
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27601  (Online Only)
Grief, trauma and systemic oppression have increasingly become visible and universal experiences affecting individuals, couples, families and communities. I began my career working with the survivors of intimate partner violence and individuals/families grappling with cancer and death. These experiences have informed my practice working with individuals, couples and families dealing with loss, grief, trauma, anxiety/depression, major life changes, chronic illness, abuse and relational distress.
Grief, trauma and systemic oppression have increasingly become visible and universal experiences affecting individuals, couples, families and communities. I began my career working with the survivors of intimate partner violence and individuals/families grappling with cancer and death. These experiences have informed my practice working with individuals, couples and families dealing with loss, grief, trauma, anxiety/depression, major life changes, chronic illness, abuse and relational distress.
(919) 823-6654 View (919) 823-6654
Photo of Lisa Lavelle Bowen, Licensed Professional Counselor in Raleigh, NC
Lisa Lavelle Bowen
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27602  (Online Only)
My specialties: anxiety, stress, trauma, depression, illness, grief, relationship or family conflicts, parenting skills, anger management, work conflicts, ADHD or other problematic issues, bipolar disorder or other personality disorders.
My specialties are trauma, anxiety, depression. 21 yrs experience counseling adolescents, adults, couples and families. I do supportive listening, accepting, understanding and compassionate counseling to help problem solve together and cope to focus on healing. Kinds of therapy I do: CBT, DBT, REBT, Art therapy, Play therapy and Christian counseling. Experience: worked with World Trade Center 9/11 survivors, survivors of torture, in a psychiatric hospital, an outpatient clinic, as a clinical supervisor, as a school based therapist, counseled military, their spouses & children at bases in USA, Europe and Japan and private practice.
My specialties: anxiety, stress, trauma, depression, illness, grief, relationship or family conflicts, parenting skills, anger management, work conflicts, ADHD or other problematic issues, bipolar disorder or other personality disorders.
My specialties are trauma, anxiety, depression. 21 yrs experience counseling adolescents, adults, couples and families. I do supportive listening, accepting, understanding and compassionate counseling to help problem solve together and cope to focus on healing. Kinds of therapy I do: CBT, DBT, REBT, Art therapy, Play therapy and Christian counseling. Experience: worked with World Trade Center 9/11 survivors, survivors of torture, in a psychiatric hospital, an outpatient clinic, as a clinical supervisor, as a school based therapist, counseled military, their spouses & children at bases in USA, Europe and Japan and private practice.
(828) 360-8820 View (828) 360-8820
Photo of Anna-Kate Miller, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Raleigh, NC
Anna-Kate Miller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27603
I want to help you heal from events that caused you pain, guilt and shame.
There are many reasons people decide to start therapy. Are you overwhelmed? Having a hard time controlling your emotions? Feel lost or need help with a goal? Are you a mom who constantly feels guilt that you aren't good enough? Are you having relationship issues? Are you dealing with chronic pain or grief? Reaching takes strength and shows a persons desire to heal and improve. We all deserve a time for ourselves to feel heard, understood and supported while we work towards positive changes.
I want to help you heal from events that caused you pain, guilt and shame.
There are many reasons people decide to start therapy. Are you overwhelmed? Having a hard time controlling your emotions? Feel lost or need help with a goal? Are you a mom who constantly feels guilt that you aren't good enough? Are you having relationship issues? Are you dealing with chronic pain or grief? Reaching takes strength and shows a persons desire to heal and improve. We all deserve a time for ourselves to feel heard, understood and supported while we work towards positive changes.
(855) 697-6665 View (855) 697-6665
Photo of Savana Williams, Pre-Licensed Professional in Raleigh, NC
Savana Williams
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27601  (Online Only)
I have worked with those who are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and have experience in chronic pain/health psychology.
Accepting NEW clients! I know that finding a therapist can be an overwhelming process. I honor your courage and hope that I can provide a soft place for you to land. I aim to foster a safe, empowering, and collaborative space for my clients. Sometimes we find ourselves losing focus of our life's purpose. Together, we can help identify your values and incorporate them in your life. Through mindfulness practices and acceptance-based strategies, I can help you let go of what is no longer serving you. The ultimate goal for my clients is to decrease any areas of distress while pursuing your values and finding more meaning in your life.
I have worked with those who are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and have experience in chronic pain/health psychology.
Accepting NEW clients! I know that finding a therapist can be an overwhelming process. I honor your courage and hope that I can provide a soft place for you to land. I aim to foster a safe, empowering, and collaborative space for my clients. Sometimes we find ourselves losing focus of our life's purpose. Together, we can help identify your values and incorporate them in your life. Through mindfulness practices and acceptance-based strategies, I can help you let go of what is no longer serving you. The ultimate goal for my clients is to decrease any areas of distress while pursuing your values and finding more meaning in your life.
(828) 539-4408 View (828) 539-4408
Photo of Insight Family Center, LLC in Raleigh, NC
Insight Family Center, LLC
MA, LPC, LCAS-A
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27609
At Insight Family Center, LLC we provide premium psychiatry,mental health and substance abuse services. Our priority is to provide our clients with techniques that will assist them in obtaining their desired outcomes to reach their personal goals.
At Insight Family Center, LLC we provide premium psychiatry,mental health and substance abuse services. Our priority is to provide our clients with techniques that will assist them in obtaining their desired outcomes to reach their personal goals.
(919) 626-3979 View (919) 626-3979
Photo of Anna Machin, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Raleigh, NC
Anna Machin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-A
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27615  (Online Only)
I provide clinical therapy to children, adolescents adults and couples. I have experience working with families and children who are in crisis or going through major life transitions. I seek to support the individual in their development of identity. My therapeutic work has included: various forms of trauma, anxiety disorders, depression, borderline personality disorder, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, behavioral issues and those on the autism spectrum. I am passionate about helping my clients derive meaning, a deeper understanding of themselves, and healthy ways of coping through evidence based techniques and theories.
I provide clinical therapy to children, adolescents adults and couples. I have experience working with families and children who are in crisis or going through major life transitions. I seek to support the individual in their development of identity. My therapeutic work has included: various forms of trauma, anxiety disorders, depression, borderline personality disorder, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, behavioral issues and those on the autism spectrum. I am passionate about helping my clients derive meaning, a deeper understanding of themselves, and healthy ways of coping through evidence based techniques and theories.
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Photo of Martha Hope Rollins, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Raleigh, NC
Martha Hope Rollins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ACSW, PLLC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27603
As an experienced psychotherapist, I specialize in both brief and intensive therapies. I have expertise in working with individuals and couples with dysfunctional communication patterns. If you feel that you are caught in a loop of partners who do not meet your needs and deflate your feeling of self-worth. You may be an empath who finds yourself in a caretaking role for others. We will work together to understand the dance that keeps you in a one down relationship. I will help you do the hard work needed to make changes and feel a greater sense of well-being.
As an experienced psychotherapist, I specialize in both brief and intensive therapies. I have expertise in working with individuals and couples with dysfunctional communication patterns. If you feel that you are caught in a loop of partners who do not meet your needs and deflate your feeling of self-worth. You may be an empath who finds yourself in a caretaking role for others. We will work together to understand the dance that keeps you in a one down relationship. I will help you do the hard work needed to make changes and feel a greater sense of well-being.
(919) 443-5938 View (919) 443-5938
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 Allie Horton, Marriage & Family Therapist in Raleigh, NC
Allie Horton
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27601  (Online Only)
YOU are capable of finding joy and fulfillment! Being human is hard. Every person is capable of finding peace and happiness by facing our trauma (we all have it!) in the name of self-love and kindness to be better human beings.
YOU are capable of finding joy and fulfillment! Being human is hard. Every person is capable of finding peace and happiness by facing our trauma (we all have it!) in the name of self-love and kindness to be better human beings.
(984) 202-8043 View (984) 202-8043
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 Kirsten Newell-Marino, Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in Raleigh, NC
Kirsten Newell-Marino
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, MEd, LCMHC-A, NCC, AAT-I
Verified Verified
16 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27615  (Online Only)
I have always had an interest in not only how our minds, bodies, and spirits are connected, but also what takes place when an imbalance exists and then how to implore healing. I look at an individual through a holistic lens, and use this approach, when appropriate. A part of this holistic approach, I have the belief that as a part of the world and universe in which we live, that we are all, interconnected and operate as a part of a dynamic system. I am especially interested in how mindfulness practices, yoga, animals, and nature, might influence the ideas of acceptance and non-judgment, and overall, positively affect an individual.
I have always had an interest in not only how our minds, bodies, and spirits are connected, but also what takes place when an imbalance exists and then how to implore healing. I look at an individual through a holistic lens, and use this approach, when appropriate. A part of this holistic approach, I have the belief that as a part of the world and universe in which we live, that we are all, interconnected and operate as a part of a dynamic system. I am especially interested in how mindfulness practices, yoga, animals, and nature, might influence the ideas of acceptance and non-judgment, and overall, positively affect an individual.
(857) 816-7070 View (857) 816-7070
Photo of Michelle Chachkes, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Raleigh, NC
Michelle Chachkes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27615  (Online Only)
Accepting New Clients: "Life is a journey...Everyone needs a guide sometimes". Therapy is a a process where we work to uncover the conflicts in our lives and create the awareness to change our behaviors, Do you have a relationship that you are struggling with? or feeling angry and want to learn how to go with the flow? There are a lot of factors that create stress in our lives some we can't control but we can learn how to cope with it and change the things we do have control over. Together, we will determine your goals and explore the possible strategies that will help you feel successful on your journey.
Accepting New Clients: "Life is a journey...Everyone needs a guide sometimes". Therapy is a a process where we work to uncover the conflicts in our lives and create the awareness to change our behaviors, Do you have a relationship that you are struggling with? or feeling angry and want to learn how to go with the flow? There are a lot of factors that create stress in our lives some we can't control but we can learn how to cope with it and change the things we do have control over. Together, we will determine your goals and explore the possible strategies that will help you feel successful on your journey.
(919) 504-5751 View (919) 504-5751
Photo of Allison Grubbs, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Raleigh, NC
Allison Grubbs
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCAS, CCS, CDWF, RYT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27607
My journey to becoming a therapist started in an art room. I attended NCSU's College of Design, which led to teaching high school art for several years. Teaching allowed me to find my calling as a therapist and consultant. I graduated from the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Social work in 2008, and have since pursued Certifications in Addictions, Self-Compassion, & the work of Dr. Brené Brown. I also have specific training in Emotionally Focused Individual and Family Therapy which is based on attachment theory as well as AEDP, an experiential therapy model that helps heal trauma through corrective emotional experiences.
My journey to becoming a therapist started in an art room. I attended NCSU's College of Design, which led to teaching high school art for several years. Teaching allowed me to find my calling as a therapist and consultant. I graduated from the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Social work in 2008, and have since pursued Certifications in Addictions, Self-Compassion, & the work of Dr. Brené Brown. I also have specific training in Emotionally Focused Individual and Family Therapy which is based on attachment theory as well as AEDP, an experiential therapy model that helps heal trauma through corrective emotional experiences.
(919) 666-3451 View (919) 666-3451

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.