Photo of Linda Sue Fuller, Counselor in Smithfield, NC
Linda Sue Fuller
Counselor, LCMHC, LCASA, NCC
Verified Verified
Smithfield, NC 27577  (Online Only)
My clients can expect an environment free of judgment, full of understanding and empathy, where they can face the challenges that they have in a supportive environment. My personal background allows me to look at client issues from a different view and offer real world healing that meets the client where they are. My client’s come from various backgrounds, but all seeking to better understand themselves and a better way of coping. Because I’m seeing clients virtually, they feel freer to share more intimate and personal concerns that might be harder to talk about in person.
My clients can expect an environment free of judgment, full of understanding and empathy, where they can face the challenges that they have in a supportive environment. My personal background allows me to look at client issues from a different view and offer real world healing that meets the client where they are. My client’s come from various backgrounds, but all seeking to better understand themselves and a better way of coping. Because I’m seeing clients virtually, they feel freer to share more intimate and personal concerns that might be harder to talk about in person.
(984) 538-9332 View (984) 538-9332
Photo of Jennifer L Harrell, Counselor in Smithfield, 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 Kerin E Cornett, Counselor in Smithfield, NC
Kerin E Cornett
Counselor, MA, LCMHCA, NCC
Verified Verified
Smithfield, NC 27577
Navigating life's journey can be overwhelming. For over twenty years, it has been my privilege to meet people where they are and partner with them in difficult seasons. It is my experience that having someone to share your burdens can often provide healing and the courage to seek physical, mental, and spiritual wellness.
Navigating life's journey can be overwhelming. For over twenty years, it has been my privilege to meet people where they are and partner with them in difficult seasons. It is my experience that having someone to share your burdens can often provide healing and the courage to seek physical, mental, and spiritual wellness.
(919) 799-2265 View (919) 799-2265
Photo of Lauren Fail, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Smithfield, NC
Lauren Fail
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MS, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Smithfield, NC 27577  (Online Only)
Is life getting to be a bit too much to handle? The balance may seem off and emotions coming up out of nowhere? You’re not alone and there can be relief! Now is the perfect time to deal with any part of life that's been suppressed because inner feelings are likely surfacing. I’m here to help you find peace in your current situation and let go of what you cannot control. You can have joy, renewal in your family, relationships with others, and relationship with yourself.
Is life getting to be a bit too much to handle? The balance may seem off and emotions coming up out of nowhere? You’re not alone and there can be relief! Now is the perfect time to deal with any part of life that's been suppressed because inner feelings are likely surfacing. I’m here to help you find peace in your current situation and let go of what you cannot control. You can have joy, renewal in your family, relationships with others, and relationship with yourself.
(984) 205-4247 View (984) 205-4247
Photo of Johnston Integrative Counseling, PLLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Smithfield, NC
Johnston Integrative Counseling, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, GC-C
Verified Verified
Smithfield, NC 27577
Not accepting new clients
If you have been through a serious loss or the death of someone you love, you know that there is no easy fix for grief. And time alone does NOT heal all wounds. Talk therapy can help. Integrative grief therapy takes talk therapy to the next level. Integrative means bringing all the pieces together to create something whole. This specialized type of therapy addresses your unique experience of grief and loss, and how it has affected all aspects of your life: Past, present, future, body, mind, and spirit.
If you have been through a serious loss or the death of someone you love, you know that there is no easy fix for grief. And time alone does NOT heal all wounds. Talk therapy can help. Integrative grief therapy takes talk therapy to the next level. Integrative means bringing all the pieces together to create something whole. This specialized type of therapy addresses your unique experience of grief and loss, and how it has affected all aspects of your life: Past, present, future, body, mind, and spirit.
(919) 912-5736 View (919) 912-5736

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Patricia J. Tuohy in Smithfield, NC
Patricia J. Tuohy
MS, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Selma, NC 27576  (Online Only)
Hello and thank you for visiting my page! I am so happy you decided to take the most difficult step and reach out for support! I wish more people realized that they didn’t have to continue to live day to day struggling to make it through. People usually come to me because they are experiencing anxiety, panic, sleeplessness, depression and perhaps other symptoms like flashbacks or nightmares. Their relationships are suffering and they are having a difficult time functioning at home and work. Most times, they have been feeling this way for so long that they can’t imagine a life of feeling peaceful, calm and happy.
Hello and thank you for visiting my page! I am so happy you decided to take the most difficult step and reach out for support! I wish more people realized that they didn’t have to continue to live day to day struggling to make it through. People usually come to me because they are experiencing anxiety, panic, sleeplessness, depression and perhaps other symptoms like flashbacks or nightmares. Their relationships are suffering and they are having a difficult time functioning at home and work. Most times, they have been feeling this way for so long that they can’t imagine a life of feeling peaceful, calm and happy.
(919) 648-1494 x1 View (919) 648-1494 x1
Photo of Sarah Honald, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Smithfield, NC
Sarah Honald
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Clayton, NC 27527  (Online Only)
My clinical specialization is assisting people struggling with unresolved issues and trauma. I work with a variety of issues, including but not limited to challenges related to relationship distress, stress, self-esteem, mood, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other issues.
My clinical specialization is assisting people struggling with unresolved issues and trauma. I work with a variety of issues, including but not limited to challenges related to relationship distress, stress, self-esteem, mood, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other issues.
(919) 899-2508 View (919) 899-2508
Photo of Animal Assisted Therapy of the Triangle, PC, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Smithfield, NC
Animal Assisted Therapy of the Triangle, PC
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC, LCAS-A, DCC
Verified Verified
Clayton, NC 27527
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

Online Therapists

Photo of Kerrie Walters, Pre-Licensed Professional in Smithfield, NC
Kerrie Walters
Pre-Licensed Professional, LCSWA, CEAP
Verified Verified
Fuquay Varina, NC 27526  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in chronic illness, pain and autoimmune, as well as woman's issues.
My goal as an integrated clinician is to treat the whole person. When you feel like nobody knows what you’re going through, sharing your feelings with someone who truly gets it can make all the difference. I’ll help you make sense of your experiences and feel more optimistic about the future.
I specialize in chronic illness, pain and autoimmune, as well as woman's issues.
My goal as an integrated clinician is to treat the whole person. When you feel like nobody knows what you’re going through, sharing your feelings with someone who truly gets it can make all the difference. I’ll help you make sense of your experiences and feel more optimistic about the future.
(984) 249-3156 View (984) 249-3156
Photo of Anne Mauldin, Psychologist in Smithfield, NC
Anne Mauldin
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Greenville, NC 27858
Such issues include: Depression, anxiety, health issues (stress, pain management, smoking cessation, obesity), divorce recovery (for adults and children), adoption, low self-esteem, abuse survivors, PTSD, ADHD, grief, couples problems and psychological testing.
My goal as a psychologist is to increase self-awareness and create positive change in a nonjudgmental environment. Psychotherapy can relieve emotional distress, improve one's quality of life, help process painful events and increase self-awareness. Unfortunately many people are conflicted about the decision to get help and may see psychotherapy as a sign of weakness. It has been my experience that people who are unhappy for whatever reason and choose to go to psychotherapy are being assertive, healthy, and courageous in the handling of their problems.
Such issues include: Depression, anxiety, health issues (stress, pain management, smoking cessation, obesity), divorce recovery (for adults and children), adoption, low self-esteem, abuse survivors, PTSD, ADHD, grief, couples problems and psychological testing.
My goal as a psychologist is to increase self-awareness and create positive change in a nonjudgmental environment. Psychotherapy can relieve emotional distress, improve one's quality of life, help process painful events and increase self-awareness. Unfortunately many people are conflicted about the decision to get help and may see psychotherapy as a sign of weakness. It has been my experience that people who are unhappy for whatever reason and choose to go to psychotherapy are being assertive, healthy, and courageous in the handling of their problems.
(252) 455-9998 View (252) 455-9998
Photo of Becky Shaffer, Counselor in Smithfield, 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 Wake Forest Peace of Mind, PLLC in Smithfield, NC
Wake Forest Peace of Mind, PLLC
MS, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wake Forest, NC 27587
I've worked at the Miami VA, Cambridge (Massachusetts) public high school, chronic pain clinic, older adult and community mental health clinic, and now in private practice since 1998.
You are not alone.. You have options.. You can make healthy changes to give you peace of mind. P.O.M. sessions are conducted in a gentle, honest, down-to-earth, and resourceful way. My 20+ years of experience treating couples, adults, and kids help me to better clarify your challenge(s), identify options, and share strategies for change. Approach: Cognitive behavioral. Experienced, trained, interested in treating these challenges: Relationship/marital, adoption, military, depression, anxiety, panic, stress, anger, parenting, chronic pain, and life transitions (menopause, relocation, divorce). See: WFPeaceofMind.com
I've worked at the Miami VA, Cambridge (Massachusetts) public high school, chronic pain clinic, older adult and community mental health clinic, and now in private practice since 1998.
You are not alone.. You have options.. You can make healthy changes to give you peace of mind. P.O.M. sessions are conducted in a gentle, honest, down-to-earth, and resourceful way. My 20+ years of experience treating couples, adults, and kids help me to better clarify your challenge(s), identify options, and share strategies for change. Approach: Cognitive behavioral. Experienced, trained, interested in treating these challenges: Relationship/marital, adoption, military, depression, anxiety, panic, stress, anger, parenting, chronic pain, and life transitions (menopause, relocation, divorce). See: WFPeaceofMind.com
(919) 249-7192 View (919) 249-7192
Photo of Courtney Howard Ind. Contractor @ Deep Connections Counseling in Smithfield, NC
Courtney Howard Ind. Contractor @ Deep Connections Counseling
MS, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, NC 27889  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Life can be…a bit of a rollercoaster at times and can often feel unmanageable. If you find yourself becoming bogged down by life’s twists and turns, I’m here to help! My name is Courtney Howard and I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in the state of North Carolina. My mission is to provide a safe space for you to explore, repair, and grow. Taking the steps to begin a counseling journey isn’t easy and I’m proud of you for searching for a therapist to fit your needs. Are you stressed, depressed, anxious, suffering with illness, grieving, or struggling with mood? Then I may be the perfect fit for you!
Life can be…a bit of a rollercoaster at times and can often feel unmanageable. If you find yourself becoming bogged down by life’s twists and turns, I’m here to help! My name is Courtney Howard and I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in the state of North Carolina. My mission is to provide a safe space for you to explore, repair, and grow. Taking the steps to begin a counseling journey isn’t easy and I’m proud of you for searching for a therapist to fit your needs. Are you stressed, depressed, anxious, suffering with illness, grieving, or struggling with mood? Then I may be the perfect fit for you!
(252) 486-5072 View (252) 486-5072
Photo of Kimberly Lillig, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Smithfield, 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 Jasmine Cope, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Smithfield, NC
Jasmine Cope
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Apex, NC 27539  (Online Only)
With compassion and understanding you can sit with pain, distress or contemplate hard decisions to reach balance, fulfillment and peace.
I am here to help you seek balance, feel better, or reach that next level of life gratification, You've already taken the first step by being here. Yes, things can and do get better, sometimes it's change, sometimes it's reflection, and sometimes it's a power within you that heels the heart and opens the mind to the core of the issue and to the possibilities beyond it.
With compassion and understanding you can sit with pain, distress or contemplate hard decisions to reach balance, fulfillment and peace.
I am here to help you seek balance, feel better, or reach that next level of life gratification, You've already taken the first step by being here. Yes, things can and do get better, sometimes it's change, sometimes it's reflection, and sometimes it's a power within you that heels the heart and opens the mind to the core of the issue and to the possibilities beyond it.
(984) 203-9593 View (984) 203-9593
Photo of Jade Spielman, Marriage & Family Therapist in Smithfield, NC
Jade Spielman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Greensboro, NC 27407
Whether it is the loss of a person, loss of a job, or loss of a dream that you had once hoped for; I am trained and dedicated to providing a safe and compassionate space to process the phases of loss. I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families on a variety of issues, with concentrations and specializations in grief and loss therapy, as well as the postpartum phases of life and pregnancy/infant loss. In addition, I work clients with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, stress management, trauma, chronic illness, abuse, phase of life issues, marital/couple conflict and divorce.
Whether it is the loss of a person, loss of a job, or loss of a dream that you had once hoped for; I am trained and dedicated to providing a safe and compassionate space to process the phases of loss. I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families on a variety of issues, with concentrations and specializations in grief and loss therapy, as well as the postpartum phases of life and pregnancy/infant loss. In addition, I work clients with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, stress management, trauma, chronic illness, abuse, phase of life issues, marital/couple conflict and divorce.
(336) 530-5046 View (336) 530-5046
Photo of Lauren Morales, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Smithfield, NC
Lauren Morales
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Wilmington, NC 28403  (Online Only)
I offer individual therapy to address various mental health concerns including survivorship, grief, adjustment to change, chronic illness, PTSD, & anxiety/depression.
Have you found yourself lying in bed awake at 2am your thoughts spinning? Maybe you've just gotten news from your doctor and you feel flooded with overwhelm or fear. Perhaps you are feeling lost, fuzzy, and numb after losing someone (or something) that you really loved. If you've found yourself in these situations you likely find it difficult to relate to others who just don't "get it." You probably avoid situations that bring a sense of dread and battle with feelings of hopeless/helplessness. You may even struggle with trusting your body. I know how difficult it is to ask for help, but I am so glad you are here.
I offer individual therapy to address various mental health concerns including survivorship, grief, adjustment to change, chronic illness, PTSD, & anxiety/depression.
Have you found yourself lying in bed awake at 2am your thoughts spinning? Maybe you've just gotten news from your doctor and you feel flooded with overwhelm or fear. Perhaps you are feeling lost, fuzzy, and numb after losing someone (or something) that you really loved. If you've found yourself in these situations you likely find it difficult to relate to others who just don't "get it." You probably avoid situations that bring a sense of dread and battle with feelings of hopeless/helplessness. You may even struggle with trusting your body. I know how difficult it is to ask for help, but I am so glad you are here.
(910) 519-8262 View (910) 519-8262
Photo of Casey Berna, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Smithfield, NC
Casey Berna
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSWA
Verified Verified
Wilmington, NC 28403
Often our emotional and physical pain gets dismissed and we can go years suffering, normalizing our distress.
In my clinical practice, I utilize a strengths-based approach to support clients and integrate different therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy and mindfulness. I work with teens and adults who come to therapy for a variety of reasons. Anxiety, depression, grief, burn out, and relationship challenges all can have a significant impact on daily life. I offers tools to manage these feelings, while also providing a space to process trauma, set boundaries, and help clients feel validated and unstuck.
Often our emotional and physical pain gets dismissed and we can go years suffering, normalizing our distress.
In my clinical practice, I utilize a strengths-based approach to support clients and integrate different therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy and mindfulness. I work with teens and adults who come to therapy for a variety of reasons. Anxiety, depression, grief, burn out, and relationship challenges all can have a significant impact on daily life. I offers tools to manage these feelings, while also providing a space to process trauma, set boundaries, and help clients feel validated and unstuck.
(910) 537-2920 View (910) 537-2920
Photo of Char Boyette, Drug & Alcohol Counselor in Smithfield, NC
Char Boyette
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, LCAS, EMDRIA, CCS, MDiv, JD
Verified Verified
Winterville, NC 28590
I am a person on the journey of wellness myself so I can empathize with the pain of feeling isolated and misunderstood, stuck in old patterns and unable to break unhelpful cycles of abuse, trauma, poverty, addictions, and multiple mental health challenges.
Everyone's story is unique and every person deserves an individualized approach to their problems. Initially we will complete an assessment. Then we become partners in your therapeutic journey. If you have been suffering alone or found past attempts unsatisfactory, please contact me. The therapeutic relationship we develop will be the cornerstone of your wellness journey. I will do everything I can to support you in feeling safe and respected to share. I strive to provide a setting that will allows you to do this. I am open to your input and welcome your feedback as we progress on the path of your renewed happiness.
I am a person on the journey of wellness myself so I can empathize with the pain of feeling isolated and misunderstood, stuck in old patterns and unable to break unhelpful cycles of abuse, trauma, poverty, addictions, and multiple mental health challenges.
Everyone's story is unique and every person deserves an individualized approach to their problems. Initially we will complete an assessment. Then we become partners in your therapeutic journey. If you have been suffering alone or found past attempts unsatisfactory, please contact me. The therapeutic relationship we develop will be the cornerstone of your wellness journey. I will do everything I can to support you in feeling safe and respected to share. I strive to provide a setting that will allows you to do this. I am open to your input and welcome your feedback as we progress on the path of your renewed happiness.
(910) 634-6171 View (910) 634-6171
Photo of Tiffany Rogers, Licensed Professional Counselor in Smithfield, NC
Tiffany Rogers
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHCS, LCASA, NCC, TF-CBT
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27612
However, what I can do is stand with you in your pain while we get through it together! I can guarantee you that I will provide you with professional counseling without judgment but with empathy and compassion .
Ever felt alone, rejected or misunderstood? Or simply just felt overwhelmed with many obstacles coming at once? If you have, you are not the only one, nor are you in this by yourself. In fact, I believe that it is my duty and my obligation to give you support and help you realize that there is a way to get your life back, to become a better you! Regardless if it is addiction, depression, anxiety or just overall life- you can overcome whatever you are facing with the right tools , skills and support.
However, what I can do is stand with you in your pain while we get through it together! I can guarantee you that I will provide you with professional counseling without judgment but with empathy and compassion .
Ever felt alone, rejected or misunderstood? Or simply just felt overwhelmed with many obstacles coming at once? If you have, you are not the only one, nor are you in this by yourself. In fact, I believe that it is my duty and my obligation to give you support and help you realize that there is a way to get your life back, to become a better you! Regardless if it is addiction, depression, anxiety or just overall life- you can overcome whatever you are facing with the right tools , skills and support.
(984) 207-3267 View (984) 207-3267
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.