Therapists in Stokes County, NC
Deidre Montgomery
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSWA
Verified Verified
King, NC 27021
Outside of my focus areas, I have experience working with bipolar disorder, substance use, depression, grief, trauma, borderline personality disorder, chronic illness/pain, children, teens, young adults, older adults, and low-income.
Seeking therapeutic counseling can be challenging for any number of reasons, from being ready to take the first step on your mental health journey to finding a therapist that's right for you. Wherever you are on your path, I aim to provide a comforting, non-judgmental environment where you feel heard, valued, and comfortable being yourself. Therapy is collaborative work with your goals as the focus. The number of different therapeutic treatments out there may be overwhelming, but I can help you find what works. No matter who you are, I will work with you to reach your next step and grow while you decide what we are working towards.
Outside of my focus areas, I have experience working with bipolar disorder, substance use, depression, grief, trauma, borderline personality disorder, chronic illness/pain, children, teens, young adults, older adults, and low-income.
Seeking therapeutic counseling can be challenging for any number of reasons, from being ready to take the first step on your mental health journey to finding a therapist that's right for you. Wherever you are on your path, I aim to provide a comforting, non-judgmental environment where you feel heard, valued, and comfortable being yourself. Therapy is collaborative work with your goals as the focus. The number of different therapeutic treatments out there may be overwhelming, but I can help you find what works. No matter who you are, I will work with you to reach your next step and grow while you decide what we are working towards.
Online Therapists
Olivia Sessions
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28204 (Online Only)
At Beyond the Mask, I encourage clients to move forward, be free from toxic thought patterns, and unmask the hidden layers of pain, fear, shame, grief, despair, and hopelessness, schedule your appointment today.
Often times we approach a point in life where we just need to reset. Have you experienced difficulty moving forward, being accepted or finding your way in new spaces? Do you find yourself with racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, and consistent overthinking. Do you need to learn how to set safe boundaries and walk in a path full of promise? Are you ready to break free from toxic thought patterns and negative self-talk? Do you want to embrace and believe the statement "I am enough"? If anxiety, fear, depression, or shame have been thoughts you've had over the past month. It's time for change and change starts here.
At Beyond the Mask, I encourage clients to move forward, be free from toxic thought patterns, and unmask the hidden layers of pain, fear, shame, grief, despair, and hopelessness, schedule your appointment today.
Often times we approach a point in life where we just need to reset. Have you experienced difficulty moving forward, being accepted or finding your way in new spaces? Do you find yourself with racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, and consistent overthinking. Do you need to learn how to set safe boundaries and walk in a path full of promise? Are you ready to break free from toxic thought patterns and negative self-talk? Do you want to embrace and believe the statement "I am enough"? If anxiety, fear, depression, or shame have been thoughts you've had over the past month. It's time for change and change starts here.
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.
Christine Wisdom
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LCMHC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Davidson, NC 28036
I have a special interest in exploring the connection between the emotional, physical and spiritual dimensions as they relate to pain and illness.
I work with individuals and couples by listening to their stories, helping them to find meaning out of life's experiences and working together to rewrite the stories of their lives. I journey with individuals to heal past wounds and move towards wholeness. I have worked with women in life transitions to find a greater sense of self and with men with past struggles with addiction to discover a new direction for their lives. I work with men, women and teens who struggle with anxiety, depression and family conflict to work on setting boundaries with others and caring for the self.
I have a special interest in exploring the connection between the emotional, physical and spiritual dimensions as they relate to pain and illness.
I work with individuals and couples by listening to their stories, helping them to find meaning out of life's experiences and working together to rewrite the stories of their lives. I journey with individuals to heal past wounds and move towards wholeness. I have worked with women in life transitions to find a greater sense of self and with men with past struggles with addiction to discover a new direction for their lives. I work with men, women and teens who struggle with anxiety, depression and family conflict to work on setting boundaries with others and caring for the self.
Michael James Berens
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
Greensboro, NC 27401
I specifically like to work with couples, adults, parents, every type of relationship from friendships to the more complex, those in chronic pain, and those who are departing some sort of religious group who are looking for identity and community.
Have you ever felt like your body was reacting in ways you did not want it to? Perhaps you feel uneasy around unexpected things. Maybe your gut is telling you something and you just need some confirmation. I believe we find answers and direction when we sit with someone who takes the time to listen and see. It is not easy to show up and vulnerably talk to someone. I personally know the hard work it takes to look inward, spend time wondering what is going on, and make the inner adjustments so that life does not feel like it's crashing over us.
I specifically like to work with couples, adults, parents, every type of relationship from friendships to the more complex, those in chronic pain, and those who are departing some sort of religious group who are looking for identity and community.
Have you ever felt like your body was reacting in ways you did not want it to? Perhaps you feel uneasy around unexpected things. Maybe your gut is telling you something and you just need some confirmation. I believe we find answers and direction when we sit with someone who takes the time to listen and see. It is not easy to show up and vulnerably talk to someone. I personally know the hard work it takes to look inward, spend time wondering what is going on, and make the inner adjustments so that life does not feel like it's crashing over us.
Nancy E Arnold
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28204
I work with adult individuals/couples presenting with relationship issues describing symptoms of anxiety, anger, infidelity, depression, addiction, chronic illness/pain, grief, shame, low self-worth.
Do your relationships repeat the same frustrating cycles? Are you consistently feeling frustrated, angry or confused? Are you trying, to no avail, to be what you have always learned was "right" in relationships? What you believe about yourself and others influences the majority of your choices. Those feelings of hurt and frustration in relationships, often result in questions like "why?" and "what next?". I work with my clients to explore those feelings, attempting to uncover past and present patterns and beliefs influencing how you show up. Your work with me will move toward finding authenticity, truth and healing.
I work with adult individuals/couples presenting with relationship issues describing symptoms of anxiety, anger, infidelity, depression, addiction, chronic illness/pain, grief, shame, low self-worth.
Do your relationships repeat the same frustrating cycles? Are you consistently feeling frustrated, angry or confused? Are you trying, to no avail, to be what you have always learned was "right" in relationships? What you believe about yourself and others influences the majority of your choices. Those feelings of hurt and frustration in relationships, often result in questions like "why?" and "what next?". I work with my clients to explore those feelings, attempting to uncover past and present patterns and beliefs influencing how you show up. Your work with me will move toward finding authenticity, truth and healing.
Shelly Luttman Phelps
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28204
Have you faced struggles with depression and anxiety possibly due to illness, family conflict, loss, work or relationship issues? Has it been difficult for you to cope with and overcome these emotions on your own? If so, you’re not alone. We all need support from time to time, yet many of us may not feel comfortable asking for help or sharing intimate details with friends or family. Within my practice, you will find a safe & nonjudgmental environment where we can explore these obstacles together, help you heal from your pain, and move forward to where you want to be in life.
Have you faced struggles with depression and anxiety possibly due to illness, family conflict, loss, work or relationship issues? Has it been difficult for you to cope with and overcome these emotions on your own? If so, you’re not alone. We all need support from time to time, yet many of us may not feel comfortable asking for help or sharing intimate details with friends or family. Within my practice, you will find a safe & nonjudgmental environment where we can explore these obstacles together, help you heal from your pain, and move forward to where you want to be in life.
Sister WELLS Counseling, Coaching & Consulting
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, PhD, LCMHC-S, LCAS, CRC, CCS
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28262 (Online Only)
We've worked with patients living with chronic pain, chronic diseases (Diabetes, Hypertension, HIV/AIDS, Lupus, Sickle Cell), perinatal mental health concerns, anxiety, depression and those needing career/vocational coaching.
We give so much of ourselves to our jobs, families, friends and more that we often lose ourselves and focus on the daily struggle of just surviving. Becoming overwhelmed or feeling anxious, depressed, scared or even angry, may stop you from reaching your full potential. We believe that the value of your health goes beyond just your physical health. We have a passion for helping others to find their voice, passion, and to create a healthier reality than their present state. We provide Teletherapy & Coaching services. Therapy services are provided by a Four Therapists & Coaching services by Drs. Watkins, Elbert & Blumell.
We've worked with patients living with chronic pain, chronic diseases (Diabetes, Hypertension, HIV/AIDS, Lupus, Sickle Cell), perinatal mental health concerns, anxiety, depression and those needing career/vocational coaching.
We give so much of ourselves to our jobs, families, friends and more that we often lose ourselves and focus on the daily struggle of just surviving. Becoming overwhelmed or feeling anxious, depressed, scared or even angry, may stop you from reaching your full potential. We believe that the value of your health goes beyond just your physical health. We have a passion for helping others to find their voice, passion, and to create a healthier reality than their present state. We provide Teletherapy & Coaching services. Therapy services are provided by a Four Therapists & Coaching services by Drs. Watkins, Elbert & Blumell.
Kelsey S. Crowe
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCAS, CCS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28226 (Online Only)
I believe we must face our fears, doubts, and pain with compassion.
“Tell me, What is it that you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” –Mary Oliver I am licensed in NC, SC and VA. I hold tight to the experience and belief that we already have the answers within us. I want my clients to not only survive the things that challenge them the most, but to thrive and fall in love with their life. I love the process of supporting people in reconnecting to themselves, especially during times of life’s inevitable transitions. You may find yourself separating, becoming a parent, experiencing grief and loss, or beginning to shift your identity. Growth is never easy.
I believe we must face our fears, doubts, and pain with compassion.
“Tell me, What is it that you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” –Mary Oliver I am licensed in NC, SC and VA. I hold tight to the experience and belief that we already have the answers within us. I want my clients to not only survive the things that challenge them the most, but to thrive and fall in love with their life. I love the process of supporting people in reconnecting to themselves, especially during times of life’s inevitable transitions. You may find yourself separating, becoming a parent, experiencing grief and loss, or beginning to shift your identity. Growth is never easy.
Maruka Rivers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CCTP, CDBT
Verified Verified
Greensboro, NC 27408 (Online Only)
Greetings, I am sure our paths have not crossed by accident. I'm curious to see where this journey will lead .Maybe right now you're deep in your feelings, feeling sad or numb, wishing to feel JOY again... or just feel anything but this. Maybe you've experienced trauma and it plays over and over again, the pain or fear won't go away. Maybe you're struggling with relationships, situationships, friendships, or family connections. Maybe you're worried all the time and you just can't relax. Maybe you've wished Iyanla would just come fix your life!!
Greetings, I am sure our paths have not crossed by accident. I'm curious to see where this journey will lead .Maybe right now you're deep in your feelings, feeling sad or numb, wishing to feel JOY again... or just feel anything but this. Maybe you've experienced trauma and it plays over and over again, the pain or fear won't go away. Maybe you're struggling with relationships, situationships, friendships, or family connections. Maybe you're worried all the time and you just can't relax. Maybe you've wished Iyanla would just come fix your life!!
Chayah Stoneberg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LMSW, MS, MA, LPC-A
Verified Verified
Butner, NC 27509
When emotional pain, anxiety, and fear undermine confidence that life will ever be free of suffering, remember that the solutions to life's problems are within reach.
If you are going through difficult times and feeling emotionally distressed without enough support, know that you are not alone. Having the help of a skilled and confidential therapist can help you regain a sense of balance and well-being. As a therapist, my aim is to support you on your journey to becoming your best self. If you are reading this, know that you have already taken the first step towards healing. Let's work together towards your goals and finding new meaning in your path forward.
When emotional pain, anxiety, and fear undermine confidence that life will ever be free of suffering, remember that the solutions to life's problems are within reach.
If you are going through difficult times and feeling emotionally distressed without enough support, know that you are not alone. Having the help of a skilled and confidential therapist can help you regain a sense of balance and well-being. As a therapist, my aim is to support you on your journey to becoming your best self. If you are reading this, know that you have already taken the first step towards healing. Let's work together towards your goals and finding new meaning in your path forward.
Valarie Anne Snell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
High Point, NC 27265
Waitlist for new clients
At my office, I hope to make sure all feel welcome. I want my clients to know that I hear you and I see you; your pain matters. Brutality at the hands of others is hard to process, but I hope we can go on that journey together. I specialize in trauma recovery, but also treat a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, relationship problems, and more severe disorders. I work with my client to find what therapy methods work best for her/him/them, as we are all different individuals with different needs.
At my office, I hope to make sure all feel welcome. I want my clients to know that I hear you and I see you; your pain matters. Brutality at the hands of others is hard to process, but I hope we can go on that journey together. I specialize in trauma recovery, but also treat a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, relationship problems, and more severe disorders. I work with my client to find what therapy methods work best for her/him/them, as we are all different individuals with different needs.
Sandra Painter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27704
Are you feeling overwhelmed, confused, down, or struggling in relationships with family, friends or significant others? Are you experiencing loss or dealing with chronic illness in you or a family member? We all face a variety of challenging situations, emotions relationships and events. I believe there are times people may want to clarify their thinking about a problem or take their management of a life challenge up a notch. I believe my job is to support people’s efforts to do that by listening and assisting people in leveraging their strengths.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, confused, down, or struggling in relationships with family, friends or significant others? Are you experiencing loss or dealing with chronic illness in you or a family member? We all face a variety of challenging situations, emotions relationships and events. I believe there are times people may want to clarify their thinking about a problem or take their management of a life challenge up a notch. I believe my job is to support people’s efforts to do that by listening and assisting people in leveraging their strengths.
Kristin Kirk
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Davidson, NC 28036
Working with individuals, couples and families, my work integrates Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral, and Family Systems therapy with Mindfulness Based Interventions to treat a variety of issues including depression, stress and anxiety, grief, addiction/co-addiction, relationship issues, identity and esteem, trauma, chronic illness, life transitions and spirituality.
Do you feel anxious, lost or alone? Is it difficult for you to share your feelings with others? Do you long for more love, joy and meaning in your life and relationships? Do you feel so busy taking care of others that you have neglected yourself? Would you like to experience more freedom, connection and passion?
Psychotherapy is an effective, dynamic, interpersonal experience that can help transform your life and relationships. Using an interactive, sincere and supportive style, frustrating patterns can be unraveled to create more satisfaction, pleasure and balance in your life.
Working with individuals, couples and families, my work integrates Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral, and Family Systems therapy with Mindfulness Based Interventions to treat a variety of issues including depression, stress and anxiety, grief, addiction/co-addiction, relationship issues, identity and esteem, trauma, chronic illness, life transitions and spirituality.
Do you feel anxious, lost or alone? Is it difficult for you to share your feelings with others? Do you long for more love, joy and meaning in your life and relationships? Do you feel so busy taking care of others that you have neglected yourself? Would you like to experience more freedom, connection and passion?
Psychotherapy is an effective, dynamic, interpersonal experience that can help transform your life and relationships. Using an interactive, sincere and supportive style, frustrating patterns can be unraveled to create more satisfaction, pleasure and balance in your life.
Bethany Wichman-Buescher
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27707
Do you feel inundated with self-critical thoughts, or perhaps you experience a sense of emptiness and separateness? Are you unfulfilled with the relationships in your life, or wish you had more connections? Sometimes all the time we spend thinking and doing makes us miss important messages from our body about what we are feeling and needing. We then feel confused, anxious, or distracted. Unfortunately, we often learn from an early age to ignore our feelings and our bodies, which leads us to feel a lingering sense of shame, disconnection from others, and even physical pain and illness.
Do you feel inundated with self-critical thoughts, or perhaps you experience a sense of emptiness and separateness? Are you unfulfilled with the relationships in your life, or wish you had more connections? Sometimes all the time we spend thinking and doing makes us miss important messages from our body about what we are feeling and needing. We then feel confused, anxious, or distracted. Unfortunately, we often learn from an early age to ignore our feelings and our bodies, which leads us to feel a lingering sense of shame, disconnection from others, and even physical pain and illness.
Gina Roberts
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, PhD, LCMHC, RYT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27612
Recognizing that not all of one’s deepest pain and longing is merely personal, but arises in relationship to the bias, prejudice, and privilege of the dominant culture, I am committed to honoring the dignity, diversity, courage, and shared humanity of all who seek my services.
Whether hope or discouragement bring you to this site, it is my privilege to offer you a sanctuary of solace, deep listening, and confidential guidance. Maybe you feel stuck or directionless? Are you needing support and guidance through a life transition, grief, illness, a troubled relationship, spiritual crisis or broken dreams? Whatever your concerns -- past or present, large or small, clear or vaguely defined, personal or interpersonal -- our experience together is designed to help you discover the inherent possibility, healing & change available to you as you embrace life more fully from the wisdom of who you truly are.
Recognizing that not all of one’s deepest pain and longing is merely personal, but arises in relationship to the bias, prejudice, and privilege of the dominant culture, I am committed to honoring the dignity, diversity, courage, and shared humanity of all who seek my services.
Whether hope or discouragement bring you to this site, it is my privilege to offer you a sanctuary of solace, deep listening, and confidential guidance. Maybe you feel stuck or directionless? Are you needing support and guidance through a life transition, grief, illness, a troubled relationship, spiritual crisis or broken dreams? Whatever your concerns -- past or present, large or small, clear or vaguely defined, personal or interpersonal -- our experience together is designed to help you discover the inherent possibility, healing & change available to you as you embrace life more fully from the wisdom of who you truly are.
Christi Bemister, PsyD, PLLC
Psychologist
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 (Online Only)
I am a trauma informed therapist, with 30+ years’ experience, my own healing journey, and clinical education focused on chronic pain & illness.
I invite you to a safe and compassionate space to untangle and release difficulties that interfere with your quality or functioning in life. Taking a look at hurts can help normalize and clarify confusing or negative behavior, thoughts, and emotions to integrate past experiences. Embodiment, mindfulness, and somatic experiential practices lead you to gain physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. These practical techniques, along with education, and therapeutic processing will guide you along your path to integrated health and the resilience needed to manage the most stressful circumstances. You become your own best friend.
I am a trauma informed therapist, with 30+ years’ experience, my own healing journey, and clinical education focused on chronic pain & illness.
I invite you to a safe and compassionate space to untangle and release difficulties that interfere with your quality or functioning in life. Taking a look at hurts can help normalize and clarify confusing or negative behavior, thoughts, and emotions to integrate past experiences. Embodiment, mindfulness, and somatic experiential practices lead you to gain physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. These practical techniques, along with education, and therapeutic processing will guide you along your path to integrated health and the resilience needed to manage the most stressful circumstances. You become your own best friend.
The Healing Collective
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCMHC, LCAS
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28226
Pain is motivating, and we offer customized treatment to meet your needs.
Our definition of recovery is working towards our truest and highest self, not just working towards abstinence. We are trauma specialists in active recovery and focus on healing trauma while reinstating a sense of self. We believe that if you do the hard work, and you keep coming back, you will get better. Our therapists are relationship experts in developing the roadmap to other relationships through self.
Pain is motivating, and we offer customized treatment to meet your needs.
Our definition of recovery is working towards our truest and highest self, not just working towards abstinence. We are trauma specialists in active recovery and focus on healing trauma while reinstating a sense of self. We believe that if you do the hard work, and you keep coming back, you will get better. Our therapists are relationship experts in developing the roadmap to other relationships through self.
Robert Limkeman
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFTA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28277
Life can be incredibly painful. We can find ourselves feeling stuck, confused, lonely, anxious, despairing, or lost. We want to make sense of our past & present circumstances, map out a path forward, all in a way that feels true to our values and honors the pain we experience. My clients often struggle with issues like depression & anxiety, grief & loss, trauma & abuse, identity & meaning formation, sexuality & pornography, spiritual distress & relationship strife. Whether highly motivated or exhausted and on the verge of giving up, I am honored to meet each client where they are and walk with them step by step toward change.
Life can be incredibly painful. We can find ourselves feeling stuck, confused, lonely, anxious, despairing, or lost. We want to make sense of our past & present circumstances, map out a path forward, all in a way that feels true to our values and honors the pain we experience. My clients often struggle with issues like depression & anxiety, grief & loss, trauma & abuse, identity & meaning formation, sexuality & pornography, spiritual distress & relationship strife. Whether highly motivated or exhausted and on the verge of giving up, I am honored to meet each client where they are and walk with them step by step toward change.
Pat Holsclaw
Counselor, LCMHC, ATR
Verified Verified
Greensboro, NC 27408
I am a Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapist and Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. For more than 20 years, I have walked alongside Clients through Grief and Trauma in both Individual and Group Settings. I have experience working with all ages, although my focus currently is with Teen Girls and Women experiencing Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Trauma, Medical Illness, Anger/Stress Management, and Life Transitions.
I am a Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapist and Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. For more than 20 years, I have walked alongside Clients through Grief and Trauma in both Individual and Group Settings. I have experience working with all ages, although my focus currently is with Teen Girls and Women experiencing Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Trauma, Medical Illness, Anger/Stress Management, and Life Transitions.
See more therapy options for Stokes County
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.