Chronic Pain Therapists in Transylvania County, NC

Photo of Sara Cull, Psychologist in Transylvania County, NC
Sara Cull
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brevard, NC 28712
Having worked with individuals with a wide range of health concerns including serious illness, I have understanding and compassion for the ensuing life concerns such issues bring.
**Not accepting new clients as of 7/8/21**Whatever may be impacting you right now, a supportive ear, a caring witness can help you understand and sort out what is going on and explore ways to alleviate distress and improve your quality of life. I have experience and interest in working with individuals struggling with anxiety and mood disorders, relationship issues, chronic health problems, women's health (fertility issues, pregnancy, postpartum issues and adjustment), life transitions, work stress, parenting and a wide range of mental health concerns. I will work with you to shape the therapeutic experience for growth and change.
Having worked with individuals with a wide range of health concerns including serious illness, I have understanding and compassion for the ensuing life concerns such issues bring.
**Not accepting new clients as of 7/8/21**Whatever may be impacting you right now, a supportive ear, a caring witness can help you understand and sort out what is going on and explore ways to alleviate distress and improve your quality of life. I have experience and interest in working with individuals struggling with anxiety and mood disorders, relationship issues, chronic health problems, women's health (fertility issues, pregnancy, postpartum issues and adjustment), life transitions, work stress, parenting and a wide range of mental health concerns. I will work with you to shape the therapeutic experience for growth and change.
(773) 231-5122 View (773) 231-5122
Photo of Lawrence Cull, Psychologist in Transylvania County, NC
Lawrence Cull
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Brevard, NC 28712
I have been practicing clinical psychology for nearly 20 years as a licensed psychologist. In that time, I have had the pleasure of working with many people who have struggled with a wide range of challenges including relationship and couple's difficulties, addiction, anxiety, depression, serious health concerns, loss, and trauma. I utilize a number of different perspectives including cognitive-behavioral, emotion focused individual and couples, and dynamic therapies. I am also trained in EMDR, mindfulness, relaxation, stress, and pain management.
I have been practicing clinical psychology for nearly 20 years as a licensed psychologist. In that time, I have had the pleasure of working with many people who have struggled with a wide range of challenges including relationship and couple's difficulties, addiction, anxiety, depression, serious health concerns, loss, and trauma. I utilize a number of different perspectives including cognitive-behavioral, emotion focused individual and couples, and dynamic therapies. I am also trained in EMDR, mindfulness, relaxation, stress, and pain management.
(872) 814-7294 View (872) 814-7294
Photo of Ashley Merchant, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Transylvania County, NC
Ashley Merchant
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSWA, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brevard, NC 28712  (Online Only)
We live in a world quickly changing with many demands and stressors. Therapy is like working out at a gym. Instead, it is building inner strength and emotional fitness. Traumas or events can happen in life leading to a dysregulated nervous system. We can experience the loss of a job, partner, or identity; the loss of a loved one or pet; disease, illness, financial instability; relationship or family issues, or housing crisis that spin our worlds upside down. Maybe it is low self-worth, stress, or feeling stuck in life. With over 10 years of experience in the mental health field, I am here to be a supportive ally for your growth.
We live in a world quickly changing with many demands and stressors. Therapy is like working out at a gym. Instead, it is building inner strength and emotional fitness. Traumas or events can happen in life leading to a dysregulated nervous system. We can experience the loss of a job, partner, or identity; the loss of a loved one or pet; disease, illness, financial instability; relationship or family issues, or housing crisis that spin our worlds upside down. Maybe it is low self-worth, stress, or feeling stuck in life. With over 10 years of experience in the mental health field, I am here to be a supportive ally for your growth.
(828) 622-4095 View (828) 622-4095
Photo of Debbie Dixon Barney, Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in Transylvania County, NC
Debbie Dixon Barney
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, MA, LCMHCA, LCAS-A, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Penrose, NC 28766
Do you ever wake up and wonder, "How did I get here?" or "Why did this have to happen to me?" Maybe you wish your life looked differently but are not sure how to get there. We all have "things" we need to process, but my experience is that we often get “stuck in a rut” with how we approach problems. We need a new perspective or another person to help us process our "stuff” - someone who can ask us questions to help us to see things from a different vantage point or to help us rewrite our stories with hope, purpose, and excitement. My desire is to help people see how the “stuff” in their lives can be used in amazing ways.
Do you ever wake up and wonder, "How did I get here?" or "Why did this have to happen to me?" Maybe you wish your life looked differently but are not sure how to get there. We all have "things" we need to process, but my experience is that we often get “stuck in a rut” with how we approach problems. We need a new perspective or another person to help us process our "stuff” - someone who can ask us questions to help us to see things from a different vantage point or to help us rewrite our stories with hope, purpose, and excitement. My desire is to help people see how the “stuff” in their lives can be used in amazing ways.
(828) 677-2303 View (828) 677-2303
Photo of Katherine Therrell, Licensed Professional Counselor in Transylvania County, NC
Katherine Therrell
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Brevard, NC 28712
My clients are adults, adolescents, and children who need help coping with anxiety, depression, anger, trauma, abuse, educational/employment situations, family dynamics, or other problems impacting their mental health. Though I practice Cognative Behavioral Therapy, I employ a variety of methods including "talk therapy", EMDR, sand therapy, and play therapy, depending upon individual need. I strive to provide unconditional acceptance and support to my clients as they work to achieve their counseling goals. I accept Medicaid and most private insurance.
My clients are adults, adolescents, and children who need help coping with anxiety, depression, anger, trauma, abuse, educational/employment situations, family dynamics, or other problems impacting their mental health. Though I practice Cognative Behavioral Therapy, I employ a variety of methods including "talk therapy", EMDR, sand therapy, and play therapy, depending upon individual need. I strive to provide unconditional acceptance and support to my clients as they work to achieve their counseling goals. I accept Medicaid and most private insurance.
(828) 565-1925 View (828) 565-1925
Photo of Maria S White, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Transylvania County, NC
Maria S White
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LCAS, RYT500
Verified Verified
Brevard, NC 28712
Not accepting new clients
I utilize DBT for skill building to regulate emotions, lessen distress & chronic pain, increase mindfulness, and build interpersonal effectiveness skills.
Therapy can be a powerful way to make changes in your life. Having a therapist that you can rely on, should offer consistent support for those changes. My approach is motivational to help you identify ways to positively meet your needs by shifting your thoughts and behaviors. I often include a somatic approach to connect sensations in the body to the mind for healing. I will not expect you to relive any past trauma, but will support your readiness to explore areas of resiliency.
I utilize DBT for skill building to regulate emotions, lessen distress & chronic pain, increase mindfulness, and build interpersonal effectiveness skills.
Therapy can be a powerful way to make changes in your life. Having a therapist that you can rely on, should offer consistent support for those changes. My approach is motivational to help you identify ways to positively meet your needs by shifting your thoughts and behaviors. I often include a somatic approach to connect sensations in the body to the mind for healing. I will not expect you to relive any past trauma, but will support your readiness to explore areas of resiliency.
(828) 479-0912 View (828) 479-0912

Online Therapists

Photo of Kristin Mignogna, Counselor in Transylvania County, NC
Kristin Mignogna
Counselor, LCMHC-A
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801
I help clients work through problems related to relational issues, life transitions, chronic pain, PTSD/trauma, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, autism, and borderline traits.
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counseling Associate who strives to create a space of trust and safety in which clients can heal, progress, and develop self-compassion. I have experience helping clients with a broad range of presenting concerns, with an educational focus on trauma. I cater my therapeutic techniques to each individual client's needs, drawing most heavily from Person-Centered (approaching clients as equal collaborators, with empathy and non-judgement), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (focusing on thought patterns), and Gestalt Therapy (focusing on emotional and somatic experiences).
I help clients work through problems related to relational issues, life transitions, chronic pain, PTSD/trauma, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, autism, and borderline traits.
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counseling Associate who strives to create a space of trust and safety in which clients can heal, progress, and develop self-compassion. I have experience helping clients with a broad range of presenting concerns, with an educational focus on trauma. I cater my therapeutic techniques to each individual client's needs, drawing most heavily from Person-Centered (approaching clients as equal collaborators, with empathy and non-judgement), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (focusing on thought patterns), and Gestalt Therapy (focusing on emotional and somatic experiences).
(828) 457-7143 View (828) 457-7143
Photo of Rock of Refuge Counseling Center, Counselor in Transylvania County, NC
Rock of Refuge Counseling Center
Counselor
Verified Verified
Gastonia, NC 28054
As the instruments of change, it is a privilege and honor to come alongside each person we support, as they navigate the uncertainty and pain that often comes as a result of our individual lived experiences.
ROCK of REFUGE began as a way to bring the message of Hope and Restoration to those seeking answers in the day to day storms and challenges that life throws us. As a professional counseling and training center, we are committed to serving our communities in North and South Carolina, through the provision of psychological, spiritual, educational and training opportunities.
As the instruments of change, it is a privilege and honor to come alongside each person we support, as they navigate the uncertainty and pain that often comes as a result of our individual lived experiences.
ROCK of REFUGE began as a way to bring the message of Hope and Restoration to those seeking answers in the day to day storms and challenges that life throws us. As a professional counseling and training center, we are committed to serving our communities in North and South Carolina, through the provision of psychological, spiritual, educational and training opportunities.
(980) 246-4177 View (980) 246-4177
Photo of Christen Mullane, Psychologist in Transylvania County, NC
Christen Mullane
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28805  (Online Only)
It may feel as though you are your illness, right now - as though your medical diagnosis is what defines you.
There are good days, bad days, and days that are completely overwhelming. You have never thought so much about your body in your life, and now you struggle with it every day. You remember when you trusted your body. There were times when you felt ill, but you recovered before. Now, your medical team is telling you that there is no going back to how things used to be. You are angry, you are frightened, you are hurting, and your loved ones are, too. Nobody seems to know exactly what to say, or what you need. It feels like a bomb has gone off in your life, and you are sifting through the rubble.
It may feel as though you are your illness, right now - as though your medical diagnosis is what defines you.
There are good days, bad days, and days that are completely overwhelming. You have never thought so much about your body in your life, and now you struggle with it every day. You remember when you trusted your body. There were times when you felt ill, but you recovered before. Now, your medical team is telling you that there is no going back to how things used to be. You are angry, you are frightened, you are hurting, and your loved ones are, too. Nobody seems to know exactly what to say, or what you need. It feels like a bomb has gone off in your life, and you are sifting through the rubble.
(512) 489-9803 View (512) 489-9803
Photo of Paula Garrard, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Transylvania County, NC
Paula Garrard
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Morganton, NC 28655
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and have worked over the last 15 + years helping people through difficult times in their lives. I am compassionate, caring and offer a safe place to express your feelings without judgement, to improve your life regardless of the issues you face. I help people experiencing loss and grief, anxiety, depression, LGBTQ+ issues, life changes, self-worth, relationship/marital issues, chronic/terminal illness, adjustment at retirement, and many other issues that maybe keeping you from living your best life. The holistic approach I incorporate is always tailored to your specific issues and needs.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and have worked over the last 15 + years helping people through difficult times in their lives. I am compassionate, caring and offer a safe place to express your feelings without judgement, to improve your life regardless of the issues you face. I help people experiencing loss and grief, anxiety, depression, LGBTQ+ issues, life changes, self-worth, relationship/marital issues, chronic/terminal illness, adjustment at retirement, and many other issues that maybe keeping you from living your best life. The holistic approach I incorporate is always tailored to your specific issues and needs.
(828) 900-2599 View (828) 900-2599
Photo of Jennifer Livingstone, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Transylvania County, NC
Jennifer Livingstone
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCAS, LISW-CP
Verified Verified
Arden, NC 28704  (Online Only)
Your life has not turned out how you had planned or hoped. You are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, anger, substance use, or loss. You find yourself trying to solve this discomfort by repeating behaviors that provide temporary relief, but ultimately lead you further away from the kind of life you want, and the kind of person you want to be. Instead of stuck, exhausted, desperate, and dissatisfied, you'd like to move through your life with confidence, compassion, clarity, trust, creativity, curiosity, and centeredness. You'd like to finally resolve the hurt or pain you have been carrying inside you.
Your life has not turned out how you had planned or hoped. You are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, anger, substance use, or loss. You find yourself trying to solve this discomfort by repeating behaviors that provide temporary relief, but ultimately lead you further away from the kind of life you want, and the kind of person you want to be. Instead of stuck, exhausted, desperate, and dissatisfied, you'd like to move through your life with confidence, compassion, clarity, trust, creativity, curiosity, and centeredness. You'd like to finally resolve the hurt or pain you have been carrying inside you.
View
Photo of Jeremy T. Cochran - Cochran Christian Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapist in Transylvania County, NC
Jeremy T. Cochran - Cochran Christian Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Your pain is unique to you, only you can understand it.
For any relationship to work you must be able to communicate. Marriage can be tough. I help people communicate and manage their conflict. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, serving North Carolina since 2003. I provide marriage, premarital, individual counseling for adults. I see people with a variety of therapeutic concerns including, but not limited to, trauma, depression, anxiety, & non-supportive spouse.
Your pain is unique to you, only you can understand it.
For any relationship to work you must be able to communicate. Marriage can be tough. I help people communicate and manage their conflict. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, serving North Carolina since 2003. I provide marriage, premarital, individual counseling for adults. I see people with a variety of therapeutic concerns including, but not limited to, trauma, depression, anxiety, & non-supportive spouse.
(828) 479-0284 View (828) 479-0284
Photo of Pamilla G Yount in Transylvania County, NC
Pamilla G Yount
CMH, CHT, CHI
Verified Verified
Hickory, NC 28602
Hypnosis works to stop smoking, weight loss, stress, pain management, restructuring and reinventing your life . It also works for creating a positive new way of life.
Hypnosis works to stop smoking, weight loss, stress, pain management, restructuring and reinventing your life . It also works for creating a positive new way of life.
(828) 962-4336 View (828) 962-4336
Photo of Kristin Bure, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Transylvania County, NC
Kristin Bure
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LCAS
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801
For all of us, there are times when we seek a new direction, a way forward, a fresh possibility for living. Are you feeling stuck or wanting to improve some aspect of your life or yourself? Are you using substances to cope with mental health issues such mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, or chronic pain, stress and life transitions? If you’re here, you know things aren’t okay and life feels unmanageable. Substance use and/or mental health disorders can hijack your life. I can help you get back into the driver’s seat. I can help you feel more empowered to access your innate inner strengths, and reach your fullest recovery potential.
For all of us, there are times when we seek a new direction, a way forward, a fresh possibility for living. Are you feeling stuck or wanting to improve some aspect of your life or yourself? Are you using substances to cope with mental health issues such mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, or chronic pain, stress and life transitions? If you’re here, you know things aren’t okay and life feels unmanageable. Substance use and/or mental health disorders can hijack your life. I can help you get back into the driver’s seat. I can help you feel more empowered to access your innate inner strengths, and reach your fullest recovery potential.
(828) 575-5984 View (828) 575-5984
Photo of Carol Greenberger, Counselor in Transylvania County, NC
Carol Greenberger
Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28805
Are you feeling alone, anxious or depressed? Unsatisfied with your career, have chronic pain or illness? Relationship stress, extended family issues? My clients tell me I'm warm, easy to talk to, and down to earth. I use a variety of treatment approaches: psychodynamic and relational, combined with CBT, EFT, and EMDR. EMDR can help almost any problem resolve more quickly because it allows the brain to make changes on a deeper level than just talking. We still talk plenty though, before, during and after EMDR. My clients find telehealth to be helpful and convenient. I see regular clients occasionally at my home office.
Are you feeling alone, anxious or depressed? Unsatisfied with your career, have chronic pain or illness? Relationship stress, extended family issues? My clients tell me I'm warm, easy to talk to, and down to earth. I use a variety of treatment approaches: psychodynamic and relational, combined with CBT, EFT, and EMDR. EMDR can help almost any problem resolve more quickly because it allows the brain to make changes on a deeper level than just talking. We still talk plenty though, before, during and after EMDR. My clients find telehealth to be helpful and convenient. I see regular clients occasionally at my home office.
(828) 484-2226 View (828) 484-2226
Photo of Savana Williams, Pre-Licensed Professional in Transylvania County, NC
Savana Williams
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD
Verified Verified
Candler, NC 28715  (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 Audrey Amir, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Transylvania County, NC
Audrey Amir
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MA, RYT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fletcher, NC 28732
Other areas of focus include chronic illness, medical trauma, and managing grief and isolation.
Being a person can be hard. Living a life that best suits you as an individual is a work in progress. Along the way, there are undoubtedly challenges. Sometimes, our experiences leave us confused, overwhelmed, and in need of some support. As a therapist, my role is to help understand where you’ve been, where you’d like to go, and help you get there. It’s possible to move from getting by to feeling you have agency over your own life and choices. I specialize in working with challenging life events such as trauma, major life changes, relationship distress, and chronic illnesses. I also work with C-PTSD and Narcissistic Abuse recovery.
Other areas of focus include chronic illness, medical trauma, and managing grief and isolation.
Being a person can be hard. Living a life that best suits you as an individual is a work in progress. Along the way, there are undoubtedly challenges. Sometimes, our experiences leave us confused, overwhelmed, and in need of some support. As a therapist, my role is to help understand where you’ve been, where you’d like to go, and help you get there. It’s possible to move from getting by to feeling you have agency over your own life and choices. I specialize in working with challenging life events such as trauma, major life changes, relationship distress, and chronic illnesses. I also work with C-PTSD and Narcissistic Abuse recovery.
(828) 373-8290 View (828) 373-8290
Photo of Madison Brightwell, Marriage & Family Therapist in Transylvania County, NC
Madison Brightwell
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28801  (Online Only)
I specialize in helping people with addictions, pain, trauma and mood disorders such as anxiety, depression and anger.
I am licensed in four states and can offer Telehealth sessions to clients in CA, NC, WA and OR. Let's face it - life can be difficult. If you feel overwhelmed by anxiety or stress, or you're struggling to just to feel "normal" again, you've made the right choice by seeking therapy. I'm confident that together we can work to help equip you with the necessary tools to face and overcome life's challenges. You don't have to be alone in this journey. I have the experience to help you live a more fulfilling and meaningful life. I know no two individuals are the same, and I'll tailor our sessions to address the challenges unique to you.
I specialize in helping people with addictions, pain, trauma and mood disorders such as anxiety, depression and anger.
I am licensed in four states and can offer Telehealth sessions to clients in CA, NC, WA and OR. Let's face it - life can be difficult. If you feel overwhelmed by anxiety or stress, or you're struggling to just to feel "normal" again, you've made the right choice by seeking therapy. I'm confident that together we can work to help equip you with the necessary tools to face and overcome life's challenges. You don't have to be alone in this journey. I have the experience to help you live a more fulfilling and meaningful life. I know no two individuals are the same, and I'll tailor our sessions to address the challenges unique to you.
(828) 575-5097 View (828) 575-5097
Photo of Katie Fitzpatrick Camenzind, Psychologist in Transylvania County, NC
Katie Fitzpatrick Camenzind
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Mills River, NC 28759
Waitlist for new clients
In times like these it can feel like you’re losing a lot: losing hope, losing sleep, losing control. But pain can be productive. Struggles can be opportunities to see what we're made of. They can also be the impetus to make changes we've been putting off, maybe out of fear that they would upset the balance we work so hard to maintain. Right now during this pandemic, it's hard to find one thing in our lives that hasn't changed and there are so many unknowns. It can be very difficult to persevere when you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel and when your usual outlets for support and coping are now limited.
In times like these it can feel like you’re losing a lot: losing hope, losing sleep, losing control. But pain can be productive. Struggles can be opportunities to see what we're made of. They can also be the impetus to make changes we've been putting off, maybe out of fear that they would upset the balance we work so hard to maintain. Right now during this pandemic, it's hard to find one thing in our lives that hasn't changed and there are so many unknowns. It can be very difficult to persevere when you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel and when your usual outlets for support and coping are now limited.
(828) 383-9981 View (828) 383-9981
Photo of Faith C Cook, Psychologist in Transylvania County, NC
Faith C Cook
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
My treatment focuses on people with chronic illness, trauma, especially people with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes, other autoimmune disorders and those who love a person with chronic illness. If you are struggling adapting to a new diagnosis of diabetes, or with the rigors of long-standing diabetes self-management, you are not alone. Diabetes distress and burnout have been well-defined and are treatable. If you love someone with chronic illness, and you find it difficult to manage your anxiety or have burnout yourself, please consider psychotherapy.
My treatment focuses on people with chronic illness, trauma, especially people with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes, other autoimmune disorders and those who love a person with chronic illness. If you are struggling adapting to a new diagnosis of diabetes, or with the rigors of long-standing diabetes self-management, you are not alone. Diabetes distress and burnout have been well-defined and are treatable. If you love someone with chronic illness, and you find it difficult to manage your anxiety or have burnout yourself, please consider psychotherapy.
(828) 586-5555 View (828) 586-5555

See more therapy options for Transylvania 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.