Photo of Footprints Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapist in Winston Salem, NC
Footprints Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MDiv, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Winston Salem, NC 27103
Clients come to me in trying times for help dealing with issues like depression, anxiety, grief issues, and anger issues. I don't see myself as the "expert" who is going to provide all the "answers" but I do promise to walk with my clients as they address the issues we identify together that they want to address in therapy. I am comfortable working with clients individuals, couples and families, and kids (age 9 to adults). I have been theologically trained and can explore spiritual issues and crises as a pastoral counselor, also.
Clients come to me in trying times for help dealing with issues like depression, anxiety, grief issues, and anger issues. I don't see myself as the "expert" who is going to provide all the "answers" but I do promise to walk with my clients as they address the issues we identify together that they want to address in therapy. I am comfortable working with clients individuals, couples and families, and kids (age 9 to adults). I have been theologically trained and can explore spiritual issues and crises as a pastoral counselor, also.
(336) 939-0412 View (336) 939-0412
Photo of E. Brooke Barnard, Counselor in Winston Salem, NC
E. Brooke Barnard
Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Winston Salem, NC 27103
I have an avid interest in helping children, adults, and families dealing with special needs, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, mental and/or physical challenges, and Academically Gifted and Talented. I also specialize in supporting clients and families coping with chronic and/or serious illnesses. Siblings, who are often overlooked in these families, are of special concern to me. Depression, anxiety and grief and loss issues due to death, divorce and other life changes hold a special interest for me as well.
I have an avid interest in helping children, adults, and families dealing with special needs, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, mental and/or physical challenges, and Academically Gifted and Talented. I also specialize in supporting clients and families coping with chronic and/or serious illnesses. Siblings, who are often overlooked in these families, are of special concern to me. Depression, anxiety and grief and loss issues due to death, divorce and other life changes hold a special interest for me as well.
(336) 790-4638 View (336) 790-4638
Photo of Forsyth Family Counseling, Licensed Professional Counselor in Winston Salem, NC
Forsyth Family Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Winston Salem, NC 27101
Our licensed therapists have extensive training and experience in issues affecting adults, couples, children, adolescents and their families. We specialize in treating a range of conditions including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, attachment, addiction, grief, women/men's issues, ADHD, oppositional/defiance, trauma, post traumatic stress disorder, OCD, and much more. We also offer extensive effective parenting training if your child is oppositional, defiant, and sometimes even aggressive.
Our licensed therapists have extensive training and experience in issues affecting adults, couples, children, adolescents and their families. We specialize in treating a range of conditions including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, attachment, addiction, grief, women/men's issues, ADHD, oppositional/defiance, trauma, post traumatic stress disorder, OCD, and much more. We also offer extensive effective parenting training if your child is oppositional, defiant, and sometimes even aggressive.
(336) 750-6021 View (336) 750-6021
Photo of Wilsons Counseling and Consulting Services, PLLC, Drug & Alcohol Counselor in Winston Salem, NC
Wilsons Counseling and Consulting Services, PLLC
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, MSW, LCASA, CEO
Verified Verified
Winston Salem, NC 27101
I am Nate Wilson, Jr., MSW, LCAS. I am a Licensed Clinical Addiction Psychotherapist, Specialist. I’ve been in the field of mental health for over 25 years. I’ve worked with various people from various backgrounds as it relates to cultural diversity such as race, gender, religion, ethnicity, and other distinct groups, each of which has different values and lifestyles. I earned my Master of Clinical Social Work from Fordham University, NYC, NY. I have been practicing in a licensed capacity since 2016. As a therapist, I use eclectic therapy approaches that cover many theories.
I am Nate Wilson, Jr., MSW, LCAS. I am a Licensed Clinical Addiction Psychotherapist, Specialist. I’ve been in the field of mental health for over 25 years. I’ve worked with various people from various backgrounds as it relates to cultural diversity such as race, gender, religion, ethnicity, and other distinct groups, each of which has different values and lifestyles. I earned my Master of Clinical Social Work from Fordham University, NYC, NY. I have been practicing in a licensed capacity since 2016. As a therapist, I use eclectic therapy approaches that cover many theories.
(336) 502-8218 View (336) 502-8218
Photo of Greenway Counseling & Wellness, Licensed Professional Counselor in Winston Salem, NC
Greenway Counseling & Wellness
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHCS, LCMHC, LCMHCA, LCASA, LCSW
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Winston Salem, NC 27101
[Good news! Day, evening & Saturday openings are now available] As a group practice, we have a particular interest in helping our adult clients address traumas that may have occurred across their lifespan. Trauma can come in all shapes & sizes - we believe that trauma can be at the center of many concerns like anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, performance issues, & addiction, to name a few. We also love working with little ones, teens, and their families! Fears & worries, behavior problems, family & life changes, school & relationship struggles - these are just a few reasons why we see younger people & families.
[Good news! Day, evening & Saturday openings are now available] As a group practice, we have a particular interest in helping our adult clients address traumas that may have occurred across their lifespan. Trauma can come in all shapes & sizes - we believe that trauma can be at the center of many concerns like anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, performance issues, & addiction, to name a few. We also love working with little ones, teens, and their families! Fears & worries, behavior problems, family & life changes, school & relationship struggles - these are just a few reasons why we see younger people & families.
(336) 496-2361 View (336) 496-2361
Photo of Kate Sprinkle: Individual And Couples Therapy, Counselor in Winston Salem, NC
Kate Sprinkle: Individual And Couples Therapy
Counselor, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Winston Salem, NC 27104
My passion lies in supporting people grappling with anxiety or depression, couples facing challenges, and overwhelmed or stressed adults. My clients come to me for relationship issues, anxiety, depression, inner child work, setting boundaries, life transitions, emotional regulation, shame, and codependency. By working together, my goal is to comprehend your needs and empower you to create changes that align with your goals. Take the initial step by scheduling an appointment today, don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
My passion lies in supporting people grappling with anxiety or depression, couples facing challenges, and overwhelmed or stressed adults. My clients come to me for relationship issues, anxiety, depression, inner child work, setting boundaries, life transitions, emotional regulation, shame, and codependency. By working together, my goal is to comprehend your needs and empower you to create changes that align with your goals. Take the initial step by scheduling an appointment today, don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
(336) 891-3026 View (336) 891-3026
Photo of Laura Gold, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Winston Salem, NC
Laura Gold
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Winston Salem, NC 27103  (Online Only)
Has the loss of a loved one, relationship, or life transition left you feeling lost, anxious, depressed, angry, or unsure of where to turn? Grief is an umbrella term for all the emotions you might feel after loss, and it has no fixed timeline. Whether your loss was recent or decades ago, I can help. I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years experience and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. I specialize in grief and trauma work.
Has the loss of a loved one, relationship, or life transition left you feeling lost, anxious, depressed, angry, or unsure of where to turn? Grief is an umbrella term for all the emotions you might feel after loss, and it has no fixed timeline. Whether your loss was recent or decades ago, I can help. I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years experience and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. I specialize in grief and trauma work.
(205) 708-6440 View (205) 708-6440

Online Therapists

Photo of Michelle McDevitt-Askew, Marriage & Family Therapist in Winston Salem, NC
Michelle McDevitt-Askew
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28277
There are seasons in life when the opportunity to grow can come from both joyful and challenging circumstances or complicated issues and relationships. It is my hope that in the safe,non-judgmental space of therapy we can begin to discover your core resiliency, strengths and create awareness for integrating healthy coping and communication skills for healing. I enjoy helping couples discover relational dynamics and patterns that keep them from enjoying a safe, close and vibrant relationship. I am well suited to work with families and individuals who are struggling with anxiety, depression, chronic illness, grief and life stage transitioning.
There are seasons in life when the opportunity to grow can come from both joyful and challenging circumstances or complicated issues and relationships. It is my hope that in the safe,non-judgmental space of therapy we can begin to discover your core resiliency, strengths and create awareness for integrating healthy coping and communication skills for healing. I enjoy helping couples discover relational dynamics and patterns that keep them from enjoying a safe, close and vibrant relationship. I am well suited to work with families and individuals who are struggling with anxiety, depression, chronic illness, grief and life stage transitioning.
(980) 263-9313 View (980) 263-9313
Photo of Michael James Berens, Licensed Professional Counselor in Winston Salem, NC
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.
(336) 439-9341 View (336) 439-9341
Photo of Bradley Vaughn, Counselor in Winston Salem, NC
Bradley Vaughn
Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28204
Lastly, I also work with individuals who live with chronic pain.
Being human is hard, emotions are complicative, and our mental health is real and important. I encourage clients to come to me as they are with a desire to make changes to become who they want to be. Together we will explore and challenge our thoughts and beliefs while remaining gentle recognizing that the process can be hard and slow at times. We will set goals and strive to reach them. We will stay open to gain a sense of self-awareness as you move forward on your path of becoming who you desire to be. I work with individuals and couples who are experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship/sex issues, & LGBTQIA+.
Lastly, I also work with individuals who live with chronic pain.
Being human is hard, emotions are complicative, and our mental health is real and important. I encourage clients to come to me as they are with a desire to make changes to become who they want to be. Together we will explore and challenge our thoughts and beliefs while remaining gentle recognizing that the process can be hard and slow at times. We will set goals and strive to reach them. We will stay open to gain a sense of self-awareness as you move forward on your path of becoming who you desire to be. I work with individuals and couples who are experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship/sex issues, & LGBTQIA+.
(980) 655-2283 View (980) 655-2283
Photo of Kathryn Falbo-Woodson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Winston Salem, NC
Kathryn Falbo-Woodson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Matthews, NC 28105  (Online Only)
Stress is inevitable, it's how we respond to it that matters. While stress can be a catalyst for spiritual, physical, and emotional growth, it impacts our well-being. During stressful times, it's important to recognize emotional and physical changes. Often, we neglect our internal experiences because of the fear of pain. When we avoid the pain, we essentially shut ourselves off from growth. My goal is to support you through challenging times, allowing you to open fully to the present moment by incorporating compassion-oriented & mindfulness-based strategies to withstand the suffering and lean into a growth mindset.
Stress is inevitable, it's how we respond to it that matters. While stress can be a catalyst for spiritual, physical, and emotional growth, it impacts our well-being. During stressful times, it's important to recognize emotional and physical changes. Often, we neglect our internal experiences because of the fear of pain. When we avoid the pain, we essentially shut ourselves off from growth. My goal is to support you through challenging times, allowing you to open fully to the present moment by incorporating compassion-oriented & mindfulness-based strategies to withstand the suffering and lean into a growth mindset.
(318) 705-3019 View (318) 705-3019
Photo of Amber K Lynn, Licensed Professional Counselor in Winston Salem, NC
Amber K Lynn
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Huntersville, NC 28078
My passion for counseling developed from my own journey with chronic migraines, anxiety, and relationships. I enjoy working with couples and adults on a wide range of issues impacting well-being including, but not limited to, stress, trauma, communication and relationships, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, identity, mild disordered eating, confidence, or just feeling “stuck” and dissatisfied with one’s direction in life.
My passion for counseling developed from my own journey with chronic migraines, anxiety, and relationships. I enjoy working with couples and adults on a wide range of issues impacting well-being including, but not limited to, stress, trauma, communication and relationships, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, identity, mild disordered eating, confidence, or just feeling “stuck” and dissatisfied with one’s direction in life.
(704) 237-6560 x3 View (704) 237-6560 x3
Photo of Becky Shaffer, Counselor in Winston Salem, 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 Robert Limkeman, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Winston Salem, NC
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.
(704) 769-2168 x114 View (704) 769-2168 x114
Photo of Michael Gisser, Marriage & Family Therapist in Winston Salem, NC
Michael Gisser
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT-S
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Pittsboro, NC 27312
I feel that my experience allows me to connect and empathize with individuals and couples who might be dealing with the stress of marriage, military life and chronic illness, including depression and anxiety.
I am a former US Army chaplain and ordained rabbi trained in Marriage and Family Therapy with additional training in trauma recovery, and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms (PTSD). My experience embodies an experiential integrative approach and I can individualize therapy to meet client goals. I work with individuals, couples, military personnel, veterans, and their families, and the LGBTQIA community. I am knowledgeable of world religions and diverse cultural backgrounds. I am currently accepting new clients in Pittsboro. To schedule an appointment vist our website - migcounseling.com
I feel that my experience allows me to connect and empathize with individuals and couples who might be dealing with the stress of marriage, military life and chronic illness, including depression and anxiety.
I am a former US Army chaplain and ordained rabbi trained in Marriage and Family Therapy with additional training in trauma recovery, and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms (PTSD). My experience embodies an experiential integrative approach and I can individualize therapy to meet client goals. I work with individuals, couples, military personnel, veterans, and their families, and the LGBTQIA community. I am knowledgeable of world religions and diverse cultural backgrounds. I am currently accepting new clients in Pittsboro. To schedule an appointment vist our website - migcounseling.com
(984) 237-3579 View (984) 237-3579
Photo of Barbara Jean Lowe, Psychologist in Winston Salem, NC
Barbara Jean Lowe
Psychologist, PhD, LP, BCC, SEP
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27615
Are you hurting, frustrated, or feel stuck? I honor your courage to seek wholeness & growth. I know you want relief. Enduring change through therapy can happen for you. Trauma, relationship challenges, family struggles & internal pain can be shifted! I welcome you into a space of honor, hope, safety, & power to change. I partner w/ you to achieve your goals for skillful living, belonging, & wholeness. I artfully employ therapeutic & scientific techniques that bring wellness to the heart & mind (SE, DBT, ART, CBT, IFS, EMDR, Gottman, EFT). Ages 5-75. I also offer faith integration upon request. I offer hourly sessions & intensives.
Are you hurting, frustrated, or feel stuck? I honor your courage to seek wholeness & growth. I know you want relief. Enduring change through therapy can happen for you. Trauma, relationship challenges, family struggles & internal pain can be shifted! I welcome you into a space of honor, hope, safety, & power to change. I partner w/ you to achieve your goals for skillful living, belonging, & wholeness. I artfully employ therapeutic & scientific techniques that bring wellness to the heart & mind (SE, DBT, ART, CBT, IFS, EMDR, Gottman, EFT). Ages 5-75. I also offer faith integration upon request. I offer hourly sessions & intensives.
(919) 585-1575 View (919) 585-1575
Photo of Mark Livak, Counselor in Winston Salem, NC
Mark Livak
Counselor, MA, LCMHCA, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28277
I admire anyone who is willing to heal their from their emotional pain and improve their troubled relationships.
Hello, I am Mark, thank you for reviewing my listing. I seek to create a safe place, where my clients can experience the necessary support to heal from the relational and emotional wounds that make them feel hurt, stuck, and confused. I collaborate with my clients to restore hope and renew relational fulfillment. I believe that everyone is unique and infinitely valuable; my clients deserve unconditional respect and should receive personalized care. I help my clients gain insight into their hurt feelings and resulting actions. During therapy, my goals are that my clients feel seen, experience emotional safety, and become reassured.
I admire anyone who is willing to heal their from their emotional pain and improve their troubled relationships.
Hello, I am Mark, thank you for reviewing my listing. I seek to create a safe place, where my clients can experience the necessary support to heal from the relational and emotional wounds that make them feel hurt, stuck, and confused. I collaborate with my clients to restore hope and renew relational fulfillment. I believe that everyone is unique and infinitely valuable; my clients deserve unconditional respect and should receive personalized care. I help my clients gain insight into their hurt feelings and resulting actions. During therapy, my goals are that my clients feel seen, experience emotional safety, and become reassured.
(704) 268-9898 View (704) 268-9898
Photo of Cynthia D Hughes, Marriage & Family Therapist in Winston Salem, NC
Cynthia D Hughes
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Cary, NC 27513
Waitlist for new clients
I have extensive training in bereavement, chronic and terminal illness, and trauma.
Good psychotherapy requires a "match" between client(s) and therapist and avoids "stretching the client to fit the couch." Finding the right psychotherapist involves both clinical skill and personality match. A good therapist is genuine, warm, and offers a human relationship with active listening, guidance, and good advice. As a Marriage & Family Therapist, what I offer as a clinician is an active style of psychotherapy with a high regard for where you are in your journey, what your goals are, and what things can be pointed out and changed along the path to growth and improved relationships.
I have extensive training in bereavement, chronic and terminal illness, and trauma.
Good psychotherapy requires a "match" between client(s) and therapist and avoids "stretching the client to fit the couch." Finding the right psychotherapist involves both clinical skill and personality match. A good therapist is genuine, warm, and offers a human relationship with active listening, guidance, and good advice. As a Marriage & Family Therapist, what I offer as a clinician is an active style of psychotherapy with a high regard for where you are in your journey, what your goals are, and what things can be pointed out and changed along the path to growth and improved relationships.
(984) 203-6882 View (984) 203-6882
Photo of Christine Wisdom, Licensed Professional Counselor in Winston Salem, NC
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.
(704) 276-6109 View (704) 276-6109
Photo of Paige Orlandi-Holmes, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Winston Salem, NC
Paige Orlandi-Holmes
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MEd, LCMHC
Verified Verified
20 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27607
Waitlist for new clients
I enjoy helping young adults in transitions or seeking career counseling, clients overcoming trauma, anxiety, depression, pregnancy/postpartum, or chronic illness/pain, and highly sensitive people.
Accepting New Clients - (Open slots are for telehealth only); Our world today can be such a loud, chaotic, unpredictable place - and we are all feeling it, especially post COVID. Life can knock us to the ground and then lift us up to the highest of highs. None of us are immune to pain, but this is of course what makes us human. If you choose to work with me, I will be someone who can support you, encourage you to grow with self-discovery, guide you towards a greater sense of well-being, and help you feel empowered to manage life’s ups and downs.
I enjoy helping young adults in transitions or seeking career counseling, clients overcoming trauma, anxiety, depression, pregnancy/postpartum, or chronic illness/pain, and highly sensitive people.
Accepting New Clients - (Open slots are for telehealth only); Our world today can be such a loud, chaotic, unpredictable place - and we are all feeling it, especially post COVID. Life can knock us to the ground and then lift us up to the highest of highs. None of us are immune to pain, but this is of course what makes us human. If you choose to work with me, I will be someone who can support you, encourage you to grow with self-discovery, guide you towards a greater sense of well-being, and help you feel empowered to manage life’s ups and downs.
(984) 223-0061 View (984) 223-0061

See more therapy options for Winston Salem

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.