Chronic Pain Therapists in Ashland City, TN

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Photo of John Verbos in Ashland City, TN
John Verbos
PhD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37209
Waitlist for new clients
Each of us shapes and is shaped by the relationships we have with others, with our bodies, with our stories, with our cultures, and with our worlds. We find ourselves here and now because of where we’ve been and what has happened, because of how we carry our experiences forward and how they have made us. I am awed by the creative resilience with which we integrate or shoulder the burdens we’ve felt. I find astonishing and courageous the ways in which we not only survive, but find ways to thrive, to express ourselves, and live into the fullness of human experience despite those things that have hurt us and that hurt us now.
Each of us shapes and is shaped by the relationships we have with others, with our bodies, with our stories, with our cultures, and with our worlds. We find ourselves here and now because of where we’ve been and what has happened, because of how we carry our experiences forward and how they have made us. I am awed by the creative resilience with which we integrate or shoulder the burdens we’ve felt. I find astonishing and courageous the ways in which we not only survive, but find ways to thrive, to express ourselves, and live into the fullness of human experience despite those things that have hurt us and that hurt us now.
(615) 239-6267 View (615) 239-6267
Photo of Beth Nelson, Counselor in Ashland City, TN
Beth Nelson
Counselor, MA, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37209
I have been a licensed counselor for over fifteen years and I have been in the helping profession for nearly thirty-five years. Much of my experience is working with people who have experienced trauma, especially within relationships. I work best with individuals who are dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, and issues of empowerment. I feel you are the expert concerning your life. Maybe you just need some help exploring that. My style is not to give advice, but rather to provide a safe environment and relationship where you can feel free to grow and transform.
I have been a licensed counselor for over fifteen years and I have been in the helping profession for nearly thirty-five years. Much of my experience is working with people who have experienced trauma, especially within relationships. I work best with individuals who are dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, and issues of empowerment. I feel you are the expert concerning your life. Maybe you just need some help exploring that. My style is not to give advice, but rather to provide a safe environment and relationship where you can feel free to grow and transform.
(615) 212-8002 View (615) 212-8002

Online Therapists

Photo of Tim Brooks, Counselor in Ashland City, TN
Tim Brooks
Counselor, MSHA, LPC-MHS
Verified Verified
Pulaski, TN 38478
Life can be hard. I know from personal experience. I have been a counselor for over twenty years and a client before that. Counseling provides individuals a safe place to work on making personal changes. I teach skills for overcoming anxiety disorders, such as panic attacks and obsessive compulsive behaviors, as well as working with chronic pain, depression and trauma.
Life can be hard. I know from personal experience. I have been a counselor for over twenty years and a client before that. Counseling provides individuals a safe place to work on making personal changes. I teach skills for overcoming anxiety disorders, such as panic attacks and obsessive compulsive behaviors, as well as working with chronic pain, depression and trauma.
(931) 295-0952 View (931) 295-0952
Photo of Talk Therapy With Laurie - Counselor & Life Coach, LPC Intern in Ashland City, TN
Talk Therapy With Laurie - Counselor & Life Coach
LPC Intern
Verified Verified
Franklin, TN 37064
With an abundance of life experience, is my hope to walk with you through life's challenges whether they be family related, relationships, marriage, career, child rearing, illness, divorce, grief or any combination of these.
Now accepting new clients! Limited evening and weekend options. My goal as a counselor is to really listen to you, to hold safe space for you, to understand your struggles, to consider possible sources of stress, and to help you craft goals to make your life better. Who am I? I am a lifelong learner, a working mother, and a funny and supportive friend and family member. People who know me well will tell you that I am strong, determined, straightforward, and kind. I truly believe that I can be a valuable resource for you.
With an abundance of life experience, is my hope to walk with you through life's challenges whether they be family related, relationships, marriage, career, child rearing, illness, divorce, grief or any combination of these.
Now accepting new clients! Limited evening and weekend options. My goal as a counselor is to really listen to you, to hold safe space for you, to understand your struggles, to consider possible sources of stress, and to help you craft goals to make your life better. Who am I? I am a lifelong learner, a working mother, and a funny and supportive friend and family member. People who know me well will tell you that I am strong, determined, straightforward, and kind. I truly believe that I can be a valuable resource for you.
(615) 332-4357 View (615) 332-4357
Photo of Michelle Hilton, Licensed Professional Counselor in Ashland City, TN
Michelle Hilton
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37212
Chronic perfectionism, while helpful in the short term, can lead to stress, relationship issues and chronic pain/illness down the road.
Are you feeling stressed, overwhelmed, anxious or depressed? Maybe you've been having thoughts of not being good enough or questioning your identity. You might be the kind of person who is used to having it all figured out and can usually manage things on your own, but lately it’s been feeling like too much to handle. Stress is starting to negatively impact your relationships, work and health. Trying to carry this weight can be emotionally and physically exhausting especially when you’re trying to do it alone. That’s where I come in.
Chronic perfectionism, while helpful in the short term, can lead to stress, relationship issues and chronic pain/illness down the road.
Are you feeling stressed, overwhelmed, anxious or depressed? Maybe you've been having thoughts of not being good enough or questioning your identity. You might be the kind of person who is used to having it all figured out and can usually manage things on your own, but lately it’s been feeling like too much to handle. Stress is starting to negatively impact your relationships, work and health. Trying to carry this weight can be emotionally and physically exhausting especially when you’re trying to do it alone. That’s where I come in.
(615) 395-6489 View (615) 395-6489
Photo of Katie Casey, Licensed Professional Counselor in Ashland City, TN
Katie Casey
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP, MA
Verified Verified
Mount Juliet, TN 37122
The pain that comes from things like PTSD and secondary trauma, anxiety, and chronic pain/illness can be so heavy.
Therapy is all about healing. Healing from the past, old wounds, thoughts or feelings that aren't serving you anymore. So often, we have learned various ways of living to get through the days, to cope, but it's surviving and not truly living. For most, facing those things seems scary and that fear keeps them from living the life they want. I see my role as a therapist is to foster a space of safety so healing can occur. Through compassion, honesty, and ultimately connection, I work with my clients to help them move towards their best selves.
The pain that comes from things like PTSD and secondary trauma, anxiety, and chronic pain/illness can be so heavy.
Therapy is all about healing. Healing from the past, old wounds, thoughts or feelings that aren't serving you anymore. So often, we have learned various ways of living to get through the days, to cope, but it's surviving and not truly living. For most, facing those things seems scary and that fear keeps them from living the life they want. I see my role as a therapist is to foster a space of safety so healing can occur. Through compassion, honesty, and ultimately connection, I work with my clients to help them move towards their best selves.
(615) 258-6935 View (615) 258-6935
Photo of Sarah Fisher, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Ashland City, TN
Sarah Fisher
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, TLMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37215
Some specific problems I treat include living with chronic illness and pain, trauma, anxiety, depression, self esteem and identity, life transitions, and relationship issues (whether they be intimate, familial, platonic, or professional).
Hi there! How are you doing? I mean, truly: how are you doing? I want to hear about your health, your interests, your relationships, your worries, your joys, and your sorrows. I want to hold space for all the things you really want to say when you reply, “I’m fine, how are you?” Whether you seek therapy for a specific problem or you just want a pocket of time to untangle some thoughts/feelings/experiences, you are welcome here.
Some specific problems I treat include living with chronic illness and pain, trauma, anxiety, depression, self esteem and identity, life transitions, and relationship issues (whether they be intimate, familial, platonic, or professional).
Hi there! How are you doing? I mean, truly: how are you doing? I want to hear about your health, your interests, your relationships, your worries, your joys, and your sorrows. I want to hold space for all the things you really want to say when you reply, “I’m fine, how are you?” Whether you seek therapy for a specific problem or you just want a pocket of time to untangle some thoughts/feelings/experiences, you are welcome here.
(615) 882-4236 View (615) 882-4236
Photo of Dan LaVelle, Licensed Professional Counselor in Ashland City, TN
Dan LaVelle
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37220  (Online Only)
I specialize in Chronic Pain, Anxiety, Trauma, Grief, Depression, and Existential Issues.
My goal is to utilize the individual strengths of all clients for the sake of enabling them to accomplish their goals, overcome hardships, and live up to their fullest potential. This possibility is readily available to all willing to adopt new perspectives and practices to their day to day lives. I am passionate about meeting clients where they are for the sake of discovering the perspectives and interests that make people excited about the lives they live. I am credentialed as a Licensed Professional Counselor/Mental Health Service Provider.
I specialize in Chronic Pain, Anxiety, Trauma, Grief, Depression, and Existential Issues.
My goal is to utilize the individual strengths of all clients for the sake of enabling them to accomplish their goals, overcome hardships, and live up to their fullest potential. This possibility is readily available to all willing to adopt new perspectives and practices to their day to day lives. I am passionate about meeting clients where they are for the sake of discovering the perspectives and interests that make people excited about the lives they live. I am credentialed as a Licensed Professional Counselor/Mental Health Service Provider.
(615) 667-0330 View (615) 667-0330
Photo of Doug Taylor, Licensed Professional Counselor in Ashland City, TN
Doug Taylor
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-, MHSP, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37212
Your current pain and struggle need not define who you are.
I work with clients wanting to heal from all kinds of painful experiences and challenges in their lives. Often what brings someone into therapy, their current struggles, are symptoms of an underlying unresolved experience which has thrown life out of balance. Anxiety and depression, for example, frequently are a pattern of being stuck in a state of imbalance, following a significant loss, heartbreak or trauma. The goal of therapy is to restore the natural integrity and balance within clients, empowering them to lead creative and fulfilling lives.
Your current pain and struggle need not define who you are.
I work with clients wanting to heal from all kinds of painful experiences and challenges in their lives. Often what brings someone into therapy, their current struggles, are symptoms of an underlying unresolved experience which has thrown life out of balance. Anxiety and depression, for example, frequently are a pattern of being stuck in a state of imbalance, following a significant loss, heartbreak or trauma. The goal of therapy is to restore the natural integrity and balance within clients, empowering them to lead creative and fulfilling lives.
(615) 560-7675 View (615) 560-7675
Photo of Melissa T. Dees, Counselor in Ashland City, TN
Melissa T. Dees
Counselor, MA, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Murfreesboro, TN 37128
Many people struggle with conveying compassion toward themselves and their own pain.
Thoreau said "There are a thousand hacking at the branches to every one striking at the root." In therapy, I believe our most valuable work is striking at the root of issues rather than hacking merely at the many branches/symptoms of the root. This latter approach often leads to resolving one manifestation of a problem only to experience new manifestations down the road. Whether the symptoms are anxiety, depression, addictions, or maladaptive relationships, it is worthwhile to examine the deeper sources of our pain. One of my primary roles will be to provide a steadfast ground of compassion, patience, and truth for your work.
Many people struggle with conveying compassion toward themselves and their own pain.
Thoreau said "There are a thousand hacking at the branches to every one striking at the root." In therapy, I believe our most valuable work is striking at the root of issues rather than hacking merely at the many branches/symptoms of the root. This latter approach often leads to resolving one manifestation of a problem only to experience new manifestations down the road. Whether the symptoms are anxiety, depression, addictions, or maladaptive relationships, it is worthwhile to examine the deeper sources of our pain. One of my primary roles will be to provide a steadfast ground of compassion, patience, and truth for your work.
(615) 237-5870 View (615) 237-5870
Photo of Beverly Cohron McManus, Licensed Professional Counselor in Ashland City, TN
Beverly Cohron McManus
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC, MHSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brentwood, TN 37027
Are you overwhelmed? Do you feel stressed about your relationships? Does it seem that your life is spiraling out of control? Take the first step toward hope! My practice is unique because we offer a faith based atmosphere which gives you and your relationships a place of refuge and healing. We offer counseling for individuals, couples and families. We often address issues which include depression, motivation, infertility, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, abandonment, abuse, communication problems, grief and much more! We look forward to the opportunity to meet you! There is hope for your pain!
Are you overwhelmed? Do you feel stressed about your relationships? Does it seem that your life is spiraling out of control? Take the first step toward hope! My practice is unique because we offer a faith based atmosphere which gives you and your relationships a place of refuge and healing. We offer counseling for individuals, couples and families. We often address issues which include depression, motivation, infertility, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, abandonment, abuse, communication problems, grief and much more! We look forward to the opportunity to meet you! There is hope for your pain!
(615) 745-1156 View (615) 745-1156
Photo of Jami Ivey, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Ashland City, TN
Jami Ivey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Antioch, TN 37013
My name is Jami Ivey, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Tennessee and Kentucky. I have 30 years of experience in the field and over 22 years as an LCSW. I work with all ages with various issues. I work with each client on individual issues helping them reach treatment goals. I see people with various issues such as, but not limited to depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, chronic pain, trauma, life changes, behavior issues, adjustment disorder, and parenting issues.
My name is Jami Ivey, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Tennessee and Kentucky. I have 30 years of experience in the field and over 22 years as an LCSW. I work with all ages with various issues. I work with each client on individual issues helping them reach treatment goals. I see people with various issues such as, but not limited to depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, chronic pain, trauma, life changes, behavior issues, adjustment disorder, and parenting issues.
(629) 276-4912 View (629) 276-4912
Photo of DeAnn Whalen, Pre-Licensed Professional in Ashland City, TN
DeAnn Whalen
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Brentwood, TN 37027
My areas of specific interest are anxiety & overwhelm, perfectionism, caretaking, chronic illness, & end-of-life issues, and issues specific to creatives & the music industry.
Hi, I’m DeAnn, and I would be honored to support you on your path to healing. I provide a nurturing space to collaboratively explore and move through challenges while cultivating heart-centered coping skills. Amid the noise of our often confusing, pressured, and disconnected world, I aim to help you remember who you are at your core, enhancing your creativity and authentic “voice.” I believe in the power of slowing down and being listened to by someone who can help you uncover calm and creativity within. Our work would involve honoring your past and navigating the road ahead while grounding in the present.
My areas of specific interest are anxiety & overwhelm, perfectionism, caretaking, chronic illness, & end-of-life issues, and issues specific to creatives & the music industry.
Hi, I’m DeAnn, and I would be honored to support you on your path to healing. I provide a nurturing space to collaboratively explore and move through challenges while cultivating heart-centered coping skills. Amid the noise of our often confusing, pressured, and disconnected world, I aim to help you remember who you are at your core, enhancing your creativity and authentic “voice.” I believe in the power of slowing down and being listened to by someone who can help you uncover calm and creativity within. Our work would involve honoring your past and navigating the road ahead while grounding in the present.
(615) 348-8865 View (615) 348-8865
Photo of Tony A Halton, Drug & Alcohol Counselor in Ashland City, TN
Tony A Halton
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, MSW, LADAC, MAC, EAP, SAP
Verified Verified
Madison, TN 37115
I offer Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Pain Management patients to assist in developing coping skills to change negative thoughts and behaviors.
I am a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselor and have a Masters Social Work Degree. I offer individual therapy, couples and family counseling in addition to group counseling. I specialize in mood disorders, depression post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD), marriage & family therapy, anxiety disorders, domestic violence, trauma issues, grief therapy and anger management.
I offer Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Pain Management patients to assist in developing coping skills to change negative thoughts and behaviors.
I am a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselor and have a Masters Social Work Degree. I offer individual therapy, couples and family counseling in addition to group counseling. I specialize in mood disorders, depression post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD), marriage & family therapy, anxiety disorders, domestic violence, trauma issues, grief therapy and anger management.
(615) 703-5085 View (615) 703-5085
Photo of Carolyn Kutsko, Marriage & Family Therapist in Ashland City, TN
Carolyn Kutsko
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37204
David Forbes and I facilitate Groups helping clients heal from trauma and emotional pain.
I am a Holistic Therapist meaning I treat mental health through the lens of the whole person: emotional, relational, physical, and spiritual. I offer experiences treating depression, trauma, anxiety, eating disorders and other mental health issues aiming to bring clients into their bodies and out of the mode of traditional talk therapy. These include psychodrama, sand tray, art, and yoga therapy. Wounding happens through living, relational, body-felt experiences and require similar experiences to heal. I create a safe container and relationship for the natural process of healing to occur. Expect to move, breath, and feel... we will not just sit and talk.
David Forbes and I facilitate Groups helping clients heal from trauma and emotional pain.
I am a Holistic Therapist meaning I treat mental health through the lens of the whole person: emotional, relational, physical, and spiritual. I offer experiences treating depression, trauma, anxiety, eating disorders and other mental health issues aiming to bring clients into their bodies and out of the mode of traditional talk therapy. These include psychodrama, sand tray, art, and yoga therapy. Wounding happens through living, relational, body-felt experiences and require similar experiences to heal. I create a safe container and relationship for the natural process of healing to occur. Expect to move, breath, and feel... we will not just sit and talk.
(615) 800-7078 View (615) 800-7078
Photo of Dakota Lawrence, Licensed Professional Counselor in Ashland City, TN
Dakota Lawrence
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCMHSP, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
Waitlist for new clients
Hi, I’m Dakota. I’m passionate about helping adults and adolescents heal from the pain of their past and grow into lives that bring them joy and fulfillment. You may be dealing with chronic pain, depression, trauma, or just feel lost or stuck. Let’s work together to figure out what brings you meaning, joy, and peace to your life.
Hi, I’m Dakota. I’m passionate about helping adults and adolescents heal from the pain of their past and grow into lives that bring them joy and fulfillment. You may be dealing with chronic pain, depression, trauma, or just feel lost or stuck. Let’s work together to figure out what brings you meaning, joy, and peace to your life.
(615) 492-9309 View (615) 492-9309
Photo of Brock Searcy, Counselor in Ashland City, TN
Brock Searcy
Counselor, LPC, MHSP, CST
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Brentwood, TN 37027
Sexual Pain issues are complex.
My background includes advanced training in Sexual Disorders, Depression, Anxiety and Trauma. I'm a Licensed Psychotherapist & Certified Sex Therapist in private practice located in Brentwood. I would love to hear your story and be available to help. No two peoples' experiences are ever the same and whether your issue is emotional, behavioral or just life circumstances I'm ready to walk down that path with you (Couples and Individuals). Areas of focus include victims of sexual abuse. I am EMDR trained (Level 1 & Level 2), Gottman Level 1 trained and TF-CBT Certified.
Sexual Pain issues are complex.
My background includes advanced training in Sexual Disorders, Depression, Anxiety and Trauma. I'm a Licensed Psychotherapist & Certified Sex Therapist in private practice located in Brentwood. I would love to hear your story and be available to help. No two peoples' experiences are ever the same and whether your issue is emotional, behavioral or just life circumstances I'm ready to walk down that path with you (Couples and Individuals). Areas of focus include victims of sexual abuse. I am EMDR trained (Level 1 & Level 2), Gottman Level 1 trained and TF-CBT Certified.
(615) 209-9034 View (615) 209-9034
Photo of Jack Justin Dreher, Licensed Professional Counselor in Ashland City, TN
Jack Justin Dreher
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCMHSP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Franklin, TN 37064  (Online Only)
My areas of special interest and focus are: anxiety, depression, perfectionism, existential and spiritual issues, religious/spiritual trauma, artistic/creative issues, grief and loss, chronic pain, sexual health, and men’s issues.
I recognize that the journey that brought you to therapy may not have been an easy one. I work to assist you in your self-exploration, learning, and growth by creating a safe, nurturing, respectful, yet challenging environment. I prioritize your autonomy and personal responsibility throughout the healing process.
My areas of special interest and focus are: anxiety, depression, perfectionism, existential and spiritual issues, religious/spiritual trauma, artistic/creative issues, grief and loss, chronic pain, sexual health, and men’s issues.
I recognize that the journey that brought you to therapy may not have been an easy one. I work to assist you in your self-exploration, learning, and growth by creating a safe, nurturing, respectful, yet challenging environment. I prioritize your autonomy and personal responsibility throughout the healing process.
(615) 488-7683 View (615) 488-7683
Photo of Hope Renewed Counseling and EMDR Therapy, Licensed Professional Counselor in Ashland City, TN
Hope Renewed Counseling and EMDR Therapy
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCMHSP, CCH, C-DBT, C-EMDR, LPCC-MN
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Franklin, TN 37064  (Online Only)
Do you feel like the pressures and problems of life are crushing in on you, causing you to wonder just how much longer you can hang on? Are life experiences causing lost sleep, chronic pain, and impairments in your everyday life? Do you feel isolated, like no one really understands what it's like to be you? Life can deal some pretty nasty blows, and can at times, knock us down, and can even make us wonder if there's hope, or a reason to go on. As a trauma survivor, I know how it feels to be overwhelmed, feeling isolated and defeated! I also know there is HOPE and life after trauma. There truly is hope!
Do you feel like the pressures and problems of life are crushing in on you, causing you to wonder just how much longer you can hang on? Are life experiences causing lost sleep, chronic pain, and impairments in your everyday life? Do you feel isolated, like no one really understands what it's like to be you? Life can deal some pretty nasty blows, and can at times, knock us down, and can even make us wonder if there's hope, or a reason to go on. As a trauma survivor, I know how it feels to be overwhelmed, feeling isolated and defeated! I also know there is HOPE and life after trauma. There truly is hope!
(731) 628-8201 View (731) 628-8201
Photo of Landrew Sevel, Psychologist in Ashland City, TN
Landrew Sevel
Psychologist, PhD, PSYPACT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37216
Waitlist for new clients
There is beauty in the complexity of our lives, and often difficulty too. Sometimes, our inner resources and life's challenges don't align, and leave us feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unskilled. My goals is to help you to find more freedom, ease, and wholeness in these moments. I am skilled in working with experiences of depression, anxiety, panic, trauma and chronic pain/illness. I am interested in working with members of the LGBTQIA+ community, neurodivergent folks, and those whose lives question social norms. My approach emphasizes gentleness, mutuality, creativity, and awareness from a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive lens.
There is beauty in the complexity of our lives, and often difficulty too. Sometimes, our inner resources and life's challenges don't align, and leave us feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unskilled. My goals is to help you to find more freedom, ease, and wholeness in these moments. I am skilled in working with experiences of depression, anxiety, panic, trauma and chronic pain/illness. I am interested in working with members of the LGBTQIA+ community, neurodivergent folks, and those whose lives question social norms. My approach emphasizes gentleness, mutuality, creativity, and awareness from a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive lens.
(615) 488-8796 View (615) 488-8796

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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.