Chronic Pain Therapists in Nashville, TN

Photo of Dr. Tyler Toledo, Psychologist in Nashville, TN
Dr. Tyler Toledo
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37221  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
With specialized expertise in helping folks with trauma, depression, anxiety, and chronic illness, I understand that finding a therapist that fits YOUR needs can be an exhausting process. In my therapy practice, we're not just talking about your experiences – we'll explore your personal story, inner compass, and innate strengths to guide us toward rediscovered meaning and direction. If what I offer doesn't quite click for you, we'll figure out together what might work better. Because no matter what, you deserve care that feels right for you.
With specialized expertise in helping folks with trauma, depression, anxiety, and chronic illness, I understand that finding a therapist that fits YOUR needs can be an exhausting process. In my therapy practice, we're not just talking about your experiences – we'll explore your personal story, inner compass, and innate strengths to guide us toward rediscovered meaning and direction. If what I offer doesn't quite click for you, we'll figure out together what might work better. Because no matter what, you deserve care that feels right for you.
(615) 576-8097 View (615) 576-8097
Photo of Amber Kowing Hayzlett, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Nashville, TN
Amber Kowing Hayzlett
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37207
I help men, women, and LGBTQIA+ adults explore who they are and who they want to be. I deeply enjoy working with those who have experienced complex relational or religious/spiritual trauma, those who live with chronic pain or illnesses, and those (yes, you) high-achieving, perfectionists, creatives & professionals. Whether you're coming to therapy for the first time or the tenth time, my goal is that you are able to leave our sessions encouraged, equipped, and more compassionate towards yourself and others.
I help men, women, and LGBTQIA+ adults explore who they are and who they want to be. I deeply enjoy working with those who have experienced complex relational or religious/spiritual trauma, those who live with chronic pain or illnesses, and those (yes, you) high-achieving, perfectionists, creatives & professionals. Whether you're coming to therapy for the first time or the tenth time, my goal is that you are able to leave our sessions encouraged, equipped, and more compassionate towards yourself and others.
(615) 434-9115 View (615) 434-9115
Photo of Jenna Cummings, Pre-Licensed Professional in Nashville, TN
Jenna Cummings
Pre-Licensed Professional, MEd
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37205
If you’re struggling with depression anxiety, depression, grief, chronic pain, chronic illness/disability taking the first step in therapy is intimidating but I will work hard to make this first step as comfortable as possible. I have a passion for working with individuals with Chronic Illness/Chronic Pain/Disability, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and life transitions. I believe that true healing happens when the entire person is cared for (mind and body) which informs my integrative approach to therapy.
If you’re struggling with depression anxiety, depression, grief, chronic pain, chronic illness/disability taking the first step in therapy is intimidating but I will work hard to make this first step as comfortable as possible. I have a passion for working with individuals with Chronic Illness/Chronic Pain/Disability, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and life transitions. I believe that true healing happens when the entire person is cared for (mind and body) which informs my integrative approach to therapy.
(615) 551-7361 View (615) 551-7361
Photo of Aaron M Free, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Nashville, TN
Aaron M Free
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LMSW, CTP
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37228  (Online Only)
I specialize in helping individuals navigate the complexities of trauma, dissociation, and chronic pain.
Are you exhausted from the relentless grip of chronic aches, pains, or the weight of trauma and dissociation? Do you want to get back to enjoying the things you used to? Are you looking to work with someone who understands your LGBTQ+ identity? If you're here, you've already taken the first step towards finding relief and reclaiming control over your life. I am dedicated to fostering a collaborative relationship focused on setting goals, tracking progress, and facilitating healing. Beyond our therapy sessions, my commitment extends to actively researching resources, interventions, and personalized solutions to fit your needs.
I specialize in helping individuals navigate the complexities of trauma, dissociation, and chronic pain.
Are you exhausted from the relentless grip of chronic aches, pains, or the weight of trauma and dissociation? Do you want to get back to enjoying the things you used to? Are you looking to work with someone who understands your LGBTQ+ identity? If you're here, you've already taken the first step towards finding relief and reclaiming control over your life. I am dedicated to fostering a collaborative relationship focused on setting goals, tracking progress, and facilitating healing. Beyond our therapy sessions, my commitment extends to actively researching resources, interventions, and personalized solutions to fit your needs.
(865) 327-2011 View (865) 327-2011
Photo of Jennifer K. Knowles, Licensed Professional Counselor in Nashville, TN
Jennifer K. Knowles
Licensed Professional Counselor, MHSP, (temp)
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37204
Waitlist for new clients
While I work with all types of clients, I have special training in chronic pain and illness, complex trauma, complicated grief, and end-of-life counseling.
I work with clients from all walks of life and with a variety of concerns and lived experiences. My approach to therapy is through a polyvagal-informed, body-based lens incorporating therapeutic modalities designed to attend to biological systems as well as core thoughts, beliefs, and emotions. Clients who are interested in achieving a better understanding of the body/brain connection and who would like to address chronic pain, tension, and trauma in the body will find help here. My goal is to restore ease and empower you to connect with your own innate healing abilities.
While I work with all types of clients, I have special training in chronic pain and illness, complex trauma, complicated grief, and end-of-life counseling.
I work with clients from all walks of life and with a variety of concerns and lived experiences. My approach to therapy is through a polyvagal-informed, body-based lens incorporating therapeutic modalities designed to attend to biological systems as well as core thoughts, beliefs, and emotions. Clients who are interested in achieving a better understanding of the body/brain connection and who would like to address chronic pain, tension, and trauma in the body will find help here. My goal is to restore ease and empower you to connect with your own innate healing abilities.
(629) 205-9519 View (629) 205-9519
Photo of Katie Casey, Licensed Professional Counselor in Nashville, TN
Katie Casey
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP, MA
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37205
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 Megan Hay, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Nashville, TN
Megan Hay
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37201  (Online Only)
Hello there, my name is Megan. Feel free to grab a chair and let's talk! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker(LCSW) with over 15 years of experience. As a dedicated chronic illness mental health therapist, I am committed to guiding individuals through the unique challenges that arise when navigating the complexities of both physical health and mental well-being. In this therapeutic space, we embark on a collaborative exploration, fostering a profound understanding of the intricate relationship between chronic illness and its impact on mental health.
Hello there, my name is Megan. Feel free to grab a chair and let's talk! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker(LCSW) with over 15 years of experience. As a dedicated chronic illness mental health therapist, I am committed to guiding individuals through the unique challenges that arise when navigating the complexities of both physical health and mental well-being. In this therapeutic space, we embark on a collaborative exploration, fostering a profound understanding of the intricate relationship between chronic illness and its impact on mental health.
(931) 535-5229 View (931) 535-5229
Photo of Carly Abel, Counselor in Nashville, TN
Carly Abel
Counselor, MA, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37212
I utilize approaches and techniques with strong research support to help clients process trauma; cope with &/or resolve chronic pain issues; learn to relate more effectively to emotions & in relationships; increase resilience & decrease burnout; develop skills & tools to decrease or resolve symptoms of depression & anxiety; & increase health & well-being.
My passion is to support individuals on a journey for deep healing of mind, body, & spirit; helping those recovering from trauma, anxiety, depression, relational conflict, abuse, stress, chronic pain & illness to find more joy, peace, empowerment, balance, purpose, and connection in their lives & relationships. If you are looking for a compassionate, direct, trauma-informed therapist who loves to get to the root of issues & equip clients with the tools they can use to thrive, who helps clients connect with their own inner resources for healing, growth & vitality, I may be a great fit for you.
I utilize approaches and techniques with strong research support to help clients process trauma; cope with &/or resolve chronic pain issues; learn to relate more effectively to emotions & in relationships; increase resilience & decrease burnout; develop skills & tools to decrease or resolve symptoms of depression & anxiety; & increase health & well-being.
My passion is to support individuals on a journey for deep healing of mind, body, & spirit; helping those recovering from trauma, anxiety, depression, relational conflict, abuse, stress, chronic pain & illness to find more joy, peace, empowerment, balance, purpose, and connection in their lives & relationships. If you are looking for a compassionate, direct, trauma-informed therapist who loves to get to the root of issues & equip clients with the tools they can use to thrive, who helps clients connect with their own inner resources for healing, growth & vitality, I may be a great fit for you.
(832) 734-9720 View (832) 734-9720
Photo of Hazel House, PLLC / Lindsay E. Vaughn, Psychologist in Nashville, TN
Hazel House, PLLC / Lindsay E. Vaughn
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37204
We treat a variety of concerns, especially trauma / PTSD (sexual assault / rape, military (veterans), and all forms of child abuse / neglect), family / relational attachment issues, depression, anxiety, chronic pain / illness, & substance use.
Many clients come to us after feeling stuck in talk therapy. Talking about your problems is helpful, but it has limited impact. If you are ready to take your healing to the next level, please reach out! We integrate somatic and experiential therapies, such as EMDR, Brainspotting, Hypnotherapy, IFS, psychodrama, nature therapy, ketamine-assisted therapy, trauma-sensitive Yoga, Neurofeedback, and more, to go deeper, so you can truly heal from past experiences. There are no quick fixes - there is only the journey to truly know, love, and care for yourself, and our team of expert therapists is ready to take the journey with you.
We treat a variety of concerns, especially trauma / PTSD (sexual assault / rape, military (veterans), and all forms of child abuse / neglect), family / relational attachment issues, depression, anxiety, chronic pain / illness, & substance use.
Many clients come to us after feeling stuck in talk therapy. Talking about your problems is helpful, but it has limited impact. If you are ready to take your healing to the next level, please reach out! We integrate somatic and experiential therapies, such as EMDR, Brainspotting, Hypnotherapy, IFS, psychodrama, nature therapy, ketamine-assisted therapy, trauma-sensitive Yoga, Neurofeedback, and more, to go deeper, so you can truly heal from past experiences. There are no quick fixes - there is only the journey to truly know, love, and care for yourself, and our team of expert therapists is ready to take the journey with you.
(615) 751-8303 View (615) 751-8303
Photo of Callie Cox, Marriage & Family Therapist in Nashville, TN
Callie Cox
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Not Verified Not Verified
Nashville, TN 37205
One of my favorite song lyrics right now is from the Lumineers, "it is better to feel pain than nothing at all." My work with clients looks like providing them someone to walk through the pain with so that they can create room for the joy that will follow. I work with clients through the attachment and emotional lens to help them create love and relationship that feels safe again.
One of my favorite song lyrics right now is from the Lumineers, "it is better to feel pain than nothing at all." My work with clients looks like providing them someone to walk through the pain with so that they can create room for the joy that will follow. I work with clients through the attachment and emotional lens to help them create love and relationship that feels safe again.
(615) 823-8273 View (615) 823-8273
Photo of Campbell Hopkins, Marriage & Family Therapist in Nashville, TN
Campbell Hopkins
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37215
Whether you’re in a season of transition or pain, you want to more fully explore your story, or you desire a deeper connection with your inner world, I’d be honored to join you.
Two values I strive for in the therapy room are understanding and security. When you walk through my door, I want you to feel the kind of safety that allows you to get cozy on the sofa and take a deep breath before diving into what matters most to you. Throughout the process, my hope is that all parts of you - those you love and know well and those that you struggle with or push away in your daily life - feel welcome, seen, appreciated, and understood. My clients are primarily adult individuals who hope to find healing and connection within themselves and with others.
Whether you’re in a season of transition or pain, you want to more fully explore your story, or you desire a deeper connection with your inner world, I’d be honored to join you.
Two values I strive for in the therapy room are understanding and security. When you walk through my door, I want you to feel the kind of safety that allows you to get cozy on the sofa and take a deep breath before diving into what matters most to you. Throughout the process, my hope is that all parts of you - those you love and know well and those that you struggle with or push away in your daily life - feel welcome, seen, appreciated, and understood. My clients are primarily adult individuals who hope to find healing and connection within themselves and with others.
(615) 471-6747 View (615) 471-6747
Photo of Catherine Harris, Art Therapist in Nashville, TN
Catherine Harris
Art Therapist, MA, ATR-BC, RYT 200
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37206
Offering sessions in Art Therapy to support chronic illness, grief and loss, and burnout. Throughout our lives, loss can show up in many forms: the loss of a job, the loss of a relationship, the loss of health, the loss of fertility, and of course the loss of life. All of these experiences can have the same intense effects as the death of a loved one. They can leave us feeling shattered, lost, and alone. Our modern-day way of life does not provide us with the rituals or guides we need to properly care for ourselves, find relief and support, and effectively grieve these losses when they occur. I understand, and I’m here to help.
Offering sessions in Art Therapy to support chronic illness, grief and loss, and burnout. Throughout our lives, loss can show up in many forms: the loss of a job, the loss of a relationship, the loss of health, the loss of fertility, and of course the loss of life. All of these experiences can have the same intense effects as the death of a loved one. They can leave us feeling shattered, lost, and alone. Our modern-day way of life does not provide us with the rituals or guides we need to properly care for ourselves, find relief and support, and effectively grieve these losses when they occur. I understand, and I’m here to help.
(615) 265-6116 View (615) 265-6116
Photo of Abby Graham, Licensed Professional Counselor in Nashville, TN
Abby Graham
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37203
Hi, I’m Abby. I help people find ways of moving through pain more effectively and wholeheartedly. Experience working with psychiatric crises and severe & persistent mental illness taught me that presence and connection are possible amid deep emotional pain and the human capacity for meaningful change is remarkable. “You know that the antidote to exhaustion is not necessarily rest? … The antidote to exhaustion is wholeheartedness.” - David Whyte
Hi, I’m Abby. I help people find ways of moving through pain more effectively and wholeheartedly. Experience working with psychiatric crises and severe & persistent mental illness taught me that presence and connection are possible amid deep emotional pain and the human capacity for meaningful change is remarkable. “You know that the antidote to exhaustion is not necessarily rest? … The antidote to exhaustion is wholeheartedness.” - David Whyte
(615) 808-8945 View (615) 808-8945
Photo of Carolyn Kutsko, Marriage & Family Therapist in Nashville, 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 Ellen Wilkins Counseling and Therapy, Marriage & Family Therapist in Nashville, TN
Ellen Wilkins Counseling and Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37203
Waitlist for new clients
My hope is for you to transform your pain, and find acceptance and peace to live life to the fullest!.
Are you struggling with a difficult, significant person in your life? Do you stuff your feelings, trying to keep the peace then, in frustration, overreact? I have a passion for healthy relationships and believe a strong, therapeutic relationship can provide the context for transformative healing & growth. I work well with people who feel stuck in the way they handle conflict-either avoiding it or repeating unhealthy patterns or behaviors. I can help you expand your awareness about how the past is effecting the present so you can respond to those you love without losing yourself.
My hope is for you to transform your pain, and find acceptance and peace to live life to the fullest!.
Are you struggling with a difficult, significant person in your life? Do you stuff your feelings, trying to keep the peace then, in frustration, overreact? I have a passion for healthy relationships and believe a strong, therapeutic relationship can provide the context for transformative healing & growth. I work well with people who feel stuck in the way they handle conflict-either avoiding it or repeating unhealthy patterns or behaviors. I can help you expand your awareness about how the past is effecting the present so you can respond to those you love without losing yourself.
(615) 203-8110 View (615) 203-8110
Photo of Sarah Fisher, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Nashville, 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 Parrish L Paul, Psychologist in Nashville, TN
Parrish L Paul
Psychologist, PhD, HSP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37204
It is my honor to work with clients on paths of exploration, personal growth, and healing. Because of the pain that often brings us to therapy, I believe that safety, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity are of the utmost importance in the therapeutic relationship. My theoretical orientation in counseling is primarily psychodynamic and interpersonal within a humanistic framework. I believe that past experiences inform current understanding, and exploring such issues can be healing. Change can also be related to a new understanding of relational patterns and a new experience of relationship with the therapist and others.
It is my honor to work with clients on paths of exploration, personal growth, and healing. Because of the pain that often brings us to therapy, I believe that safety, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity are of the utmost importance in the therapeutic relationship. My theoretical orientation in counseling is primarily psychodynamic and interpersonal within a humanistic framework. I believe that past experiences inform current understanding, and exploring such issues can be healing. Change can also be related to a new understanding of relational patterns and a new experience of relationship with the therapist and others.
(615) 454-9455 View (615) 454-9455
Photo of Nicki Sindle, Licensed Professional Counselor in Nashville, TN
Nicki Sindle
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, MHSP, EMDR II
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37212
As needed, I use EMDR to help clients release trauma, fears, & stored pain from adverse experiences.
Asking for help and deciding to begin therapy is a difficult decision, requiring courage and strength. I commend you on taking the first step toward feeling better, self-awareness, and personal growth. My goal is to empower clients to make positive changes in their emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical health. As clients learn to identify & reprocess their negative beliefs, they are able to make personal improvements in lifestyle choices & relationships. I aim to provide a physically and emotionally safe and caring environment for clients to engage in a interactive process to ultimately make the positive changes they wish for.
As needed, I use EMDR to help clients release trauma, fears, & stored pain from adverse experiences.
Asking for help and deciding to begin therapy is a difficult decision, requiring courage and strength. I commend you on taking the first step toward feeling better, self-awareness, and personal growth. My goal is to empower clients to make positive changes in their emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical health. As clients learn to identify & reprocess their negative beliefs, they are able to make personal improvements in lifestyle choices & relationships. I aim to provide a physically and emotionally safe and caring environment for clients to engage in a interactive process to ultimately make the positive changes they wish for.
(615) 285-3107 View (615) 285-3107
Photo of Michelle Hilton, Licensed Professional Counselor in Nashville, 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 Doug Taylor, Licensed Professional Counselor in Nashville, 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
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.