Chronic Pain Therapists in Westlake Hills, Austin, TX

Photo of Robin Hendershot, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Westlake Hills, Austin, TX
Robin Hendershot, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Westlake Hills, Austin, TX 78746
I assist clients with: Depression/Anxiety, Life Skills (effective communication, financial literacy), LGBT issues, Healthy Relationships & Boundaries, Chronic Pain & Illness, and Grief & Loss.
Hello and welcome. I am currently accepting new patients for Individual and Couples Counseling. If you are searching for a therapist, I imagine you are experiencing some feelings of pain and disconnection. We all want to be loved, seen, and understood; but oftentimes in life we find ourselves engaging in unhealthy relationship patterns, unhelpful communication styles, and harmful behaviors. Therapy offers a powerful tool for growth, connection, and insight. The heart of successful therapy is the client-therapist relationship. I would be honored to speak with you about your goals to see if I can be of service to you.
I assist clients with: Depression/Anxiety, Life Skills (effective communication, financial literacy), LGBT issues, Healthy Relationships & Boundaries, Chronic Pain & Illness, and Grief & Loss.
Hello and welcome. I am currently accepting new patients for Individual and Couples Counseling. If you are searching for a therapist, I imagine you are experiencing some feelings of pain and disconnection. We all want to be loved, seen, and understood; but oftentimes in life we find ourselves engaging in unhealthy relationship patterns, unhelpful communication styles, and harmful behaviors. Therapy offers a powerful tool for growth, connection, and insight. The heart of successful therapy is the client-therapist relationship. I would be honored to speak with you about your goals to see if I can be of service to you.
(512) 572-3210 View (512) 572-3210
Photo of Ruth Saenz, Licensed Professional Counselor in Westlake Hills, Austin, TX
Ruth Saenz
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Westlake Hills, Austin, TX 78746  (Online Only)
As we travel down our different paths, we may encounter trauma, grief, physical or emotional pain.
It is our unique life experiences that influence our perspective. Most of us confront our problems based on our life experiences. At PAZ Behavioral Health, PLLC, it is our belief that life is a tapestry and it is beautiful, even with its imperfections. Like a tapestry, our lives are woven differently, which makes us all unique.
As we travel down our different paths, we may encounter trauma, grief, physical or emotional pain.
It is our unique life experiences that influence our perspective. Most of us confront our problems based on our life experiences. At PAZ Behavioral Health, PLLC, it is our belief that life is a tapestry and it is beautiful, even with its imperfections. Like a tapestry, our lives are woven differently, which makes us all unique.
(512) 202-1121 View (512) 202-1121
Photo of Dr. Lauren Necesario Smith, Psychologist in Westlake Hills, Austin, TX
Dr. Lauren Necesario Smith
Psychologist, PsyD, HSPP
Verified Verified
Westlake Hills, Austin, TX 78746
I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, life transitions, and chronic pain in adults and older adults.
You find it hard to slow the racing thoughts. Feelings of guilt, shame, or not being good enough are getting harder to fight. You feel like you can explode at any minute. This is not the person that you used to be and you're having a hard time figuring out what to do or how to get through this.
I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, life transitions, and chronic pain in adults and older adults.
You find it hard to slow the racing thoughts. Feelings of guilt, shame, or not being good enough are getting harder to fight. You feel like you can explode at any minute. This is not the person that you used to be and you're having a hard time figuring out what to do or how to get through this.
(765) 232-3965 View (765) 232-3965
Photo of Taylor Kall, Licensed Master Social Worker in Westlake Hills, Austin, TX
Taylor Kall
Licensed Master Social Worker, LMSW
Verified Verified
Westlake Hills, Austin, TX 78746
I understand the pain trauma brings—it seeps into relationships and your very essence. You find yourself feeling suspicious and insecure, empty and never enough-even when life is actually going pretty well. It keeps you up at night. It makes you feel like an imposter in your own life. Perhaps you've put up barriers to protect yourself, but then it's hard to connect with others and experience real happiness. As hard as you work to feel happy, you keep finding yourself stuck in the same patterns. But, I'm here to help. I support older teens, adults, LGBTQIA+ folks, and men to find healing and build the life you deserve.
I understand the pain trauma brings—it seeps into relationships and your very essence. You find yourself feeling suspicious and insecure, empty and never enough-even when life is actually going pretty well. It keeps you up at night. It makes you feel like an imposter in your own life. Perhaps you've put up barriers to protect yourself, but then it's hard to connect with others and experience real happiness. As hard as you work to feel happy, you keep finding yourself stuck in the same patterns. But, I'm here to help. I support older teens, adults, LGBTQIA+ folks, and men to find healing and build the life you deserve.
(512) 890-1664 View (512) 890-1664
Photo of Martha Brandt, Licensed Professional Counselor in Westlake Hills, Austin, TX
Martha Brandt
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC-S, SEP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Westlake Hills, Austin, TX 78746
Are you overwhelmed? Anxious? Lonely? In emotional or even physical pain? Working hard to care for everyone else and coming up empty within yourself? Feeling isolated in the close relationship you care about most? Therapy offers a safe and confidential place to get some help to develop or perhaps rekindle a lively connection to yourself and your own dreams. If your relationship is suffering, it can help you regain the closeness and intimacy you once had and if you are parents help you nurture your own marriage while raising secure children.
Are you overwhelmed? Anxious? Lonely? In emotional or even physical pain? Working hard to care for everyone else and coming up empty within yourself? Feeling isolated in the close relationship you care about most? Therapy offers a safe and confidential place to get some help to develop or perhaps rekindle a lively connection to yourself and your own dreams. If your relationship is suffering, it can help you regain the closeness and intimacy you once had and if you are parents help you nurture your own marriage while raising secure children.
(512) 699-6950 View (512) 699-6950
Photo of Paige Bartholomew, Marriage & Family Therapist in Westlake Hills, Austin, TX
Paige Bartholomew
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
Westlake Hills, Austin, TX 78746  (Online Only)
Individual Counseling and Couples. Have you spent years in 'talk therapy', without seeing much real change? It’s probably time to try something new. Psychologists are learning there is a more successful way to heal. Deeper wounds can't be reached through talk-therapy alone. We must heal in a multidimensional way. It's about taking a gentle, deep look at the sub-conscious imprints in the body, mind, heart and soul levels to find out exactly where the pain lies. You and I will gently pave the way to clear them. Sessions are 65 minutes long, with free text check-ins 24/7. Insurance is accepted!
Individual Counseling and Couples. Have you spent years in 'talk therapy', without seeing much real change? It’s probably time to try something new. Psychologists are learning there is a more successful way to heal. Deeper wounds can't be reached through talk-therapy alone. We must heal in a multidimensional way. It's about taking a gentle, deep look at the sub-conscious imprints in the body, mind, heart and soul levels to find out exactly where the pain lies. You and I will gently pave the way to clear them. Sessions are 65 minutes long, with free text check-ins 24/7. Insurance is accepted!
View
Photo of Ali Houshmand, Marriage & Family Therapist in Westlake Hills, Austin, TX
Ali Houshmand
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPC
Verified Verified
Westlake Hills, Austin, TX 78746
Seeking support after the death of a loved one, or preparing for the death of a loved one, can be overwhelming. The focus of my work is to support individuals, families, couples, and children/teenagers when they are dealing with the challenges of loss due to an illness or other issues related to loss. I strive to help my clients cope with the difficult prospects of loss such as death, suicide, divorce, marital discord, terminal illness, chronic illness, job loss, and the challenges it brings to the client, and their family.
Seeking support after the death of a loved one, or preparing for the death of a loved one, can be overwhelming. The focus of my work is to support individuals, families, couples, and children/teenagers when they are dealing with the challenges of loss due to an illness or other issues related to loss. I strive to help my clients cope with the difficult prospects of loss such as death, suicide, divorce, marital discord, terminal illness, chronic illness, job loss, and the challenges it brings to the client, and their family.
(512) 764-1045 View (512) 764-1045
Photo of Kathleen Adams, Psychologist in Westlake Hills, Austin, TX
Kathleen Adams
Psychologist, PhD, CGP
Verified Verified
Westlake Hills, Austin, TX 78746  (Online Only)
Pain exists to make us pay attention. Trying desperately not to hurt, we compromise our integrity, our hearts and our sense of self, on some misguided mission to be invulnerable, to please, to care-take, or just to belong...Somewhere along the way, our vision of ourselves loses focus. Therapy can help create a new template for living. Research shows us that the brain can actually re-wire itself in the context of a secure relationship, developing new capacities for self-soothing, obtaining perspective, and being intimate. I believe that all suffering bears embedded gifts, if we look hard enough.
Pain exists to make us pay attention. Trying desperately not to hurt, we compromise our integrity, our hearts and our sense of self, on some misguided mission to be invulnerable, to please, to care-take, or just to belong...Somewhere along the way, our vision of ourselves loses focus. Therapy can help create a new template for living. Research shows us that the brain can actually re-wire itself in the context of a secure relationship, developing new capacities for self-soothing, obtaining perspective, and being intimate. I believe that all suffering bears embedded gifts, if we look hard enough.
(361) 596-3981 View (361) 596-3981
Photo of Elizabeth Dossman, Licensed Professional Counselor in Westlake Hills, Austin, TX
Elizabeth Dossman
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Westlake Hills, Austin, TX 78746  (Online Only)
I have extensive experience with depression, anxiety, chronic illness, substance abuse, LGBTQ and mood disorders.
A variety of approaches and techniques can be productive in the self-discovery process. My first priority is to create a comfortable setting – regardless of geography – that makes each individual at ease in sharing his or her significant life experiences. A feeling of respect, non judgmental attitude and positive regard will be felt when meeting with me. With this atmosphere set, the ability to develop new perspectives, coping mechanisms and problem-solving skills will prosper. I will help you transform your thinking in a way that enables you to find new purpose, deeper meaning and a more authentic relationship.
I have extensive experience with depression, anxiety, chronic illness, substance abuse, LGBTQ and mood disorders.
A variety of approaches and techniques can be productive in the self-discovery process. My first priority is to create a comfortable setting – regardless of geography – that makes each individual at ease in sharing his or her significant life experiences. A feeling of respect, non judgmental attitude and positive regard will be felt when meeting with me. With this atmosphere set, the ability to develop new perspectives, coping mechanisms and problem-solving skills will prosper. I will help you transform your thinking in a way that enables you to find new purpose, deeper meaning and a more authentic relationship.
(512) 410-1283 View (512) 410-1283
Photo of Rebecca Davenport, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Westlake Hills, Austin, TX
Rebecca Davenport
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CEAP, PA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westlake Hills, Austin, TX 78746
I work with individuals, couples, families and groups, across the life cycle, addressing concerns including (but not limited to); anxiety/depression, interpersonal skills, work/life balance, parenting, chronic/acute illness, and relationships issues for heterosexual, queer, gay and lesbian couples.
I collaborate with clients to resolve problems in living, to promote emotional growth and to facilitate personal and professional success. My therapeutic style is warm, direct and interactive. I believe that each of us can make mindful choices to create a gratifying life, to care for ourselves, our families and relationships. We can practice skillfully and create meaning in the difficulties and catastrophes that can complicate our course.
I work with individuals, couples, families and groups, across the life cycle, addressing concerns including (but not limited to); anxiety/depression, interpersonal skills, work/life balance, parenting, chronic/acute illness, and relationships issues for heterosexual, queer, gay and lesbian couples.
I collaborate with clients to resolve problems in living, to promote emotional growth and to facilitate personal and professional success. My therapeutic style is warm, direct and interactive. I believe that each of us can make mindful choices to create a gratifying life, to care for ourselves, our families and relationships. We can practice skillfully and create meaning in the difficulties and catastrophes that can complicate our course.
(512) 540-5571 View (512) 540-5571
Photo of Emily Marie Schultz, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Westlake Hills, Austin, TX
Emily Marie Schultz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westlake Hills, Austin, TX 78746  (Online Only)
Are you finding yourself getting stuck in familiar, unhelpful patterns in your relationships? Is fear, anxiety, shame, or depression getting in the way of achieving your or your child’s goals? You are worthy and deserve to take time for yourself! You don’t have to navigate trauma, pain, anxiety or depression alone. Together, utilizing humor and compassion, we can explore ways your family system and past experiences shaped patterns of behavior that are now impacting your relationship with yourself and others. The time is now to honor yourself to get the help you need.
Are you finding yourself getting stuck in familiar, unhelpful patterns in your relationships? Is fear, anxiety, shame, or depression getting in the way of achieving your or your child’s goals? You are worthy and deserve to take time for yourself! You don’t have to navigate trauma, pain, anxiety or depression alone. Together, utilizing humor and compassion, we can explore ways your family system and past experiences shaped patterns of behavior that are now impacting your relationship with yourself and others. The time is now to honor yourself to get the help you need.
(512) 668-7013 View (512) 668-7013
Photo of Nance Harding, Licensed Professional Counselor in Westlake Hills, Austin, TX
Nance Harding
Licensed Professional Counselor, MAHS, LPC
Verified Verified
Westlake Hills, Austin, TX 78746
Waitlist for new clients
My personal experiences of major illness, climate chaos and my years as a virtual executive consultant working internationally since 2000 is what distinguishes me from others.
My consulting practice is rooted in soul and informed by science. To possess the psychological mindedness and spirit required to pivot when your plans have been uprooted due to collective or personal events not imagined much less foreseen, is daunting even for the most accomplished of us. In the 90s, at the height of my career, I had to learn how to reorient psychologically and spiritually as well as financially in order to move forward. Since then, my professional experience includes a clinical internship and continued advanced post grad trainings in Freudian and Jungian psychologies including archetypal patterning recognition.
My personal experiences of major illness, climate chaos and my years as a virtual executive consultant working internationally since 2000 is what distinguishes me from others.
My consulting practice is rooted in soul and informed by science. To possess the psychological mindedness and spirit required to pivot when your plans have been uprooted due to collective or personal events not imagined much less foreseen, is daunting even for the most accomplished of us. In the 90s, at the height of my career, I had to learn how to reorient psychologically and spiritually as well as financially in order to move forward. Since then, my professional experience includes a clinical internship and continued advanced post grad trainings in Freudian and Jungian psychologies including archetypal patterning recognition.
(504) 285-2863 View (504) 285-2863
Photo of Morgan Grace, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Westlake Hills, Austin, TX
Morgan Grace
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S, LCDC, CCTP, EMDR, TCYM
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westlake Hills, Austin, TX 78746
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in trauma and dissociation, with additional training in substance use and chronic pain.
Welcome! I work with individuals who are looking to heal from past wounds and find their highest self. With a multidimensional background, I will meet you where you are and we'll explore the barriers that may be preventing you from moving forward. I believe you already have the tools you need. It takes a safe space with which to release the emotional weight and begin to see life with a new perspective. Our work together could be best summarized with the quote "Courage is not the absence of fear; courage is fear walking". It is an honor to help support you in this phase of your journey.
I specialize in trauma and dissociation, with additional training in substance use and chronic pain.
Welcome! I work with individuals who are looking to heal from past wounds and find their highest self. With a multidimensional background, I will meet you where you are and we'll explore the barriers that may be preventing you from moving forward. I believe you already have the tools you need. It takes a safe space with which to release the emotional weight and begin to see life with a new perspective. Our work together could be best summarized with the quote "Courage is not the absence of fear; courage is fear walking". It is an honor to help support you in this phase of your journey.
(507) 509-2169 View (507) 509-2169
Photo of Linda Oneal in Westlake Hills, Austin, TX
Linda Oneal
NLP, MEd
Verified Verified
Westlake Hills, Austin, TX 78746
I will help you reduce your anxiety and teach you how to manage your overthinking. I use a variety of modalities, including narrative therapy, mindfulness, and inner child work. I'll help you become aware of your thinking. Once we know the triggers that produced those negative, intrusive thoughts, we will examine why our conscious thoughts provoke such big emotions. These big emotions over "little" things are often rooted in how we respond to not being heard, seen, or good enough as a child. We will dismantle archetypes we've developed as adults to cope with the pain of not being enough and focus on becoming our authentic selves.
I will help you reduce your anxiety and teach you how to manage your overthinking. I use a variety of modalities, including narrative therapy, mindfulness, and inner child work. I'll help you become aware of your thinking. Once we know the triggers that produced those negative, intrusive thoughts, we will examine why our conscious thoughts provoke such big emotions. These big emotions over "little" things are often rooted in how we respond to not being heard, seen, or good enough as a child. We will dismantle archetypes we've developed as adults to cope with the pain of not being enough and focus on becoming our authentic selves.
(737) 265-7592 View (737) 265-7592
Photo of Wendy M Crook-Abel, Psychologist in Westlake Hills, Austin, TX
Wendy M Crook-Abel
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Westlake Hills, Austin, TX 78746  (Online Only)
For chronic pain, I utilize CBT for Chronic Pain, as well as ACT.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist committed to helping you build a life worth living. I work with a variety of issues including recovering from trauma, coping with chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and learning to manage emotions. My approach is to work collaboratively with you to learn new behaviors and skills to replace ineffective patterns of behavior that are interfering in your life.
For chronic pain, I utilize CBT for Chronic Pain, as well as ACT.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist committed to helping you build a life worth living. I work with a variety of issues including recovering from trauma, coping with chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and learning to manage emotions. My approach is to work collaboratively with you to learn new behaviors and skills to replace ineffective patterns of behavior that are interfering in your life.
(361) 203-4513 View (361) 203-4513
Photo of Thanusha Neelapareddy, Psychologist in Westlake Hills, Austin, TX
Thanusha Neelapareddy
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Westlake Hills, Austin, TX 78746
Dr. Neelapareddy specializes in working with diverse populations, including children, adolescents, young adults, parents, and couples who are facing various challenges such as anxiety, depression, relationship or adjustment issues, as well as chronic illness or pain. With her compassionate approach and extensive experience in the field, she strives to provide personalized care that addresses the unique needs of each individual. Her evidence-based clinical approaches include DBT, CBT, ACT, Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.
Dr. Neelapareddy specializes in working with diverse populations, including children, adolescents, young adults, parents, and couples who are facing various challenges such as anxiety, depression, relationship or adjustment issues, as well as chronic illness or pain. With her compassionate approach and extensive experience in the field, she strives to provide personalized care that addresses the unique needs of each individual. Her evidence-based clinical approaches include DBT, CBT, ACT, Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.
(512) 714-8913 View (512) 714-8913
Photo of Shruti Surya, Psychologist in Westlake Hills, Austin, TX
Shruti Surya
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westlake Hills, Austin, TX 78746  (Online Only)
Opening the hurt and pain can be challenging.
Life has its ways of throwing curveballs- depression, anxiety, trauma and PTSD, addiction, and life altering health issues are among just a few. You try to navigate through it but find yourself lost, hurt, scared, or isolated. You want to make changes in your life but feel stuck, like you're in a rut- leading you to get frustrated and feel helpless. If this feels like your experience and you are ready to make long lasting change, know that I see you and I hear you. And I am here to help. Using evidence based cognitive, emotional, and somatic methods we will move you towards healing, growth, and clarity.
Opening the hurt and pain can be challenging.
Life has its ways of throwing curveballs- depression, anxiety, trauma and PTSD, addiction, and life altering health issues are among just a few. You try to navigate through it but find yourself lost, hurt, scared, or isolated. You want to make changes in your life but feel stuck, like you're in a rut- leading you to get frustrated and feel helpless. If this feels like your experience and you are ready to make long lasting change, know that I see you and I hear you. And I am here to help. Using evidence based cognitive, emotional, and somatic methods we will move you towards healing, growth, and clarity.
(512) 559-6967 View (512) 559-6967
Photo of Katy Adams, Licensed Professional Counselor in Westlake Hills, Austin, TX
Katy Adams
Licensed Professional Counselor, LMFT-S, LPC, SEP, CCTP, RYT-200
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Westlake Hills, Austin, TX 78746
I offer somatic psychotherapy (touch and tablework) for people who are working on trauma, relationship and attachment issues. This work may also bring up family of origin issues that may also be unresolved. I combine somatic, IFS, and attachment modalities. My somatic training also provides expertise in helping those with chronic illness or pain and how this is related to mental health. Somatic work also is for those with after-effects of surgeries or accidents.
I offer somatic psychotherapy (touch and tablework) for people who are working on trauma, relationship and attachment issues. This work may also bring up family of origin issues that may also be unresolved. I combine somatic, IFS, and attachment modalities. My somatic training also provides expertise in helping those with chronic illness or pain and how this is related to mental health. Somatic work also is for those with after-effects of surgeries or accidents.
(512) 900-7267 View (512) 900-7267
Photo of Andrea Rábago, Marriage & Family Therapist in Westlake Hills, Austin, TX
Andrea Rábago
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Westlake Hills, Austin, TX 78746  (Online Only)
Let's work together to establish or restore your sense of wholeness, peace, & well-being. I specialize in supporting the whole person in matters of relationship health & spiritual wellbeing. I work closely with Highly Sensitive People, medical personnel & first responders & those seeking to restore their nervous systems to help enhance Self understanding & experiencing emotional safety in relationships. My focus areas include psychedelic integration, addiction recovery, & trauma resolution. Let's create a safe space for you to relax, explore, & prioritize what matters most in your life.
Let's work together to establish or restore your sense of wholeness, peace, & well-being. I specialize in supporting the whole person in matters of relationship health & spiritual wellbeing. I work closely with Highly Sensitive People, medical personnel & first responders & those seeking to restore their nervous systems to help enhance Self understanding & experiencing emotional safety in relationships. My focus areas include psychedelic integration, addiction recovery, & trauma resolution. Let's create a safe space for you to relax, explore, & prioritize what matters most in your life.
(512) 865-5284 View (512) 865-5284
Photo of Katy Swafford, Psychologist in Westlake Hills, Austin, TX
Katy Swafford
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Westlake Hills, Austin, TX 78703  (Online Only)
Did you think you had this handled but it keeps coming up? Learning new coping strategies to change your behavior is often temporary but there is a better solution - change your brain. Recent research shows that the brain is flexible, it changed as you adapted to traumatic events and it can change again to recover original potentials. You can change your history.
Did you think you had this handled but it keeps coming up? Learning new coping strategies to change your behavior is often temporary but there is a better solution - change your brain. Recent research shows that the brain is flexible, it changed as you adapted to traumatic events and it can change again to recover original potentials. You can change your history.
(512) 768-4137 View (512) 768-4137

See more therapy options for Westlake Hills, Austin

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.