Photo of Shanna Willner, Counselor in Austin, TX
Shanna Willner
Counselor, MA, PMP, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78757
I work with anxiety, PTS/D, chronic pain, medical trauma, abuse, and illness including insomnia, migraine, and body system issues.
You can heal. I'm an ally and guide in the process. I work with pts/d and trauma, anxiety, chronic pain, and attachment interruption. My work integrates psychotherapy, bio-psychology, behavioral change, and holistic practice, and I use the lense of attachment theory to guide us. We will dismantle the barriers that block you from living your fullest life, however you define that, and we'll help you build new pathways to travel forward. Together, we use our relationship, your self-knowledge and life-knowledge, and my specialized training to move your life into something personally satisfying. I expect to open an office 6/24
I work with anxiety, PTS/D, chronic pain, medical trauma, abuse, and illness including insomnia, migraine, and body system issues.
You can heal. I'm an ally and guide in the process. I work with pts/d and trauma, anxiety, chronic pain, and attachment interruption. My work integrates psychotherapy, bio-psychology, behavioral change, and holistic practice, and I use the lense of attachment theory to guide us. We will dismantle the barriers that block you from living your fullest life, however you define that, and we'll help you build new pathways to travel forward. Together, we use our relationship, your self-knowledge and life-knowledge, and my specialized training to move your life into something personally satisfying. I expect to open an office 6/24
(424) 206-6738 View (424) 206-6738
Photo of Martha Brandt, Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, TX
Martha Brandt
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC-S, SEP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
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 Jenna Wade Garman, LPC Associate in Austin, TX
Jenna Wade Garman
LPC Associate, MA, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78759
Additionally, we offer intensives for issues such as sleep issues, ADHD, and chronic pain.
Reclaiming your peace, clarity, and purpose is possible. Through a cutting-edge approach, you can experience rapid physical and emotional shifts. Maybe you have tried various types of therapy before, or maybe this is your first time considering something different. You want change. You want relief. You want results. Reaching out for help is a courageous, commendable step toward reclaiming the fulfilling life you desire. Please contact Reclaim U Counseling, PLLC for more information.
Additionally, we offer intensives for issues such as sleep issues, ADHD, and chronic pain.
Reclaiming your peace, clarity, and purpose is possible. Through a cutting-edge approach, you can experience rapid physical and emotional shifts. Maybe you have tried various types of therapy before, or maybe this is your first time considering something different. You want change. You want relief. You want results. Reaching out for help is a courageous, commendable step toward reclaiming the fulfilling life you desire. Please contact Reclaim U Counseling, PLLC for more information.
(512) 729-5684 View (512) 729-5684
Photo of Brittany (Neece) Whallen, Marriage & Family Therapist in Austin, TX
Brittany (Neece) Whallen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LPC-S, LMFT-S
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78759
Many of our clients come to us for issues including: Relationship struggles; Grief and Loss (including the death or loss of a loved one, loss of a job, and divorce); Anxiety; Depression; Traumatic experiences; EMDR; Life transitional issues; Difficulty within the family system; and Chronic Pain (Specifically pelvic pain).
We all go through complicated situations, some of which we don’t feel adequately prepared to handle. Most of us were never taught how to navigate these difficult struggles in healthy, constructive ways. That's why we are here. My clinical team works with a diverse variety of clientele to provide affordable counseling services to individuals, couples, and families. We want to work with you to help you overcome obstacles that you are facing, improve on aspects in your current life situation, and provide a sense of strength and hope during times that you may feel lost. Please call us for a free phone consultation.
Many of our clients come to us for issues including: Relationship struggles; Grief and Loss (including the death or loss of a loved one, loss of a job, and divorce); Anxiety; Depression; Traumatic experiences; EMDR; Life transitional issues; Difficulty within the family system; and Chronic Pain (Specifically pelvic pain).
We all go through complicated situations, some of which we don’t feel adequately prepared to handle. Most of us were never taught how to navigate these difficult struggles in healthy, constructive ways. That's why we are here. My clinical team works with a diverse variety of clientele to provide affordable counseling services to individuals, couples, and families. We want to work with you to help you overcome obstacles that you are facing, improve on aspects in your current life situation, and provide a sense of strength and hope during times that you may feel lost. Please call us for a free phone consultation.
(512) 814-6027 View (512) 814-6027
Photo of Julie Jones, Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, TX
Julie Jones
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, LCDC
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78748  (Online Only)
I am an empathic therapist with 18 years therapy experience. Clients often come to me with an impaired sense of self, difficulties in relationships, and feeling unsafe in the world due to trauma/hardships in their lives. I assist my clients in transforming their deepest pain into their greatest strengths, finding passion in life, and confidence in themselves. They learn to have deep and meaningful relationships. Ideally, clients will move from a limited set of beliefs to an expansive perspective on what is possible in this life. I also love working with therapists; their personal work enhances their own practice!
I am an empathic therapist with 18 years therapy experience. Clients often come to me with an impaired sense of self, difficulties in relationships, and feeling unsafe in the world due to trauma/hardships in their lives. I assist my clients in transforming their deepest pain into their greatest strengths, finding passion in life, and confidence in themselves. They learn to have deep and meaningful relationships. Ideally, clients will move from a limited set of beliefs to an expansive perspective on what is possible in this life. I also love working with therapists; their personal work enhances their own practice!
(512) 559-3784 View (512) 559-3784
Photo of Jack Morrison, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Austin, TX
Jack Morrison
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78731
I specialize in working with traumatic pain, stress, and relational issues.
I work with both adults and adolescents. For over twenty-five years I have been successfully helping individuals have healthier and happier lives. Anxiety; panic attacks; depression; grief; sadness; anger; guilt; shame; confusion; physical, emotional, and sexual abuse; feelings of hopelessness or helplessness are all problems that can be dramatically changed for the better. I also have helped many people with chronic physical pain. I enjoy my work and welcome the opportunity to work with new clients.
I specialize in working with traumatic pain, stress, and relational issues.
I work with both adults and adolescents. For over twenty-five years I have been successfully helping individuals have healthier and happier lives. Anxiety; panic attacks; depression; grief; sadness; anger; guilt; shame; confusion; physical, emotional, and sexual abuse; feelings of hopelessness or helplessness are all problems that can be dramatically changed for the better. I also have helped many people with chronic physical pain. I enjoy my work and welcome the opportunity to work with new clients.
(512) 430-4418 View (512) 430-4418
Photo of Nicole T Williams, Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, TX
Nicole T Williams
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78731
With compassion, wisdom, humor and a little rebellion we can help you integrate a life of meaning, joy, and connection while also having a chronic illness.
Struggling through life with a chronic or silent illness feels anything but silent. It's more like having an angry body that's screaming and out of control at the worst possible moments. Illnesses like Lyme disease, chronic fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Epstein-Barr, or autoimmune disorders don't always come with support walks and wrist bands. And loved ones or the medical community don't always understand or know how to help. I know you're just about done with getting shuffled in and out of doctor's appointments, but hopefully you'll give me a chance.
With compassion, wisdom, humor and a little rebellion we can help you integrate a life of meaning, joy, and connection while also having a chronic illness.
Struggling through life with a chronic or silent illness feels anything but silent. It's more like having an angry body that's screaming and out of control at the worst possible moments. Illnesses like Lyme disease, chronic fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Epstein-Barr, or autoimmune disorders don't always come with support walks and wrist bands. And loved ones or the medical community don't always understand or know how to help. I know you're just about done with getting shuffled in and out of doctor's appointments, but hopefully you'll give me a chance.
(512) 456-9498 View (512) 456-9498
Photo of Morgan Grace, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Austin, TX
Morgan Grace
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S, LCDC, CCTP, EMDR, TCYM
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78701
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 Purna Bajekal, Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, TX
Purna Bajekal
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78756
Some of my specialties include life transitions, relationships, identity development, self-esteem, people pleasing, chronic illness, anxiety, depression, and school challenges.
It can be hard to find a therapist who understands how living with marginalized identities impact the way we show up in the world—and for ourselves. I take a culturally-responsive and somatic (mind-body centered) approach and value authenticity and inclusivity in my work. I support individuals in understanding how their experiences, relationships, identities, and culture impact who they are and their behaviors and interactions in the world. I specialize in working with young adults, BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals, and 1st and 2nd generation immigrants experiencing life transitions.
Some of my specialties include life transitions, relationships, identity development, self-esteem, people pleasing, chronic illness, anxiety, depression, and school challenges.
It can be hard to find a therapist who understands how living with marginalized identities impact the way we show up in the world—and for ourselves. I take a culturally-responsive and somatic (mind-body centered) approach and value authenticity and inclusivity in my work. I support individuals in understanding how their experiences, relationships, identities, and culture impact who they are and their behaviors and interactions in the world. I specialize in working with young adults, BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals, and 1st and 2nd generation immigrants experiencing life transitions.
(737) 530-8123 View (737) 530-8123
Photo of Laura Scheindlin, Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, TX
Laura Scheindlin
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78752
Waitlist for new clients
Perhaps you are suffering from depression, anxiety, chronic illness, or addiction.
Now doing In Person Myofascial Release! Talk therapy will remain virtual. Let me help you make some big shifts in your life! Most of the reason why we sabotage or ruin our progress is because our unconscious self is driving our behaviors. I can help you to bring those unconscious beliefs into your awareness so you can change your behaviors that don't serve you anymore. As a body-centered therapist (LPC and LMT), I help people who may be stuck in their healing process and are in need of deep and active work. By utilizing both psychotherapy and Myofascial Release, I help clients heal more effectively.
Perhaps you are suffering from depression, anxiety, chronic illness, or addiction.
Now doing In Person Myofascial Release! Talk therapy will remain virtual. Let me help you make some big shifts in your life! Most of the reason why we sabotage or ruin our progress is because our unconscious self is driving our behaviors. I can help you to bring those unconscious beliefs into your awareness so you can change your behaviors that don't serve you anymore. As a body-centered therapist (LPC and LMT), I help people who may be stuck in their healing process and are in need of deep and active work. By utilizing both psychotherapy and Myofascial Release, I help clients heal more effectively.
(512) 879-3807 View (512) 879-3807
Photo of McKenna Hereford, Psychologist in Austin, TX
McKenna Hereford
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78745  (Online Only)
I've worked in a variety of settings including corrections, VA & other hospitals, and private practice and use that to help those facing relationship issues, mood concerns, sexual concerns, queer/non-monogamous folks, and chronic illness.
You've lost your spark and find yourself feeling tired, confused, and even hopeless. As much as you've tried to improve relationships with others and your own well-being, you feel stuck. You feel misunderstood by others and struggle to relate or trust loved ones. You've maybe even tried therapy before without avail and are trying again in hopes of healing. You are looking for connection, not only to others, but also to yourself. You're looking for compass to guide you to a meaningful life above the struggles. At your core, you want peace.
I've worked in a variety of settings including corrections, VA & other hospitals, and private practice and use that to help those facing relationship issues, mood concerns, sexual concerns, queer/non-monogamous folks, and chronic illness.
You've lost your spark and find yourself feeling tired, confused, and even hopeless. As much as you've tried to improve relationships with others and your own well-being, you feel stuck. You feel misunderstood by others and struggle to relate or trust loved ones. You've maybe even tried therapy before without avail and are trying again in hopes of healing. You are looking for connection, not only to others, but also to yourself. You're looking for compass to guide you to a meaningful life above the struggles. At your core, you want peace.
(210) 934-9480 View (210) 934-9480
Photo of Michelle Sacksteder, Pre-Licensed Professional in Austin, TX
Michelle Sacksteder
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78759
I am a pre-licensed professional supervised by Lindsey Heselbarth LPC-S. I use an affirming lens to support children, adolescents, and adults. Services may address neurodivergence, CPTSD, PTSD, chronic nervous system dysregulation, chronic pain, autoimmunity, helper profession burnout, giftedness, parenting, dissociation, and more. I offer virtual appointments to those in Texas and have in-person availability in Hutto.
I am a pre-licensed professional supervised by Lindsey Heselbarth LPC-S. I use an affirming lens to support children, adolescents, and adults. Services may address neurodivergence, CPTSD, PTSD, chronic nervous system dysregulation, chronic pain, autoimmunity, helper profession burnout, giftedness, parenting, dissociation, and more. I offer virtual appointments to those in Texas and have in-person availability in Hutto.
(737) 758-3721 View (737) 758-3721
Photo of Doable Recovery Institute, Drug & Alcohol Counselor in Austin, TX
Doable Recovery Institute
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, MA, LCDC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78759
RJ García is a Central Texan with over thirty-five years of serving the recovery community. RJ earned a Master of Arts in Addiction Counseling from the world-renowned Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies at the Center City, Minnesota alcohol and drug addiction treatment center. HGSAS offered a unique curriculum that integrates theory, science and clinical practice. RJ is a member of the American Counseling Association. RJ is bilingual in both English and Spanish. RJ has a special blend of experience in recovery in educational services, health expertise in interventions, therapy, and heroic habits coaching.
RJ García is a Central Texan with over thirty-five years of serving the recovery community. RJ earned a Master of Arts in Addiction Counseling from the world-renowned Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies at the Center City, Minnesota alcohol and drug addiction treatment center. HGSAS offered a unique curriculum that integrates theory, science and clinical practice. RJ is a member of the American Counseling Association. RJ is bilingual in both English and Spanish. RJ has a special blend of experience in recovery in educational services, health expertise in interventions, therapy, and heroic habits coaching.
(512) 540-5033 View (512) 540-5033
Photo of Diana Goldstein, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Austin, TX
Diana Goldstein
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78749
I help clients who have have become stuck or unable to connect with others or themselves. My ideal client is someone is experiencing a transitional life crisis due to anxiety, loss, trauma, and relationships. My insight-oriented approach to therapy will help you reconceptualize past experiences so that you can create a new framework for yourself and your life. Whatever issues you present, we will work together to improve your current situation and enhance your lifelong resiliency.
I help clients who have have become stuck or unable to connect with others or themselves. My ideal client is someone is experiencing a transitional life crisis due to anxiety, loss, trauma, and relationships. My insight-oriented approach to therapy will help you reconceptualize past experiences so that you can create a new framework for yourself and your life. Whatever issues you present, we will work together to improve your current situation and enhance your lifelong resiliency.
(512) 605-1707 View (512) 605-1707
Photo of Andrea Rábago, Marriage & Family Therapist in Austin, TX
Andrea Rábago
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
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 Cindy Pearson Garcia, Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, TX
Cindy Pearson Garcia
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NBCC, LPC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78745  (Online Only)
The therapy experience is a unique opportunity for personal investigation and growth. Many people find the time to be deeply valuable with benefits of greater awareness, satisfaction in life, and better overall health/wellbeing. I strive to meet clients with a presence of kindness and respect while holding space for being heard in total confidentiality. I bring graduate level clinical study, extensive training, and diverse life experiences to my work. I can assist with ADHD, anxiety, panic disorder, depression, grief, bi-polar, personality disorders, religious/spiritual concerns, parenting, relationships, career, trauma, & more.
The therapy experience is a unique opportunity for personal investigation and growth. Many people find the time to be deeply valuable with benefits of greater awareness, satisfaction in life, and better overall health/wellbeing. I strive to meet clients with a presence of kindness and respect while holding space for being heard in total confidentiality. I bring graduate level clinical study, extensive training, and diverse life experiences to my work. I can assist with ADHD, anxiety, panic disorder, depression, grief, bi-polar, personality disorders, religious/spiritual concerns, parenting, relationships, career, trauma, & more.
(737) 204-8893 View (737) 204-8893
Photo of Michelle John, PhD, LPC-S, SEP, Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, TX
Michelle John, PhD, LPC-S, SEP
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC-S, SEP
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78703  (Online Only)
You are making the choice to embrace a new empowered you! Realizing that there is strength in finding support, this choice can lead you to a positive path of growth and well-being. Applying integrative therapeutic techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling life. If you're looking for support and guidance through challenging situations or you're ready to move in another direction, I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals. In a creative atmosphere I can help you uncover your true potential and a life worth celebrating!
You are making the choice to embrace a new empowered you! Realizing that there is strength in finding support, this choice can lead you to a positive path of growth and well-being. Applying integrative therapeutic techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling life. If you're looking for support and guidance through challenging situations or you're ready to move in another direction, I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals. In a creative atmosphere I can help you uncover your true potential and a life worth celebrating!
(512) 213-4840 View (512) 213-4840
Photo of Anne-Marie Knapp Hoyle, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Austin, TX
Anne-Marie Knapp Hoyle
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78731
If you would like to feel more at home within yourself, more connected in your relationships, and more in touch with life’s little moments, join me to see if we can collaborate toward crafting a more enriched life for you. I provide an open, warm, and safe place for you to gently and compassionately unfold the layers of self-limiting habits, beliefs and behaviors so you can enjoy life more fully.
If you would like to feel more at home within yourself, more connected in your relationships, and more in touch with life’s little moments, join me to see if we can collaborate toward crafting a more enriched life for you. I provide an open, warm, and safe place for you to gently and compassionately unfold the layers of self-limiting habits, beliefs and behaviors so you can enjoy life more fully.
(512) 647-2464 View (512) 647-2464
Photo of Kelly McGettigan, Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, TX
Kelly McGettigan
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78704
Therapy offers a framework to expand what is possible within ourselves, within relationships, and within the context of painful realities. I collaborate with individuals to explore difficult topics with curiosity, grieve what is impossible to change, and invite new possibilities. Over time, this process can encourage the development of new patterns, a deeper connection with self and others, the discovery of more meaning, and greater health overall.
Therapy offers a framework to expand what is possible within ourselves, within relationships, and within the context of painful realities. I collaborate with individuals to explore difficult topics with curiosity, grieve what is impossible to change, and invite new possibilities. Over time, this process can encourage the development of new patterns, a deeper connection with self and others, the discovery of more meaning, and greater health overall.
(737) 225-6674 View (737) 225-6674
Photo of Kelsey Blair Eidson, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Austin, TX
Kelsey Blair Eidson
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MA, LPC-A, NCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78704
I heartfully acknowledge our mind, body, & brain as an integrated whole within a social & cultural context. My approach is trauma-informed with an embodied & relational lens that aims to offer holistic & long-term healing. Whether we are navigating the depths of your inner world or the complexity of relationships, we will co-create a restorative space that offers a sense of warmth, openness, & curiosity towards all that emerges. Together we will discover your internal resources supporting healing, growth, & transformation.
I heartfully acknowledge our mind, body, & brain as an integrated whole within a social & cultural context. My approach is trauma-informed with an embodied & relational lens that aims to offer holistic & long-term healing. Whether we are navigating the depths of your inner world or the complexity of relationships, we will co-create a restorative space that offers a sense of warmth, openness, & curiosity towards all that emerges. Together we will discover your internal resources supporting healing, growth, & transformation.
(737) 637-3823 View (737) 637-3823
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.