Photo of Eric Swanholm, Psychologist in Austin, TX
Eric Swanholm
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78750
I am specially trained and have experience working with individuals with chronic pain conditions, inclusive of specific/generalized pain and migraine headaches.
I have provided evaluation and treatment for individuals who experience difficulties from the combination of psychological symptoms and chronic medical conditions. In particular, I have worked extensively with individuals experiencing both chronic pain (specific or generalized chronic pain, fibromyalgia, migraine headaches) and symptoms of depressive/anxiety-related disorders. I have worked extensively with individuals experiencing chronic medical conditions and personality-related disorders. Often, chronic pain, leads to development or worsening of psychological symptoms. Whether an individual's psychological symptoms existed prior to or developed after his or her chronic medical condition, I offer treatment toward an increase quality of life.
I am specially trained and have experience working with individuals with chronic pain conditions, inclusive of specific/generalized pain and migraine headaches.
I have provided evaluation and treatment for individuals who experience difficulties from the combination of psychological symptoms and chronic medical conditions. In particular, I have worked extensively with individuals experiencing both chronic pain (specific or generalized chronic pain, fibromyalgia, migraine headaches) and symptoms of depressive/anxiety-related disorders. I have worked extensively with individuals experiencing chronic medical conditions and personality-related disorders. Often, chronic pain, leads to development or worsening of psychological symptoms. Whether an individual's psychological symptoms existed prior to or developed after his or her chronic medical condition, I offer treatment toward an increase quality of life.
(817) 383-2914 View (817) 383-2914
Photo of Paige Majko, Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, TX
Paige Majko
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA , LPC, EMDR
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78745
Hi. Thank you for your interest in my psychotherapy services. I specialize in trauma, PTSD and treating chronic pain utilizing both EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Somatic Psychotherapy. Both of these are evidence based treatment modalities with high efficacy rates. Making the decision to begin therapy is an incredibly brave act of self kindness. You can have peace, joy and happiness in your life. I would be honored to help you begin this courageous journey of transformation.
Hi. Thank you for your interest in my psychotherapy services. I specialize in trauma, PTSD and treating chronic pain utilizing both EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Somatic Psychotherapy. Both of these are evidence based treatment modalities with high efficacy rates. Making the decision to begin therapy is an incredibly brave act of self kindness. You can have peace, joy and happiness in your life. I would be honored to help you begin this courageous journey of transformation.
(832) 307-3463 View (832) 307-3463
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 Brandy Goins, Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, TX
Brandy Goins
Licensed Professional Counselor, Phd,ABD, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78730  (Online Only)
Are you feeling frustrated, perhaps a bit angry? In addition, the feeling that no one understands you or they say the wrong thing to you without thinking of the impact. Dealing with chronic illness and pain is a consistent struggle. Sometimes getting through a day to just support a decent lifestyle is excruciating. The isolation is troubling because a social life feels so out of reach Top that off with a relationship and a healthy sex life seems impossible at the moment. Everyday feels like a marathon of how much can be done while feeling a consistent exhaustion that never goes away. Waking up feeling refreshed seems like a fantasy.
Are you feeling frustrated, perhaps a bit angry? In addition, the feeling that no one understands you or they say the wrong thing to you without thinking of the impact. Dealing with chronic illness and pain is a consistent struggle. Sometimes getting through a day to just support a decent lifestyle is excruciating. The isolation is troubling because a social life feels so out of reach Top that off with a relationship and a healthy sex life seems impossible at the moment. Everyday feels like a marathon of how much can be done while feeling a consistent exhaustion that never goes away. Waking up feeling refreshed seems like a fantasy.
(248) 965-0474 View (248) 965-0474
Photo of Ali Houshmand, Marriage & Family Therapist in Austin, TX
Ali Houshmand
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPC
Verified Verified
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 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 Cristina Peck, Marriage & Family Therapist in Austin, TX
Cristina Peck
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78759
Issues include chronic pain, burnout, coping with cancer, parenting, relationship and communication skills, and more.
Are you experiencing burnout? Do you over-book or overwork yourself, believing you have no choice? Do you prioritize other people's needs or problems before your own? Caring physicians, nurses, social workers, therapists, caregivers and parents need extra help in deciding how much they can offer and when to pull back to avoid burnout. You may need help if you are an adult child of an alcoholic or grew up in a chaotic or unpredictable home.
Issues include chronic pain, burnout, coping with cancer, parenting, relationship and communication skills, and more.
Are you experiencing burnout? Do you over-book or overwork yourself, believing you have no choice? Do you prioritize other people's needs or problems before your own? Caring physicians, nurses, social workers, therapists, caregivers and parents need extra help in deciding how much they can offer and when to pull back to avoid burnout. You may need help if you are an adult child of an alcoholic or grew up in a chaotic or unpredictable home.
(512) 948-3538 View (512) 948-3538
Photo of ATX Therapy Center, Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, TX
ATX Therapy Center
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMFT, LCSW
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78759
Here are some examples of what we can offer during sessions: Improving communication skills, setting boundaries, creating healthy coping skills to manage overwhelming situations, navigating the waves of grief, building healthier couples & family relationships, reducing anxiety or depression symptoms, & managing chronic pain or illness (just to name a few).
It takes great courage to recognize when you could use some additional support in your life, and even more courage to take the first step in reaching out. It may feel easier at times to suffer in silence. ATX Therapy Center is very glad you're here - you deserve to receive the support you need to overcome life's challenges that you are facing, and live your best life. Our team of expert, professional clinicians have experience in helping people with a wide variety of life situations and struggles. We accept most major insurance plans and want to make sure that you have access to affordable, quality healthcare - we're here to help!
Here are some examples of what we can offer during sessions: Improving communication skills, setting boundaries, creating healthy coping skills to manage overwhelming situations, navigating the waves of grief, building healthier couples & family relationships, reducing anxiety or depression symptoms, & managing chronic pain or illness (just to name a few).
It takes great courage to recognize when you could use some additional support in your life, and even more courage to take the first step in reaching out. It may feel easier at times to suffer in silence. ATX Therapy Center is very glad you're here - you deserve to receive the support you need to overcome life's challenges that you are facing, and live your best life. Our team of expert, professional clinicians have experience in helping people with a wide variety of life situations and struggles. We accept most major insurance plans and want to make sure that you have access to affordable, quality healthcare - we're here to help!
(737) 265-7408 View (737) 265-7408
Photo of Madalyn Ruble, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Austin, TX
Madalyn Ruble
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78705  (Online Only)
Hi there! I am so grateful you're here! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience in primarily medical & mental health settings. I enjoy working with teens, adults, & everyone in between! I strive to curate a safe space where you can feel both seen & heard. I specialize in working with stress management, anxiety, chronic illness, relationship issues, & those who may be going through a period of adjustment - whether that be a new diagnosis, a recent move or a breakup, we will move through it together. Looking forward to chatting with you soon!
Hi there! I am so grateful you're here! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience in primarily medical & mental health settings. I enjoy working with teens, adults, & everyone in between! I strive to curate a safe space where you can feel both seen & heard. I specialize in working with stress management, anxiety, chronic illness, relationship issues, & those who may be going through a period of adjustment - whether that be a new diagnosis, a recent move or a breakup, we will move through it together. Looking forward to chatting with you soon!
(346) 421-0666 View (346) 421-0666
Photo of Ariel Morado, Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, TX
Ariel Morado
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78744  (Online Only)
I see you—tweens, teens, and adults navigating the storm of trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and depression. In the midst of the chaos, you're seeking more than just survival; you're seeking connection—with your mind, body, and soul. I understand the weight you carry and the battles you fight within. Your journey is not just about overcoming challenges; it's about discovering the resilient core within you. It's about peeling back the layers of pain to find the essence of who you truly are.
I see you—tweens, teens, and adults navigating the storm of trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and depression. In the midst of the chaos, you're seeking more than just survival; you're seeking connection—with your mind, body, and soul. I understand the weight you carry and the battles you fight within. Your journey is not just about overcoming challenges; it's about discovering the resilient core within you. It's about peeling back the layers of pain to find the essence of who you truly are.
(512) 598-4981 View (512) 598-4981
Photo of Mary Webb-Tafoya, PLLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, TX
Mary Webb-Tafoya, PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, LPCC, NCC, CMS-CHt
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78732  (Online Only)
Texas, Arizona, and Washington licensed in working with crisis, trauma intervention, prevention, grief, bereavement, clinical hypnotherapy, disease, illness, and chronic pain, sexual assault and abuse, domestic violence, physical abuse, combat trauma, reintegration issues, GLBT issues, sexual dysfunction, marriage, family, stress and anger management.
Currently only accepting clients for Teletherapy. The individual who seeks to improve their quality of life would greatly benefit from having me as their counselor. Each session is goal-oriented and an educational process towards insight and awareness which can greatly improve a client's perspective of themselves; the world; and themselves in the world. I believe in short term, brief solution focused therapy to maximize time and therapeutic interventions. I strive to form a therapeutic alliance with my clients and act as a guide and mentor through all of life's challenges. For more information, go to marywebbtafoyapllc.com
Texas, Arizona, and Washington licensed in working with crisis, trauma intervention, prevention, grief, bereavement, clinical hypnotherapy, disease, illness, and chronic pain, sexual assault and abuse, domestic violence, physical abuse, combat trauma, reintegration issues, GLBT issues, sexual dysfunction, marriage, family, stress and anger management.
Currently only accepting clients for Teletherapy. The individual who seeks to improve their quality of life would greatly benefit from having me as their counselor. Each session is goal-oriented and an educational process towards insight and awareness which can greatly improve a client's perspective of themselves; the world; and themselves in the world. I believe in short term, brief solution focused therapy to maximize time and therapeutic interventions. I strive to form a therapeutic alliance with my clients and act as a guide and mentor through all of life's challenges. For more information, go to marywebbtafoyapllc.com
(915) 228-2153 View (915) 228-2153
Photo of Lisa Medina, Drug & Alcohol Counselor in Austin, TX
Lisa Medina
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, MA, LCDC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78731
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in serving adults living with Substance Use Disorders, trauma and/or mental illness.
My mission is to create hope where there is none and to empower the individuals I work with to find healing. Healing will be defined by YOU - I will operate as an active guide throughout the process. I offer private counseling to individuals and their family members/significant others who are struggling with alcohol and/or drug use. I am able to help craft safety plans, moderation plans or abstinence plans based on your goals. I will assist you to create balance in your mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health.
I specialize in serving adults living with Substance Use Disorders, trauma and/or mental illness.
My mission is to create hope where there is none and to empower the individuals I work with to find healing. Healing will be defined by YOU - I will operate as an active guide throughout the process. I offer private counseling to individuals and their family members/significant others who are struggling with alcohol and/or drug use. I am able to help craft safety plans, moderation plans or abstinence plans based on your goals. I will assist you to create balance in your mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health.
(512) 271-4304 View (512) 271-4304
Photo of Matt Vitemb, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Austin, TX
Matt Vitemb
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RN
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78759
Most of my experience has been with people who are still suffering a lot even though they have tried a lot of therapy and medications. I want you to know I recognize the pain of feeling like nothing can help, and respect the wisdom and willingness it takes to keep trying despite everything you have been through. If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, painful or unsatisfying relationships, the impact of trauma, or unhelpful patterns in how you try to cope with overwhelming pain, I want to support you.
Most of my experience has been with people who are still suffering a lot even though they have tried a lot of therapy and medications. I want you to know I recognize the pain of feeling like nothing can help, and respect the wisdom and willingness it takes to keep trying despite everything you have been through. If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, painful or unsatisfying relationships, the impact of trauma, or unhelpful patterns in how you try to cope with overwhelming pain, I want to support you.
(737) 234-8707 View (737) 234-8707
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 Susan Bushong, Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, TX
Susan Bushong
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78731
Chronic pain and illness, sleep problems and sexual addiction and food problems are my specialties. I have over 40 years of experience, an advance certification in compulsive sexual problems and I am a certified weight loss specialist. I also have extensive training in treating anxiety and depression as well as problems in relationships. I am extensively trained in treating chronic pain and sleep problems through hypnotherapy and brief solution focused therapy. I have worked in Europe, India and the United States.
Chronic pain and illness, sleep problems and sexual addiction and food problems are my specialties. I have over 40 years of experience, an advance certification in compulsive sexual problems and I am a certified weight loss specialist. I also have extensive training in treating anxiety and depression as well as problems in relationships. I am extensively trained in treating chronic pain and sleep problems through hypnotherapy and brief solution focused therapy. I have worked in Europe, India and the United States.
(512) 337-3357 View (512) 337-3357
Photo of Eden Davisson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Austin, TX
Eden Davisson, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78746
Caseload Currently FULL. I will update when I have openings through telehealth and in person visits. I have been providing psychotherapy and behavioral health counseling to diverse population of adults with a full spectrum of emotional and psychological needs since 2010. I have witnessed many of my clients progress and graduate out of counseling after we have worked together on anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship distress, chronic pain, health behaviors, compulsions, and mild addiction.
Caseload Currently FULL. I will update when I have openings through telehealth and in person visits. I have been providing psychotherapy and behavioral health counseling to diverse population of adults with a full spectrum of emotional and psychological needs since 2010. I have witnessed many of my clients progress and graduate out of counseling after we have worked together on anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship distress, chronic pain, health behaviors, compulsions, and mild addiction.
(512) 872-5953 View (512) 872-5953
Photo of Samaritan Center in Austin, TX
Samaritan Center
LCSW, LMFT, LPC, LAC
Not Verified Not Verified
Austin, TX 78758
We serve all ages and address a variety of issues including family violence, child abuse, sexual assault, stress, addiction, divorce, depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, TBI, pain, insomnia, grief, aging, relationships, career and life transitions.
Samaritan Center has been saving lives and giving hope to Central Texas families for more than 45 years. We envision a healthy and compassionate community where every individual achieves mental, physical, spiritual and social well-being. We heal hearts, provide hope, and enhance lives with a holistic approach to mental health for all ages, whole families and the military community. Since 2007, we have supported veterans and military families through our Hope for Heroes program. With 14 counselors and 2 acupuncturists, we have a unique approach to treating individuals and families.
We serve all ages and address a variety of issues including family violence, child abuse, sexual assault, stress, addiction, divorce, depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, TBI, pain, insomnia, grief, aging, relationships, career and life transitions.
Samaritan Center has been saving lives and giving hope to Central Texas families for more than 45 years. We envision a healthy and compassionate community where every individual achieves mental, physical, spiritual and social well-being. We heal hearts, provide hope, and enhance lives with a holistic approach to mental health for all ages, whole families and the military community. Since 2007, we have supported veterans and military families through our Hope for Heroes program. With 14 counselors and 2 acupuncturists, we have a unique approach to treating individuals and families.
(512) 271-4072 View (512) 271-4072
Photo of Garrett Lathan, Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, TX
Garrett Lathan
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78750
Pain, mental suffering, and relational anguish are a part of life. The question is, what are these experiences saying for you? Desire might be inhibited, hidden by anxiety, or revealed through a symptom, but living without it seems impossible. Psychoanalysis is the process of finding out how to live with what cannot be lived without.
Pain, mental suffering, and relational anguish are a part of life. The question is, what are these experiences saying for you? Desire might be inhibited, hidden by anxiety, or revealed through a symptom, but living without it seems impossible. Psychoanalysis is the process of finding out how to live with what cannot be lived without.
(512) 359-5948 View (512) 359-5948
Photo of Gwen B Hawley, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Austin, TX
Gwen B Hawley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, MAEL
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78759
I use techniques that protect your dignity, teach you how to process the source of your pain while gaining strength, understanding and compelling insight.
Therapy should not be scary nor should it be complicated. I provide a non-judgmental, safe environment for you to explore your concerns and become the best version of yourself. My clients describe me as encouraging, loving, motivating and professional.. I don't use psychobabble. My approach is down to earth, educational and adapted to meet your individual style. I use psychological principals combined with lifestyle education (exercise, diet, nutrition) to empower you to start living the life you want. These techniques may be used for physical and emotional problems and may positively impact areas such as personal relationships, sports and business.
I use techniques that protect your dignity, teach you how to process the source of your pain while gaining strength, understanding and compelling insight.
Therapy should not be scary nor should it be complicated. I provide a non-judgmental, safe environment for you to explore your concerns and become the best version of yourself. My clients describe me as encouraging, loving, motivating and professional.. I don't use psychobabble. My approach is down to earth, educational and adapted to meet your individual style. I use psychological principals combined with lifestyle education (exercise, diet, nutrition) to empower you to start living the life you want. These techniques may be used for physical and emotional problems and may positively impact areas such as personal relationships, sports and business.
(512) 920-6353 View (512) 920-6353
Photo of Emily Marie Schultz, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Austin, TX
Emily Marie Schultz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
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
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.