Therapists in Austin, TX
Robin Hendershot, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
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.
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
Terri L Beck
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, LCDC, CHT, CPC, CPRC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78757
I have used hypnotherapy to help some clients increase their ability to manage chronic pain, quit smoking or work through trauma.
I am a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and Hypnotherapist and have been working in the mental health field for over 12 years. I imagine my ideal client has been feeling symptoms of anxiety, worry or depression or maybe life has hampered you from achieving your desires or goals. I provide in-person and tele-health sessions for those located in the state of Texas that have a desire to begin coping differently
I have used hypnotherapy to help some clients increase their ability to manage chronic pain, quit smoking or work through trauma.
I am a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and Hypnotherapist and have been working in the mental health field for over 12 years. I imagine my ideal client has been feeling symptoms of anxiety, worry or depression or maybe life has hampered you from achieving your desires or goals. I provide in-person and tele-health sessions for those located in the state of Texas that have a desire to begin coping differently
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.
Katy Adams
Licensed Professional Counselor, LMFT-S, LPC, SEP, CCTP, RYT-200
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
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.
Latosha Kessell Thomas
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, RYT, USAF, Veteran
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78702 (Online Only)
Life transitions can cause great strain in our lives and can lead to even greater pain if not addressed. Signs that you may be struggling with a life transition are depression, anxiety, feeling unsettled and lost, emptiness, fatigue, chronic pain, unexplained ailments, and illnesses. Life is full of painful transitions. Transitions can disconnect you from your true self, what’s important to you, and ultimately disconnect you from a life with meaning. Greater clarity, self-confidence, and balance will help you reconnect with your true self and your values to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
Life transitions can cause great strain in our lives and can lead to even greater pain if not addressed. Signs that you may be struggling with a life transition are depression, anxiety, feeling unsettled and lost, emptiness, fatigue, chronic pain, unexplained ailments, and illnesses. Life is full of painful transitions. Transitions can disconnect you from your true self, what’s important to you, and ultimately disconnect you from a life with meaning. Greater clarity, self-confidence, and balance will help you reconnect with your true self and your values to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
Transcend Health Solutions - Ketamine Clinic -
MD, MD, MPH, FACEP, FAEMS
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78731
Transcend Health Solutions is a mental health clinic that specializes in helping patients that have tried traditional psychotherapy and medications, but have not yet found any relief. Most of the people we see have treatment resistant depression, PTSD, trauma, complex PTSD, severe anxiety, OCD, postpartum depression, alcohol use issues/problem drinking, chronic pain issues or a mix of several of these conditions.
Transcend Health Solutions is a mental health clinic that specializes in helping patients that have tried traditional psychotherapy and medications, but have not yet found any relief. Most of the people we see have treatment resistant depression, PTSD, trauma, complex PTSD, severe anxiety, OCD, postpartum depression, alcohol use issues/problem drinking, chronic pain issues or a mix of several of these conditions.
Elene Drakonakis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78731
Contemplating any change can be daunting, but here you are, reaching out, exploring. Seeing a therapist can be the first step along a new path. Change takes time, and we can go at your pace, walking together on a path you determine. Whether you are looking at a life transition, worried about how substance use is affecting you, grieving a loss or dealing with a chronic illness, together we will begin the process of examining where you are, working together to shift to a place that brings you fulfillment and to help you reach your goals.
Contemplating any change can be daunting, but here you are, reaching out, exploring. Seeing a therapist can be the first step along a new path. Change takes time, and we can go at your pace, walking together on a path you determine. Whether you are looking at a life transition, worried about how substance use is affecting you, grieving a loss or dealing with a chronic illness, together we will begin the process of examining where you are, working together to shift to a place that brings you fulfillment and to help you reach your goals.
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
Olga Simons, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78723
I believe the counseling process needs to be tailored to the needs of each individual and the client-counselor relationship is very important in effectively addressing life situations and emotional pain. My education and experience has prepared me to counsel individuals, couples, and families. I have spent several years gaining expertise providing mindfulness based counseling (Hakomi) to clients interested in this person-centered approach. EMDR and PACT (Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy - Stan Tatkin's work) trained. Certified mediator.
I believe the counseling process needs to be tailored to the needs of each individual and the client-counselor relationship is very important in effectively addressing life situations and emotional pain. My education and experience has prepared me to counsel individuals, couples, and families. I have spent several years gaining expertise providing mindfulness based counseling (Hakomi) to clients interested in this person-centered approach. EMDR and PACT (Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy - Stan Tatkin's work) trained. Certified mediator.
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.
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Marty Romero Brickley, M.Ed., LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78745
Life Problems * Depression * Anxiety * Life Transitions * Pain Grief & Loss * Marital & Relationship Issues * Fears & Phobias * Parenting Issues * Trauma/PTSD * Existential Issues.
I provide counseling for individuals, couples, marriages and families. I also provide individual sessions for Meridian Tapping and iRest® Yoga Nidra Meditation. I integrate Imago, Meridian Tapping and meditation to empower you in learning to navigate your life and relationships. I guide you in exploring body feelings, emotions and beliefs as well as your relationship systems. I will guide you in learning how to become safe with yourself and how to be empowered in the present while living in the world. I look forward to working with you. I will treat your concerns with the utmost respect and with complete confidentiality.
Life Problems * Depression * Anxiety * Life Transitions * Pain Grief & Loss * Marital & Relationship Issues * Fears & Phobias * Parenting Issues * Trauma/PTSD * Existential Issues.
I provide counseling for individuals, couples, marriages and families. I also provide individual sessions for Meridian Tapping and iRest® Yoga Nidra Meditation. I integrate Imago, Meridian Tapping and meditation to empower you in learning to navigate your life and relationships. I guide you in exploring body feelings, emotions and beliefs as well as your relationship systems. I will guide you in learning how to become safe with yourself and how to be empowered in the present while living in the world. I look forward to working with you. I will treat your concerns with the utmost respect and with complete confidentiality.
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.
Angel Landrum
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S, LCDC, SAP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78704
My specialties include Dual Diagnosis (co-occurring chemical dependency and mental health issues); impaired professionals, chronic pain, Trauma, and individuals struggling with major life transitions.
Choosing a therapist is a very personal decision. It's important that you feel comfortable. Finding a safe, confidential and collaborative experience in counseling is my goal. When meeting with adult clients I blend a number of treatment approaches in my work, including client centered, motivational interviewing, and solution focused therapies. My clients have described me as compassionate, respectful and supportive, with a good sense of humor. Each person is unique to their own personal experiences in therapy and I adapt my skills to fit your needs.
My specialties include Dual Diagnosis (co-occurring chemical dependency and mental health issues); impaired professionals, chronic pain, Trauma, and individuals struggling with major life transitions.
Choosing a therapist is a very personal decision. It's important that you feel comfortable. Finding a safe, confidential and collaborative experience in counseling is my goal. When meeting with adult clients I blend a number of treatment approaches in my work, including client centered, motivational interviewing, and solution focused therapies. My clients have described me as compassionate, respectful and supportive, with a good sense of humor. Each person is unique to their own personal experiences in therapy and I adapt my skills to fit your needs.
Keli Hemingway
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S, EMDR, CHT
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78757
Waitlist for new clients
I know that sometimes you feel like you're all alone in your pain, anxiety, sadness, and anger.
You're an accomplished, hard worker, and people think you have it all together. But your internal voice reminds you that you feel inadequate, and you may struggle with sadness, anxiety, or anger. Perhaps you have unresolved trauma. You work hard to hide your deepest thoughts and feelings, and it's exhausting. You overanalyze your perceived flaws and past experiences. Perhaps you withdraw or lash out at loved ones. You try to push down negative feelings by staying busy and focusing on other things, but you don't feel so good inside when things are quiet. You feel "off". You're tired of living this way and ready for a change.
I know that sometimes you feel like you're all alone in your pain, anxiety, sadness, and anger.
You're an accomplished, hard worker, and people think you have it all together. But your internal voice reminds you that you feel inadequate, and you may struggle with sadness, anxiety, or anger. Perhaps you have unresolved trauma. You work hard to hide your deepest thoughts and feelings, and it's exhausting. You overanalyze your perceived flaws and past experiences. Perhaps you withdraw or lash out at loved ones. You try to push down negative feelings by staying busy and focusing on other things, but you don't feel so good inside when things are quiet. You feel "off". You're tired of living this way and ready for a change.
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.
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.
Turquoise N. Banks
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78701 (Online Only)
My clients come to me when they're experiencing emotional or mental distress and just want the pain to stop immediately.
The CHOICES we make have a major impact on the life we live. It's important to find a therapist who is a good fit for your needs and I understand it can be challenging. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 14 years of experience, training and advocacy. I'm an open and accessible therapist with a warm, candid, and collaborative style. I primarily use an approach based on the dynamics of mind, brain, body and spirit. I look forward to building a trusting therapeutic alliance with you and feel confident we can meet your goals together.
My clients come to me when they're experiencing emotional or mental distress and just want the pain to stop immediately.
The CHOICES we make have a major impact on the life we live. It's important to find a therapist who is a good fit for your needs and I understand it can be challenging. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 14 years of experience, training and advocacy. I'm an open and accessible therapist with a warm, candid, and collaborative style. I primarily use an approach based on the dynamics of mind, brain, body and spirit. I look forward to building a trusting therapeutic alliance with you and feel confident we can meet your goals together.
Lisa Brune
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78753
Interested in all areas of mental health, specializing in grief, loss, trauma, anxiety, chronic pain, & interpersonal relationships.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience, licensed both Texas and Louisiana. A graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington, I work with adolescents, adults, and seniors. I see individuals, couples, and families in the Telehealth setting. A Certified Family & Divorce Mediator, my skills and experience allow me to be compassionate, ethical, and effective. I am also certified in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) which targets managing stress in Critical Incidents and abnormal situations, helping with the “healing process” so that the likelihood of long-term trauma is lessened.
Interested in all areas of mental health, specializing in grief, loss, trauma, anxiety, chronic pain, & interpersonal relationships.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience, licensed both Texas and Louisiana. A graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington, I work with adolescents, adults, and seniors. I see individuals, couples, and families in the Telehealth setting. A Certified Family & Divorce Mediator, my skills and experience allow me to be compassionate, ethical, and effective. I am also certified in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) which targets managing stress in Critical Incidents and abnormal situations, helping with the “healing process” so that the likelihood of long-term trauma is lessened.
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.
See more therapy options for 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.