Therapists in Austin, TX
Kristina Sarkisova
Licensed Master Social Worker, MSSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78756 (Online Only)
Whether emotional, physical, or both: your pain is 100% real, it matters, and it carries important information.
I'm a multi-cultural, bilingual (English/Español), trauma-sensitive and caring psychotherapist. I'm passionate about neurobiology and the mind-body connection, and I have experience using this integrated approach with clients going through grief, trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relationship struggles. I find it especially fulfilling to work with people who live with disabilities, chronic illness, and/or chronic pain. I know first-hand how challenging it can be to sustain a loss of health, and I consider it a privilege to support you in the many ways this may be impacting your life.
Whether emotional, physical, or both: your pain is 100% real, it matters, and it carries important information.
I'm a multi-cultural, bilingual (English/Español), trauma-sensitive and caring psychotherapist. I'm passionate about neurobiology and the mind-body connection, and I have experience using this integrated approach with clients going through grief, trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relationship struggles. I find it especially fulfilling to work with people who live with disabilities, chronic illness, and/or chronic pain. I know first-hand how challenging it can be to sustain a loss of health, and I consider it a privilege to support you in the many ways this may be impacting your life.
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.
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
Heather Velasquez (Hello Light Counseling Pllc)
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78717 (Online Only)
Hello! I am an experienced Licensed Professional Counselor offering individual counseling online for adult clients. I primarily work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, grief/loss, chronic illness including HIV, women's health issues, relationship and communication issues and alcohol and substance use. (I am currently forming an endometriosis support group - see flyer below). Whether you are considering counseling for the first time or are a seasoned counseling client, I would be happy to speak with you to answer any questions you might have about working with me.
Hello! I am an experienced Licensed Professional Counselor offering individual counseling online for adult clients. I primarily work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, grief/loss, chronic illness including HIV, women's health issues, relationship and communication issues and alcohol and substance use. (I am currently forming an endometriosis support group - see flyer below). Whether you are considering counseling for the first time or are a seasoned counseling client, I would be happy to speak with you to answer any questions you might have about working with me.
Deborah Vanko
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78748 (Online Only)
For 30 years I have helped couples and individuals to create a satisfying, loving, conflict-free life by overcoming past or present obstacles. Everyone deserves to be happy and free of emotional pain. I believe empowering people to take charge of their life is liberating. I use a wide variety of counseling approaches customized to fit the individual. These include expressing emotion, identifying helpful and dysfunctional thinking/beliefs and changing behavior or developing strategies to create success. I am an open-minded therapist accepting the diversity of client lifestyle and gender.
For 30 years I have helped couples and individuals to create a satisfying, loving, conflict-free life by overcoming past or present obstacles. Everyone deserves to be happy and free of emotional pain. I believe empowering people to take charge of their life is liberating. I use a wide variety of counseling approaches customized to fit the individual. These include expressing emotion, identifying helpful and dysfunctional thinking/beliefs and changing behavior or developing strategies to create success. I am an open-minded therapist accepting the diversity of client lifestyle and gender.
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.
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.
Sara Sloan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CST, AASECT, IRT, MFA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78750
I help clients with identity & relationship issues stemming from personal/cultural differences, a loss of intimacy, infidelity, premarital, sexual incompatibilities, autoimmunity, disability, chronic pain, miscarriage, infertility, sexual complications, religious issues around sexuality and identity, ED, divorce, a new baby, polyamory, anxiety & depression.
I believe relationships define each of us and form the foundation for our life. I work from a systemic perspective with couples, individuals, and families to create relationships that define not only who we are, but also who we desire to become. I help clients with their relationships, intimacy, connection, communication, and sexual compatibility. I work with a lot of women who have suffered from Narcissistic abuse in relationships and family of origin. I also help those who are confused in their current relationships. I enjoy helping those who have autoimmune disease and cancer redefine their sexuality, relationships and desire.
I help clients with identity & relationship issues stemming from personal/cultural differences, a loss of intimacy, infidelity, premarital, sexual incompatibilities, autoimmunity, disability, chronic pain, miscarriage, infertility, sexual complications, religious issues around sexuality and identity, ED, divorce, a new baby, polyamory, anxiety & depression.
I believe relationships define each of us and form the foundation for our life. I work from a systemic perspective with couples, individuals, and families to create relationships that define not only who we are, but also who we desire to become. I help clients with their relationships, intimacy, connection, communication, and sexual compatibility. I work with a lot of women who have suffered from Narcissistic abuse in relationships and family of origin. I also help those who are confused in their current relationships. I enjoy helping those who have autoimmune disease and cancer redefine their sexuality, relationships and desire.
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
Andrea B Henderson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78759
The beginning of healing for your anxiety, depression, trauma, or difficult relationship is willingness to seek help. When a problem seems bigger than you, I'd like to help you understand your own story and find your way back to wholeness. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, childhood pain, life transitions, and helping others grow toward healthier relationships. I believe you are the expert in your life, and I want to help you make sense of your past and present so you can have a fulfilling future.
The beginning of healing for your anxiety, depression, trauma, or difficult relationship is willingness to seek help. When a problem seems bigger than you, I'd like to help you understand your own story and find your way back to wholeness. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, childhood pain, life transitions, and helping others grow toward healthier relationships. I believe you are the expert in your life, and I want to help you make sense of your past and present so you can have a fulfilling future.
Rebecca Huston
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78748 (Online Only)
Please EMAIL for availability. Anxiety. Fear. Uncertainty. Have life events caused you to lose sight of who you wish to be? Are you struggling with career, relationship, communication issues, identity or chronic illness/pain? Do you feel you are not 'grounded', 'good enough' or 'walking on eggshells'? Gaining perspective can be a powerful tool in examining your own situation. I utilize a direct, holistic approach encompassing mind, body and spirit. Many of my clients seek help understanding childhood or adult trauma, transitions, anxiety, depression, ADHD, chronic illness/pain, relational issues, narcissistic abuse recovery.
Please EMAIL for availability. Anxiety. Fear. Uncertainty. Have life events caused you to lose sight of who you wish to be? Are you struggling with career, relationship, communication issues, identity or chronic illness/pain? Do you feel you are not 'grounded', 'good enough' or 'walking on eggshells'? Gaining perspective can be a powerful tool in examining your own situation. I utilize a direct, holistic approach encompassing mind, body and spirit. Many of my clients seek help understanding childhood or adult trauma, transitions, anxiety, depression, ADHD, chronic illness/pain, relational issues, narcissistic abuse recovery.
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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.
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.
Susan Y Wegener, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78731 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Being diagnosed with a chronic illness can create a great deal of anxiety about the future. Will I be able to keep working? Will my family and friends truly understand? Will I be able to afford treatment? Will I be able to plan for my future? You may be experiencing feelings of sadness, anger, and anxiety. You may even feel a sense of loss in terms of the person you feel you once were. There may be new limitations and challenges regarding your physical or cognitive abilities. I am here to help!
Being diagnosed with a chronic illness can create a great deal of anxiety about the future. Will I be able to keep working? Will my family and friends truly understand? Will I be able to afford treatment? Will I be able to plan for my future? You may be experiencing feelings of sadness, anger, and anxiety. You may even feel a sense of loss in terms of the person you feel you once were. There may be new limitations and challenges regarding your physical or cognitive abilities. I am here to help!
Catherine Porter Glass
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78759 (Online Only)
Collaborative space to explore what you're experiencing - together with evidence-based interventions - offers possibility for dynamic change. I join with clients to move forward from traumatic experiences, better manage anxiety and depression, cope with new medical diagnoses or chronic illness For those who self harm or have suicidal tendencies, I teach coping skills. I support those going through family transitions, such as divorce and single parenting. I work with those experiencing existential, religious, or spiritual questions. Biweekly weekend availability.
Collaborative space to explore what you're experiencing - together with evidence-based interventions - offers possibility for dynamic change. I join with clients to move forward from traumatic experiences, better manage anxiety and depression, cope with new medical diagnoses or chronic illness For those who self harm or have suicidal tendencies, I teach coping skills. I support those going through family transitions, such as divorce and single parenting. I work with those experiencing existential, religious, or spiritual questions. Biweekly weekend availability.
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.
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!
Maranda Medina
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78759
I specialize in working with adult (18+) individuals facing a variety of challenges, including grief, anxiety, depression, chronic illness, trauma, stress management, self-esteem, identity issues, life transitions, and more.
Welcome! My name is Maranda and I believe finding the right therapist is crucial, akin to finding a life partner. I view therapy as a collaborative partnership, where we work together to achieve your goals while tapping into your inherent strengths. I believe that laughter, along with tears, is an important part of the healing process. In sessions, I bring curiosity and honesty, meeting you where you are and guiding you in challenging outdated beliefs. My philosophy is that therapy is simply for those who have exhausted their current coping skills and need to learn new ones.
I specialize in working with adult (18+) individuals facing a variety of challenges, including grief, anxiety, depression, chronic illness, trauma, stress management, self-esteem, identity issues, life transitions, and more.
Welcome! My name is Maranda and I believe finding the right therapist is crucial, akin to finding a life partner. I view therapy as a collaborative partnership, where we work together to achieve your goals while tapping into your inherent strengths. I believe that laughter, along with tears, is an important part of the healing process. In sessions, I bring curiosity and honesty, meeting you where you are and guiding you in challenging outdated beliefs. My philosophy is that therapy is simply for those who have exhausted their current coping skills and need to learn new ones.
Elizabeth Dossman
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78746 (Online Only)
I have extensive experience with depression, anxiety, chronic illness, substance abuse, LGBTQ and mood disorders.
A variety of approaches and techniques can be productive in the self-discovery process. My first priority is to create a comfortable setting – regardless of geography – that makes each individual at ease in sharing his or her significant life experiences. A feeling of respect, non judgmental attitude and positive regard will be felt when meeting with me. With this atmosphere set, the ability to develop new perspectives, coping mechanisms and problem-solving skills will prosper.
I will help you transform your thinking in a way that enables you to find new purpose, deeper meaning and a more authentic relationship.
I have extensive experience with depression, anxiety, chronic illness, substance abuse, LGBTQ and mood disorders.
A variety of approaches and techniques can be productive in the self-discovery process. My first priority is to create a comfortable setting – regardless of geography – that makes each individual at ease in sharing his or her significant life experiences. A feeling of respect, non judgmental attitude and positive regard will be felt when meeting with me. With this atmosphere set, the ability to develop new perspectives, coping mechanisms and problem-solving skills will prosper.
I will help you transform your thinking in a way that enables you to find new purpose, deeper meaning and a more authentic relationship.
Moonstone Counseling PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78759
Our therapists also specialize in treating addiction, eating disorders, and chronic illness.
These are unprecedented times. You may find your usual ways of coping with stress and uncertainty are no longer helping you. Moonstone Counseling is here to support you, whether you are dealing with depression, anxiety, or any other emotional issue. COVID-19 has challenged us to seek support in new and unconventional ways. We offer in-person and teletherapy sessions to people who need an outlet and guide during this global pandemic. We are here to help you through this tough time.
Our therapists also specialize in treating addiction, eating disorders, and chronic illness.
These are unprecedented times. You may find your usual ways of coping with stress and uncertainty are no longer helping you. Moonstone Counseling is here to support you, whether you are dealing with depression, anxiety, or any other emotional issue. COVID-19 has challenged us to seek support in new and unconventional ways. We offer in-person and teletherapy sessions to people who need an outlet and guide during this global pandemic. We are here to help you through this tough time.
See more therapy options for Austin
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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.