Photo of Jessica Jeremiah, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Elon College, NC
Jessica Jeremiah
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCAS, CCS
Verified Verified
Elon College, NC 27244
Every person I serve has a unique story. While some clients experience challenges in just one area, most experience difficulty multiple areas (mental health, trauma, loss, addiction), creating a complex, vicious cycle if not all parts are addressed. The circumstances that bring someone to therapy do not come in 'neat little packages.' I enjoy sorting out the pieces with each client, getting to the root of the issue, and offering a combination of evidence-based therapeutic interventions that help clients finally begin to experience relief, and start living a happier, more fulfilled life.
Every person I serve has a unique story. While some clients experience challenges in just one area, most experience difficulty multiple areas (mental health, trauma, loss, addiction), creating a complex, vicious cycle if not all parts are addressed. The circumstances that bring someone to therapy do not come in 'neat little packages.' I enjoy sorting out the pieces with each client, getting to the root of the issue, and offering a combination of evidence-based therapeutic interventions that help clients finally begin to experience relief, and start living a happier, more fulfilled life.
(919) 585-5163 View (919) 585-5163

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Cara Jones Counseling, PLLC, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Elon College, NC
Cara Jones Counseling, PLLC
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC, BCPCC
Verified Verified
Burlington, NC 27215
Do you need help thriving to function at your best or improve your relationships? Are peace and joy missing in this season of life? I help driven women relieve the suffering that comes from living life busy, but unfulfilled. Suffering that feels like anxiety, overwhelm, depression, emptiness, relationship conflict and loneliness, grief, spiritual struggles or physical pain. Learn how to reconnect with what's most important to you, feel alive, and accept yourself and others. Embrace the good offered from transitions you're in or forge new possibilities for a meaningful, joyful and internally peaceful life.
Do you need help thriving to function at your best or improve your relationships? Are peace and joy missing in this season of life? I help driven women relieve the suffering that comes from living life busy, but unfulfilled. Suffering that feels like anxiety, overwhelm, depression, emptiness, relationship conflict and loneliness, grief, spiritual struggles or physical pain. Learn how to reconnect with what's most important to you, feel alive, and accept yourself and others. Embrace the good offered from transitions you're in or forge new possibilities for a meaningful, joyful and internally peaceful life.
(919) 504-5736 View (919) 504-5736
Photo of New Direction Wellness, PLLC, Counselor in Elon College, NC
New Direction Wellness, PLLC
Counselor, DC, MAEd, NCC, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
Burlington, NC 27215  (Online Only)
After a decade of helping individuals with back & joint pain as a chiropractor, I noticed that my patients who’s pain kept returning had one thing in common.
Accepting Clients...Is stress, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, phobias and past trauma stopping you from enjoying life? Don't know how to take your power back? Well, let me let you in on a little secret. All problems come from within and I help you not only go within and find the answer, but also make peace with the answer so you can finally live the life you are meant to live.....a life full of happiness, joy, tranquility, success, and prosperity instead of living with feelings of defeat, desperation, disappointment, and hopelessness.
After a decade of helping individuals with back & joint pain as a chiropractor, I noticed that my patients who’s pain kept returning had one thing in common.
Accepting Clients...Is stress, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, phobias and past trauma stopping you from enjoying life? Don't know how to take your power back? Well, let me let you in on a little secret. All problems come from within and I help you not only go within and find the answer, but also make peace with the answer so you can finally live the life you are meant to live.....a life full of happiness, joy, tranquility, success, and prosperity instead of living with feelings of defeat, desperation, disappointment, and hopelessness.
(910) 490-4067 View (910) 490-4067
Photo of Reigning Restoration Counseling Services, PLLC, Counselor in Elon College, NC
Reigning Restoration Counseling Services, PLLC
Counselor, DMin
Verified Verified
Burlington, NC 27217
The storms of life bring damaging rain and wind that affect us the same way a storm can damage a physical house. Let me help you restore your life to its rightful state. I will help you gain restoration from the blows of life. I offer counseling in a safe compassionate environment.
The storms of life bring damaging rain and wind that affect us the same way a storm can damage a physical house. Let me help you restore your life to its rightful state. I will help you gain restoration from the blows of life. I offer counseling in a safe compassionate environment.
(336) 872-9655 View (336) 872-9655
Photo of Karen Canada, Licensed Professional Counselor in Elon College, NC
Karen Canada
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHCS, MS
Verified Verified
Burlington, NC 27215
Stress, anxiety and other difficult emotions may be a normal part of life, but they don't have to be in the driver's seat on life's journey. Through my 25+ years of experience as a counselor and my personal experience of having to reclaim the driver's seat from debilitating anxiety/depression, I have learned the truth behind Marcel Proust's claim that "The voyage of discovery is not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes". It is my goal to help people gain new "eyes" through which to view current or past experiences.
Stress, anxiety and other difficult emotions may be a normal part of life, but they don't have to be in the driver's seat on life's journey. Through my 25+ years of experience as a counselor and my personal experience of having to reclaim the driver's seat from debilitating anxiety/depression, I have learned the truth behind Marcel Proust's claim that "The voyage of discovery is not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes". It is my goal to help people gain new "eyes" through which to view current or past experiences.
(336) 505-4554 View (336) 505-4554
Photo of Maria Paredes, Licensed Professional Counselor in Elon College, NC
Maria Paredes
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LCMHCS, CEDS-S
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Burlington, NC 27215
Tired of hating your body? Of waiting until you lose weight to pursue your goals or dreams? Do you struggle with binge or emotional eating and want to be able to enjoy food again? Do you have a medical condition like PCOS that makes it difficult to trust your body? Imagine spending your days focused on the people, activities, and ideas you love. Free from negative thinking, fear of food, and body hate. It is possible! You deserve to enjoy food, to move in ways that feel joyful, and to treat your body kindly and gently. I help people feel at home in their bodies, make peace with food, and live fuller lives.
Tired of hating your body? Of waiting until you lose weight to pursue your goals or dreams? Do you struggle with binge or emotional eating and want to be able to enjoy food again? Do you have a medical condition like PCOS that makes it difficult to trust your body? Imagine spending your days focused on the people, activities, and ideas you love. Free from negative thinking, fear of food, and body hate. It is possible! You deserve to enjoy food, to move in ways that feel joyful, and to treat your body kindly and gently. I help people feel at home in their bodies, make peace with food, and live fuller lives.
(336) 792-5504 View (336) 792-5504
Photo of Sonja D. Ellington, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Elon College, NC
Sonja D. Ellington
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MS, CRC, LCMHC, CEAS
Verified Verified
Burlington, NC 27215
Sometimes things in life are difficult to understand and navigate. Are you experiencing overwhelm and stress? I would like to work with you to reach your goals, find healthy coping skills, and live a positive life. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 16 years of experience, and work with teens (13 and older) and adults with general mental health concerns, life stress, grief, depression, anxiety, and trauma. I have extensive experience in vocational counseling and provide support for career changes as well.
Sometimes things in life are difficult to understand and navigate. Are you experiencing overwhelm and stress? I would like to work with you to reach your goals, find healthy coping skills, and live a positive life. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 16 years of experience, and work with teens (13 and older) and adults with general mental health concerns, life stress, grief, depression, anxiety, and trauma. I have extensive experience in vocational counseling and provide support for career changes as well.
(336) 803-7309 View (336) 803-7309
Photo of Anne M. Erickson, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Elon College, NC
Anne M. Erickson
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Burlington, NC 27215
The client-therapist relationship is one of the most powerful vehicles for personal growth and change. In my practice, I offer an accepting, non-judgmental space where you can explore how your life experiences have helped shape who you are and move towards healthier ways of being. The process of psychotherapy is a sacred journey that is co-created by the client and therapist, and I recognize the courage it takes for the client to embark on a rewarding, but sometimes difficult, path towards self-awareness. My approach to couples counseling focuses on creating safety and connection between partners.
The client-therapist relationship is one of the most powerful vehicles for personal growth and change. In my practice, I offer an accepting, non-judgmental space where you can explore how your life experiences have helped shape who you are and move towards healthier ways of being. The process of psychotherapy is a sacred journey that is co-created by the client and therapist, and I recognize the courage it takes for the client to embark on a rewarding, but sometimes difficult, path towards self-awareness. My approach to couples counseling focuses on creating safety and connection between partners.
(336) 530-5969 View (336) 530-5969
Photo of Linda Pendleton, Psychologist in Elon College, NC
Linda Pendleton
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Burlington, NC 27215  (Online Only)
Space available in Zoom interpersonal group! As a seasoned counseling psychologist, I have found that you "can't heal what you don't feel" and that most emotional difficulties stem from difficult experiences and relationships earlier in life. Helping you understand how your past experiences result in current struggles is a pivotal part of the help I offer. Additionally, I will provide you with tools such as mindfulness, symptom-based coping strategies, and emotional awareness exercises so that you can actively participate in your own growth. The foundation for our work is a compassionate and nonjudgmental therapeutic partnership.
Space available in Zoom interpersonal group! As a seasoned counseling psychologist, I have found that you "can't heal what you don't feel" and that most emotional difficulties stem from difficult experiences and relationships earlier in life. Helping you understand how your past experiences result in current struggles is a pivotal part of the help I offer. Additionally, I will provide you with tools such as mindfulness, symptom-based coping strategies, and emotional awareness exercises so that you can actively participate in your own growth. The foundation for our work is a compassionate and nonjudgmental therapeutic partnership.
(910) 218-8869 View (910) 218-8869
Photo of Margaret L Veatch, Psychologist in Elon College, NC
Margaret L Veatch
Psychologist, PsyD, HSPP
Verified Verified
Burlington, NC 27215  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
If you need someone to listen, you are welcome. My background includes nursing and social work, in addition to clinical psychology, and I have more than twenty years of experience with complex clinical issues. My professional experience enables me to work with general adjustment concerns, as well as with mental health diagnoses. For the last few years I have been offering teletherapy, exclusively. My particular interest is in working with older people, with the help of strategies from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
If you need someone to listen, you are welcome. My background includes nursing and social work, in addition to clinical psychology, and I have more than twenty years of experience with complex clinical issues. My professional experience enables me to work with general adjustment concerns, as well as with mental health diagnoses. For the last few years I have been offering teletherapy, exclusively. My particular interest is in working with older people, with the help of strategies from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
(336) 891-3176 View (336) 891-3176

Online Therapists

Photo of Katie Wangelin, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Elon College, NC
Katie Wangelin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Greensboro, NC 27408
Waitlist for new clients
After decades spent honing my clinical practice, I have come to believe that personal turbulence unites us all. We have all been "there" in some shape or fashion. My approach, put simply, is partnership. I partner with others to navigate significant transitional moments including illness, loss of identity, complex grief, trauma recovery, and personal discovery. We all experience the tumult of life and are offered opportunities for growth. In my experience I have found that enhanced self-esteem, contact with supportive others, and an understanding of one's coping pitfalls can go a long way in easing the stress inherent in change.
After decades spent honing my clinical practice, I have come to believe that personal turbulence unites us all. We have all been "there" in some shape or fashion. My approach, put simply, is partnership. I partner with others to navigate significant transitional moments including illness, loss of identity, complex grief, trauma recovery, and personal discovery. We all experience the tumult of life and are offered opportunities for growth. In my experience I have found that enhanced self-esteem, contact with supportive others, and an understanding of one's coping pitfalls can go a long way in easing the stress inherent in change.
(336) 537-5457 View (336) 537-5457
Photo of Robyn Greenwood, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Elon College, NC
Robyn Greenwood
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27707
I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, chronic pain, illness, grief & loss, values work, life transitions, body image concerns and perfectionism, and neurodivergence.
Accepting new clients! My name is Robyn (she/her). I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Outpatient Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor at Three Oaks Behavioral Health & Wellness in South Durham. I have diverse clinical experience in inpatient and outpatient settings, community mental health, with intimate partner violence, eating and substance use disorders, and adult & juvenile justice systems. I have a unique perspective on ways that our emotions, experiences, and the ways our own and others’ stories about us accumulate in our minds and bodies and can become stuck in our tissues causing us physical and emotional pain.
I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, chronic pain, illness, grief & loss, values work, life transitions, body image concerns and perfectionism, and neurodivergence.
Accepting new clients! My name is Robyn (she/her). I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Outpatient Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor at Three Oaks Behavioral Health & Wellness in South Durham. I have diverse clinical experience in inpatient and outpatient settings, community mental health, with intimate partner violence, eating and substance use disorders, and adult & juvenile justice systems. I have a unique perspective on ways that our emotions, experiences, and the ways our own and others’ stories about us accumulate in our minds and bodies and can become stuck in our tissues causing us physical and emotional pain.
(919) 583-6517 View (919) 583-6517
Photo of Sandra Painter, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Elon College, NC
Sandra Painter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27704
Are you feeling overwhelmed, confused, down, or struggling in relationships with family, friends or significant others? Are you experiencing loss or dealing with chronic illness in you or a family member? We all face a variety of challenging situations, emotions relationships and events. I believe there are times people may want to clarify their thinking about a problem or take their management of a life challenge up a notch. I believe my job is to support people’s efforts to do that by listening and assisting people in leveraging their strengths.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, confused, down, or struggling in relationships with family, friends or significant others? Are you experiencing loss or dealing with chronic illness in you or a family member? We all face a variety of challenging situations, emotions relationships and events. I believe there are times people may want to clarify their thinking about a problem or take their management of a life challenge up a notch. I believe my job is to support people’s efforts to do that by listening and assisting people in leveraging their strengths.
(919) 766-2706 x24 View (919) 766-2706 x24
Photo of CRAFT Counseling & Consultation Services, PLLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Elon College, NC
CRAFT Counseling & Consultation Services, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Cary, NC 27511
Waitlist for new clients
"Healing is not the absence of the storm. Healing is the way we ride it." In life, each of us may face storms that test our resilience and spirit. Whether you come from a diverse background or any other, these challenges can feel overwhelming and isolating. Finding a haven of understanding and support is essential - You are not meant to navigate this journey alone. As a dedicated LCSW with over 9 years of expertise, I've been privileged to support individuals through their most challenging times - be it depression, anxiety, grief, chronic pain/illness, or life transitions.
"Healing is not the absence of the storm. Healing is the way we ride it." In life, each of us may face storms that test our resilience and spirit. Whether you come from a diverse background or any other, these challenges can feel overwhelming and isolating. Finding a haven of understanding and support is essential - You are not meant to navigate this journey alone. As a dedicated LCSW with over 9 years of expertise, I've been privileged to support individuals through their most challenging times - be it depression, anxiety, grief, chronic pain/illness, or life transitions.
(919) 849-3364 View (919) 849-3364
Photo of Shivani L. Chudasama, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Elon College, NC
Shivani L. Chudasama
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SEP, RYT-500
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27704  (Online Only)
I currently have a waitlist. I am a clinical social worker and registered yoga teacher who empowers people using the guiding principles of empathy, curiosity, cultural humility, and collaboration. I take an integrative, somatic, and highly relational approach and work to understand how the intersection of your unique experiences impact today. I remain committed to working with people as they face a range of experiences, including multicultural concerns, oppression, identity exploration, trauma, anxiety, depression, queer/LGB+ concerns, trans and gender identity related concerns, relationship concerns, chronic illness, and grief.
I currently have a waitlist. I am a clinical social worker and registered yoga teacher who empowers people using the guiding principles of empathy, curiosity, cultural humility, and collaboration. I take an integrative, somatic, and highly relational approach and work to understand how the intersection of your unique experiences impact today. I remain committed to working with people as they face a range of experiences, including multicultural concerns, oppression, identity exploration, trauma, anxiety, depression, queer/LGB+ concerns, trans and gender identity related concerns, relationship concerns, chronic illness, and grief.
(919) 759-5711 View (919) 759-5711
Photo of Christi Bemister, PsyD, PLLC, Psychologist in Elon College, NC
Christi Bemister, PsyD, PLLC
Psychologist
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Fuquay Varina, NC 27526  (Online Only)
I am a trauma informed therapist, with 30+ years’ experience, my own healing journey, and clinical education focused on chronic pain & illness.
I invite you to a safe and compassionate space to untangle and release difficulties that interfere with your quality or functioning in life. Taking a look at hurts can help normalize and clarify confusing or negative behavior, thoughts, and emotions to integrate past experiences. Embodiment, mindfulness, and somatic experiential practices lead you to gain physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. These practical techniques, along with education, and therapeutic processing will guide you along your path to integrated health and the resilience needed to manage the most stressful circumstances. You become your own best friend.
I am a trauma informed therapist, with 30+ years’ experience, my own healing journey, and clinical education focused on chronic pain & illness.
I invite you to a safe and compassionate space to untangle and release difficulties that interfere with your quality or functioning in life. Taking a look at hurts can help normalize and clarify confusing or negative behavior, thoughts, and emotions to integrate past experiences. Embodiment, mindfulness, and somatic experiential practices lead you to gain physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. These practical techniques, along with education, and therapeutic processing will guide you along your path to integrated health and the resilience needed to manage the most stressful circumstances. You become your own best friend.
(734) 796-1686 View (734) 796-1686
Photo of Shelly Luttman Phelps, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Elon College, NC
Shelly Luttman Phelps
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28204
Have you faced struggles with depression and anxiety possibly due to illness, family conflict, loss, work or relationship issues? Has it been difficult for you to cope with and overcome these emotions on your own? If so, you’re not alone. We all need support from time to time, yet many of us may not feel comfortable asking for help or sharing intimate details with friends or family. Within my practice, you will find a safe & nonjudgmental environment where we can explore these obstacles together, help you heal from your pain, and move forward to where you want to be in life.
Have you faced struggles with depression and anxiety possibly due to illness, family conflict, loss, work or relationship issues? Has it been difficult for you to cope with and overcome these emotions on your own? If so, you’re not alone. We all need support from time to time, yet many of us may not feel comfortable asking for help or sharing intimate details with friends or family. Within my practice, you will find a safe & nonjudgmental environment where we can explore these obstacles together, help you heal from your pain, and move forward to where you want to be in life.
(704) 912-0444 View (704) 912-0444
Photo of Mandy Tewell, Licensed Professional Counselor in Elon College, NC
Mandy Tewell
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, CRC, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27705
Waitlist for new clients
Things are hard right now. You're here because you want things to be different and don't quite know how to make that happen. I want to help you feel hopeful, powerful, and in control of your life. I want to help you heal. Whether you're feeling pain from trauma/abuse, engaging in behaviors that are no longer working for your life (self-harming, risky behaviors, disordered eating), or struggling with relationships, I can help. I have a person-centered approach so I can meet you at your current point in life and support you in reaching your goals.
Things are hard right now. You're here because you want things to be different and don't quite know how to make that happen. I want to help you feel hopeful, powerful, and in control of your life. I want to help you heal. Whether you're feeling pain from trauma/abuse, engaging in behaviors that are no longer working for your life (self-harming, risky behaviors, disordered eating), or struggling with relationships, I can help. I have a person-centered approach so I can meet you at your current point in life and support you in reaching your goals.
(919) 237-9699 View (919) 237-9699
Photo of Gina Roberts, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Elon College, NC
Gina Roberts
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, PhD, LCMHC, RYT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27612
Recognizing that not all of one’s deepest pain and longing is merely personal, but arises in relationship to the bias, prejudice, and privilege of the dominant culture, I am committed to honoring the dignity, diversity, courage, and shared humanity of all who seek my services.
Whether hope or discouragement bring you to this site, it is my privilege to offer you a sanctuary of solace, deep listening, and confidential guidance. Maybe you feel stuck or directionless? Are you needing support and guidance through a life transition, grief, illness, a troubled relationship, spiritual crisis or broken dreams? Whatever your concerns -- past or present, large or small, clear or vaguely defined, personal or interpersonal -- our experience together is designed to help you discover the inherent possibility, healing & change available to you as you embrace life more fully from the wisdom of who you truly are.
Recognizing that not all of one’s deepest pain and longing is merely personal, but arises in relationship to the bias, prejudice, and privilege of the dominant culture, I am committed to honoring the dignity, diversity, courage, and shared humanity of all who seek my services.
Whether hope or discouragement bring you to this site, it is my privilege to offer you a sanctuary of solace, deep listening, and confidential guidance. Maybe you feel stuck or directionless? Are you needing support and guidance through a life transition, grief, illness, a troubled relationship, spiritual crisis or broken dreams? Whatever your concerns -- past or present, large or small, clear or vaguely defined, personal or interpersonal -- our experience together is designed to help you discover the inherent possibility, healing & change available to you as you embrace life more fully from the wisdom of who you truly are.
(919) 813-7285 View (919) 813-7285
Photo of Dr. Dana Lebo, Psychologist in Elon College, NC
Dr. Dana Lebo
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27516  (Online Only)
Are you looking for support to master life's challenges, break free of ineffective patterns of behavior & improve your mental health & well-being? With over two decades of experience, I am passionate about helping individuals enhance their performance & better manage anxiety, life transitions, trauma, depression, pain, sleep, and more. My approach to therapy is grounded in mind-body, non-pharmacological techniques for dealing with the complexities & stress of busy home, school, work, sports & family lives. Additionally, I am credentialed to practice teletherapy in 36 states listed on the PsyPact Map at psypact.org under Quick Links.
Are you looking for support to master life's challenges, break free of ineffective patterns of behavior & improve your mental health & well-being? With over two decades of experience, I am passionate about helping individuals enhance their performance & better manage anxiety, life transitions, trauma, depression, pain, sleep, and more. My approach to therapy is grounded in mind-body, non-pharmacological techniques for dealing with the complexities & stress of busy home, school, work, sports & family lives. Additionally, I am credentialed to practice teletherapy in 36 states listed on the PsyPact Map at psypact.org under Quick Links.
(919) 276-8758 View (919) 276-8758
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.