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More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Madalina Ochenatu, MS, CRC, LCMHCA, Counselor
Madalina Ochenatu
Counselor, MS, CRC, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
High Point, NC 27260
It is frustrating to have tried everything, yet continue to feel in pain, sad, hopeless, stuck in the past, and worrying about the future, yourself, and your relationships. Stress, past trauma, chronic physical & mental illness can make you feel that way, affecting your quality of life (QOL). Imagine though a life where you get a boost of energy and motivation, quiet negative self-talk, cope better with stress, manage physical and emotional pain, build confidence, feel less worried, self-conscious and withdrawn, regain hope and pleasure in things you used to enjoy, live a healthier life style, and accomplish meaningful life goals.
It is frustrating to have tried everything, yet continue to feel in pain, sad, hopeless, stuck in the past, and worrying about the future, yourself, and your relationships. Stress, past trauma, chronic physical & mental illness can make you feel that way, affecting your quality of life (QOL). Imagine though a life where you get a boost of energy and motivation, quiet negative self-talk, cope better with stress, manage physical and emotional pain, build confidence, feel less worried, self-conscious and withdrawn, regain hope and pleasure in things you used to enjoy, live a healthier life style, and accomplish meaningful life goals.
(984) 205-4877 View (984) 205-4877
Photo of Amy O'Hearn, MSW, LCAS, LCSW, Drug & Alcohol Counselor
Amy O'Hearn
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, MSW, LCAS, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
High Point, NC 27262
Are you struggling with anxiety, social settings, negative self-talk, guilt, shame, or substance use? Would you like help developing healthy coping skills, learning how to change your self-talk and behaviors? Do you have difficulty feeling confident making choices in your life? Have you struggled to connect to higher power or feel a sense of spirituality? If so, I would love to help explore these areas with you and assist you in developing a plan that allows you to accomplish your goals. We will work together to develop a plan for you and allow you to persevere through your challenges.
Are you struggling with anxiety, social settings, negative self-talk, guilt, shame, or substance use? Would you like help developing healthy coping skills, learning how to change your self-talk and behaviors? Do you have difficulty feeling confident making choices in your life? Have you struggled to connect to higher power or feel a sense of spirituality? If so, I would love to help explore these areas with you and assist you in developing a plan that allows you to accomplish your goals. We will work together to develop a plan for you and allow you to persevere through your challenges.
(336) 810-0157 View (336) 810-0157
Photo of undefined - Piedmont Counseling & Development Services, PLLC, MSW, LCSW, LCAS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Piedmont Counseling & Development Services, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LCAS
Verified Verified
High Point, NC 27260
I have had the opportunity to assist people in obtaining their personal goals since 1994.
I have had the opportunity to assist people in obtaining their personal goals since 1994.
(336) 814-9941 View (336) 814-9941
Restoration is a Journey
Verified Verified
High Point, NC 27262
Our practice offers multiple services as a General Practice and Addiction Specialty Treatment Center. We focus on client-centered treatment, where our team looks at treatment as a metamorphosis process; as each phase is extremely important and personalized to the client's wants and needs according to where you are in your journey to restoration. The caterpillar can not become a butterfly in its entirety without going through each phase of the process that the team, as well as, the client create during the treatment team process.
Our practice offers multiple services as a General Practice and Addiction Specialty Treatment Center. We focus on client-centered treatment, where our team looks at treatment as a metamorphosis process; as each phase is extremely important and personalized to the client's wants and needs according to where you are in your journey to restoration. The caterpillar can not become a butterfly in its entirety without going through each phase of the process that the team, as well as, the client create during the treatment team process.
(336) 489-8319 View (336) 489-8319

Online Therapists

Photo of Lucyna Sonek, MPsych, MA, LPC, LCAS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lucyna Sonek
Licensed Professional Counselor, MPsych, MA, LPC, LCAS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boone, NC 28607  (Online Only)
I specialize in treating emotional dysfunctions, addictions, ADHD, relational problems, gender issues as well as the challenges related to chronic illness/pain including depression, bipolar, anxiety, social phobia, OCD, behavioral compulsions, self-harming, low self esteem, anger, domestic violence, parenting, sexual issues, low motivation, online addiction, gambling, substance abuse, smoking.
I strive to assist distressed individuals in regulating emotions, improving mood, cultivating positive thinking, changing unproductive behaviors, and in creating wellness, life satisfaction, and self-acceptance. By exploring and identifying unique, personal thinking patterns, challenges, needs, and strengths we work in therapy to promote the meaning in life, responsibility, and the pursuit of genuineness and the best in self, life and relationships. My approach is compassionate, backed by extensive training and I have over 30 years of experience in education, community service, and psychotherapy with children, students, adults, couples, families, and groups.
I specialize in treating emotional dysfunctions, addictions, ADHD, relational problems, gender issues as well as the challenges related to chronic illness/pain including depression, bipolar, anxiety, social phobia, OCD, behavioral compulsions, self-harming, low self esteem, anger, domestic violence, parenting, sexual issues, low motivation, online addiction, gambling, substance abuse, smoking.
I strive to assist distressed individuals in regulating emotions, improving mood, cultivating positive thinking, changing unproductive behaviors, and in creating wellness, life satisfaction, and self-acceptance. By exploring and identifying unique, personal thinking patterns, challenges, needs, and strengths we work in therapy to promote the meaning in life, responsibility, and the pursuit of genuineness and the best in self, life and relationships. My approach is compassionate, backed by extensive training and I have over 30 years of experience in education, community service, and psychotherapy with children, students, adults, couples, families, and groups.
(828) 527-0143 View (828) 527-0143
Photo of undefined - Chronic Health Counseling, PLLC, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Chronic Health Counseling, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Concord, NC 28025
We are so glad you are here, bravely taking this important first step. We treat individuals living with chronic illness & also specialize in treating a variety of other mental health issues unrelated to chronic illness. Living with either a chronic health condition or mental health concerns can take a toll on our emotional well-being making it even more difficult to navigate our lives. Whether you have been diagnosed with a chronic medical condition or you are struggling with other mental health concerns, our therapists can help you find ways to express difficult emotions and work toward finding a sense of peace and joy!
We are so glad you are here, bravely taking this important first step. We treat individuals living with chronic illness & also specialize in treating a variety of other mental health issues unrelated to chronic illness. Living with either a chronic health condition or mental health concerns can take a toll on our emotional well-being making it even more difficult to navigate our lives. Whether you have been diagnosed with a chronic medical condition or you are struggling with other mental health concerns, our therapists can help you find ways to express difficult emotions and work toward finding a sense of peace and joy!
(704) 842-9915 View (704) 842-9915
Photo of Elaine Sanford-Sawyer, LCSW, LISW-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Elaine Sanford-Sawyer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LISW-S
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27610  (Online Only)
Counseling should be a conversation in a private, peaceful setting where you can explore issues that are impacting your life. In a private peaceful therapeutic environment I will listen to you without judgment, provide support, insight and feedback to help you address current or long standing issues that are impacting your life and possibly interfering with your emotional well-being. I have years of experience working with individual and families to address mood instability, depression, anxiety, personal trauma, grief/loss, relationships and interpersonal problems due to, chronic illness, substance abuse and spiritual concerns.
Counseling should be a conversation in a private, peaceful setting where you can explore issues that are impacting your life. In a private peaceful therapeutic environment I will listen to you without judgment, provide support, insight and feedback to help you address current or long standing issues that are impacting your life and possibly interfering with your emotional well-being. I have years of experience working with individual and families to address mood instability, depression, anxiety, personal trauma, grief/loss, relationships and interpersonal problems due to, chronic illness, substance abuse and spiritual concerns.
(984) 224-7849 View (984) 224-7849
Photo of Alysann Whitley Price, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alysann Whitley Price
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27713
Hi, my name is Alysann and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 6 years of clinical experience. My therapeutic approach is strengths-based, which means I will empower you by building on your strengths. I specialize in OCD, Anxiety, Depression, Alcohol Addiction, Eating Disorders, Sleep/Insomnia, Stress, Self-esteem, Coping Skills, and Chronic Pain. I am trained in many different modalities such as, ERP, DBT, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, CBT, and ACT, but I will tailor my therapy modality to the individual and find which approach will aid you the most to help accomplish any goals you might have.
Hi, my name is Alysann and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 6 years of clinical experience. My therapeutic approach is strengths-based, which means I will empower you by building on your strengths. I specialize in OCD, Anxiety, Depression, Alcohol Addiction, Eating Disorders, Sleep/Insomnia, Stress, Self-esteem, Coping Skills, and Chronic Pain. I am trained in many different modalities such as, ERP, DBT, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, CBT, and ACT, but I will tailor my therapy modality to the individual and find which approach will aid you the most to help accomplish any goals you might have.
(919) 925-4566 View (919) 925-4566
Photo of Grace Selvaggi, LCSWA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Grace Selvaggi
Pre-Licensed Professional, LCSWA
Verified Verified
Mooresville, NC 28117
Grace has experience with victims of domestic violence, mental illness, homelessness, and substance abuse.
Grace Selvaggi is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Therapist who has been practicing since 2020 in North Carolina. Grace is a Certified Master Social Worker (CMSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA) in North Carolina with more than five years of experience specializing in depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and childhood/adolescent behavioral issues. She graduated with a Master in Clinical Social Work (MSW) degree, an Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH) specialization, Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BSW) degree, and a psychology minor from the University of Kentucky.
Grace has experience with victims of domestic violence, mental illness, homelessness, and substance abuse.
Grace Selvaggi is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Therapist who has been practicing since 2020 in North Carolina. Grace is a Certified Master Social Worker (CMSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA) in North Carolina with more than five years of experience specializing in depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and childhood/adolescent behavioral issues. She graduated with a Master in Clinical Social Work (MSW) degree, an Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH) specialization, Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BSW) degree, and a psychology minor from the University of Kentucky.
(980) 372-4605 View (980) 372-4605
Photo of undefined - SHINE Counseling, PLLC, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
SHINE Counseling, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28262
We want to help you grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, and move forward to living your best life as you want it to be.
Asking for help is an act of strength, courage, and resilience. If you or a loved one suffers from trauma, anxiety, and depression, contact us. For a faster response, please email. Negative thoughts, feelings, and self-defeating behaviors get in the way of us realizing our full potential. We facilitate the healing process needed to recover. We know that with adequate support, compassion, and insight, one can have a new lease on life. We believe in the power we have to transform and overcome minor mistakes to the most significant obstacles to live the life that we want to live, enabling peace to surface and calmness to be present.
We want to help you grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, and move forward to living your best life as you want it to be.
Asking for help is an act of strength, courage, and resilience. If you or a loved one suffers from trauma, anxiety, and depression, contact us. For a faster response, please email. Negative thoughts, feelings, and self-defeating behaviors get in the way of us realizing our full potential. We facilitate the healing process needed to recover. We know that with adequate support, compassion, and insight, one can have a new lease on life. We believe in the power we have to transform and overcome minor mistakes to the most significant obstacles to live the life that we want to live, enabling peace to surface and calmness to be present.
(704) 327-0132 View (704) 327-0132
Photo of undefined - Resilient Counseling, PLLC, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Resilient Counseling, PLLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Cary, NC 27518
Additionally, Angela works individually with adults experiencing divorce/relationship problems, depression, anxiety/stress, addictions, stress related medical conditions, and chronic pain.
Angela S. McLean, LMFT works with individual clients as well as couples and whole families and specializes in helping people find peace in the midst of constant change and daily chaos. Individual sessions are designed to help clients develop the ability to maintain an inner tranquility that is not easily affected by outside circumstances or pressures. Couples and families work to build a strong foundation and lasting, satisfying relationships. If you are looking for peace within yourself, your marriage, or your home, contact Angela today.
Additionally, Angela works individually with adults experiencing divorce/relationship problems, depression, anxiety/stress, addictions, stress related medical conditions, and chronic pain.
Angela S. McLean, LMFT works with individual clients as well as couples and whole families and specializes in helping people find peace in the midst of constant change and daily chaos. Individual sessions are designed to help clients develop the ability to maintain an inner tranquility that is not easily affected by outside circumstances or pressures. Couples and families work to build a strong foundation and lasting, satisfying relationships. If you are looking for peace within yourself, your marriage, or your home, contact Angela today.
(919) 234-5149 View (919) 234-5149
Photo of Sarah Harrocks, MSW, LCSW, LMBT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sarah Harrocks
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LMBT
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27707
We are all journeying through life. At times the path you are traveling becomes unclear and may require action to move the debris blocking your way. Debris may show up as depression, anxiety, self-doubt, or even fear. There may also have been something along your journey which caused you great pain that could be hindering your ability to move forward in life. Counseling can support you with clearing the way so that you may see yourself and your path more clearly, allowing you to live the life you most desire.
We are all journeying through life. At times the path you are traveling becomes unclear and may require action to move the debris blocking your way. Debris may show up as depression, anxiety, self-doubt, or even fear. There may also have been something along your journey which caused you great pain that could be hindering your ability to move forward in life. Counseling can support you with clearing the way so that you may see yourself and your path more clearly, allowing you to live the life you most desire.
(919) 858-6073 View (919) 858-6073
Photo of undefined - New Way Counseling, PLLC, LCSW, LCAS, MAC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
New Way Counseling, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCAS, MAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Knightdale, NC 27545
Our goal is to help you grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, and move forward to where you want to be in your life.
Often times life can be challenging and many of us are not prepared to deal with those issues and find ourselves in an unfamiliar place. As a therapist, I am dedicated to providing individualized care to meet your needs. I've worked with children and adults in the mental health field for over 16 years and individuals with addiction for over 8 years. I've treated individuals with various mental health and substance use disorders. My experience enables me to offer effective, individualized outpatient psychological care. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, interpersonal challenges and addiction.
Our goal is to help you grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, and move forward to where you want to be in your life.
Often times life can be challenging and many of us are not prepared to deal with those issues and find ourselves in an unfamiliar place. As a therapist, I am dedicated to providing individualized care to meet your needs. I've worked with children and adults in the mental health field for over 16 years and individuals with addiction for over 8 years. I've treated individuals with various mental health and substance use disorders. My experience enables me to offer effective, individualized outpatient psychological care. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, interpersonal challenges and addiction.
(919) 289-8267 View (919) 289-8267
Photo of Kathy Murray, LCSW, SEP, Somatic, NBC-HWC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kathy Murray
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SEP, Somatic, NBC-HWC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27707  (Online Only)
As a Somatic Therapist and Licensed Health and Wellness Coach, I believe that everyone has within them an inner wisdom and inner healing power that is their natural birthright. My role is to help create the environment for that inner genius to arise and find itself. When this is done, new meaning, purpose and life narratives can be discovered and lived out. I have wide experience assisting individuals in managing a variety of behavioral and emotional concerns including trauma, chronic pain and health issues, difficult life transitions, weight management, anxiety, depression, and stress management.
As a Somatic Therapist and Licensed Health and Wellness Coach, I believe that everyone has within them an inner wisdom and inner healing power that is their natural birthright. My role is to help create the environment for that inner genius to arise and find itself. When this is done, new meaning, purpose and life narratives can be discovered and lived out. I have wide experience assisting individuals in managing a variety of behavioral and emotional concerns including trauma, chronic pain and health issues, difficult life transitions, weight management, anxiety, depression, and stress management.
(919) 276-8754 View (919) 276-8754
Photo of Karen Maynard, MSW, LCSW, LCAS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Karen Maynard
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LCAS
Verified Verified
Clemmons, NC 27012
Stress and emotional pain certainly impact employment/school performance, interpersonal relationships, and physical health. Chronic stress/emotional pain can lead to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and misguided coping through substances. It changes your perception; contributes to conflict with family/friends and situations previously managed become overwhelming. If this sounds familiar, Health Matters can help.
Stress and emotional pain certainly impact employment/school performance, interpersonal relationships, and physical health. Chronic stress/emotional pain can lead to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and misguided coping through substances. It changes your perception; contributes to conflict with family/friends and situations previously managed become overwhelming. If this sounds familiar, Health Matters can help.
(336) 515-0738 View (336) 515-0738
Photo of undefined - Kathy Elias, MA, LCMHC, LCAS, NCC
Kathy Elias, MA
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC, LCAS, NCC
Verified Verified
Garner, NC 27529
Do you struggle with negative thoughts, sadness, grief or loss, fear, shame or guilt? Do you feel withdrawn or go against your own values to please others, or even lash out sometimes because you don’t know what to do with how you feel? Holding feelings inside can lead to many problems including depression, anxiety, physical illness or ailments, and disconnection from friends and family. Are you your own worst critic and condemn yourself? Do you feel stuck, or lost in life and sometimes wonder who you are? You want to feel better but don't know how to get there.
Do you struggle with negative thoughts, sadness, grief or loss, fear, shame or guilt? Do you feel withdrawn or go against your own values to please others, or even lash out sometimes because you don’t know what to do with how you feel? Holding feelings inside can lead to many problems including depression, anxiety, physical illness or ailments, and disconnection from friends and family. Are you your own worst critic and condemn yourself? Do you feel stuck, or lost in life and sometimes wonder who you are? You want to feel better but don't know how to get there.
(919) 443-5817 View (919) 443-5817
Photo of Leigh Zick Dongre, PhD, LCMHC-S, LCAS, CCS
Leigh Zick Dongre
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor, PhD, LCMHC-S, LCAS, CCS
Verified Verified
Winston Salem, NC 27104
I counsel all people, but I specialize in depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorders, chronic pain, depression disorders, substance use and recovery, life transitions (i.
The path to living more fully is an adventure, one I believe has transformed my own life. Each day I am honored to join people along a path of recovery, self-exploration, and healing. I have helped people break through the obstacles that seem to be holding them back in life. My role as your counselor is to be a knowledgeable, genuine, and empathetic guide along this journey and provide a safe and supportive environment to do so. I help people live their best lives, by reaching more authenticity, self-awareness, and making behavioral changes. I primarily offer telemental health counseling with options for counseling in Winston-Salem.
I counsel all people, but I specialize in depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorders, chronic pain, depression disorders, substance use and recovery, life transitions (i.
The path to living more fully is an adventure, one I believe has transformed my own life. Each day I am honored to join people along a path of recovery, self-exploration, and healing. I have helped people break through the obstacles that seem to be holding them back in life. My role as your counselor is to be a knowledgeable, genuine, and empathetic guide along this journey and provide a safe and supportive environment to do so. I help people live their best lives, by reaching more authenticity, self-awareness, and making behavioral changes. I primarily offer telemental health counseling with options for counseling in Winston-Salem.
(336) 791-0314 View (336) 791-0314
Photo of Marty Weems, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Marty Weems
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hillsborough, NC 27278
Sometimes we struggle and need help finding our way back to the life we want to live. We may experience feelings of anxiety, depression, hopelessness, and guilt. As a therapist, I aim to create a safe space for my clients to explore their feelings and experiences, and ultimately move towards the things they value. My practice is rooted in compassion, acceptance, and non-judgement. As a LGBTQI affirming therapist, I also recognize the role that oppression plays in creating and maintaining psychological pain. As such, the queer community is a priority in my work.
Sometimes we struggle and need help finding our way back to the life we want to live. We may experience feelings of anxiety, depression, hopelessness, and guilt. As a therapist, I aim to create a safe space for my clients to explore their feelings and experiences, and ultimately move towards the things they value. My practice is rooted in compassion, acceptance, and non-judgement. As a LGBTQI affirming therapist, I also recognize the role that oppression plays in creating and maintaining psychological pain. As such, the queer community is a priority in my work.
(919) 629-0043 View (919) 629-0043
Photo of undefined - The International Center for Wellness PLLC, LCSW, LISW-CP, LCAS-A, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
The International Center for Wellness PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LISW-CP, LCAS-A
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Concord, NC 28025  (Online Only)
Getting to the root cause of mental illness is ideal for successful long term recovery.
The Center for Wellness PLLC is a small group practice dedicated in providing high quality care tailored to meet your individual needs. Our goal is to provide an intimate environment that is safe, supportive and confidential. We offer a wide variety of experience working with many different life challenges. We will walk with you through your journey and work with you to restore health, hope and healing holistically. Lekeshia Lynch, founder and clinical director of the Center for Wellness is a graduate of the University of South Carolina-Columbia. She has over 25 years experience in the field of health/mental health and addiction.
Getting to the root cause of mental illness is ideal for successful long term recovery.
The Center for Wellness PLLC is a small group practice dedicated in providing high quality care tailored to meet your individual needs. Our goal is to provide an intimate environment that is safe, supportive and confidential. We offer a wide variety of experience working with many different life challenges. We will walk with you through your journey and work with you to restore health, hope and healing holistically. Lekeshia Lynch, founder and clinical director of the Center for Wellness is a graduate of the University of South Carolina-Columbia. She has over 25 years experience in the field of health/mental health and addiction.
(704) 327-5647 x101 View (704) 327-5647 x101
Photo of Shelly Luttman Phelps, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
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
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.