Chronic Pain Therapists in Nashville, TN

Photo of Jenna Cummings, MEd, Pre-Licensed Professional
Jenna Cummings
Pre-Licensed Professional, MEd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37205
If you’re struggling with depression anxiety, depression, grief, chronic pain, chronic illness/disability taking the first step in therapy is intimidating but I will work hard to make this first step as comfortable as possible. I have a passion for working with individuals with Chronic Illness/ Chronic Pain/Disability, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and life transitions. I believe that true healing happens when the entire person is cared for (mind and body) which informs my integrative approach to therapy.
If you’re struggling with depression anxiety, depression, grief, chronic pain, chronic illness/disability taking the first step in therapy is intimidating but I will work hard to make this first step as comfortable as possible. I have a passion for working with individuals with Chronic Illness/ Chronic Pain/Disability, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and life transitions. I believe that true healing happens when the entire person is cared for (mind and body) which informs my integrative approach to therapy.
(615) 551-7361 View (615) 551-7361
Photo of Amber Kowing Hayzlett, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Amber Kowing Hayzlett
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37207
I help men, women, and LGBTQIA+ adults explore who they are and who they want to be. I deeply enjoy working with those who have experienced complex relational or religious/spiritual trauma, those who live with chronic pain or illnesses, and those (yes, you) high-achieving, perfectionists, creatives & professionals. Whether you're coming to therapy for the first time or the tenth time, my goal is that you are able to leave our sessions encouraged, equipped, and more compassionate towards yourself and others.
I help men, women, and LGBTQIA+ adults explore who they are and who they want to be. I deeply enjoy working with those who have experienced complex relational or religious/spiritual trauma, those who live with chronic pain or illnesses, and those (yes, you) high-achieving, perfectionists, creatives & professionals. Whether you're coming to therapy for the first time or the tenth time, my goal is that you are able to leave our sessions encouraged, equipped, and more compassionate towards yourself and others.
(615) 434-9115 View (615) 434-9115
Photo of Jennifer K. Knowles, MHSP, CCFP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jennifer K. Knowles
Licensed Professional Counselor, MHSP, CCFP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37204
While I work with all types of clients, I have specialized training in chronic pain and illness, complex trauma, complicated grief, and end-of-life counseling.
I work with clients from all walks of life and with a variety of concerns and lived experiences. My approach to therapy is through a polyvagal-informed, body-based lens incorporating therapeutic modalities designed to attend to biological systems as well as core thoughts, beliefs, and emotions. Clients who are interested in achieving a better understanding of the body/brain connection and who would like to address chronic pain, tension, and trauma in the body will find help here. My goal is to restore ease and empower you to connect with your own innate healing abilities.
While I work with all types of clients, I have specialized training in chronic pain and illness, complex trauma, complicated grief, and end-of-life counseling.
I work with clients from all walks of life and with a variety of concerns and lived experiences. My approach to therapy is through a polyvagal-informed, body-based lens incorporating therapeutic modalities designed to attend to biological systems as well as core thoughts, beliefs, and emotions. Clients who are interested in achieving a better understanding of the body/brain connection and who would like to address chronic pain, tension, and trauma in the body will find help here. My goal is to restore ease and empower you to connect with your own innate healing abilities.
(629) 205-9519 View (629) 205-9519
Photo of Katie Casey, LPC, MHSP, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor
Katie Casey
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP, MA
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37205
Waitlist for new clients
The pain that comes from things like PTSD and secondary trauma, anxiety, and chronic pain/ illness can be so heavy.
Therapy is all about healing. Healing from the past, old wounds, thoughts or feelings that aren't serving you anymore. So often, we have learned various ways of living to get through the days, to cope, but it's surviving and not truly living. For most, facing those things seems scary and that fear keeps them from living the life they want. I see my role as a therapist is to foster a space of safety so healing can occur. Through compassion, honesty, and ultimately connection, I work with my clients to help them move towards their best selves.
The pain that comes from things like PTSD and secondary trauma, anxiety, and chronic pain/ illness can be so heavy.
Therapy is all about healing. Healing from the past, old wounds, thoughts or feelings that aren't serving you anymore. So often, we have learned various ways of living to get through the days, to cope, but it's surviving and not truly living. For most, facing those things seems scary and that fear keeps them from living the life they want. I see my role as a therapist is to foster a space of safety so healing can occur. Through compassion, honesty, and ultimately connection, I work with my clients to help them move towards their best selves.
(615) 258-6935 View (615) 258-6935
Photo of Dr. Mike McDermott, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Mike McDermott
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37220
With over 15 years of clinical training and experience, I specialize in providing psychological treatments for a range of health conditions and psychological disorders including chronic pain, migraine, and other health conditions, anxiety and panic, depression, trauma-related issues such as PTSD, and substance abuse.
Are you struggling with a health condition such as chronic pain? Do you experience emotional difficulties like stress, anxiety, worry, depression, or loss of motivation that cause a disruption to your physical health or get in the way of engaging in meaningful health behaviors? Navigating psychological experiences on a path toward health and wellness can be challenging and complex. Using an active therapeutic process, we can work together to develop effective emotional and behavioral skills, identify valued directions, and take actionable steps toward a meaningful life.
With over 15 years of clinical training and experience, I specialize in providing psychological treatments for a range of health conditions and psychological disorders including chronic pain, migraine, and other health conditions, anxiety and panic, depression, trauma-related issues such as PTSD, and substance abuse.
Are you struggling with a health condition such as chronic pain? Do you experience emotional difficulties like stress, anxiety, worry, depression, or loss of motivation that cause a disruption to your physical health or get in the way of engaging in meaningful health behaviors? Navigating psychological experiences on a path toward health and wellness can be challenging and complex. Using an active therapeutic process, we can work together to develop effective emotional and behavioral skills, identify valued directions, and take actionable steps toward a meaningful life.
(615) 805-5990 View (615) 805-5990
Photo of Yvette Mallory, PsyD, LP, RN, Psychologist
Yvette Mallory
Psychologist, PsyD, LP, RN
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37214  (Online Only)
While I have diversity within my caseload, I specialize in working with individuals who have chronic illnesses and/or a variety of health diagnoses.
As a psychologist and nurse, I bring a unique understanding to therapy with a focus on both biological and psychological factors that impact mood and behavioral patterns. I believe in a collaborative and holistic approach in my work to help each client achieve personal life goals that are generally aimed at improving health and wellness, managing stress, and improving relationships.
While I have diversity within my caseload, I specialize in working with individuals who have chronic illnesses and/or a variety of health diagnoses.
As a psychologist and nurse, I bring a unique understanding to therapy with a focus on both biological and psychological factors that impact mood and behavioral patterns. I believe in a collaborative and holistic approach in my work to help each client achieve personal life goals that are generally aimed at improving health and wellness, managing stress, and improving relationships.
(629) 260-4640 View (629) 260-4640
Photo of Abby Graham, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Abby Graham
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37203
Hi, I’m Abby. I help people find ways of moving through pain more effectively and wholeheartedly. Experience working with psychiatric crises and severe & persistent mental illness taught me that presence and connection are possible amid deep emotional pain and the human capacity for meaningful change is remarkable. “You know that the antidote to exhaustion is not necessarily rest? … The antidote to exhaustion is wholeheartedness.” - David Whyte
Hi, I’m Abby. I help people find ways of moving through pain more effectively and wholeheartedly. Experience working with psychiatric crises and severe & persistent mental illness taught me that presence and connection are possible amid deep emotional pain and the human capacity for meaningful change is remarkable. “You know that the antidote to exhaustion is not necessarily rest? … The antidote to exhaustion is wholeheartedness.” - David Whyte
(615) 808-8945 View (615) 808-8945
Photo of Alyssa Mielock, PhD, Limited Licensed Psychologist
Alyssa Mielock
Limited Licensed Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37212
I have worked with clients of all ages. I specialize in evidence-based practices which uses gold standard treatments to teach clients helpful skills in a timely manner. I have extensive training in trauma-focused treatments. I also have expertise working with a variety of difficulties, such as difficulty controlling emotion and attention, anger, anxiety, depression, mood swings, nightmares, panic attacks, serious mental illness, sleep problems, stress management, substance use, and relationship difficulties. There are many different approaches to therapy and I focus on individually creating the best treatment for each client.
I have worked with clients of all ages. I specialize in evidence-based practices which uses gold standard treatments to teach clients helpful skills in a timely manner. I have extensive training in trauma-focused treatments. I also have expertise working with a variety of difficulties, such as difficulty controlling emotion and attention, anger, anxiety, depression, mood swings, nightmares, panic attacks, serious mental illness, sleep problems, stress management, substance use, and relationship difficulties. There are many different approaches to therapy and I focus on individually creating the best treatment for each client.
(629) 229-9605 View (629) 229-9605
Photo of Sandi Anders - Sandi Anders, MDiv, E-RYT, CSC, ACS, Counselor
Sandi Anders
Counselor, MDiv, E-RYT, CSC, ACS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37212  (Online Only)
In my personal challenge with pelvic pain, I have explored a range of medical and alternative approaches to treatment.
As an AASECT Certified Sexuality Counselor working with individuals and couples, I combine evidence-based best practices with experience as a Tantric Sexuality Educator and practitioner, offering a supportive environment for thorough and constructive exploration of sexual matters. Questions and concerns may be talked about openly without fear of embarrassment or criticism. As a Mind-Body Psychotherapist, I help clients talk through issues and learn to utilize emotions as embodied resources for healing and growth, encouraging awareness of connection between body, mind, and spirit. My background as a pastoral psychotherapist and experience with body therapies such as yoga, breath-work, and meditation inform my work.
In my personal challenge with pelvic pain, I have explored a range of medical and alternative approaches to treatment.
As an AASECT Certified Sexuality Counselor working with individuals and couples, I combine evidence-based best practices with experience as a Tantric Sexuality Educator and practitioner, offering a supportive environment for thorough and constructive exploration of sexual matters. Questions and concerns may be talked about openly without fear of embarrassment or criticism. As a Mind-Body Psychotherapist, I help clients talk through issues and learn to utilize emotions as embodied resources for healing and growth, encouraging awareness of connection between body, mind, and spirit. My background as a pastoral psychotherapist and experience with body therapies such as yoga, breath-work, and meditation inform my work.
(615) 800-7826 View (615) 800-7826
Photo of Kyra Rane Weyenberg, TLMFT, Pre-Licensed Professional
Kyra Rane Weyenberg
Pre-Licensed Professional, TLMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37212
Life feels burdensome. You struggle to keep up with its changes and demands, and often feel overwhelmed. Your relationships feel distressing and distant, and you’re not sure how to make this work anymore. You've experienced loss, and the pain is challenging to manage. It’s an endless cycle leaving you feeling alone and stuck. You want the chaos to quiet, the joy to return, and the darkness to lift. I believe there’s a way through pain and heartache. Let’s uncover hope and healing together.
Life feels burdensome. You struggle to keep up with its changes and demands, and often feel overwhelmed. Your relationships feel distressing and distant, and you’re not sure how to make this work anymore. You've experienced loss, and the pain is challenging to manage. It’s an endless cycle leaving you feeling alone and stuck. You want the chaos to quiet, the joy to return, and the darkness to lift. I believe there’s a way through pain and heartache. Let’s uncover hope and healing together.
(615) 558-8548 View (615) 558-8548
Photo of Leslie Ann Binch, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Leslie Ann Binch
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37206
Talk therapy is not enough. My approach to therapy focuses on combining cognitive and somatic therapies to strengthen connection to self, and reduce the blocks to healing. The goal is to connect to your authenticity, and have the freedom to find positive and affirming ways to enjoy relationships with self and others. The goal is to experience life without shutting down or disconnecting, and/or using destructive behaviors to reduce pain and distress. Attaining the freedom to choose what you want for yourself, begins with taking the first step.
Talk therapy is not enough. My approach to therapy focuses on combining cognitive and somatic therapies to strengthen connection to self, and reduce the blocks to healing. The goal is to connect to your authenticity, and have the freedom to find positive and affirming ways to enjoy relationships with self and others. The goal is to experience life without shutting down or disconnecting, and/or using destructive behaviors to reduce pain and distress. Attaining the freedom to choose what you want for yourself, begins with taking the first step.
(615) 274-4233 View (615) 274-4233
Photo of Robyn Chaffee, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Robyn Chaffee
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37206
Beginning therapy can feel intimidating, but I believe in having therapy be an environment of empowerment, collaboration, and authenticity. My approach is client-centered, eclectic, and we will explore how different systems impacts your experiences. I specialize in trauma/complex trauma, sexual violence/abuse, domestic violence and emotional abuse, chronic pain/ illness, depression and other mood disorders, eating disorders/disordered eating, non-traditional relationships, kink, and queer issues. I take an integrative approach to sessions and love to apply many therapeutic modalities to fit each individual client’s needs.
Beginning therapy can feel intimidating, but I believe in having therapy be an environment of empowerment, collaboration, and authenticity. My approach is client-centered, eclectic, and we will explore how different systems impacts your experiences. I specialize in trauma/complex trauma, sexual violence/abuse, domestic violence and emotional abuse, chronic pain/ illness, depression and other mood disorders, eating disorders/disordered eating, non-traditional relationships, kink, and queer issues. I take an integrative approach to sessions and love to apply many therapeutic modalities to fit each individual client’s needs.
(615) 909-5277 View (615) 909-5277
Photo of Landrew Sevel, PhD, PSYPACT, Psychologist
Landrew Sevel
Psychologist, PhD, PSYPACT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37216
I have expertise in working with chronic pain, chronic illness, and complex trauma.
There is beauty in the complexity of our lives, and often difficulty too. Sometimes, our inner resources and life's challenges don't align, leaving us feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unskilled. My goals is to help you to find more freedom, ease, and wholeness in these moments. I am skilled in working with experiences of complex trauma and chronic pain/ illness, depression, anxiety/panic. I am experienced in working with members of the LGBTQIA+ and ENM communities, neurodivergent folks, and those whose lives question social norms. My approach emphasizes gentleness, mutuality, creativity, and awareness from an anti-oppressive lens.
I have expertise in working with chronic pain, chronic illness, and complex trauma.
There is beauty in the complexity of our lives, and often difficulty too. Sometimes, our inner resources and life's challenges don't align, leaving us feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unskilled. My goals is to help you to find more freedom, ease, and wholeness in these moments. I am skilled in working with experiences of complex trauma and chronic pain/ illness, depression, anxiety/panic. I am experienced in working with members of the LGBTQIA+ and ENM communities, neurodivergent folks, and those whose lives question social norms. My approach emphasizes gentleness, mutuality, creativity, and awareness from an anti-oppressive lens.
(615) 488-8796 View (615) 488-8796
Photo of Carrie Wilkerson, MA, MMFT, Pre-Licensed Professional
Carrie Wilkerson
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, MMFT
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37203
Hi, I’m Carrie. Whatever is happening in your life right now, we can face it with care and find authentic, effective ways to handle it, together. For over 20 years, I’ve worked with individuals, groups, organizations, and communities in making positive change. I have also experienced my own healing journey from childhood abuse and family dysfunction, so I’m intimately familiar with the terrain. My life’s passion is for healing trauma; transforming pain into wholeness; helping my clients develop their unique gifts and path; and nurturing relationships back to health; and that’s what I’ve trained to do.
Hi, I’m Carrie. Whatever is happening in your life right now, we can face it with care and find authentic, effective ways to handle it, together. For over 20 years, I’ve worked with individuals, groups, organizations, and communities in making positive change. I have also experienced my own healing journey from childhood abuse and family dysfunction, so I’m intimately familiar with the terrain. My life’s passion is for healing trauma; transforming pain into wholeness; helping my clients develop their unique gifts and path; and nurturing relationships back to health; and that’s what I’ve trained to do.
(615) 492-2208 View (615) 492-2208
Photo of Dawn Ducote, LCSW, CCTP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Dawn Ducote
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCTP
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37203
Therapy can help you move through the pain and stress to the future you desire.
Therapy should be a safe place for you to work on goals, gain skills to better deal with life challenges, and/or to take back your life from the effects of trauma, depression, or anxiety. I customize my style for each individual and use evidence-based interventions to help you reach your goals. We can work together to help you find understanding, and catalyze growth and healing. I worked in the corporate world for 10+ years, and understand the struggles of managing a team, proving your worth, and finding time and ways to care for your soul.
Therapy can help you move through the pain and stress to the future you desire.
Therapy should be a safe place for you to work on goals, gain skills to better deal with life challenges, and/or to take back your life from the effects of trauma, depression, or anxiety. I customize my style for each individual and use evidence-based interventions to help you reach your goals. We can work together to help you find understanding, and catalyze growth and healing. I worked in the corporate world for 10+ years, and understand the struggles of managing a team, proving your worth, and finding time and ways to care for your soul.
(615) 541-4698 View (615) 541-4698
Photo of Parrish L Paul, PhD, HSP, Psychologist
Parrish L Paul
Psychologist, PhD, HSP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37204
It is my honor to work with clients on paths of exploration, personal growth, and healing. Because of the pain that often brings us to therapy, I believe that safety, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity are of the utmost importance in the therapeutic relationship. My theoretical orientation in counseling is primarily psychodynamic and interpersonal within a humanistic framework. I believe that past experiences inform current understanding, and exploring such issues can be healing. Change can also be related to a new understanding of relational patterns and a new experience of relationship with the therapist and others.
It is my honor to work with clients on paths of exploration, personal growth, and healing. Because of the pain that often brings us to therapy, I believe that safety, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity are of the utmost importance in the therapeutic relationship. My theoretical orientation in counseling is primarily psychodynamic and interpersonal within a humanistic framework. I believe that past experiences inform current understanding, and exploring such issues can be healing. Change can also be related to a new understanding of relational patterns and a new experience of relationship with the therapist and others.
(615) 454-9455 View (615) 454-9455
Photo of Kelsey MacDonald, EdS, NCC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Kelsey MacDonald
Pre-Licensed Professional, EdS, NCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37203
Alongside these intersections, I work with folks with chronic pain and illness, eating disorders, overstimulated parents, as well as those who have experienced complex, relational, or medical trauma.
Are you wondering if Brainspotting or EMDR is a right fit for you? You may find yourself caught in the same repetitive cycles, or maybe you've tried many things before and still feel stuck. You may also know there are experiences in your past that are in need of healing. Trying to find the right therapy for you can be so painful and exhausting, and I'm here to help. I help clients get to the root of what they are feeling, manage stress responses in their body, increase skills in navigating relationships with others, and heal their trauma for lasting change through mind and body based therapies like EMDR, IFS, and Brainspotting.
Alongside these intersections, I work with folks with chronic pain and illness, eating disorders, overstimulated parents, as well as those who have experienced complex, relational, or medical trauma.
Are you wondering if Brainspotting or EMDR is a right fit for you? You may find yourself caught in the same repetitive cycles, or maybe you've tried many things before and still feel stuck. You may also know there are experiences in your past that are in need of healing. Trying to find the right therapy for you can be so painful and exhausting, and I'm here to help. I help clients get to the root of what they are feeling, manage stress responses in their body, increase skills in navigating relationships with others, and heal their trauma for lasting change through mind and body based therapies like EMDR, IFS, and Brainspotting.
(615) 488-8276 View (615) 488-8276
Photo of Ellen Wilkins - Ellen Wilkins Counseling and Therapy, LMFT, PT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ellen Wilkins Counseling and Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37203
Waitlist for new clients
My hope is for you to transform your pain, and find acceptance and peace to live life to the fullest!.
Are you struggling with a difficult, significant person in your life? Do you stuff your feelings, trying to keep the peace then, in frustration, overreact? I have a passion for healthy relationships and believe a strong, therapeutic relationship can provide the context for transformative healing & growth. I work well with people who feel stuck in the way they handle conflict-either avoiding it or repeating unhealthy patterns or behaviors. I can help you expand your awareness about how the past is effecting the present so you can respond to those you love without losing yourself.
My hope is for you to transform your pain, and find acceptance and peace to live life to the fullest!.
Are you struggling with a difficult, significant person in your life? Do you stuff your feelings, trying to keep the peace then, in frustration, overreact? I have a passion for healthy relationships and believe a strong, therapeutic relationship can provide the context for transformative healing & growth. I work well with people who feel stuck in the way they handle conflict-either avoiding it or repeating unhealthy patterns or behaviors. I can help you expand your awareness about how the past is effecting the present so you can respond to those you love without losing yourself.
(615) 203-8110 View (615) 203-8110
Photo of Brian S Poynter, LPC, MHSP, Counselor
Brian S Poynter
Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37212
Utilizing the basic tenets of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy I enjoy assisting those with a wide range of mental health issues. From acute illness such as Bipolar Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder to change of life issues, this approach allows for permanent change to the the distorted thought process. My experience has been, and continues to be inpatient at a local psychiatric hospital as well as my private practice. I will work with your psychiatrist or medical provider as well as supportive members of your family/life to provide a more comprehensive approach to mental wellness.
Utilizing the basic tenets of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy I enjoy assisting those with a wide range of mental health issues. From acute illness such as Bipolar Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder to change of life issues, this approach allows for permanent change to the the distorted thought process. My experience has been, and continues to be inpatient at a local psychiatric hospital as well as my private practice. I will work with your psychiatrist or medical provider as well as supportive members of your family/life to provide a more comprehensive approach to mental wellness.
(615) 442-7143 View (615) 442-7143
Photo of Campbell Hopkins, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Campbell Hopkins
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37215
Whether you’re in a season of transition or pain, you want to more fully explore your story, or you desire a deeper connection with your inner world, I’d be honored to join you.
Two values I strive for in the therapy room are understanding and security. When you walk through my door, I want you to feel the kind of safety that allows you to get cozy on the sofa and take a deep breath before diving into what matters most to you. Throughout the process, my hope is that all parts of you - those you love and know well and those that you struggle with or push away in your daily life - feel welcome, seen, appreciated, and understood. My clients are primarily adult individuals who hope to find healing and connection within themselves and with others.
Whether you’re in a season of transition or pain, you want to more fully explore your story, or you desire a deeper connection with your inner world, I’d be honored to join you.
Two values I strive for in the therapy room are understanding and security. When you walk through my door, I want you to feel the kind of safety that allows you to get cozy on the sofa and take a deep breath before diving into what matters most to you. Throughout the process, my hope is that all parts of you - those you love and know well and those that you struggle with or push away in your daily life - feel welcome, seen, appreciated, and understood. My clients are primarily adult individuals who hope to find healing and connection within themselves and with others.
(615) 471-6747 View (615) 471-6747
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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.