Chronic Pain Therapists in Milam County, TX

Photo of Shruti Surya, Psychologist in Milam County, TX
Shruti Surya
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gause, TX 77857  (Online Only)
Opening the hurt and pain can be challenging.
Life has its ways of throwing curveballs- depression, anxiety, trauma and PTSD, addiction, and life altering health issues are among just a few. You try to navigate through it but find yourself lost, hurt, scared, or isolated. You want to make changes in your life but feel stuck, like you're in a rut- leading you to get frustrated and feel helpless. If this feels like your experience and you are ready to make long lasting change, know that I see you and I hear you. And I am here to help. Using evidence based cognitive, emotional, and somatic methods we will move you towards healing, growth, and clarity.
Opening the hurt and pain can be challenging.
Life has its ways of throwing curveballs- depression, anxiety, trauma and PTSD, addiction, and life altering health issues are among just a few. You try to navigate through it but find yourself lost, hurt, scared, or isolated. You want to make changes in your life but feel stuck, like you're in a rut- leading you to get frustrated and feel helpless. If this feels like your experience and you are ready to make long lasting change, know that I see you and I hear you. And I am here to help. Using evidence based cognitive, emotional, and somatic methods we will move you towards healing, growth, and clarity.
(512) 559-6967 View (512) 559-6967

Online Therapists

Photo of Jack Morrison, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Milam County, TX
Jack Morrison
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78731
I specialize in working with traumatic pain, stress, and relational issues.
I work with both adults and adolescents. For over twenty-five years I have been successfully helping individuals have healthier and happier lives. Anxiety; panic attacks; depression; grief; sadness; anger; guilt; shame; confusion; physical, emotional, and sexual abuse; feelings of hopelessness or helplessness are all problems that can be dramatically changed for the better. I also have helped many people with chronic physical pain. I enjoy my work and welcome the opportunity to work with new clients.
I specialize in working with traumatic pain, stress, and relational issues.
I work with both adults and adolescents. For over twenty-five years I have been successfully helping individuals have healthier and happier lives. Anxiety; panic attacks; depression; grief; sadness; anger; guilt; shame; confusion; physical, emotional, and sexual abuse; feelings of hopelessness or helplessness are all problems that can be dramatically changed for the better. I also have helped many people with chronic physical pain. I enjoy my work and welcome the opportunity to work with new clients.
(512) 430-4418 View (512) 430-4418
Photo of Wills Wellness Center, Licensed Professional Counselor in Milam County, TX
Wills Wellness Center
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Georgetown, TX 78626
Managing chronic pain, Healing your past, and taking yourself from failure to success.
With over thirty years of dedicated experience in the field of mental health, Susan stands as a beacon of hope and healing for those who are suffering. Her approach to therapy is grounded in real neurological and behavioral science. Client Testimonial "With some past counselors, I've often been put off by vaguely new age "feel good" sessions that never sought to address the actual underlying illness. Susan has helped me to identify why I reacted to something in a certain way, and how to catch myself from repeating those thinking traps. I feel great, my family has never been happier and my work life has soared to new heights."
Managing chronic pain, Healing your past, and taking yourself from failure to success.
With over thirty years of dedicated experience in the field of mental health, Susan stands as a beacon of hope and healing for those who are suffering. Her approach to therapy is grounded in real neurological and behavioral science. Client Testimonial "With some past counselors, I've often been put off by vaguely new age "feel good" sessions that never sought to address the actual underlying illness. Susan has helped me to identify why I reacted to something in a certain way, and how to catch myself from repeating those thinking traps. I feel great, my family has never been happier and my work life has soared to new heights."
(512) 923-8634 View (512) 923-8634
Photo of Maranda Medina, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Milam County, TX
Maranda Medina
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78759
I specialize in working with adult (18+) individuals facing a variety of challenges, including grief, anxiety, depression, chronic illness, trauma, stress management, self-esteem, identity issues, life transitions, and more.
Welcome! My name is Maranda and I believe finding the right therapist is crucial, akin to finding a life partner. I view therapy as a collaborative partnership, where we work together to achieve your goals while tapping into your inherent strengths. I believe that laughter, along with tears, is an important part of the healing process. In sessions, I bring curiosity and honesty, meeting you where you are and guiding you in challenging outdated beliefs. My philosophy is that therapy is simply for those who have exhausted their current coping skills and need to learn new ones.
I specialize in working with adult (18+) individuals facing a variety of challenges, including grief, anxiety, depression, chronic illness, trauma, stress management, self-esteem, identity issues, life transitions, and more.
Welcome! My name is Maranda and I believe finding the right therapist is crucial, akin to finding a life partner. I view therapy as a collaborative partnership, where we work together to achieve your goals while tapping into your inherent strengths. I believe that laughter, along with tears, is an important part of the healing process. In sessions, I bring curiosity and honesty, meeting you where you are and guiding you in challenging outdated beliefs. My philosophy is that therapy is simply for those who have exhausted their current coping skills and need to learn new ones.
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Photo of Deborah Vanko, Licensed Professional Counselor in Milam County, TX
Deborah Vanko
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78748  (Online Only)
For 30 years I have helped couples and individuals to create a satisfying, loving, conflict-free life by overcoming past or present obstacles. Everyone deserves to be happy and free of emotional pain. I believe empowering people to take charge of their life is liberating. I use a wide variety of counseling approaches customized to fit the individual. These include expressing emotion, identifying helpful and dysfunctional thinking/beliefs and changing behavior or developing strategies to create success. I am an open-minded therapist accepting the diversity of client lifestyle and gender.
For 30 years I have helped couples and individuals to create a satisfying, loving, conflict-free life by overcoming past or present obstacles. Everyone deserves to be happy and free of emotional pain. I believe empowering people to take charge of their life is liberating. I use a wide variety of counseling approaches customized to fit the individual. These include expressing emotion, identifying helpful and dysfunctional thinking/beliefs and changing behavior or developing strategies to create success. I am an open-minded therapist accepting the diversity of client lifestyle and gender.
(512) 515-9483 View (512) 515-9483
Photo of Kris Kerlin, Licensed Professional Counselor in Milam County, TX
Kris Kerlin
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Katy, TX 77494
If you are dealing with a health issue that has changed your life or are caring for someone with cancer or a serious illness, you don't have to do it alone. Dealing with an illness is a whole person, whole family event and can be an emotional rollercoaster. Seeking professional support when your life is impacted by a health issue can reduce the stress and isolation of trying to figure out how to cope on your own. With more than twenty years of experience working in the cancer community and helping people facing illness, I can help you discover your path through this experience.
If you are dealing with a health issue that has changed your life or are caring for someone with cancer or a serious illness, you don't have to do it alone. Dealing with an illness is a whole person, whole family event and can be an emotional rollercoaster. Seeking professional support when your life is impacted by a health issue can reduce the stress and isolation of trying to figure out how to cope on your own. With more than twenty years of experience working in the cancer community and helping people facing illness, I can help you discover your path through this experience.
(281) 699-2833 View (281) 699-2833
Photo of Brandy Goins, Licensed Professional Counselor in Milam County, TX
Brandy Goins
Licensed Professional Counselor, Phd,ABD, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78730  (Online Only)
Are you feeling frustrated, perhaps a bit angry? In addition, the feeling that no one understands you or they say the wrong thing to you without thinking of the impact. Dealing with chronic illness and pain is a consistent struggle. Sometimes getting through a day to just support a decent lifestyle is excruciating. The isolation is troubling because a social life feels so out of reach Top that off with a relationship and a healthy sex life seems impossible at the moment. Everyday feels like a marathon of how much can be done while feeling a consistent exhaustion that never goes away. Waking up feeling refreshed seems like a fantasy.
Are you feeling frustrated, perhaps a bit angry? In addition, the feeling that no one understands you or they say the wrong thing to you without thinking of the impact. Dealing with chronic illness and pain is a consistent struggle. Sometimes getting through a day to just support a decent lifestyle is excruciating. The isolation is troubling because a social life feels so out of reach Top that off with a relationship and a healthy sex life seems impossible at the moment. Everyday feels like a marathon of how much can be done while feeling a consistent exhaustion that never goes away. Waking up feeling refreshed seems like a fantasy.
(248) 965-0474 View (248) 965-0474
Photo of Erin Page Spalding, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Milam County, TX
Erin Page Spalding
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78703
Are you grieving the loss of something or someone you loved? Perhaps it was the traumatic loss of a person close to you or your health due to illness. Maybe you’re grieving the person you once knew who you’ve lost due to substances, dementia, or mental health. Grief is a difficult, exhausting, and often isolating process. You may feel like you don’t even know how to or want to move forward, or you may have thought you did and are only now realizing you could use some support to do that. You’re looking for a safe place to start on or move forward in your grief journey.
Are you grieving the loss of something or someone you loved? Perhaps it was the traumatic loss of a person close to you or your health due to illness. Maybe you’re grieving the person you once knew who you’ve lost due to substances, dementia, or mental health. Grief is a difficult, exhausting, and often isolating process. You may feel like you don’t even know how to or want to move forward, or you may have thought you did and are only now realizing you could use some support to do that. You’re looking for a safe place to start on or move forward in your grief journey.
(512) 270-7241 View (512) 270-7241
Photo of Daniel J Paulus, Psychologist in Milam County, TX
Daniel J Paulus
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78704  (Online Only)
I am a health psychologist with expertise in the treatment of chronic fear/anxiety and health conditions (pain, substance use, etc.) I have extensive research experience (95 scientific articles and book chapters; National Institutes of Health funding) which I draw upon to provide innovative and up-to-date psychological care. My practice is rooted in scientific evidence of what works, and I stay informed on the latest treatment advancements. My goal is not for you to be in therapy forever. I want to help you learn tools so that you become your own therapist. You cannot redo your past; you can make changes now for a better future.
I am a health psychologist with expertise in the treatment of chronic fear/anxiety and health conditions (pain, substance use, etc.) I have extensive research experience (95 scientific articles and book chapters; National Institutes of Health funding) which I draw upon to provide innovative and up-to-date psychological care. My practice is rooted in scientific evidence of what works, and I stay informed on the latest treatment advancements. My goal is not for you to be in therapy forever. I want to help you learn tools so that you become your own therapist. You cannot redo your past; you can make changes now for a better future.
(484) 209-1315 View (484) 209-1315
Photo of Camille Rex, Licensed Professional Counselor in Milam County, TX
Camille Rex
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
With over 5 years helping clients work through trauma, depression, anxiety, and chronic pain, and 20 years working with athletes, I can help.
Despite working hard and achieving goals, life is hard. When my clients first come in, they are frustrated things aren’t going the way they would like. You know life can be better but nothing seems to be improving, even with hard work. You feel like you’re failing, and your confidence is tanking. You worry that your problems aren’t important enough and have thought that people like you don’t ask for help. Or maybe you're in constant pain and no doctor has been able to provide you with any relief. You feel stuck. You may even feel like you deserve to suffer. Feeling alone and discouraged is hard.
With over 5 years helping clients work through trauma, depression, anxiety, and chronic pain, and 20 years working with athletes, I can help.
Despite working hard and achieving goals, life is hard. When my clients first come in, they are frustrated things aren’t going the way they would like. You know life can be better but nothing seems to be improving, even with hard work. You feel like you’re failing, and your confidence is tanking. You worry that your problems aren’t important enough and have thought that people like you don’t ask for help. Or maybe you're in constant pain and no doctor has been able to provide you with any relief. You feel stuck. You may even feel like you deserve to suffer. Feeling alone and discouraged is hard.
(737) 265-6683 View (737) 265-6683
Photo of Dyan Haspel-Johnson, Psychologist in Milam County, TX
Dyan Haspel-Johnson
Psychologist, PSY
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78745  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I use hypnosis to treat everything from pain and chronic illness to anxiety and self-esteem.
Are you looking for greater balance and harmony in your life? I am aware of the interaction between mind, body, and spirit and how challenges to these components can be opportunities for growth, strength, and wisdom. We are all unique individuals so my approach to each person varies to suit each particular issue and patient. By focusing on your core values, I will actively help you to reach your potential. I see therapy as a collaborative process with myself here to facilitate the building of your resources and strengths to empower you.
I use hypnosis to treat everything from pain and chronic illness to anxiety and self-esteem.
Are you looking for greater balance and harmony in your life? I am aware of the interaction between mind, body, and spirit and how challenges to these components can be opportunities for growth, strength, and wisdom. We are all unique individuals so my approach to each person varies to suit each particular issue and patient. By focusing on your core values, I will actively help you to reach your potential. I see therapy as a collaborative process with myself here to facilitate the building of your resources and strengths to empower you.
(424) 294-8970 View (424) 294-8970
Photo of Theresa Valero, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Milam County, TX
Theresa Valero
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, CHT
Verified Verified
Cedar Park, TX 78613
Hello, I'm Theresa, and my passion is in supporting individuals, both adults and children, who have been affected by the complexities of life—trauma, domestic violence, medical conditions, and the profound depths of grief and bereavement. As a professional dedicated to fostering healing and resilience, I've made it my life's work to create a safe space where people can bravely navigate their pain and find the strength to embark on a journey toward recovery. I understand the intricate paths of trauma, the complexities of domestic violence, the challenges posed by medical conditions, and the unique pain of grief and bereavement.
Hello, I'm Theresa, and my passion is in supporting individuals, both adults and children, who have been affected by the complexities of life—trauma, domestic violence, medical conditions, and the profound depths of grief and bereavement. As a professional dedicated to fostering healing and resilience, I've made it my life's work to create a safe space where people can bravely navigate their pain and find the strength to embark on a journey toward recovery. I understand the intricate paths of trauma, the complexities of domestic violence, the challenges posed by medical conditions, and the unique pain of grief and bereavement.
(512) 886-8623 View (512) 886-8623
Photo of Lisa Brune, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Milam County, TX
Lisa Brune
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78753  (Online Only)
Interested in all areas of mental health, specializing in grief, loss, trauma, anxiety, chronic pain, & interpersonal relationships.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience, licensed both Texas and Louisiana. A graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington, I work with adolescents, adults, and seniors. I see individuals, couples, and families in the Telehealth setting. A Certified Family & Divorce Mediator, my skills and experience allow me to be compassionate, ethical, and effective. I am also certified in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) which targets managing stress in Critical Incidents and abnormal situations, helping with the “healing process” so that the likelihood of long-term trauma is lessened.
Interested in all areas of mental health, specializing in grief, loss, trauma, anxiety, chronic pain, & interpersonal relationships.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience, licensed both Texas and Louisiana. A graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington, I work with adolescents, adults, and seniors. I see individuals, couples, and families in the Telehealth setting. A Certified Family & Divorce Mediator, my skills and experience allow me to be compassionate, ethical, and effective. I am also certified in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) which targets managing stress in Critical Incidents and abnormal situations, helping with the “healing process” so that the likelihood of long-term trauma is lessened.
(214) 731-4047 View (214) 731-4047
Photo of Jim D Murphy, Marriage & Family Therapist in Milam County, TX
Jim D Murphy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Are you overwhelmed with your chronic pain, a chronic illness, or other health challenges and aren't sure if anyone understands your concerns? Do you feel like a burden to your family and friends? Consider getting an ally who can help you find hope and more effectively manage your situation.
Are you overwhelmed with your chronic pain, a chronic illness, or other health challenges and aren't sure if anyone understands your concerns? Do you feel like a burden to your family and friends? Consider getting an ally who can help you find hope and more effectively manage your situation.
(979) 800-3070 View (979) 800-3070
Photo of Chasing Grace Therapy, Licensed Professional Counselor in Milam County, TX
Chasing Grace Therapy
Licensed Professional Counselor, MaEd, LPC-S, EMDR
Verified Verified
Round Rock, TX 78664
We at Chasing Grace Therapy will walk beside you on this healing journey helping you overcome the pain of the past, anxiety of the present or fear of the future to live a life of freedom and peace.
Beginning the journey to improved mental health can seem awkward, but we are here to make the process as comfortable as possible. At Chasing Grace Therapy, we use clinically proven techniques and, if requested, will combine them with biblical wisdom to help create the best methods for real and sustained healing. We provide a non-judgmental environment of support to help you find joy and laughter in your life again.
We at Chasing Grace Therapy will walk beside you on this healing journey helping you overcome the pain of the past, anxiety of the present or fear of the future to live a life of freedom and peace.
Beginning the journey to improved mental health can seem awkward, but we are here to make the process as comfortable as possible. At Chasing Grace Therapy, we use clinically proven techniques and, if requested, will combine them with biblical wisdom to help create the best methods for real and sustained healing. We provide a non-judgmental environment of support to help you find joy and laughter in your life again.
(512) 522-4280 View (512) 522-4280
Photo of Sydney Kudeviz, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Milam County, TX
Sydney Kudeviz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78748
I work with adolescents and adults of all identities who are open to trying new healing modalities. I enjoy using a variety of tools in sessions including oracle cards, tarot cards, journaling, and EFT or tapping. I have experience navigating and understanding for clients and myself what it is like to live with chronic illness and complex medical issues, particularly chronic pelvic conditions including endometriosis and PCOS. I am happy to see clients virtually or in-person for those fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
I work with adolescents and adults of all identities who are open to trying new healing modalities. I enjoy using a variety of tools in sessions including oracle cards, tarot cards, journaling, and EFT or tapping. I have experience navigating and understanding for clients and myself what it is like to live with chronic illness and complex medical issues, particularly chronic pelvic conditions including endometriosis and PCOS. I am happy to see clients virtually or in-person for those fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
(512) 551-0294 View (512) 551-0294
Photo of Jennifer Adair, Licensed Professional Counselor in Milam County, TX
Jennifer Adair
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Conroe, TX 77304  (Online Only)
Are you facing challenges due to chronic pain, trauma, narcissistic abuse recovery, complex relationship issues, or disruptive sexual deviation? Are you feeling overwhelmed & unsure of where to turn? I'm here to help. With specialized expertise in these areas, I've dedicated my education & career to providing personalized & effective therapy tailored to your unique needs & circumstances. I offer compassionate & non-judgmental support to help you thrive. I provide telehealth sessions, ensuring accessibility & flexibility. Visit my website to request an appointment and begin your journey towards a brighter tomorrow. www.onestaco.com
Are you facing challenges due to chronic pain, trauma, narcissistic abuse recovery, complex relationship issues, or disruptive sexual deviation? Are you feeling overwhelmed & unsure of where to turn? I'm here to help. With specialized expertise in these areas, I've dedicated my education & career to providing personalized & effective therapy tailored to your unique needs & circumstances. I offer compassionate & non-judgmental support to help you thrive. I provide telehealth sessions, ensuring accessibility & flexibility. Visit my website to request an appointment and begin your journey towards a brighter tomorrow. www.onestaco.com
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Photo of LaTasha Vanin, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Milam County, TX
LaTasha Vanin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Kyle, TX 78640  (Online Only)
I also have a personal connection to assisting individuals experiencing emotional issues surrounding medical diagnoses, chronic pain, and disabilities.
Congratulations to you! You are already doing the work that can lead to YOU being a Better YOU! You’ve taken the most difficult step and that’s the decision to seek therapy. If you are feeling unmotivated, depressed, or anxious and having problems in your personal or work life, I would like to assist you in acquiring the tools to help you better manage these issues. Even if it’s a behavior you’d like to change, anger you’d like to control, or trauma you’d like to sort through, my passion is to help individuals overcome debilitating issues and begin living the life they deserve.
I also have a personal connection to assisting individuals experiencing emotional issues surrounding medical diagnoses, chronic pain, and disabilities.
Congratulations to you! You are already doing the work that can lead to YOU being a Better YOU! You’ve taken the most difficult step and that’s the decision to seek therapy. If you are feeling unmotivated, depressed, or anxious and having problems in your personal or work life, I would like to assist you in acquiring the tools to help you better manage these issues. Even if it’s a behavior you’d like to change, anger you’d like to control, or trauma you’d like to sort through, my passion is to help individuals overcome debilitating issues and begin living the life they deserve.
(512) 886-9763 View (512) 886-9763
Photo of Laura Scheindlin, Licensed Professional Counselor in Milam County, TX
Laura Scheindlin
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78752
Waitlist for new clients
Perhaps you are suffering from depression, anxiety, chronic illness, or addiction.
Now doing In Person Myofascial Release! Talk therapy will remain virtual. Let me help you make some big shifts in your life! Most of the reason why we sabotage or ruin our progress is because our unconscious self is driving our behaviors. I can help you to bring those unconscious beliefs into your awareness so you can change your behaviors that don't serve you anymore. As a body-centered therapist (LPC and LMT), I help people who may be stuck in their healing process and are in need of deep and active work. By utilizing both psychotherapy and Myofascial Release, I help clients heal more effectively.
Perhaps you are suffering from depression, anxiety, chronic illness, or addiction.
Now doing In Person Myofascial Release! Talk therapy will remain virtual. Let me help you make some big shifts in your life! Most of the reason why we sabotage or ruin our progress is because our unconscious self is driving our behaviors. I can help you to bring those unconscious beliefs into your awareness so you can change your behaviors that don't serve you anymore. As a body-centered therapist (LPC and LMT), I help people who may be stuck in their healing process and are in need of deep and active work. By utilizing both psychotherapy and Myofascial Release, I help clients heal more effectively.
(512) 879-3807 View (512) 879-3807
Photo of Becca Jones, Licensed Professional Counselor in Milam County, TX
Becca Jones
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78731  (Online Only)
Welcome to my little (therapy) corner of the internet! My name is Becca, and I’m here to recruit you… to have a happier, healthier, more balanced life- to have a life worth living, the life you envision. I’m a licensed professional counselor who provides individual therapy to adults struggling with a wide variety of concerns including neurodiversity, LGBTQIA+, kink/poly, childfree by choice, trauma, life transitions, and chronic illness, to name a few. I do not offer therapy to children or adolescents, families, or couples.
Welcome to my little (therapy) corner of the internet! My name is Becca, and I’m here to recruit you… to have a happier, healthier, more balanced life- to have a life worth living, the life you envision. I’m a licensed professional counselor who provides individual therapy to adults struggling with a wide variety of concerns including neurodiversity, LGBTQIA+, kink/poly, childfree by choice, trauma, life transitions, and chronic illness, to name a few. I do not offer therapy to children or adolescents, families, or couples.
(210) 796-4782 View (210) 796-4782

See more therapy options for Milam County

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.