Chronic Pain Therapists in Arkansas

Photo of Tiffany Berry, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Tiffany Berry
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Bentonville, AR 72712
I find it an honor and do not take for granted the privilege of sitting with others in their deepest pain.
I would be honored to work alongside you in your journey towards healing. ​ You may feel like you are barely surviving.  You may exhausted from putting on a brave face each day, yet you are afraid to let anyone know you are struggling for fear of being a burden. ​ My approach in the therapy process is to give you space to process your thoughts and emotions.  My goal is to come alongside you and help you discover ways to find healing and peace.
I find it an honor and do not take for granted the privilege of sitting with others in their deepest pain.
I would be honored to work alongside you in your journey towards healing. ​ You may feel like you are barely surviving.  You may exhausted from putting on a brave face each day, yet you are afraid to let anyone know you are struggling for fear of being a burden. ​ My approach in the therapy process is to give you space to process your thoughts and emotions.  My goal is to come alongside you and help you discover ways to find healing and peace.
(479) 339-3934 View (479) 339-3934
Photo of Keisha Wood, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Keisha Wood
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Jonesboro, AR 72401
My ideal client presents with anxiety, depression, stress, and chronic pain. They are willing to participate in the therapy, even if afraid, they will put their trust in the therapeutic process. Their goal is to improve daily functioning and decrease anxiety/depression. As my client, you will be supported but also challenged in order to develop insight and self-awareness into your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Therapy is not just about talking. It is also about learning positive strategies to help facilitate coping, enhance the ability to work through life’s struggles and challenges, and build resilience.
My ideal client presents with anxiety, depression, stress, and chronic pain. They are willing to participate in the therapy, even if afraid, they will put their trust in the therapeutic process. Their goal is to improve daily functioning and decrease anxiety/depression. As my client, you will be supported but also challenged in order to develop insight and self-awareness into your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Therapy is not just about talking. It is also about learning positive strategies to help facilitate coping, enhance the ability to work through life’s struggles and challenges, and build resilience.
(870) 606-3104 View (870) 606-3104
Photo of Gail Maurer, LCSW, PhD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Gail Maurer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PhD
Verified Verified
I serve older adults in times of transition and change. I know the pain of dealing with anxiety and depression, grief and loss, and not feeling secure as you age. I help you feel supported as you put the pieces of your life back together again. I guide you through a process of creating coping strategies that work for you so you can get on with the business of living your life. I encourage you to make lifestyle decisions that bring about a sense of comfort and relief for a happier and healthier future. Together, we will find the things in life you want the most. Getting older can be freeing. Please call today to find out more.
I serve older adults in times of transition and change. I know the pain of dealing with anxiety and depression, grief and loss, and not feeling secure as you age. I help you feel supported as you put the pieces of your life back together again. I guide you through a process of creating coping strategies that work for you so you can get on with the business of living your life. I encourage you to make lifestyle decisions that bring about a sense of comfort and relief for a happier and healthier future. Together, we will find the things in life you want the most. Getting older can be freeing. Please call today to find out more.
(501) 290-4479 View (501) 290-4479
Photo of Neeley L Cox, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Neeley L Cox
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Little Rock, AR 72201  (Online Only)
Are your past experiences or current struggles leading you to lash out, withdraw, make unwise decisions, or disrupt your relationships? Maybe it feels like no matter what you try, you just can't get it right. Life has a (not so funny) way of bringing difficulties that leave us wounded and disconnected. As our pain deepens, we develop coping strategies to numb and protect ourselves. These painful experiences and defense patterns can have long-lasting detrimental effects that deprive us of joy and meaning. However, although painful, these places of darkness can be opportunities to rewrite our story and move us towards healing.
Are your past experiences or current struggles leading you to lash out, withdraw, make unwise decisions, or disrupt your relationships? Maybe it feels like no matter what you try, you just can't get it right. Life has a (not so funny) way of bringing difficulties that leave us wounded and disconnected. As our pain deepens, we develop coping strategies to numb and protect ourselves. These painful experiences and defense patterns can have long-lasting detrimental effects that deprive us of joy and meaning. However, although painful, these places of darkness can be opportunities to rewrite our story and move us towards healing.
(501) 669-9008 View (501) 669-9008
Photo of Stephanie C. Shaw, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Stephanie C. Shaw
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Bentonville, AR 72712
I have been working in this field for 7 years and I still get a thrill every time I see someone's load lighten every time I see someone gain mastery over their illness.
Do you feel lost, or like you don't belong? Do you feel different from those around you? Has socialization become a draining performance? Maybe you know what the mask is covering up, or maybe you just know you have to pretend to be ‘happy’ or ‘normal.' Do you have a loved one that is struggling? Maybe you are struggling to understand their experience. What if you knew you weren’t alone? I believe I can help you. We can work on the things that are making you feel overwhelmed now, as we work towards long term change.
I have been working in this field for 7 years and I still get a thrill every time I see someone's load lighten every time I see someone gain mastery over their illness.
Do you feel lost, or like you don't belong? Do you feel different from those around you? Has socialization become a draining performance? Maybe you know what the mask is covering up, or maybe you just know you have to pretend to be ‘happy’ or ‘normal.' Do you have a loved one that is struggling? Maybe you are struggling to understand their experience. What if you knew you weren’t alone? I believe I can help you. We can work on the things that are making you feel overwhelmed now, as we work towards long term change.
(479) 342-4348 View (479) 342-4348
Photo of Robin M. Sanders - True Self Counseling, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
True Self Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Fort Smith, AR 72901
My job is to help individuals and couples manage life stressors including depression, anxiety, chronic pain, PTSD, and mood disorders.
Tired of feeling like you have to be a "super parent" and manage everything at once? Are there days you just don't want to get up and you can't figure out why? What about fears that control your life? All of these are life struggles and real problems. My job is to help individuals and couples with life stressors and take control of their lives.
My job is to help individuals and couples manage life stressors including depression, anxiety, chronic pain, PTSD, and mood disorders.
Tired of feeling like you have to be a "super parent" and manage everything at once? Are there days you just don't want to get up and you can't figure out why? What about fears that control your life? All of these are life struggles and real problems. My job is to help individuals and couples with life stressors and take control of their lives.
(479) 883-2081 View (479) 883-2081
Photo of Michelle Swilling - Wellspring Renewal Center, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Wellspring Renewal Center
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Little Rock, AR 72205
Is your child having problems academically, socially, or behaviorally? Are there relationship problems within your family? Are you dealing with depression, anxiety, stress, chronic pain, anger, moodiness? We can work together toward a more peaceful life.
To that one soul reading this, I know you're tired. You're fed up. You're so close to breaking, but there's hope and strength within you. You deserve a happier, healthier life, and you can have it. I have years of experience and success helping my clients break out of unhealthy patterns to feel more empowered and strong. I provide empathy, compassion, and offer a supportive, safe, judgement free environment where all are welcome. I am skilled in, and use a variety of evidence based treatment modalities to tailor each client's care individually.
Is your child having problems academically, socially, or behaviorally? Are there relationship problems within your family? Are you dealing with depression, anxiety, stress, chronic pain, anger, moodiness? We can work together toward a more peaceful life.
To that one soul reading this, I know you're tired. You're fed up. You're so close to breaking, but there's hope and strength within you. You deserve a happier, healthier life, and you can have it. I have years of experience and success helping my clients break out of unhealthy patterns to feel more empowered and strong. I provide empathy, compassion, and offer a supportive, safe, judgement free environment where all are welcome. I am skilled in, and use a variety of evidence based treatment modalities to tailor each client's care individually.
(501) 238-6613 View (501) 238-6613
Photo of Janice McCorkle - Healing Specialties Hypnosis,Reiki School,Clinic, CHT, CHI, MMT, RMI
Healing Specialties Hypnosis,Reiki School,Clinic
CHT, CHI, MMT, RMI
Verified Verified
HEALING SPECIALTIES HYPNOSIS & REIKI SCHOOL & HEALING CENTER. Certified Master Hypnotist & Instructor, Certified Reiki Master & Instructor, Certified Life Coach, Master Massage Therapist. I can help you heal your body, mind and spirit. BEGIN A NEW CAREER OR ADD TO YOUR TOOLBOX. BECOME A NATIONALLY CERTIFIED HYPNOTIST & REIKI PRACTIONER & REIKI MASTER. My school takes you through the foundation of Reiki and Hypnosis, these are natural & safe ways of healing & pain control. Join the new wave of health & business professionals. FOR MORE INFORMATION 501-712-0044
HEALING SPECIALTIES HYPNOSIS & REIKI SCHOOL & HEALING CENTER. Certified Master Hypnotist & Instructor, Certified Reiki Master & Instructor, Certified Life Coach, Master Massage Therapist. I can help you heal your body, mind and spirit. BEGIN A NEW CAREER OR ADD TO YOUR TOOLBOX. BECOME A NATIONALLY CERTIFIED HYPNOTIST & REIKI PRACTIONER & REIKI MASTER. My school takes you through the foundation of Reiki and Hypnosis, these are natural & safe ways of healing & pain control. Join the new wave of health & business professionals. FOR MORE INFORMATION 501-712-0044
(501) 261-6443 View (501) 261-6443
Photo of Heather Allen, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Heather Allen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Therapy is not one-size-fits-all. I collaborate with clients so they can engage in self-exploration and practice skills grounded in their personal values. As a queer nonbinary, fat therapist, I believe in addressing intersecting identities and building a compassionate relationship that centers the client's distinct needs. I specialize in relationship and sex therapy and especially enjoy working with individuals, couples, and polycules navigating changes in identity and sexual health. I have experience working with the impact of medical trauma and chronic illness on sexuality and with exploration of sexual and gender identity.
Therapy is not one-size-fits-all. I collaborate with clients so they can engage in self-exploration and practice skills grounded in their personal values. As a queer nonbinary, fat therapist, I believe in addressing intersecting identities and building a compassionate relationship that centers the client's distinct needs. I specialize in relationship and sex therapy and especially enjoy working with individuals, couples, and polycules navigating changes in identity and sexual health. I have experience working with the impact of medical trauma and chronic illness on sexuality and with exploration of sexual and gender identity.
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Photo of Ryan Elizabeth Freeman-Burchfield - Freeman-Burchfield Institute for Cognitive Therapy, LPC, BICBTCC, A-CBT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Freeman-Burchfield Institute for Cognitive Therapy
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, BICBTCC, A-CBT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Rogers, AR 72758
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has proven throughout research in the treatment for anxiety & depression and many other conditions such as personality disorders, OCD, PTSD, insomnia, chronic pain and more.
Are you finally ready to get help? If so, we want you to know that at FBCBT we would be honored. We are here to listen sincerely so we can work with you to create a plan to get you right where you want to be. We can help you find a therapist that fits your individual needs. At FBCBT we teach and utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) because CBT is the most researched and scientifically tested therapy model. However, we value all evidence-based therapy models and use what is needed to best help you. Please feel free to reach out today to learn more about us.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has proven throughout research in the treatment for anxiety & depression and many other conditions such as personality disorders, OCD, PTSD, insomnia, chronic pain and more.
Are you finally ready to get help? If so, we want you to know that at FBCBT we would be honored. We are here to listen sincerely so we can work with you to create a plan to get you right where you want to be. We can help you find a therapist that fits your individual needs. At FBCBT we teach and utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) because CBT is the most researched and scientifically tested therapy model. However, we value all evidence-based therapy models and use what is needed to best help you. Please feel free to reach out today to learn more about us.
(479) 226-8910 View (479) 226-8910
Photo of Dr. M. Kaye Ramsey, PsyD, Licensed Professional Counselor
Dr. M. Kaye Ramsey
Licensed Professional Counselor, PsyD
Verified Verified
Hot Springs, AR 71913
Depression,Anxiety,PTSD/trauma,Bipolar, Substance abuse,Relapse Prevention, Chronic Pain, Performance anxiety and work related stressors, chronic stress management, lifestyle and positive quality of life improvements.
I am a licensed mental health professional with over 11 years of clinical experience. My professional background is in Clinical Psychology with a Client-Centered focus. Client-Centered Counseling is a manner of being or an attitudinal approach that believes that positive change in people occurs in a therapeutic relationship with another person (a helper or a therapist) in which the helper provides unconditional positive regard, genuineness and empathy toward the client or patient. During my career, I have worked with all types of issues and in various stages of one’s life path.I am Looking forward to helping you.
Depression,Anxiety,PTSD/trauma,Bipolar, Substance abuse,Relapse Prevention, Chronic Pain, Performance anxiety and work related stressors, chronic stress management, lifestyle and positive quality of life improvements.
I am a licensed mental health professional with over 11 years of clinical experience. My professional background is in Clinical Psychology with a Client-Centered focus. Client-Centered Counseling is a manner of being or an attitudinal approach that believes that positive change in people occurs in a therapeutic relationship with another person (a helper or a therapist) in which the helper provides unconditional positive regard, genuineness and empathy toward the client or patient. During my career, I have worked with all types of issues and in various stages of one’s life path.I am Looking forward to helping you.
(501) 299-9280 View (501) 299-9280
Photo of Sherrie A Laney, MS, LPC, Counselor
Sherrie A Laney
Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hot Springs, AR 71901
But I recognize the pain, grief, and anguish when you are bumping up against the wall and the wall does not budge.
My passion is helping families thrive. I want to help adoptive families and people who are caring for aging parents. I know the frustration of raising a child with attachment injury and being part of the sandwich generation where you take care of a struggling child and elderly parents at the same time. I know what it is like to feel loss and isolation when your heart is ripped apart by death or divorce. I also know what it is like to have your support system drop you because you no longer fit in. I want to help you find ways to hang on to precious memories and still move forward with life.
But I recognize the pain, grief, and anguish when you are bumping up against the wall and the wall does not budge.
My passion is helping families thrive. I want to help adoptive families and people who are caring for aging parents. I know the frustration of raising a child with attachment injury and being part of the sandwich generation where you take care of a struggling child and elderly parents at the same time. I know what it is like to feel loss and isolation when your heart is ripped apart by death or divorce. I also know what it is like to have your support system drop you because you no longer fit in. I want to help you find ways to hang on to precious memories and still move forward with life.
(501) 361-4204 View (501) 361-4204
Photo of Jannie Cole, MS, LPC, TAC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jannie Cole
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, TAC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
I specialize in a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, and chronic pain.
I believe in a practical, integrative approach to counseling to help each person along their individual path. I want to help you find hope and joy instead of merely eliminating symptoms. I work with my clients to facilitate growth and change through transparency, empathy and nonjudgment, as well as through other evidence based practices, including EMDR.
I specialize in a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, and chronic pain.
I believe in a practical, integrative approach to counseling to help each person along their individual path. I want to help you find hope and joy instead of merely eliminating symptoms. I work with my clients to facilitate growth and change through transparency, empathy and nonjudgment, as well as through other evidence based practices, including EMDR.
(479) 255-2172 View (479) 255-2172
Photo of Rosemary L Burns - Meridiem Psychological Services, Inc., MA, LPE-I, LPC, NCC
Meridiem Psychological Services, Inc.
MA, LPE-I, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Benton, AR 72015
I offer a very specific type of therapy that can be applied to almost any issue including depression, anxiety, chronic pain, etc.
I have been working in the mental health field since 2002. I have been nationally certified since 2004. I am EMDR certified, EMDRIA approved Consultant, and EMDR Trainer. I use a trauma-focused approach to treatment because it is a very holistic approach to care (body, mind, and emotional reactions to stress). I prefer to work with adolescents and adults in therapy services. I also offer consultation services for therapists and other mental health providers. I received my credential to be an EMDR trainier on 9/12/2023 and offer both online and in-person trainings.
I offer a very specific type of therapy that can be applied to almost any issue including depression, anxiety, chronic pain, etc.
I have been working in the mental health field since 2002. I have been nationally certified since 2004. I am EMDR certified, EMDRIA approved Consultant, and EMDR Trainer. I use a trauma-focused approach to treatment because it is a very holistic approach to care (body, mind, and emotional reactions to stress). I prefer to work with adolescents and adults in therapy services. I also offer consultation services for therapists and other mental health providers. I received my credential to be an EMDR trainier on 9/12/2023 and offer both online and in-person trainings.
(501) 232-2717 View (501) 232-2717
Photo of Myria Darlene Harmon - Live In Harmony Counseling, Myria Harmon LPC-DBT, LPC, DBT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Live In Harmony Counseling, Myria Harmon LPC-DBT
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, DBT
Verified Verified
Jonesboro, AR 72401
I created Live in Harmony Counseling to be a nurturing haven for anyone burdened by trauma, grief, or depression. I understand that life's challenges can leave us feeling weary and in dire need of solace. As a counselor, I'm here to embrace you. The good, bad, messy, silly — all of you. I can’t erase your pain or trauma. I wish I could, but I believe there is so much growth we can achieve from sharing our hardships, feeling our pain, and allowing ourselves to be imperfect as we heal. Trauma, life, and pain happen. This isn’t a way of minimizing our experiences, but to be ok with being sad, angry, anxious, depressed or just blagh.
I created Live in Harmony Counseling to be a nurturing haven for anyone burdened by trauma, grief, or depression. I understand that life's challenges can leave us feeling weary and in dire need of solace. As a counselor, I'm here to embrace you. The good, bad, messy, silly — all of you. I can’t erase your pain or trauma. I wish I could, but I believe there is so much growth we can achieve from sharing our hardships, feeling our pain, and allowing ourselves to be imperfect as we heal. Trauma, life, and pain happen. This isn’t a way of minimizing our experiences, but to be ok with being sad, angry, anxious, depressed or just blagh.
(870) 600-3204 View (870) 600-3204
Photo of Jordan Faulkner Lamb, LPC, RPT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jordan Faulkner Lamb
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, RPT
Verified Verified
Paragould, AR 72450
My 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.
Life can be so hard and it seems that, too often, we are all just trying to survive. Each and every one of us were made to do more than that, though. I hope to be a support in helping you and your family be able to work through the hard parts and help you thrive by providing a safe and nonjudgmental space to explore your emotions and your experiences. I am honored and humbled to get to be a part of this journey with each and every one of you.
My 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.
Life can be so hard and it seems that, too often, we are all just trying to survive. Each and every one of us were made to do more than that, though. I hope to be a support in helping you and your family be able to work through the hard parts and help you thrive by providing a safe and nonjudgmental space to explore your emotions and your experiences. I am honored and humbled to get to be a part of this journey with each and every one of you.
(870) 600-1530 View (870) 600-1530
Photo of Jeannie Marie Philpott, RN, MS,  MS, LAC, Counselor
Jeannie Marie Philpott
Counselor, RN, MS, MS, LAC
Verified Verified
Fayetteville, AR 72701
You are not the problem, the Problem is the problem. While stress, conflict and even sadness are to be expected on occasion, they are not meant to be the ruling elements in your life. Many people respond to current situations based on past experience; positive or not. If you’ve experienced trauma (emotional, physical, sexual and/or racial) or chronic illness it tends to affect how you react to stress. It may cause you to be paralyzed, unable to complete a simple task. Do you desire a future where the past no longer rules today? A future where you are free to make the best choice for you giving you a contented and hopeful life?
You are not the problem, the Problem is the problem. While stress, conflict and even sadness are to be expected on occasion, they are not meant to be the ruling elements in your life. Many people respond to current situations based on past experience; positive or not. If you’ve experienced trauma (emotional, physical, sexual and/or racial) or chronic illness it tends to affect how you react to stress. It may cause you to be paralyzed, unable to complete a simple task. Do you desire a future where the past no longer rules today? A future where you are free to make the best choice for you giving you a contented and hopeful life?
(479) 888-4625 View (479) 888-4625
Photo of Angelica Gray, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Angelica Gray
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Jonesboro, AR 72401
Do you feel lost and broken? Does life seem hopeless right now? It’s not. Your trauma and pain can actually be an essential part of transforming your life. There is no substitute for painful life experience in moving you toward learning to experience life in the moment, with a greater sense of purpose and contentment. My name is Angelica Gray and I am a clinical social worker/therapist. I have been in the field for 14+ years working as a family service worker, school-based case manger, outpatient mental health paraprofessional and as a therapist in private practice. I specialize in depression, anxiety, trauma and family conflicts.
Do you feel lost and broken? Does life seem hopeless right now? It’s not. Your trauma and pain can actually be an essential part of transforming your life. There is no substitute for painful life experience in moving you toward learning to experience life in the moment, with a greater sense of purpose and contentment. My name is Angelica Gray and I am a clinical social worker/therapist. I have been in the field for 14+ years working as a family service worker, school-based case manger, outpatient mental health paraprofessional and as a therapist in private practice. I specialize in depression, anxiety, trauma and family conflicts.
(870) 621-3259 View (870) 621-3259
Photo of Taylor Goff, LAC, EdS, Counselor
Taylor Goff
Counselor, LAC, EdS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bentonville, AR 72712
I truly enjoy working with clients ready for change, excited to break free from cycles that control their life. Wrestling with trauma, anxiety, relationships, sexual health concerns and/or pelvic pain, they are excited for a new chapter. They seek authenticity, vulnerability and the ability to advocate for themselves moving forward. They crave a life infused with hope, where their true selves can thrive, free from stigmas. Their motivation stems from a deep-seated belief in their worthiness of profound change. Collaboratively, we set goals to create safety and healing, free from stigma.
I truly enjoy working with clients ready for change, excited to break free from cycles that control their life. Wrestling with trauma, anxiety, relationships, sexual health concerns and/or pelvic pain, they are excited for a new chapter. They seek authenticity, vulnerability and the ability to advocate for themselves moving forward. They crave a life infused with hope, where their true selves can thrive, free from stigmas. Their motivation stems from a deep-seated belief in their worthiness of profound change. Collaboratively, we set goals to create safety and healing, free from stigma.
(479) 662-1741 View (479) 662-1741
Photo of Tara V DeJohn, PhD, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tara V DeJohn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Waitlist for new clients
Do you usually feel like you don't belong, don't fit in, or worry about being good enough, doing well enough, etc? Do you have a complex trauma history? Are you fighting through treatment for a chronic/catastrophic illness or caring for someone who is? Do you experience shame and/or guilt despite the evidence that you're doing/have done the best you can? I welcome the privilege to walk alongside you towards healing and wholeness, towards deconstructing society's pressures that block healing.
Do you usually feel like you don't belong, don't fit in, or worry about being good enough, doing well enough, etc? Do you have a complex trauma history? Are you fighting through treatment for a chronic/catastrophic illness or caring for someone who is? Do you experience shame and/or guilt despite the evidence that you're doing/have done the best you can? I welcome the privilege to walk alongside you towards healing and wholeness, towards deconstructing society's pressures that block healing.
(501) 600-2630 x9 View (501) 600-2630 x9
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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.