Chronic Pain Therapists in Pickering, ON

Photo of Dan Sileshi, RP, Registered Psychotherapist
Dan Sileshi
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Verified Verified
Pickering, ON L1X
I am a compassionate, understanding, non-judgmental counsellor who believes everyone has the right to wellness and balance. I provide insurance-friendly counselling for individuals, couples, families and children. My special area of focus is in helping my clients to free themselves from their painful, traumatic pasts and to achieve personal balance and wellness as they create a fresh start in life. Often, emotional and physical pain is resolved from the inside out as my clients and I interact, and as we work together to arrive at a deeper understanding of their condition and the solutions they seek.
I am a compassionate, understanding, non-judgmental counsellor who believes everyone has the right to wellness and balance. I provide insurance-friendly counselling for individuals, couples, families and children. My special area of focus is in helping my clients to free themselves from their painful, traumatic pasts and to achieve personal balance and wellness as they create a fresh start in life. Often, emotional and physical pain is resolved from the inside out as my clients and I interact, and as we work together to arrive at a deeper understanding of their condition and the solutions they seek.
(289) 210-7411 View (289) 210-7411
Photo of Mary Badalian, BSW, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Mary Badalian
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Pickering, ON L1X  (Online Only)
Mainly drawing on Strengths-Based Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Mindfulness and Meditation, I will challenge you to confront the pain, to see your issues in a new light and will support and celebrate you throughout the way! I am probably not your typical therapist and there is very little I haven’t seen or heard in my personal life and practice.
**NOW TAKING NEW VIRTUAL CLIENTS** Greetings and welcome to a world where you can be the captain of your own sail boat and steer it in the direction of your dreams, despite the direction of the winds you may experience! My name is Mary Badalian, a Registered Social Worker for over 7 years, and I am pleased and honoured that you have decided to take the first step in starting your healing story and self-love journey with me. I have a particular interest in the person centred and holistic approaches to therapy, while looking within to find your own strengths and available resources.
Mainly drawing on Strengths-Based Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Mindfulness and Meditation, I will challenge you to confront the pain, to see your issues in a new light and will support and celebrate you throughout the way! I am probably not your typical therapist and there is very little I haven’t seen or heard in my personal life and practice.
**NOW TAKING NEW VIRTUAL CLIENTS** Greetings and welcome to a world where you can be the captain of your own sail boat and steer it in the direction of your dreams, despite the direction of the winds you may experience! My name is Mary Badalian, a Registered Social Worker for over 7 years, and I am pleased and honoured that you have decided to take the first step in starting your healing story and self-love journey with me. I have a particular interest in the person centred and holistic approaches to therapy, while looking within to find your own strengths and available resources.
(289) 797-3267 View (289) 797-3267
Photo of Lynne Protain, MACP, CPC, ELI-MP, PCC, RP, Registered Psychotherapist
Lynne Protain
Registered Psychotherapist, MACP, CPC, ELI-MP, PCC, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pickering, ON L1X
My specialties include women's health issues, burnout, chronic illness, menopause, trauma and dysfunctional families.
Sharing the challenges that have brought you here can feel daunting and vulnerable. Welcome to a warm, compassionate, calm and non-judgmental space. My specialties include trauma and abuse, chronic illness including autoimmune conditions, women’s health issues (fertility, peri-menopause, menopause, reproductive conditions etc), burnout, chronic stress, relationship issues, unhealthy and dysfunctional family patterns and learning healthy boundaries. Together we will focus on healing, understanding and creating healthier patterns so you can feel joy and feel like yourself once again. Book a free discovery call or email me directly.
My specialties include women's health issues, burnout, chronic illness, menopause, trauma and dysfunctional families.
Sharing the challenges that have brought you here can feel daunting and vulnerable. Welcome to a warm, compassionate, calm and non-judgmental space. My specialties include trauma and abuse, chronic illness including autoimmune conditions, women’s health issues (fertility, peri-menopause, menopause, reproductive conditions etc), burnout, chronic stress, relationship issues, unhealthy and dysfunctional family patterns and learning healthy boundaries. Together we will focus on healing, understanding and creating healthier patterns so you can feel joy and feel like yourself once again. Book a free discovery call or email me directly.
(437) 747-8461 View (437) 747-8461
Photo of Tracey Chung, BN, RP (Q), Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Tracey Chung
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BN, RP (Q)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pickering, ON L1X
"Life is amazing. And then it’s awful. And then it's amazing again. And in between the amazing and awful it’s ordinary and mundane and routine. Breathe in the amazing, hold on through the awful, and relax and exhale during the ordinary. That’s just living heartbreaking, soul-healing, amazing, awful, ordinary life. And it’s breathtakingly beautiful." L.R Knost
"Life is amazing. And then it’s awful. And then it's amazing again. And in between the amazing and awful it’s ordinary and mundane and routine. Breathe in the amazing, hold on through the awful, and relax and exhale during the ordinary. That’s just living heartbreaking, soul-healing, amazing, awful, ordinary life. And it’s breathtakingly beautiful." L.R Knost
(289) 536-4213 View (289) 536-4213
Photo of Alexis Hamilton, RYT, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Alexis Hamilton
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RYT
Verified Verified
Pickering, ON L1V  (Online Only)
It is not uncommon to feel disconnected from the people you love and trust when life turns upside down. When we experience turmoil or when thoughts become cyclical, it’s nearly impossible to live authentically or to even know what authentic is in that moment. It can feel like a roller coaster that you aren’t sure how to disembark or as if you’re living in a body that isn’t yours. We might experience the hurt alone but we don’t have to manage it alone. Allow me to be your ally, your confidante, your listener.
It is not uncommon to feel disconnected from the people you love and trust when life turns upside down. When we experience turmoil or when thoughts become cyclical, it’s nearly impossible to live authentically or to even know what authentic is in that moment. It can feel like a roller coaster that you aren’t sure how to disembark or as if you’re living in a body that isn’t yours. We might experience the hurt alone but we don’t have to manage it alone. Allow me to be your ally, your confidante, your listener.
(289) 205-9568 View (289) 205-9568
Photo of Alyia Chan - Mainspring Counselling Services, MSW, BSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Mainspring Counselling Services
Registered Social Worker, MSW, BSW, RSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Pickering, ON L1V  (Online Only)
Mainspring Counselling utilizes a holistic approach to wellness. I work closely with individuals and families to increase self- awareness and achieve self-motivation. Through the use of various psycho-therapeutic modalities, I support our clients to recognize and trust their inner voice and leverage their experiences and strengths to create wellness and healing. My aim is to create a welcoming and relatable environment through the acknowledgement of systemic barriers such as racism, classism etc. and a clear anti-oppressive mandate.
Mainspring Counselling utilizes a holistic approach to wellness. I work closely with individuals and families to increase self- awareness and achieve self-motivation. Through the use of various psycho-therapeutic modalities, I support our clients to recognize and trust their inner voice and leverage their experiences and strengths to create wellness and healing. My aim is to create a welcoming and relatable environment through the acknowledgement of systemic barriers such as racism, classism etc. and a clear anti-oppressive mandate.
(289) 272-1508 View (289) 272-1508
Photo of Amy Allen, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Amy Allen
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pickering, ON L1V  (Online Only)
We are all human; our inner workings are similar and protective. What is different is our external pressures, relationships, and outlook that shape us. Stress can manifest in many ways throughout our bodies; it can be seen as crying, tensing, craving, changes in breathing and lower energy. Recognizing changes in our bodies is observable, however, detecting changes in our psyche can go unnoticed. These psychological changes can present as sadness, loneliness, hurt, or thoughts of defeat and fear. In therapy, I will provide you with a holistic and compassionate space to dive into your emotions safely.
We are all human; our inner workings are similar and protective. What is different is our external pressures, relationships, and outlook that shape us. Stress can manifest in many ways throughout our bodies; it can be seen as crying, tensing, craving, changes in breathing and lower energy. Recognizing changes in our bodies is observable, however, detecting changes in our psyche can go unnoticed. These psychological changes can present as sadness, loneliness, hurt, or thoughts of defeat and fear. In therapy, I will provide you with a holistic and compassionate space to dive into your emotions safely.
(289) 273-5390 View (289) 273-5390
Photo of Dilakshi Jeyakaran, MPsy, RP, Registered Psychotherapist
Dilakshi Jeyakaran
Registered Psychotherapist, MPsy, RP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pickering, ON L1X
I’m a culturally attuned South Asian therapist here to support clients on their journey towards healing and personal growth by meeting them where they’re at, this means, I take the time to understand who they are and what they face. I specialize in helping clients navigate through life transitions, manage low moods, regulate symptoms of anxiety, work through complex relationships, and explore self-identity through shadow work.
I’m a culturally attuned South Asian therapist here to support clients on their journey towards healing and personal growth by meeting them where they’re at, this means, I take the time to understand who they are and what they face. I specialize in helping clients navigate through life transitions, manage low moods, regulate symptoms of anxiety, work through complex relationships, and explore self-identity through shadow work.
(289) 212-7539 View (289) 212-7539
Photo of Steph Paolucci, MA, RYT, Registered Psychotherapist
Steph Paolucci
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RYT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Pickering, ON L1V  (Online Only)
Everything we experience impacts both our mind & body. Unfortunately, more often than not we end up living in our head as a result of things like stress & anxiety. While our mind can be an insightful place, it can also be isolating if we spend too much time there. The irony in this default pattern is that our bodies are incredibly reliable sources that provide us with valuable information. They have the ability to warn & inform us of our triggers, boundaries, perceptions & fears. “What the mind suppresses, the body expresses." By listening to both, you can begin to understand yourself in a deeper capacity.
Everything we experience impacts both our mind & body. Unfortunately, more often than not we end up living in our head as a result of things like stress & anxiety. While our mind can be an insightful place, it can also be isolating if we spend too much time there. The irony in this default pattern is that our bodies are incredibly reliable sources that provide us with valuable information. They have the ability to warn & inform us of our triggers, boundaries, perceptions & fears. “What the mind suppresses, the body expresses." By listening to both, you can begin to understand yourself in a deeper capacity.
(855) 677-0431 View (855) 677-0431
Photo of Nazia Hoque Certified Brainspotting Therapist, MSW, RSW, BSW, Registered Social Worker
Nazia Hoque Certified Brainspotting Therapist
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, BSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pickering, ON L1X
Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist. Certified in Brainspotting. Serving clients in Ontario. Are you tired of feeling stressed, frustrated, demotivated, afraid and uncertain with how to cope? Life can be unpredictable and connecting with a therapist will bring a better understanding of your identity while coping in the chaotic world we live. My goal is to help with self-awareness, healing, coping, learning to adjust and re-adjust to the changing world around us. Strengthening your nervous system which is responsible for managing emotions is my goal.
Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist. Certified in Brainspotting. Serving clients in Ontario. Are you tired of feeling stressed, frustrated, demotivated, afraid and uncertain with how to cope? Life can be unpredictable and connecting with a therapist will bring a better understanding of your identity while coping in the chaotic world we live. My goal is to help with self-awareness, healing, coping, learning to adjust and re-adjust to the changing world around us. Strengthening your nervous system which is responsible for managing emotions is my goal.
(289) 274-6367 View (289) 274-6367
Photo of Augustine Jatoe - LiveWise Associates-In Person Sessions!, BSW, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
LiveWise Associates-In Person Sessions!
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Pickering, ON L1V
At LiveWise Associates we believe that everyone deserves to live a fulfilling life with optimal mental well-being. Our clinic is committed to empowering individuals in Ontario and beyond, providing a range of comprehensive mental health services. We take pride in offering key differentiators that set us apart from the rest. As a reputable mental health service provider LiveWise Associates is devoted to making a positive impact on the lives of our clients. We understand the unique challenges you may face, and we are here to support you on your journey to mental wellness. A team of over 15 therapists and direct billing Available!
At LiveWise Associates we believe that everyone deserves to live a fulfilling life with optimal mental well-being. Our clinic is committed to empowering individuals in Ontario and beyond, providing a range of comprehensive mental health services. We take pride in offering key differentiators that set us apart from the rest. As a reputable mental health service provider LiveWise Associates is devoted to making a positive impact on the lives of our clients. We understand the unique challenges you may face, and we are here to support you on your journey to mental wellness. A team of over 15 therapists and direct billing Available!
(289) 217-8799 View (289) 217-8799
Photo of Vanessa Montes, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Vanessa Montes
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Verified Verified
Pickering, ON L1V  (Online Only)
Change brings stress, often destabilizing your sense of identity and affecting your personal and professional life. If you’re feeling anxiety, unexplained discomfort, difficulty maintaining healthy habits, trouble sleeping, or emotional distress, I’m here to help you navigate life transitions and rediscover your purpose in a safe and nurturing space. I am also a fitness instructor with healthy eating and brain fitness trainings, and these are disciplines that I incorporate into my practice; so my approach is holistic as we touch on all the elements that influence the integrity of your health.
Change brings stress, often destabilizing your sense of identity and affecting your personal and professional life. If you’re feeling anxiety, unexplained discomfort, difficulty maintaining healthy habits, trouble sleeping, or emotional distress, I’m here to help you navigate life transitions and rediscover your purpose in a safe and nurturing space. I am also a fitness instructor with healthy eating and brain fitness trainings, and these are disciplines that I incorporate into my practice; so my approach is holistic as we touch on all the elements that influence the integrity of your health.
(289) 205-9568 View (289) 205-9568
Photo of Cbt Wvc - CBT Wellness & Virtual Services, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
CBT Wellness & Virtual Services
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Pickering, ON L1V
Accepting NEW patients. Are you or your child feeling: overwhelmed, stuck, or on edge? Experiencing mood swings, flashbacks or urges? Having trouble sleeping, managing emotions or getting through the day? Are you having communication or trust issues in your relationshpi? You are NOT alone & we CAN help. We have helped hundreds of people THRIVE in their life & we look forward to helping you too! Our professional, compassionate & experienced therapists have immediate openings for SAME day & NEXT day appointments for individual, couples & family therapy to children (5+), youth and adults.
Accepting NEW patients. Are you or your child feeling: overwhelmed, stuck, or on edge? Experiencing mood swings, flashbacks or urges? Having trouble sleeping, managing emotions or getting through the day? Are you having communication or trust issues in your relationshpi? You are NOT alone & we CAN help. We have helped hundreds of people THRIVE in their life & we look forward to helping you too! Our professional, compassionate & experienced therapists have immediate openings for SAME day & NEXT day appointments for individual, couples & family therapy to children (5+), youth and adults.
(289) 301-7240 View (289) 301-7240
Photo of Fatima Nadir Noorali, BA, RP, MACP, Registered Psychotherapist
Fatima Nadir Noorali
Registered Psychotherapist, BA, RP, MACP
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Pickering, ON L1V  (Online Only)
Are you feeling overwhelmed, constantly doubting yourself, or struggling with low self-esteem? Do you often feel like an imposter, questioning your achievements and worth? Fatima understands these feelings deeply and is here to support you. She knows firsthand how discouraging it can be to lose trust in yourself and your sense of purpose, and she is passionate about helping you take back control. Through personalized strategies and creative approaches, Fatima will guide you in building a toolbox of techniques to reduce stress, reframe negative thinking, and embrace self-love.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, constantly doubting yourself, or struggling with low self-esteem? Do you often feel like an imposter, questioning your achievements and worth? Fatima understands these feelings deeply and is here to support you. She knows firsthand how discouraging it can be to lose trust in yourself and your sense of purpose, and she is passionate about helping you take back control. Through personalized strategies and creative approaches, Fatima will guide you in building a toolbox of techniques to reduce stress, reframe negative thinking, and embrace self-love.
(343) 500-6819 View (343) 500-6819
Photo of Lisa Davis, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Lisa Davis
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pickering, ON L1V  (Online Only)
Asking for support is a courageous first step in managing your mental health & wellness. It is easy to get stuck in unhelpful thought patterns that do not serve us. The good news is, we have more control over our thoughts and feelings than it may seem. You can learn to take charge of your behaviour with the right tools & techniques, to live a more fulfilled & happy life. I will work collaboratively with you to help set achievable goals that support empowerment, capacity building & resiliency. I believe in the importance of a strong therapeutic alliance where you feel safe to share so we can have relaxed & authentic conversations.
Asking for support is a courageous first step in managing your mental health & wellness. It is easy to get stuck in unhelpful thought patterns that do not serve us. The good news is, we have more control over our thoughts and feelings than it may seem. You can learn to take charge of your behaviour with the right tools & techniques, to live a more fulfilled & happy life. I will work collaboratively with you to help set achievable goals that support empowerment, capacity building & resiliency. I believe in the importance of a strong therapeutic alliance where you feel safe to share so we can have relaxed & authentic conversations.
(365) 398-5085 View (365) 398-5085
Photo of Henry Wong, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Henry Wong
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Pickering, ON L1X
Accepting NEW patients! I speak Cantonese, Mandarin and English. I provide counselling to children, youth and adults via secure video and phone calls. I view mental health as a cardiologist views heart health – a vital part of living! I am passionate about healing and helping you live your best life. I enjoy working with individuals with concerns related to any life challenges experienced that prevent you from living your best life, including: trauma, attachment, addiction, grief, relationship concerns, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, BPD and psychosis. I also work with a team of therapists, dietitians and naturopaths.
Accepting NEW patients! I speak Cantonese, Mandarin and English. I provide counselling to children, youth and adults via secure video and phone calls. I view mental health as a cardiologist views heart health – a vital part of living! I am passionate about healing and helping you live your best life. I enjoy working with individuals with concerns related to any life challenges experienced that prevent you from living your best life, including: trauma, attachment, addiction, grief, relationship concerns, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, BPD and psychosis. I also work with a team of therapists, dietitians and naturopaths.
(289) 536-4946 View (289) 536-4946
Photo of Melissa Donohue, MSW, RSW, Ontario, LCSW, PA, Registered Social Worker
Melissa Donohue
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, Ontario, LCSW, PA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Pickering, ON L1V
Every individual I have the opportunity to meet carries with them a collection of unique experiences, thoughts, beliefs, values and goals. As humans, we all have periods in our lives when we think, “things are not how they should or ought to be” and this may lead us to a place where we may not be feeling like ourselves. I genuinely believe that you, as a client, are the expert at your own life, but sometimes, even experts can use a little fine tuning- this is one of the functions of therapy! I promise to provide you with the highest quality service that it tailored to your specific needs.
Every individual I have the opportunity to meet carries with them a collection of unique experiences, thoughts, beliefs, values and goals. As humans, we all have periods in our lives when we think, “things are not how they should or ought to be” and this may lead us to a place where we may not be feeling like ourselves. I genuinely believe that you, as a client, are the expert at your own life, but sometimes, even experts can use a little fine tuning- this is one of the functions of therapy! I promise to provide you with the highest quality service that it tailored to your specific needs.
(289) 216-6989 View (289) 216-6989
Photo of Hasina Arghastani, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Hasina Arghastani
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Pickering, ON L1Y
Accepting NEW patients! I offer counselling to children, youth & adults using a variety of evidence based therapeutic approaches. Everyone faces challenges & sometimes we are too afraid to ask for help in fear of being judged, so I commend you on taking the first step. I believe that we can become our most authentic selves, when we have a safe space to comfortably express our thoughts, take accountability & develop new understandings/skills-this is what I aim to do in our work together. I will help you/your children achieve goals by creating a brave space for you to learn, grow & thrive and move forward effectively together.
Accepting NEW patients! I offer counselling to children, youth & adults using a variety of evidence based therapeutic approaches. Everyone faces challenges & sometimes we are too afraid to ask for help in fear of being judged, so I commend you on taking the first step. I believe that we can become our most authentic selves, when we have a safe space to comfortably express our thoughts, take accountability & develop new understandings/skills-this is what I aim to do in our work together. I will help you/your children achieve goals by creating a brave space for you to learn, grow & thrive and move forward effectively together.
(289) 276-8419 View (289) 276-8419
Photo of Michelle Laxamana - Holding Hearts Psychotherapy and Counselling, MDiv, DCP, RCFT, ACTA, CCPA, Registered Psychotherapist
Holding Hearts Psychotherapy and Counselling
Registered Psychotherapist, MDiv, DCP, RCFT, ACTA, CCPA
Verified Verified
Pickering, ON L1V
Finding the right therapist is as important as getting the right help. In the process of seeking who you would prefer to work with, we offer a free 15 minute consultation over the phone. If you decide to make an appointment, the first session has no strings attached. We will go through what the concerns are, some goals, and expectations (if any), and you can decide whether you are ready for us to continue with further sessions. Collaboration is essential in this process of finding a path to your healing. Take the next step and give us a call to see if we can work together. Our office hours are M-F 9am-8pm and Saturdays 10am-5pm.
Finding the right therapist is as important as getting the right help. In the process of seeking who you would prefer to work with, we offer a free 15 minute consultation over the phone. If you decide to make an appointment, the first session has no strings attached. We will go through what the concerns are, some goals, and expectations (if any), and you can decide whether you are ready for us to continue with further sessions. Collaboration is essential in this process of finding a path to your healing. Take the next step and give us a call to see if we can work together. Our office hours are M-F 9am-8pm and Saturdays 10am-5pm.
(647) 691-0498 View (647) 691-0498
Photo of Sadia Ghanty, RP (Q), Pre-Licensed Professional
Sadia Ghanty
Pre-Licensed Professional, RP (Q)
Verified Verified
Pickering, ON L1Y  (Online Only)
LOW cost therapy for teens & adults-NEW patients welcome! I believe in an eclectic approach and tackle my work with an emphasis on each client's individuality, believing that you are an expert in who you are. I am here to support you along the way by offering a listening ear, helpful information, healthy coping strategies & resources. I aspire to offer a non-judgmental & secure space in which you may freely talk about a range of problems such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, stress, trauma, relationships/identity concerns and any other issues that may be impacting your well-being.
LOW cost therapy for teens & adults-NEW patients welcome! I believe in an eclectic approach and tackle my work with an emphasis on each client's individuality, believing that you are an expert in who you are. I am here to support you along the way by offering a listening ear, helpful information, healthy coping strategies & resources. I aspire to offer a non-judgmental & secure space in which you may freely talk about a range of problems such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, stress, trauma, relationships/identity concerns and any other issues that may be impacting your well-being.
(289) 723-2130 View (289) 723-2130
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Chronic Pain Counsellors

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, catastrophising, 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 behavioural 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.