Photo of Amy Austin, RN, PsyD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Amy Austin
Marriage & Family Therapist, RN, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
In your therapy," I WON'T JUST SIT AND NOD." I'll be an active participant in your therapy. I specialize in individual, couple, family and addiction therapy from anxiety, depression to relationship challenges. I can help with a blend of warmth, compassion, guidance utilizing workable tools in a safe therapeutic milieu. I'll support you to identify, explore, and work through those scary, but telling truths. Your truths! Not thoughts and behaviors that you've lived that keep you emotionally stuck, tied to your history, and in pain! Let's work to leave behind patterns of dis-ease, discovering an empowered, real and wonderful YOU!
In your therapy," I WON'T JUST SIT AND NOD." I'll be an active participant in your therapy. I specialize in individual, couple, family and addiction therapy from anxiety, depression to relationship challenges. I can help with a blend of warmth, compassion, guidance utilizing workable tools in a safe therapeutic milieu. I'll support you to identify, explore, and work through those scary, but telling truths. Your truths! Not thoughts and behaviors that you've lived that keep you emotionally stuck, tied to your history, and in pain! Let's work to leave behind patterns of dis-ease, discovering an empowered, real and wonderful YOU!
(760) 978-6992 View (760) 978-6992
Photo of Ray Montella, PhD, Psychologist
Ray Montella
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Dr. Ray Montella provides Individual, Couples, and family Therapy; Clinical Assessments, and Psychological Evaluations for both adults and teens. If you or someone you know is suffering from addiction or a mental health condition and is seeking help, call our team today for a free confidential assessment. My goal is to get you some tools, insight and relief to help alleviate symptoms and get you back to the life you want to live.
Dr. Ray Montella provides Individual, Couples, and family Therapy; Clinical Assessments, and Psychological Evaluations for both adults and teens. If you or someone you know is suffering from addiction or a mental health condition and is seeking help, call our team today for a free confidential assessment. My goal is to get you some tools, insight and relief to help alleviate symptoms and get you back to the life you want to live.
(760) 561-5124 View (760) 561-5124
Photo of Ari Regar, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ari Regar
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
I specialize in one on one therapy, as well as couples therapy, and family therapy where I utilize my background in clinical psychology to provide coping skills for individuals who are experiencing emotional distress. I'm grateful for having earned the respect of my professional colleagues, where I have been enlisted as a consultant to doctors in need of professional guidance. I know the vital impact of "great therapy," and I will work with you in a genuine way, illuminating profound insights which lead to lasting life changes and personal growth.
I specialize in one on one therapy, as well as couples therapy, and family therapy where I utilize my background in clinical psychology to provide coping skills for individuals who are experiencing emotional distress. I'm grateful for having earned the respect of my professional colleagues, where I have been enlisted as a consultant to doctors in need of professional guidance. I know the vital impact of "great therapy," and I will work with you in a genuine way, illuminating profound insights which lead to lasting life changes and personal growth.
(760) 348-8677 View (760) 348-8677

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Maggie Shelton, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Maggie Shelton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Palm Springs, CA 92264  (Online Only)
My work has always included individual adults, couples, families, and groups. My clients have been impacted by trauma, coped with depression, anxiety, sexual difficulties, identity development, difficulties in work environments, challenges in relationships, pursued aspirations in the professions and arts, and explored existential questions. Many cope with the impact of discrimination and oppression based on race, ethnicity, gender, identity, age, and intersectional factors. I have experience with the existential and practical questions related to aging. I have a lot of experience working with chronic pain.
My work has always included individual adults, couples, families, and groups. My clients have been impacted by trauma, coped with depression, anxiety, sexual difficulties, identity development, difficulties in work environments, challenges in relationships, pursued aspirations in the professions and arts, and explored existential questions. Many cope with the impact of discrimination and oppression based on race, ethnicity, gender, identity, age, and intersectional factors. I have experience with the existential and practical questions related to aging. I have a lot of experience working with chronic pain.
(442) 233-8242 View (442) 233-8242
Photo of Gabriel Arroyo - Soaring Families Counseling, LMFT
Soaring Families Counseling
LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Palm Desert, CA 92210  (Online Only)
Similar to our speciality in working with chronic illness support and life adjustments, we work on strengthening existing skills.
Are you struggling with relationship issues or challenges within your marriage? Struggling with depression, anxiety, and daily stressors? If you are facing any of the challenges, now may be the time to start with a therapist that specializes in these areas. We can work together to rebuild skills to reconnect in your relationship by rebuilding communication, intimacy, and trust. Or growing coping skills to manage the stressors daily life can throw at us. Continue reading below to see if this would be the best fit for your needs or feel free to call.
Similar to our speciality in working with chronic illness support and life adjustments, we work on strengthening existing skills.
Are you struggling with relationship issues or challenges within your marriage? Struggling with depression, anxiety, and daily stressors? If you are facing any of the challenges, now may be the time to start with a therapist that specializes in these areas. We can work together to rebuild skills to reconnect in your relationship by rebuilding communication, intimacy, and trust. Or growing coping skills to manage the stressors daily life can throw at us. Continue reading below to see if this would be the best fit for your needs or feel free to call.
(951) 499-4331 View (951) 499-4331
Photo of Lilia Escobedo - A Healing Light Family Counseling, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
A Healing Light Family Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Indian Wells, CA 92210
Life has its struggles and at times we need someone other than a family member or friend to talk to. I use various types of approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, a strength based and integrative approach. Extensive experience working with depression, anxiety, adjustment disorder, stress management, pain management and chronic illness. I am a bilingual (Spanish) LMFT and have worked in the field for over 15 years. I have extensive experience working with children, adolescents and adults with different backgrounds and orientations.
Life has its struggles and at times we need someone other than a family member or friend to talk to. I use various types of approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, a strength based and integrative approach. Extensive experience working with depression, anxiety, adjustment disorder, stress management, pain management and chronic illness. I am a bilingual (Spanish) LMFT and have worked in the field for over 15 years. I have extensive experience working with children, adolescents and adults with different backgrounds and orientations.
(760) 274-0009 View (760) 274-0009
Photo of Cindy L Andrews, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cindy L Andrews
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Palm Desert, CA 92260  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Depressed, anxious, hurt, angry? Grieving? Need to reduce stress, improve self-esteem, gain communication skills or strengthen relationships? Weekends may be available. Benefit from new insight & effective personal tools. Practice new skills in a safe compassionate atmosphere. New vision & better understanding can improve our lives. Old issues can benefit with fresh insight & effective action. As we grow personally, our relationships can become more enriched & fulfilling. Move away from former positions of self-doubt, become empowered, act with newly found purpose & confidence. It IS possible to heal & enjoy satisfying life changes.
Depressed, anxious, hurt, angry? Grieving? Need to reduce stress, improve self-esteem, gain communication skills or strengthen relationships? Weekends may be available. Benefit from new insight & effective personal tools. Practice new skills in a safe compassionate atmosphere. New vision & better understanding can improve our lives. Old issues can benefit with fresh insight & effective action. As we grow personally, our relationships can become more enriched & fulfilling. Move away from former positions of self-doubt, become empowered, act with newly found purpose & confidence. It IS possible to heal & enjoy satisfying life changes.
(442) 275-8892 View (442) 275-8892
Photo of Alex Avila, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Alex Avila
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
La Quinta, CA 92253
Living with anxiety, fear, worry, and depression can feel very discouraging, sometimes hopeless,  and these feelings can grow to be so BIG that they inevitably impact our relationships, work, dreams and goals. If you're reading this today, you might be feeling sick and tired of being sick and tired; you might feel desperate, you may have hit rock bottom or perhaps you're just hoping, praying, to find relief and a chance at something better.
Living with anxiety, fear, worry, and depression can feel very discouraging, sometimes hopeless,  and these feelings can grow to be so BIG that they inevitably impact our relationships, work, dreams and goals. If you're reading this today, you might be feeling sick and tired of being sick and tired; you might feel desperate, you may have hit rock bottom or perhaps you're just hoping, praying, to find relief and a chance at something better.
(760) 463-0381 View (760) 463-0381

Online Therapists

Photo of Amanda Prestage, MA, LMFT, EMDR, KAP, Marriage & Family Therapist
Amanda Prestage
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, EMDR, KAP
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Carlsbad, CA 92011
I have extensive experience treating: Depression, anxiety, trauma/PTSD, ADHD, grief and loss, life transitions, chronic pain, autoimmune disease, and addiction issues.
Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or lost? Is your past weighing you down? Does it feel like you've tried everything to get through your past and yet it feels like you're not getting anywhere? Together, we will get you back on your way to living a meaningful life. I provide a secure and nurturing space for you to come as you are. You'll be able to share about your experiences without judgment. We'll work through your past to clear the path for your future. Life is too precious to spend another second feeling unhappy and stuck. Inaction only makes things worse. Your best life is waiting for you.
I have extensive experience treating: Depression, anxiety, trauma/PTSD, ADHD, grief and loss, life transitions, chronic pain, autoimmune disease, and addiction issues.
Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or lost? Is your past weighing you down? Does it feel like you've tried everything to get through your past and yet it feels like you're not getting anywhere? Together, we will get you back on your way to living a meaningful life. I provide a secure and nurturing space for you to come as you are. You'll be able to share about your experiences without judgment. We'll work through your past to clear the path for your future. Life is too precious to spend another second feeling unhappy and stuck. Inaction only makes things worse. Your best life is waiting for you.
(760) 548-2984 View (760) 548-2984
Photo of Jill Silverman, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jill Silverman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92130
Are you suffering from relationship pain, stress or traumatic memories? Do you find yourself struggling with health, career and financial issues? I have been helping people with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and relationship problems for over 20 years. I am an expert in helping my clients get out of emotional distress and into healthy thinking and living. I offer tools to assist in effective communication, boundary setting, stress management and conflict resolution. I help clients to manage difficult emotions, overcome negative thinking, feel more confident, and create loving relationships. I also specialize in EMDR.
Are you suffering from relationship pain, stress or traumatic memories? Do you find yourself struggling with health, career and financial issues? I have been helping people with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and relationship problems for over 20 years. I am an expert in helping my clients get out of emotional distress and into healthy thinking and living. I offer tools to assist in effective communication, boundary setting, stress management and conflict resolution. I help clients to manage difficult emotions, overcome negative thinking, feel more confident, and create loving relationships. I also specialize in EMDR.
(858) 793-2400 View (858) 793-2400
Photo of Juliana Eulert, MA, LMFT, LPCC, Counselor
Juliana Eulert
Counselor, MA, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92101  (Online Only)
I help people struggling with crises, relationship problems, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, difficult life transitions, chronic illness and other issues. I empower and help my clients increase their confidence, facilitating the process of taking back control of their lives. I help couples get unstuck from conflicted interactions. I also work with individuals who are struggling with self identity, finding their place in the world and transitioning into a new path. I have a growth-oriented approach and enjoy working with people who are looking to understand themselves and find meaning in their lives.
I help people struggling with crises, relationship problems, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, difficult life transitions, chronic illness and other issues. I empower and help my clients increase their confidence, facilitating the process of taking back control of their lives. I help couples get unstuck from conflicted interactions. I also work with individuals who are struggling with self identity, finding their place in the world and transitioning into a new path. I have a growth-oriented approach and enjoy working with people who are looking to understand themselves and find meaning in their lives.
(505) 539-2186 View (505) 539-2186
Photo of Roxana Alas, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Roxana Alas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Temecula, CA 92590  (Online Only)
I have 13 years of experience working with various populations in specialized areas including foster care/adoptions, PTSD, trauma, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, parenting, crisis intervention, addiction, and grief and loss.
Life can be challenging at times, influenced by events that can cause lingering symptoms. These can include anxiety, depression, and grief and loss among other symptoms that can affect your daily living. Together we can work on building on your strengths and improving your overall well-being. By utilizing different modalities, coping techniques such as mindfulness, grounding/thought-stopping deep breathing, and relaxation skills, it will assist in decreasing the intensity and severity of they symptoms.
I have 13 years of experience working with various populations in specialized areas including foster care/adoptions, PTSD, trauma, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, parenting, crisis intervention, addiction, and grief and loss.
Life can be challenging at times, influenced by events that can cause lingering symptoms. These can include anxiety, depression, and grief and loss among other symptoms that can affect your daily living. Together we can work on building on your strengths and improving your overall well-being. By utilizing different modalities, coping techniques such as mindfulness, grounding/thought-stopping deep breathing, and relaxation skills, it will assist in decreasing the intensity and severity of they symptoms.
(951) 396-4869 View (951) 396-4869
Photo of Milad Ghalehei - GT Healthcare, APCC
GT Healthcare
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
I believe that mental health is not just the absence of illness, but the presence of overall well-being, and so my approach is to treat the whole person, not just their symptoms.
Are racing thoughts keeping you up night? Tired of ER visits from panic attacks? Struggling to focus or pay attention? Feeling overwhelmed in crowds? Overall lack of motivation or energy? Do your emotions feel like a rollercoaster? Spending more time on hold or waitlists instead of getting the card you need? Take the first step and Book a consultation today - leave the rest up to us! Every client gets a personal concierge and other exclusive benefits. Schedule to learn more. All inclusive mental health and primary care. Appointments available 7 days per week for returning clients. Every client gets a personal concierge.
I believe that mental health is not just the absence of illness, but the presence of overall well-being, and so my approach is to treat the whole person, not just their symptoms.
Are racing thoughts keeping you up night? Tired of ER visits from panic attacks? Struggling to focus or pay attention? Feeling overwhelmed in crowds? Overall lack of motivation or energy? Do your emotions feel like a rollercoaster? Spending more time on hold or waitlists instead of getting the card you need? Take the first step and Book a consultation today - leave the rest up to us! Every client gets a personal concierge and other exclusive benefits. Schedule to learn more. All inclusive mental health and primary care. Appointments available 7 days per week for returning clients. Every client gets a personal concierge.
(949) 998-4384 View (949) 998-4384
Photo of Lauren Nelson, MSS, LCSW, LICSW, NET III, ART, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lauren Nelson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSS, LCSW, LICSW, NET III, ART
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92101
I specialize in the integrative and holistic treatment of anxiety, depression, chronic pain and illness, health issues, life transitions, trauma, intimacy and relationship issues.
I create a nurturing and safe environment for you and loved ones to explore ways to reconnect with yourself and show up in relationships. I provide high quality integrative psychotherapy, Coaching, and application of Neuro-Emotional Technique, Applied Kinesiology, and bioenergetic healing to encourage healing at the unconscious level, releasing inherited emotional and intergenerational DNA. This allows for results in a shorter time frame. Together, we will tailor your path to healing and living the life you desire. I work with children, teens, and adults in the context of individual, family, and couples therapy, and groups.
I specialize in the integrative and holistic treatment of anxiety, depression, chronic pain and illness, health issues, life transitions, trauma, intimacy and relationship issues.
I create a nurturing and safe environment for you and loved ones to explore ways to reconnect with yourself and show up in relationships. I provide high quality integrative psychotherapy, Coaching, and application of Neuro-Emotional Technique, Applied Kinesiology, and bioenergetic healing to encourage healing at the unconscious level, releasing inherited emotional and intergenerational DNA. This allows for results in a shorter time frame. Together, we will tailor your path to healing and living the life you desire. I work with children, teens, and adults in the context of individual, family, and couples therapy, and groups.
(425) 549-9698 View (425) 549-9698
Photo of Melanie Reyes - Lives Renewed Counseling Services -EMDR Therapy, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lives Renewed Counseling Services -EMDR Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Orange, CA 92867  (Online Only)
Perhaps you are visiting today to obtain answers to confusion, peace in the torment, clarity from the chaos, healing from the pain. Maybe you just want someone to understand your pain. You might be feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or hopeless. Whatever your reasoning may be, I am dedicated to help you achieve hope and healing. Thank you for taking the first step to work toward your personal healing journey. I am passionate about understanding, accepting, and empathyzing with my clients. I approach therapy holistically, which encompasses spirit, body, and mind.
Perhaps you are visiting today to obtain answers to confusion, peace in the torment, clarity from the chaos, healing from the pain. Maybe you just want someone to understand your pain. You might be feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or hopeless. Whatever your reasoning may be, I am dedicated to help you achieve hope and healing. Thank you for taking the first step to work toward your personal healing journey. I am passionate about understanding, accepting, and empathyzing with my clients. I approach therapy holistically, which encompasses spirit, body, and mind.
(714) 710-8266 View (714) 710-8266
Photo of Sue M. Bushrow, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sue M. Bushrow
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Temecula, CA 92592  (Online Only)
Working with individuals whom have experienced trauma, sexual abuse, grief and loss, helping to process the pain, in their own time frame and begin healing.
Is life hard and your heart hurting ? Are you struggling ? Do you need relief? Has your family suffered from trauma, loss, change, or heartache? Are you a Veteran struggling? Is your marriage hard? Is your teenager struggling? Are you in professional ministry with no safe place to express the difficulties of ministry. Do you feel depressed after a major life event? I would love to help you or your family!
Working with individuals whom have experienced trauma, sexual abuse, grief and loss, helping to process the pain, in their own time frame and begin healing.
Is life hard and your heart hurting ? Are you struggling ? Do you need relief? Has your family suffered from trauma, loss, change, or heartache? Are you a Veteran struggling? Is your marriage hard? Is your teenager struggling? Are you in professional ministry with no safe place to express the difficulties of ministry. Do you feel depressed after a major life event? I would love to help you or your family!
(951) 305-4150 View (951) 305-4150
Photo of Crystal Burns - Theraville Counseling Services, MSW, LCSW, LMFT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Theraville Counseling Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Bernardino, CA 92408
We are available to address relational and family problems, as well as such issues as depression, anxiety, sexual, emotional and physical abuse, separation and divorce, parenting problems, stress management, life changing losses, post-traumatic stress, physical illness and pain.
We here at TheraVille Counseling Services, Inc. believe in utilizing an eclectic approach to therapy. The therapy is customized to meet the uniqueness of each and every client. By personalizing the therapeutic experience to best address and respond to the needs of the individual or families, our eclecticism ensures that the most effective therapeutic techniques are integrated into treatment.
We are available to address relational and family problems, as well as such issues as depression, anxiety, sexual, emotional and physical abuse, separation and divorce, parenting problems, stress management, life changing losses, post-traumatic stress, physical illness and pain.
We here at TheraVille Counseling Services, Inc. believe in utilizing an eclectic approach to therapy. The therapy is customized to meet the uniqueness of each and every client. By personalizing the therapeutic experience to best address and respond to the needs of the individual or families, our eclecticism ensures that the most effective therapeutic techniques are integrated into treatment.
(909) 345-8004 View (909) 345-8004
Photo of Kristy Coleman, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kristy Coleman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Imperial Beach, CA 91932
My work includes helping clients know a sense of peace within, and increasing understanding about their sense of discontent, anxiety, or depression. This can show up in various ways, such as in relationship problems, anxiety, or old emotional pain. My style is to provide a safe place with a trauma-informed view to exploring client concerns in their path toward a life with a greater sense of wellness. Together we develop more healthy coping skills, ways of understanding troubled parts of the self, and methods to create a life of well-being and joy.
My work includes helping clients know a sense of peace within, and increasing understanding about their sense of discontent, anxiety, or depression. This can show up in various ways, such as in relationship problems, anxiety, or old emotional pain. My style is to provide a safe place with a trauma-informed view to exploring client concerns in their path toward a life with a greater sense of wellness. Together we develop more healthy coping skills, ways of understanding troubled parts of the self, and methods to create a life of well-being and joy.
(562) 471-6336 View (562) 471-6336
Photo of Daniel Fenton, PhD, Psychologist
Daniel Fenton
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91107
Currently licensed in California (In-Person & Virtual) and Nevada (Virtual Only). Dr. Daniel Fenton is a Neuropsychologist and Psychotherapist who works with individuals across the lifespan. He provides neurocognitive and psychological evaluation, in addition to psychotherapy. His specialty is the interaction between medical illness and psychological symptoms/conditions such as, depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance abuse. He is passionate about working with individuals experiencing chronic and acute medical conditions, marital and relational conflict, career stress, as well as challenging life transitions.
Currently licensed in California (In-Person & Virtual) and Nevada (Virtual Only). Dr. Daniel Fenton is a Neuropsychologist and Psychotherapist who works with individuals across the lifespan. He provides neurocognitive and psychological evaluation, in addition to psychotherapy. His specialty is the interaction between medical illness and psychological symptoms/conditions such as, depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance abuse. He is passionate about working with individuals experiencing chronic and acute medical conditions, marital and relational conflict, career stress, as well as challenging life transitions.
(626) 723-3934 View (626) 723-3934
Photo of Deryl Taylor, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Deryl Taylor
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Colton, CA 92324
I have been trained in a range of modalities with a particular expertise in Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and approach to the treatment of trauma, depression, anxiety, chronic pain and sex offenders.
My greatest reward as a therapist is helping my clients explore ways to make the changes in their lives that will allow them to look forward to the future with hope. I believe that we all need someone to talk with who will really listen and accept us as we are, without judgment. I provide my clients with that warm, nonjudgmental environment-a safe place to explore the issues that may be preventing you from living the life you want.
I have been trained in a range of modalities with a particular expertise in Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and approach to the treatment of trauma, depression, anxiety, chronic pain and sex offenders.
My greatest reward as a therapist is helping my clients explore ways to make the changes in their lives that will allow them to look forward to the future with hope. I believe that we all need someone to talk with who will really listen and accept us as we are, without judgment. I provide my clients with that warm, nonjudgmental environment-a safe place to explore the issues that may be preventing you from living the life you want.
(951) 499-3198 View (951) 499-3198

See more therapy options for Rancho Mirage

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.