Photo of Laura Schleifer, MS, MS, LCPC, NCC, Counselor
Laura Schleifer
Counselor, MS, MS, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wheaton, IL 60187
I work with grief, loss, trauma, anxiety, chronic pain, self-esteem and all forms of life transition, endeavoring to create a space where you will feel safe and accepted while finding insight, courage and direction.
Are you struggling with a painful situation? Have you lost something precious to you? Do you feel "stuck" and uncertain of which way to turn? Are you a parent who is worried about your child? Is your family in conflict? Are you feeling overwhelmed? If you are ready to regain control of your life, this is the perfect time to seek help. I offer a warm, supportive environment and strive to instill hope while empowering people to make meaningful changes in their lives. I am easy to connect with. Together, we can reduce your anxiety and depression so you can experience greater inner peace.
I work with grief, loss, trauma, anxiety, chronic pain, self-esteem and all forms of life transition, endeavoring to create a space where you will feel safe and accepted while finding insight, courage and direction.
Are you struggling with a painful situation? Have you lost something precious to you? Do you feel "stuck" and uncertain of which way to turn? Are you a parent who is worried about your child? Is your family in conflict? Are you feeling overwhelmed? If you are ready to regain control of your life, this is the perfect time to seek help. I offer a warm, supportive environment and strive to instill hope while empowering people to make meaningful changes in their lives. I am easy to connect with. Together, we can reduce your anxiety and depression so you can experience greater inner peace.
(708) 546-3968 View (708) 546-3968
Photo of Mary Ellen Withers, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Mary Ellen Withers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60301
I provide therapy for adults, couples and families. Clients frequently are struggling with symptoms of depression, anxiety, grief and loss. My clients are often going thru a medical crisis, managing chronic pain or are dealing with a family member's illness. I also help clients who are grieving or who have issues with aging parents and need a plan and to deal with feelings of sadness. I am a registered nurse as well as a clinical social worker and have advanced training in medical family therapy. I am a very good listener and assist my clients in finding their strengths to help them move forward in life.
I provide therapy for adults, couples and families. Clients frequently are struggling with symptoms of depression, anxiety, grief and loss. My clients are often going thru a medical crisis, managing chronic pain or are dealing with a family member's illness. I also help clients who are grieving or who have issues with aging parents and need a plan and to deal with feelings of sadness. I am a registered nurse as well as a clinical social worker and have advanced training in medical family therapy. I am a very good listener and assist my clients in finding their strengths to help them move forward in life.
(708) 328-3458 View (708) 328-3458
Photo of Dr. Benton K Johnson II - Ephphatha 'Be Opened' Consulting Services, Inc., PhD, LCPC, LMHC, CCMHC, BC-TMH, Counselor
Ephphatha 'Be Opened' Consulting Services, Inc.
Counselor, PhD, LCPC, LMHC, CCMHC, BC-TMH
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60625  (Online Only)
Clients that come to me for issues regarding their dissatisfaction with their progress on overcoming their challenges in life. Life issues range from traumatic experiences, LGBTQ issues, addictions & substance use disorders, spiritual problems, career problems, chronic illness, child & parenting issues as well as family imbalances. They want change and they want it with someone who can connect with them in real ways that help them know they are cared for, can be confident, and can overcome the challenges that confront them.
Clients that come to me for issues regarding their dissatisfaction with their progress on overcoming their challenges in life. Life issues range from traumatic experiences, LGBTQ issues, addictions & substance use disorders, spiritual problems, career problems, chronic illness, child & parenting issues as well as family imbalances. They want change and they want it with someone who can connect with them in real ways that help them know they are cared for, can be confident, and can overcome the challenges that confront them.
(312) 779-6973 View (312) 779-6973
Photo of Dr. Debra M. Block, PsyD, MA, BS, Psychologist
Dr. Debra M. Block
Psychologist, PsyD, MA, BS
Verified Verified
Northbrook, IL 60062
My areas of expertise include Behavioral Medicine - Women's Health - Trauma Therapy - EMDR - Behavioral Weight Management, including Bariatric Evaluations - Pain Management - Coping Skills - Stress Management.
I have been in practice since 2002, helping adolescents, adults, couples, families and groups. I work collaboratively with clients from a biopsychosocial perspective, using the interrelationship between the mind and body as a focus for treatment. As a medical psychologist on hospital staff, I diagnose and treat psychological issues in outpatient or inpatient therapy.
My areas of expertise include Behavioral Medicine - Women's Health - Trauma Therapy - EMDR - Behavioral Weight Management, including Bariatric Evaluations - Pain Management - Coping Skills - Stress Management.
I have been in practice since 2002, helping adolescents, adults, couples, families and groups. I work collaboratively with clients from a biopsychosocial perspective, using the interrelationship between the mind and body as a focus for treatment. As a medical psychologist on hospital staff, I diagnose and treat psychological issues in outpatient or inpatient therapy.
(224) 479-0198 View (224) 479-0198
Photo of Olena Burger, LCSW, CYT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Olena Burger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CYT
Verified Verified
Naperville, IL 60565
My most profound work and calling has been helping my clients navigate the mental health and well-being of chronic illness, trauma, stress, and infertility.
I offer a compassionate and client-centered approach to therapy that utilizes both holistic and evidence-based practices to help my clients have all the tools they need to make meaningful and inspiring life choices for themselves. I am certified with 200 hours of specialized training in Mindfulness and Yoga techniques and trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy. I provide a safe, comfortable space to build client and therapist relationships so that client challenges can be addressed in an environment of trust and security. I help my clients find effective ways of coping with difficult life circumstances.
My most profound work and calling has been helping my clients navigate the mental health and well-being of chronic illness, trauma, stress, and infertility.
I offer a compassionate and client-centered approach to therapy that utilizes both holistic and evidence-based practices to help my clients have all the tools they need to make meaningful and inspiring life choices for themselves. I am certified with 200 hours of specialized training in Mindfulness and Yoga techniques and trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy. I provide a safe, comfortable space to build client and therapist relationships so that client challenges can be addressed in an environment of trust and security. I help my clients find effective ways of coping with difficult life circumstances.
(331) 263-1602 View (331) 263-1602
Photo of Donna Oldenburg, MA, LCPC, NCC, CCMHC
Donna Oldenburg
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, NCC, CCMHC
Verified Verified
Lake Bluff, IL 60044
Are you living the life you envisioned? Has grief, a difficult relationship, chronic illness, or life transition left you feeling anxious or depressed and unable to move forward with your life? I can help. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, and National Certified Counselor, who strives to help adults 18 years and older cultivate the self-awareness and coping skills necessary to create the positive changes they seek in their life.
Are you living the life you envisioned? Has grief, a difficult relationship, chronic illness, or life transition left you feeling anxious or depressed and unable to move forward with your life? I can help. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, and National Certified Counselor, who strives to help adults 18 years and older cultivate the self-awareness and coping skills necessary to create the positive changes they seek in their life.
(847) 905-9846 View (847) 905-9846
Photo of Evonne L. Stephenson, MS, LCPC, Counselor
Evonne L. Stephenson
Counselor, MS, LCPC
Verified Verified
Metropolis, IL 62960
Oftentimes life can get tough. It can affect you, your marriage/relationship, your family, your children, your ability to parent, your self-worth, and more than anything, your ability to overcome any obstacles you are facing. I believe within each of us we have the strength to overcome the impossible. Out of pain comes something stronger, better, and the ability to thrive. I believe you already have the answers you seek and you contain the ability to change the worst circumstances. Sometimes our paths are hidden by everything weighing us down, which can make us feel overwhelmed. This can prevent us from seeing a way out...
Oftentimes life can get tough. It can affect you, your marriage/relationship, your family, your children, your ability to parent, your self-worth, and more than anything, your ability to overcome any obstacles you are facing. I believe within each of us we have the strength to overcome the impossible. Out of pain comes something stronger, better, and the ability to thrive. I believe you already have the answers you seek and you contain the ability to change the worst circumstances. Sometimes our paths are hidden by everything weighing us down, which can make us feel overwhelmed. This can prevent us from seeing a way out...
(618) 507-5219 View (618) 507-5219
Photo of JoAnne McKee, MS, LCPC, CRC, SEP, Counselor
JoAnne McKee
Counselor, MS, LCPC, CRC, SEP
Verified Verified
Carol Stream, IL 60188
My therapeutic goal as an SE Practitioner beyond traditional psychotherapy sessions is to build each individual’s self-healing and self-regulating capacity by discharging stored excess energy from the nervous system to alleviate physical tension, anxiety or pain.
I am a psychotherapist and body centered therapist in private practice with over 20 years experience in the Chicagoland area. I remain curious and open to exploring how your energy field, psychology and nervous system interrelate and move toward wholeness. I provide individual, group and family therapy to adults, adolescents and children to build innate resiliency and re-regulate the nervous system relevant to issues of Developmental Trauma, Complex PTSD, Prenatal / Birth Trauma, Accidents, and Pre/Post Op Medical Procedures.
My therapeutic goal as an SE Practitioner beyond traditional psychotherapy sessions is to build each individual’s self-healing and self-regulating capacity by discharging stored excess energy from the nervous system to alleviate physical tension, anxiety or pain.
I am a psychotherapist and body centered therapist in private practice with over 20 years experience in the Chicagoland area. I remain curious and open to exploring how your energy field, psychology and nervous system interrelate and move toward wholeness. I provide individual, group and family therapy to adults, adolescents and children to build innate resiliency and re-regulate the nervous system relevant to issues of Developmental Trauma, Complex PTSD, Prenatal / Birth Trauma, Accidents, and Pre/Post Op Medical Procedures.
(331) 321-4770 x201 View (331) 321-4770 x201
Photo of Kelly DeHaan - Cherry Hill Counseling
Cherry Hill Counseling
Verified Verified
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
Cherry Hill provides a safe environment to restore relationships, recover from emotional pain, discover a sense of purpose, overcome habits, and create the life you've been longing for.
Cherry Hill Counseling is one of the longest-standing counseling practices in the Northwestern suburbs of Chicago. Cherry Hill has seven locations including: Lake Zurich, Vernon Hills, McHenry, Deer Park, Chicago, Grayslake, and Wheaton. Our counseling services include: individual therapy, family therapy, counseling for children and adolescents, marital and premarital therapy, group therapy, and psychological testing.
Cherry Hill provides a safe environment to restore relationships, recover from emotional pain, discover a sense of purpose, overcome habits, and create the life you've been longing for.
Cherry Hill Counseling is one of the longest-standing counseling practices in the Northwestern suburbs of Chicago. Cherry Hill has seven locations including: Lake Zurich, Vernon Hills, McHenry, Deer Park, Chicago, Grayslake, and Wheaton. Our counseling services include: individual therapy, family therapy, counseling for children and adolescents, marital and premarital therapy, group therapy, and psychological testing.
(847) 386-2109 View (847) 386-2109
Photo of Sophia Shlain - 360 Degrees Wellness and Coaching, LCSW, LCPC, MSW, CRADC, CADC, Counselor
360 Degrees Wellness and Coaching
Counselor, LCSW, LCPC, MSW, CRADC, CADC
Verified Verified
Lake Forest, IL 60045
We are a group of board certified psychotherapists and executive coaches specializing in behavioral health. Our highly experienced staff averages more than 18 years experience in their respective fields: Cognitive- Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems, Solution- Focused, Collaborative and Health-Oriented Therapies. We can help you with: Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Low self-esteem, Postpartum depression, Martial or family issues, School problems, Parenting issues, Chronic pain, Grief, Trauma and managing negative feelings.
We are a group of board certified psychotherapists and executive coaches specializing in behavioral health. Our highly experienced staff averages more than 18 years experience in their respective fields: Cognitive- Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems, Solution- Focused, Collaborative and Health-Oriented Therapies. We can help you with: Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Low self-esteem, Postpartum depression, Martial or family issues, School problems, Parenting issues, Chronic pain, Grief, Trauma and managing negative feelings.
(847) 807-1012 View (847) 807-1012
Photo of Alaina Bercilla, MA, LCPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Alaina Bercilla
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60614
My work as a therapist is guided by the values of authenticity and respect. I offer a safe and supportive environment for self-examination and growth, and work in partnership with you to determine your own unique needs for healing. I have experience supporting clients through life and career transitions, explorations of meaning and purpose, anxiety, depression, decision-making, concerns surrounding chronic illness and/or disability, and issues related to creative work and identity. When appropriate, I incorporate mindfulness and acceptance practices, and work from a trauma-informed lens that includes body-awareness.
My work as a therapist is guided by the values of authenticity and respect. I offer a safe and supportive environment for self-examination and growth, and work in partnership with you to determine your own unique needs for healing. I have experience supporting clients through life and career transitions, explorations of meaning and purpose, anxiety, depression, decision-making, concerns surrounding chronic illness and/or disability, and issues related to creative work and identity. When appropriate, I incorporate mindfulness and acceptance practices, and work from a trauma-informed lens that includes body-awareness.
(773) 281-7200 View (773) 281-7200
Photo of Judith A Marquardt, LCPC, ATR-BC, Counselor
Judith A Marquardt
Counselor, LCPC, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
McHenry, IL 60050
Often it is very difficult to talk about a life changing trauma------the pain is incredible for the client---------Art Therapy and Sandplay offer alternative additions to talk therapy- a client can paint an expression of pain- fear--------etc; and then we can talk about how the expression feels-.
My ideal client is one who is seeking help with the desire to heal. My mission is walking with them through their traumas, fears and pain - to help them find their path to inner peace and wellness. I utilize the therapy approach that is safe and comfortable for the client- whether it is Cognitive, Art Therapy or Sand Play Therapy. I address each client as an individual with their special needs. Many of my clients have faced the ramifications of divorce, domestic violence, sexual abuse and other change of life events.
Often it is very difficult to talk about a life changing trauma------the pain is incredible for the client---------Art Therapy and Sandplay offer alternative additions to talk therapy- a client can paint an expression of pain- fear--------etc; and then we can talk about how the expression feels-.
My ideal client is one who is seeking help with the desire to heal. My mission is walking with them through their traumas, fears and pain - to help them find their path to inner peace and wellness. I utilize the therapy approach that is safe and comfortable for the client- whether it is Cognitive, Art Therapy or Sand Play Therapy. I address each client as an individual with their special needs. Many of my clients have faced the ramifications of divorce, domestic violence, sexual abuse and other change of life events.
(815) 661-2448 View (815) 661-2448
Photo of Laura Daniels, PsyD, Psychologist
Laura Daniels
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Hinsdale, IL 60521
Many times, the choices people make are in service of comfort, or to avoid pain.
I am passionate about helping people break free from the traps they create for themselves. I live for overcoming "weak, fragile, broken, victim" narratives. I love helping people rediscover their valued selves and lives. I am always mindful that one’s experiences are true and valid, and even unhealthy coping has gotten clients through painful moments. If your world has been shrinking and getting smaller and smaller, I can help. Let's get you feeling better. I will help you cultivate a road map that guides you towards your values, while also problem-solving barriers, symptoms, and challenges to help equip you for the journey.
Many times, the choices people make are in service of comfort, or to avoid pain.
I am passionate about helping people break free from the traps they create for themselves. I live for overcoming "weak, fragile, broken, victim" narratives. I love helping people rediscover their valued selves and lives. I am always mindful that one’s experiences are true and valid, and even unhealthy coping has gotten clients through painful moments. If your world has been shrinking and getting smaller and smaller, I can help. Let's get you feeling better. I will help you cultivate a road map that guides you towards your values, while also problem-solving barriers, symptoms, and challenges to help equip you for the journey.
(331) 244-1928 View (331) 244-1928
Photo of Teresa D'Aversa, MSW, LCSW, CGP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Teresa D'Aversa
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CGP
Verified Verified
New Lenox, IL 60451  (Online Only)
She specializes in Grief/Loss, Anxiety, Phobias, Panic Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Depression, IVF/Miscarriage, Managing Chronic Illness, LGBTQ+ Related Issues, Alternative Lifestyles, as well as assisting children, teens, and their families in navigating common growing pains experienced throughout the life span.
Teresa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who gradated from Aurora University with her Master of Social Work specializing in Healthcare. She utilizes various evidence-based treatment modalities including CBT, DBT, and MBCT within a biopsychosocial model. This means that she looks at the entire person, their life, and their experiences in order to make the best decisions for care. She wholeheartedly believes that everyone can benefit from counseling regardless of their history.
She specializes in Grief/Loss, Anxiety, Phobias, Panic Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Depression, IVF/Miscarriage, Managing Chronic Illness, LGBTQ+ Related Issues, Alternative Lifestyles, as well as assisting children, teens, and their families in navigating common growing pains experienced throughout the life span.
Teresa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who gradated from Aurora University with her Master of Social Work specializing in Healthcare. She utilizes various evidence-based treatment modalities including CBT, DBT, and MBCT within a biopsychosocial model. This means that she looks at the entire person, their life, and their experiences in order to make the best decisions for care. She wholeheartedly believes that everyone can benefit from counseling regardless of their history.
(815) 934-9178 View (815) 934-9178
Photo of Deborah A Hedin, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Deborah A Hedin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Champaign, IL 61820
Waitlist for new clients
I am a therapist who helps adults and couples who are struggling with life’s hurtful problems: single parenthood, relationship conflicts, divorce, difficulties at college, depression/anxiety, a partner or parent’s alcoholism, mental illness in the family, stress at work, news of a serious disease or financial reversal, caring for aged parents, overcoming a traumatic childhood, “empty nest syndrome,” the special pressures on military families, and so forth. Our work together would begin by focusing on the here-and-now, so that you can experience some immediate feelings of being heard and of moving forward.
I am a therapist who helps adults and couples who are struggling with life’s hurtful problems: single parenthood, relationship conflicts, divorce, difficulties at college, depression/anxiety, a partner or parent’s alcoholism, mental illness in the family, stress at work, news of a serious disease or financial reversal, caring for aged parents, overcoming a traumatic childhood, “empty nest syndrome,” the special pressures on military families, and so forth. Our work together would begin by focusing on the here-and-now, so that you can experience some immediate feelings of being heard and of moving forward.
(217) 356-2213 View (217) 356-2213
Photo of Willis Counseling And Consulting - Willis Counseling and Consulting
Willis Counseling and Consulting
Not Verified Not Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60622
At Willis CC, our guests are encouraged to challenge themselves & find new ways to cope with life’s challenges. We believe to be human is to experience pain. We believe suffering, while part of the human experience, is not the identity of our humanity. Therefore, helping you hold pain lightly & with compassion while taking action to change your life is essentially what therapy is all about. We are dedicated to offering support & nurturance to those seeking a new direction while holding onto their values. You don’t have to see a therapist for the rest of your life, in fact, the sooner you need us less, the better for everyone!
At Willis CC, our guests are encouraged to challenge themselves & find new ways to cope with life’s challenges. We believe to be human is to experience pain. We believe suffering, while part of the human experience, is not the identity of our humanity. Therefore, helping you hold pain lightly & with compassion while taking action to change your life is essentially what therapy is all about. We are dedicated to offering support & nurturance to those seeking a new direction while holding onto their values. You don’t have to see a therapist for the rest of your life, in fact, the sooner you need us less, the better for everyone!
(708) 847-9281 View (708) 847-9281
Photo of Jim Shalley - AFC Counselors, PsyD, LCPC, LCSW, Counselor
AFC Counselors
Counselor, PsyD, LCPC, LCSW
Verified Verified
Naperville, IL 60563
We offer many different areas of specialty, including depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, grief and loss, co-dependence, addictions, self harm, marriage/relationship issues, abuse, eating disorders, chronic pain, women's issues, men's issues, and issues of faith and spirituality.
AFC Counselors are passionate about providing an environment of safety and integrity for you (children, adolescents, adults, individuals, couples, and families) to find and sustain your path to emotional health and well-being. We understand that seeking help isn't always easy, so we make every effort to make you feel welcome as you take this important step for yourself or your loved one.
We offer many different areas of specialty, including depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, grief and loss, co-dependence, addictions, self harm, marriage/relationship issues, abuse, eating disorders, chronic pain, women's issues, men's issues, and issues of faith and spirituality.
AFC Counselors are passionate about providing an environment of safety and integrity for you (children, adolescents, adults, individuals, couples, and families) to find and sustain your path to emotional health and well-being. We understand that seeking help isn't always easy, so we make every effort to make you feel welcome as you take this important step for yourself or your loved one.
(630) 733-1495 View (630) 733-1495
Photo of Mar Westveer, BA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Mar Westveer
Pre-Licensed Professional, BA
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60637
Mar is a clinical intern and graduate student at University of Chicago. As a queer, disabled, fat person, they are invested in recognizing and supporting all the complex facets of each of their clients. Mar is most interested in offering support to QTBIPOC individuals, disabled individuals, folks living with a chronic illness, and people in non-traditional relationships. Æ is also interested in supporting anyone questioning their identities and aiming to understand how their intersecting identities influence one another.
Mar is a clinical intern and graduate student at University of Chicago. As a queer, disabled, fat person, they are invested in recognizing and supporting all the complex facets of each of their clients. Mar is most interested in offering support to QTBIPOC individuals, disabled individuals, folks living with a chronic illness, and people in non-traditional relationships. Æ is also interested in supporting anyone questioning their identities and aiming to understand how their intersecting identities influence one another.
View
Joan Ferdinand-Keleher
Counselor, MS, LCPC
Verified Verified
Wilmette, IL 60091  (Online Only)
My experience includes working with adults across the spectrum of issues, including the "worried well" to those suffering from traumatic abuse and chronic mental illness.
I am an Illinois Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in private practice with offices in Evanston and Chicago offering psychotherapy services to adult individuals, couples, and families.
My experience includes working with adults across the spectrum of issues, including the "worried well" to those suffering from traumatic abuse and chronic mental illness.
I am an Illinois Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in private practice with offices in Evanston and Chicago offering psychotherapy services to adult individuals, couples, and families.
(224) 408-5126 View (224) 408-5126
Photo of Jamie Janssen, PsyD, LCSW, Psychologist
Jamie Janssen
Psychologist, PsyD, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Inverness, IL 60067
Taking the step to enter therapy takes courage. Life is hard sometimes. We all have a natural resilience to heal from trauma, loss, & unexpected setbacks, however stories created about who we are can get in the way. We need a safe place to work through issues, be accepted, heard, and receive objective feedback & direction. Jamie provides an empathic, supportive & non-judgmental place for you to heal & grow. Change is possible! Specialties: life transitions, grief, trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, post-partum, eating disorders, self-injury, domestic violence, divorce, & chronic pain. Other areas include ADHD, Autism, & Adoption.
Taking the step to enter therapy takes courage. Life is hard sometimes. We all have a natural resilience to heal from trauma, loss, & unexpected setbacks, however stories created about who we are can get in the way. We need a safe place to work through issues, be accepted, heard, and receive objective feedback & direction. Jamie provides an empathic, supportive & non-judgmental place for you to heal & grow. Change is possible! Specialties: life transitions, grief, trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, post-partum, eating disorders, self-injury, domestic violence, divorce, & chronic pain. Other areas include ADHD, Autism, & Adoption.
(708) 627-2095 View (708) 627-2095
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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.