Chronic Pain Therapists in Buckhead, GA
![Photo of Rich Williams: Board Certified Hypnotherapist, CHT, NLP, LMT, CNMT](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/409816ac-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rich Williams: Board Certified Hypnotherapist
CHT, NLP, LMT, CNMT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Buckhead, GA 30625
My areas of expertise are anxiety disorders, pain management, depression, trauma recovery, PTSD/C-PTSD, ADHD, NLP, CBT, EFT, PLR, and alternative/energy medicine.
Are you feeling lost or stuck? I am passionate about making a real lasting difference in your life, and inspiring you to develop tools to move towards your goals in a flexible, gentle and supportive way. I approach the mind/body from an integrative and holistic point of view that combines eastern, western and energy medicine philosophies; my experience has shown that when this approach is used strategically you may heal the root causes and find deeply profound transformational healing. My goal is to help with any physical, mental, or emotional imbalance that may come up so that you can get back to living and loving life!
My areas of expertise are anxiety disorders, pain management, depression, trauma recovery, PTSD/C-PTSD, ADHD, NLP, CBT, EFT, PLR, and alternative/energy medicine.
Are you feeling lost or stuck? I am passionate about making a real lasting difference in your life, and inspiring you to develop tools to move towards your goals in a flexible, gentle and supportive way. I approach the mind/body from an integrative and holistic point of view that combines eastern, western and energy medicine philosophies; my experience has shown that when this approach is used strategically you may heal the root causes and find deeply profound transformational healing. My goal is to help with any physical, mental, or emotional imbalance that may come up so that you can get back to living and loving life!
![Photo of C. Kirven Weekley, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4dd67d66-ba4c-4e4b-b526-34754c50a5a6/3/320x400.jpeg)
The exquisitely personal work we do in psychotherapy is one of the most challenging, and most richly rewarding efforts we can undertake. Seeking a deeper understanding of ourselves, healing pain from past relationships and pursuing a more energetic life are essential journeys to take. It is a privilege for me to accompany clients on this journey, holding the lantern that lights the way ahead and sharing in their struggle to find an invigorated life. This relationship is the foundation of healing and healthy change; a relationship with a therapist who is genuine, respectful, resourceful, compassionate, humorous and nonjudgmental.
The exquisitely personal work we do in psychotherapy is one of the most challenging, and most richly rewarding efforts we can undertake. Seeking a deeper understanding of ourselves, healing pain from past relationships and pursuing a more energetic life are essential journeys to take. It is a privilege for me to accompany clients on this journey, holding the lantern that lights the way ahead and sharing in their struggle to find an invigorated life. This relationship is the foundation of healing and healthy change; a relationship with a therapist who is genuine, respectful, resourceful, compassionate, humorous and nonjudgmental.
![Photo of Daniel J. Wachtel, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9cf94c85-3d53-4308-9e52-296d52cfbb34/2/320x400.jpeg)
Specialties include work with older adults, chronic illness, end of life, dementia, adults caring for loved ones (Caregivers), sleep difficulty, depression, anxiety, and relationship problems.
I am a practicing clinical psychologist and Geropsychologist in Atlanta, Georgia (Sandy Springs). I work with individuals, couples, groups and organizations. My commitment is to help my clients experience relief from their immediate problems, and to obtain a more meaningful and deeper understanding of themselves for longer-lasting change in concert with their life goals.
Services provided include, but are not limited to, crisis intervention, individual psychotherapy, couples counseling, psychological evaluations, education, and consultation.
Specialties include work with older adults, chronic illness, end of life, dementia, adults caring for loved ones (Caregivers), sleep difficulty, depression, anxiety, and relationship problems.
I am a practicing clinical psychologist and Geropsychologist in Atlanta, Georgia (Sandy Springs). I work with individuals, couples, groups and organizations. My commitment is to help my clients experience relief from their immediate problems, and to obtain a more meaningful and deeper understanding of themselves for longer-lasting change in concert with their life goals.
Services provided include, but are not limited to, crisis intervention, individual psychotherapy, couples counseling, psychological evaluations, education, and consultation.
![Photo of Yvonne C. Smith, MA, LPC, CCTP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d5115ae7-3d9e-422b-b6bd-92bbadc867a0/1/320x400.png)
Yvonne C. Smith
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CCTP
Verified Verified
Buckhead, GA 30625 (Online Only)
As a private practitioner, my clients range in age from 17-65 and bring to counseling a diverse set of issues ranging from human sexuality, abuse, drug use, mood disorders (e.g. Anxiety & Depression), serious mental illness and family, parenting and marriage issues. My process involves getting to know my clients and building trust as we work together to determine how the counseling process can best serve them. Once trust is cultivated and the issues are unveiled, we're able to move forward with a Person Centered focus that intersects psychology and a biblical worldview.
As a private practitioner, my clients range in age from 17-65 and bring to counseling a diverse set of issues ranging from human sexuality, abuse, drug use, mood disorders (e.g. Anxiety & Depression), serious mental illness and family, parenting and marriage issues. My process involves getting to know my clients and building trust as we work together to determine how the counseling process can best serve them. Once trust is cultivated and the issues are unveiled, we're able to move forward with a Person Centered focus that intersects psychology and a biblical worldview.
![Photo of Lynn E Reid, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/488c4ce5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Whether you are healing pain or developing greater success, happiness and well being in your life, I will help you to navigate your path with tools to create the futures that you desire.
My commitment is to facilitate your growth and healing in a supportive and collaborative relationship designed to meet your unique needs. As a seasoned therapist I listen and seek to understand your world using technical skills as well as the wisdom and intuitive knowing that I bring from over four decades of experience in private practice and agency settings. I have a passion for my work and I function with compassion and caring. I continue to pursue learning and skill building including cutting edge research on the brain and tools to generate healing and change.
Whether you are healing pain or developing greater success, happiness and well being in your life, I will help you to navigate your path with tools to create the futures that you desire.
My commitment is to facilitate your growth and healing in a supportive and collaborative relationship designed to meet your unique needs. As a seasoned therapist I listen and seek to understand your world using technical skills as well as the wisdom and intuitive knowing that I bring from over four decades of experience in private practice and agency settings. I have a passion for my work and I function with compassion and caring. I continue to pursue learning and skill building including cutting edge research on the brain and tools to generate healing and change.
![Photo of Roma Raheja, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5b06c265-f1b9-4382-b2ca-8e1460528eee/4/320x400.jpeg)
Roma Raheja
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Buckhead, GA 30625
Specializing in anxiety, depression, trauma, navigating illness, caregiver, and aging & life transitions.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or depression? Struggling to find direction or feeling stuck in life's challenges? You're not alone. Many grapple with these issues, seeking clarity and relief. My ideal client seeks support to explore emotions, challenges, and goals in a safe, non-judgmental space. They aspire to enhance mental well-being, find inner peace, and achieve personal growth. Together, we'll uncover coping strategies, build resilience, and foster self-understanding, empowering you to navigate life with confidence and self-compassion.
Specializing in anxiety, depression, trauma, navigating illness, caregiver, and aging & life transitions.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or depression? Struggling to find direction or feeling stuck in life's challenges? You're not alone. Many grapple with these issues, seeking clarity and relief. My ideal client seeks support to explore emotions, challenges, and goals in a safe, non-judgmental space. They aspire to enhance mental well-being, find inner peace, and achieve personal growth. Together, we'll uncover coping strategies, build resilience, and foster self-understanding, empowering you to navigate life with confidence and self-compassion.
![Photo of Darren Moore - I am MOORE, LLC #2, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49fe6e76-047a-4d62-8381-40f3a33f52f4/1/320x400.jpeg)
I AM MOORE, LLC is a counseling and consulting practice owned by Darren D. Moore, Ph.D., MAED, LMFT. At I AM MOORE, LLC, we have therapists that can work with you regarding a variety of treatment issues and populations, including but not limited to Military Families, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Addiction, Workplace conflict, Family dysfunction, Family Secrets, Childhood trauma, Parent/child relationships, Teen delinquency, Sibling Issues, Caregiver stress, Children with disabilities, Single life, Dating, Pre-marital, Couples conflict, Divorce, Career Transition, Gen X, Y(Millennials), Z, & beyond, and much more.
I AM MOORE, LLC is a counseling and consulting practice owned by Darren D. Moore, Ph.D., MAED, LMFT. At I AM MOORE, LLC, we have therapists that can work with you regarding a variety of treatment issues and populations, including but not limited to Military Families, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Addiction, Workplace conflict, Family dysfunction, Family Secrets, Childhood trauma, Parent/child relationships, Teen delinquency, Sibling Issues, Caregiver stress, Children with disabilities, Single life, Dating, Pre-marital, Couples conflict, Divorce, Career Transition, Gen X, Y(Millennials), Z, & beyond, and much more.
![Photo of Janie B Mardis, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a29e91f5-3b6a-4862-b857-9f261d8c4c61/1/320x400.jpeg)
Janie B Mardis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Buckhead, GA 30625
It is human to get lost and feel isolated at times, but from an evolutionary perspective, humans weren't built to heal in isolation. Stress, grief, and life transitions are all normal, but how we navigate them can determine whether anxiety, depression, or isolation follow. My nonjudgmental, research-informed approach supports clients in healing through diligent practice, secure connection, mutual respect, and clear-eyed self-reflection. Clients are safe to explore their full selfhood, to view challenge as a normal part of growth, to learn concrete tools for comfort and safety, and to grow secure and joyous in their authentic selves.
It is human to get lost and feel isolated at times, but from an evolutionary perspective, humans weren't built to heal in isolation. Stress, grief, and life transitions are all normal, but how we navigate them can determine whether anxiety, depression, or isolation follow. My nonjudgmental, research-informed approach supports clients in healing through diligent practice, secure connection, mutual respect, and clear-eyed self-reflection. Clients are safe to explore their full selfhood, to view challenge as a normal part of growth, to learn concrete tools for comfort and safety, and to grow secure and joyous in their authentic selves.
![Photo of Paul Smith, PhD, LPC, ACS, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0fc3cfe7-91e0-4384-aea8-7044ee43de36/3/320x400.jpeg)
Paul Smith
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, ACS, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Buckhead, GA 30625
I assist clients through life transitions, especially in the areas of significant loss and career challenges. I hope to provide a caring and therapeutic environment that empowers you to explore yourself and life circumstances in new ways. I strive to help you develop new insights and seek creative solutions to help get “unstuck” wherever you are at in your life. I draw from a diversity of theoretical perspectives to cater the counseling experience to your needs and socio-cultural context (e.g., client-centered, existential, narrative, and cognitive-behavioral). Also, I am an Assistant Professor at University of North Georgia.
I assist clients through life transitions, especially in the areas of significant loss and career challenges. I hope to provide a caring and therapeutic environment that empowers you to explore yourself and life circumstances in new ways. I strive to help you develop new insights and seek creative solutions to help get “unstuck” wherever you are at in your life. I draw from a diversity of theoretical perspectives to cater the counseling experience to your needs and socio-cultural context (e.g., client-centered, existential, narrative, and cognitive-behavioral). Also, I am an Assistant Professor at University of North Georgia.
![Photo of Brittany Griffin, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f73e8c90-ac9b-416d-bb08-2e24b4d1913c/3/320x400.jpeg)
As a neuropsychologist, I aim to incorporate total wellness. I encourage my clients to utilizing psychotherapy while simultaneously working on improving nutrition and exercise. My focus is on providing a neutral safe space, listening to your concerns, and customizing a treatment plan based on your goals. I incorporate a variety of treatment modalities including psychodynamic or cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, and mindfulness meditation.
As a neuropsychologist, I aim to incorporate total wellness. I encourage my clients to utilizing psychotherapy while simultaneously working on improving nutrition and exercise. My focus is on providing a neutral safe space, listening to your concerns, and customizing a treatment plan based on your goals. I incorporate a variety of treatment modalities including psychodynamic or cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, and mindfulness meditation.
![Photo of Marni Ledwitz, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c5fdca91-9dad-4f58-9564-e2b505874c87/1/320x400.png)
Marni Ledwitz, I’ve been licensed since 1997, promoted through community mental health, to in and outpatient treatment facilities for impaired (addicted) physicians, before opening my private practice. Providing career aptitude batteries and mediation for college kids and C-level team building, showed me that peak performance training can help anyone at any stage. I provide teletherapy to Georgia and soon Florida individuals, couples and families. After getting to know each other, I’ll see which therapeutic approach would work best for you.
Marni Ledwitz, I’ve been licensed since 1997, promoted through community mental health, to in and outpatient treatment facilities for impaired (addicted) physicians, before opening my private practice. Providing career aptitude batteries and mediation for college kids and C-level team building, showed me that peak performance training can help anyone at any stage. I provide teletherapy to Georgia and soon Florida individuals, couples and families. After getting to know each other, I’ll see which therapeutic approach would work best for you.
![Photo of Terell Irwin Tepper, LPC, NCC, CAMS II, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/84520ca2-f6e4-4815-8e23-cbdf81fa23de/2/320x400.jpeg)
Terell Irwin Tepper
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, CAMS II
Verified Verified
Buckhead, GA 30625
The Populations I have had Experience working with include but are not limited to: Adolescents and Teens: ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, ODD, Anger Challenges, Challenges with Compliance to Rules, Probation/Legal Involvement, Trauma 2. Athletes: Performance Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Depression, Adjustment Disorder, Communication Challenges, mood swings, Trauma 3. Adults: Anxiety, Depression, Psychosis, Trauma, Grief, Addiction, Impulse Control, Couples, Families, LGBTQ+
The Populations I have had Experience working with include but are not limited to: Adolescents and Teens: ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, ODD, Anger Challenges, Challenges with Compliance to Rules, Probation/Legal Involvement, Trauma 2. Athletes: Performance Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Depression, Adjustment Disorder, Communication Challenges, mood swings, Trauma 3. Adults: Anxiety, Depression, Psychosis, Trauma, Grief, Addiction, Impulse Control, Couples, Families, LGBTQ+
![Photo of Arlene Garcia, LCSW, EdD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/63bb9775-c7b7-4606-a77e-9d243d9040dd/1/320x400.jpeg)
Arlene Garcia
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EdD
Verified Verified
Buckhead, GA 30625 (Online Only)
Hello my name is Dr. Arlene Garcia. I have over 20 years of experience as a psychotherapist. My experience includes offering EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) and helping people work through various issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship problems, family issues, grief and loss. I believe that we all have sources of resilience and I am passionate about helping people make change in their lives through realizing their strengths.
Hello my name is Dr. Arlene Garcia. I have over 20 years of experience as a psychotherapist. My experience includes offering EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) and helping people work through various issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship problems, family issues, grief and loss. I believe that we all have sources of resilience and I am passionate about helping people make change in their lives through realizing their strengths.
![Photo of Rev. Dr. Tynisha Camae Drennon, DMin, MDiv, MACE, Pastoral Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47c3a935-6c5f-43b8-8b41-da9f629c1f1c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rev. Dr. Tynisha Camae Drennon
Pastoral Counselor, DMin, MDiv, MACE
Verified Verified
Buckhead, GA 30625
You have found the person you can trust with your issues! At A Brighter Day Counseling we thrive on the following four core principles: 1: We Care: We provide a non judgmental and safe environment to discover and express what you are feeling. 2: We Affirm: We empathize with your perspective and help you to feel heard then healed. 3: We Hope: We inspire you to believe that there is a brighter day. 4: We Empower: We equip you with tools that support you on your journey to a brighter day!
You have found the person you can trust with your issues! At A Brighter Day Counseling we thrive on the following four core principles: 1: We Care: We provide a non judgmental and safe environment to discover and express what you are feeling. 2: We Affirm: We empathize with your perspective and help you to feel heard then healed. 3: We Hope: We inspire you to believe that there is a brighter day. 4: We Empower: We equip you with tools that support you on your journey to a brighter day!
![Photo of Pamela Madsen, MS, LPC, NCC, RYT-200, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d09b7af0-073a-4932-a87d-a26a49dfb230/1/320x400.jpeg)
Pamela Madsen
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC, RYT-200
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Buckhead, GA 30625
Everyone else thinks you've got it all together, but inside you feel like you have to play a role to fit into your own life. You have to be perfect, maybe rehearse what you'll say ahead of time, and then tell yourself that no one cares about you since they can't get close enough to know the real you. You know how to appear confident, but deep inside, there is this voice telling you that no one sees you. You crave the feelings of safety and being fully known. You want to feel connected to the people you love. Instead, you feel desperate to maintain control and feel stuck in painful relationships.
Everyone else thinks you've got it all together, but inside you feel like you have to play a role to fit into your own life. You have to be perfect, maybe rehearse what you'll say ahead of time, and then tell yourself that no one cares about you since they can't get close enough to know the real you. You know how to appear confident, but deep inside, there is this voice telling you that no one sees you. You crave the feelings of safety and being fully known. You want to feel connected to the people you love. Instead, you feel desperate to maintain control and feel stuck in painful relationships.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Katie Cowan, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c465660-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
People seek therapy for a variety of reasons - for personal growth, to address painful feelings such as anxiety or depression, or to improve the quality of relationships. Many people also find therapy helpful during times of stress, transition, illness, or loss.
I provide a confidential, safe, and supportive place for my clients to grow, change, and improve their quality of life. I work with adults and adolescents individually.
People seek therapy for a variety of reasons - for personal growth, to address painful feelings such as anxiety or depression, or to improve the quality of relationships. Many people also find therapy helpful during times of stress, transition, illness, or loss.
I provide a confidential, safe, and supportive place for my clients to grow, change, and improve their quality of life. I work with adults and adolescents individually.
![Photo of Dr. John Wheeler, PhD, MDiv, ACS, NCC, SEAL, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/424a7835-333b-43a4-8817-8af69b6c5174/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. John Wheeler
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, MDiv, ACS, NCC, SEAL
Verified Verified
Eatonton, GA 31024
Online Therapists
![Photo of Jane Robinson, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43d4f550-0df0-4ec6-b1d4-8af13ab0b899/1/320x400.jpeg)
If you're experiencing life challenges, it may be difficult to navigate how you're feeling, why you feel the deep emotional pain that may be preventing you from living your best life, and how to alleviate this pain and move forward.
Are you experiencing emotional pain or facing challenges that are impacting your life such as anxiety, grief, emotional trauma, or life transitions? I offer effective, whole person centered, and compassionate therapeutic services to help you heal and move forward. Our time together provides you a safe and confidential environment, as you clarify and process challenges and/or pain, along with learning powerful personal skills and possible solutions. The insight and skills, gained through our sessions together, frequently prompt emotional breakthroughs that result in meaningful healing and growth with significant, lifetime benefits.
If you're experiencing life challenges, it may be difficult to navigate how you're feeling, why you feel the deep emotional pain that may be preventing you from living your best life, and how to alleviate this pain and move forward.
Are you experiencing emotional pain or facing challenges that are impacting your life such as anxiety, grief, emotional trauma, or life transitions? I offer effective, whole person centered, and compassionate therapeutic services to help you heal and move forward. Our time together provides you a safe and confidential environment, as you clarify and process challenges and/or pain, along with learning powerful personal skills and possible solutions. The insight and skills, gained through our sessions together, frequently prompt emotional breakthroughs that result in meaningful healing and growth with significant, lifetime benefits.
![Photo of Marleigh Whiteman, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/185b8742-86e7-456a-ac23-926119112a4c/1/320x400.jpeg)
As a member of ILADS, she is also passionate about working with those facing chronic illness.
Marleigh Whiteman is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia. She has years of experience working with a variety of populations of all ages in different levels and types of care including inpatient, outpatient, residential, and school settings. She helps to guide and motivate clients as they seek help with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, relationship issues, and other stressors many face in our fast-paced world. Marleigh completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Auburn University and her Master of Science degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Georgia State University.
As a member of ILADS, she is also passionate about working with those facing chronic illness.
Marleigh Whiteman is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia. She has years of experience working with a variety of populations of all ages in different levels and types of care including inpatient, outpatient, residential, and school settings. She helps to guide and motivate clients as they seek help with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, relationship issues, and other stressors many face in our fast-paced world. Marleigh completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Auburn University and her Master of Science degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Georgia State University.
![Photo of Maureen A. Grady Morales, MA, LPC, SEP, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42960afd-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Maureen A. Grady Morales
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, SEP, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30305
Currently featured in Atlanta Magazine, I can help you through a cutting edge neuropsychological approach to therapy. Emotional and physical pain are often interrelated. I am a trauma specialist who uses a combination of therapies to help you transform your life from not-so-good to great. I can help you calm the mind and the body, reducing anxiety laden symptoms. Advanced BrainSpotting, CBT, DBT, and Somatic Experiencing™ are tools that can really help move you forward from the inside out. Conveniently located in Buckhead and Brookhaven. Currently taking “Virtual” counseling patients through Zoom.
Currently featured in Atlanta Magazine, I can help you through a cutting edge neuropsychological approach to therapy. Emotional and physical pain are often interrelated. I am a trauma specialist who uses a combination of therapies to help you transform your life from not-so-good to great. I can help you calm the mind and the body, reducing anxiety laden symptoms. Advanced BrainSpotting, CBT, DBT, and Somatic Experiencing™ are tools that can really help move you forward from the inside out. Conveniently located in Buckhead and Brookhaven. Currently taking “Virtual” counseling patients through Zoom.
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Nearby Chronic Pain Therapists Searches for Buckhead
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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.