Therapists in Alexandria, KY
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![Photo of Derek Stegner, LPCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0664acb9-3bc0-4f93-8e44-9e70e6a6f6de/2/320x400.jpeg)
Derek Stegner
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Cold Spring, KY 41076 (Online Only)
I have many years of experience working with early childhood trauma and severe, persistent mental illness, varying from ages of 5 years to 70+. My goal is to empower and advocate for positive change within you, as the individual, and the system as a whole. The place that we will create together is a safe and judgement free space. I work through an Existential foundation, to help those I work with seek meaning and purpose, with skills built from experience with Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Cognitive Behavior Therapy, all within the context of a trauma-informed approach.
I have many years of experience working with early childhood trauma and severe, persistent mental illness, varying from ages of 5 years to 70+. My goal is to empower and advocate for positive change within you, as the individual, and the system as a whole. The place that we will create together is a safe and judgement free space. I work through an Existential foundation, to help those I work with seek meaning and purpose, with skills built from experience with Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Cognitive Behavior Therapy, all within the context of a trauma-informed approach.
![Photo of Emily Morin, MA, LPCA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/304f0250-dc88-428e-84dd-915073b4748b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Emily Morin
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MA, LPCA
Verified Verified
Highland Heights, KY 41076
Immediate openings! Do you feel like you are treading water, just trying to stay afloat? Do your basic daily tasks feel heavy and hard? If so, you are in the right place, and I want you to know that it doesn't have to be that way. Together, we’ll focus on the power of incremental and gentle adjustments. It’s the understanding that small changes in perception, behavior, or self-awareness can catalyze significant transformation. Like the smallest pebble creating ripples across a pond, we’ll explore subtle difference to bring about the most meaningful impact.
Immediate openings! Do you feel like you are treading water, just trying to stay afloat? Do your basic daily tasks feel heavy and hard? If so, you are in the right place, and I want you to know that it doesn't have to be that way. Together, we’ll focus on the power of incremental and gentle adjustments. It’s the understanding that small changes in perception, behavior, or self-awareness can catalyze significant transformation. Like the smallest pebble creating ripples across a pond, we’ll explore subtle difference to bring about the most meaningful impact.
![Photo of Stephanie Knipper, Stephanie Knipper, MS, LPC , LPCC, NCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/63947045-084a-47a8-9ccf-efbee5fdefea/1/320x400.jpeg)
Stephanie Knipper
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Stephanie Knipper, MS, LPC , LPCC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fort Thomas, KY 41075
Are you struggling to heal from trauma? Do you feel like you're always on alert, waiting for the other shoe to drop? Do you have gaps in your memory where important moments should be? If so, you’re not alone—more than 70% of adults experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. Trauma can cause your brain to perceive threats where none exist, leading to persistent feelings of anxiety, self-doubt, and emotional distress. However, healing is possible!
Are you struggling to heal from trauma? Do you feel like you're always on alert, waiting for the other shoe to drop? Do you have gaps in your memory where important moments should be? If so, you’re not alone—more than 70% of adults experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. Trauma can cause your brain to perceive threats where none exist, leading to persistent feelings of anxiety, self-doubt, and emotional distress. However, healing is possible!
Online Therapists
![Photo of Brenda Shell, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5d50d3d7-df6b-4490-82d8-4d5097041d57/1/320x400.jpeg)
Don't lose heart; moving through pain to a place of healing isn't easy, but you don't have to do this alone.
Welcome! I work predominantly with adult females in various stages of life. I have active licenses to practice in Kentucky and Indiana, and I offer both in-office and telehealth (live video) services. My office is in East Louisville near the Gene Snyder freeway.
Don't lose heart; moving through pain to a place of healing isn't easy, but you don't have to do this alone.
Welcome! I work predominantly with adult females in various stages of life. I have active licenses to practice in Kentucky and Indiana, and I offer both in-office and telehealth (live video) services. My office is in East Louisville near the Gene Snyder freeway.
![Photo of Weston H Beaven, MA, LPCA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d0b1f8a7-f12a-47d4-be15-20aab7283ebf/1/320x400.jpeg)
Perhaps you have once more found yourself in a familiar space of pain. You have been here before and it has become unbearable at this point. The burdens that you carry are overwhelming, and you are feeling that who you have become a shell of who you once were. Maybe you haven't felt like yourself since you were a kid. You've tried to apply what you know in your mind to be true, but there's something that keeps that truth from being felt at your core. You long for healing and rest.
Perhaps you have once more found yourself in a familiar space of pain. You have been here before and it has become unbearable at this point. The burdens that you carry are overwhelming, and you are feeling that who you have become a shell of who you once were. Maybe you haven't felt like yourself since you were a kid. You've tried to apply what you know in your mind to be true, but there's something that keeps that truth from being felt at your core. You long for healing and rest.
![Photo of Derek Stegner, LPCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b4128e2c-b3de-45b5-b6c2-c29327124df0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Derek Stegner
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Louisville, KY 40222 (Online Only)
I have many years of experience working with early childhood trauma and severe, persistent mental illness, varying from ages of 5 years to 70+. My goal is to empower and advocate for positive change within you, as the individual, and the system as a whole. The place that we will create together is a safe and judgement free space. I work through an Existential foundation, to help those I work with seek meaning and purpose, with skills built from experience with Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Cognitive Behavior Therapy, all within the context of a trauma-informed approach.
I have many years of experience working with early childhood trauma and severe, persistent mental illness, varying from ages of 5 years to 70+. My goal is to empower and advocate for positive change within you, as the individual, and the system as a whole. The place that we will create together is a safe and judgement free space. I work through an Existential foundation, to help those I work with seek meaning and purpose, with skills built from experience with Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Cognitive Behavior Therapy, all within the context of a trauma-informed approach.
![Photo of Kelly Ann Evans - Prospective Greenlight, MPA, MEd, LPCA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2c7d1b77-39ec-4c27-a7b2-d44d10727358/3/320x400.png)
These include Autism Spectrum, ADHD/ADD, mood disorders, anxiety, chronic illness, and eating challenges.
We are here and now; but is your past a healthy part of it? The past can be a time of learning and moving forward, or it can be a red light in our lives and freeze us in that moment of time. It can paralyze us. Or, it can have us living in a world of caution lights where we fearfully drift through them, unaware of the present or future, or vigilantly white knuckling our way, just existing and just “getting through” each day. How we come to terms with the past, forgiving our mistakes and others’ faults can catapult us into a more peaceful and fulfilling life.
These include Autism Spectrum, ADHD/ADD, mood disorders, anxiety, chronic illness, and eating challenges.
We are here and now; but is your past a healthy part of it? The past can be a time of learning and moving forward, or it can be a red light in our lives and freeze us in that moment of time. It can paralyze us. Or, it can have us living in a world of caution lights where we fearfully drift through them, unaware of the present or future, or vigilantly white knuckling our way, just existing and just “getting through” each day. How we come to terms with the past, forgiving our mistakes and others’ faults can catapult us into a more peaceful and fulfilling life.
![Photo of Angela Kay Ramsey Robinson, MA, ATR-BC, LPAT, Art Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/73542db3-b1bf-42c9-9ee7-420cf200d6d9/1/320x400.jpeg)
I would love to help you experience more clarity, confidence, connection, balance, peace, love, and joy! Even if you’ve struggled with trauma, emotional dysregulation, anxiety, troubled relationships or the pain of devastating losses for years, I am confident we can move toward positive change.
It takes energy to initiate therapy and can sometimes be difficult to find the right fit! I’ve been a trusted guide and healing catalyst for several decades, helping individuals of all ages, as well as couples and families to address a wide range of issues. Clients often tell me they feel at ease our first session and many experience breakthroughs and results they haven’t been able to achieve in therapy previously. I am highly compassionate, present, empathic, and will offer my undivided attention and tap into the vast knowledge, skill, and experience I’ve gained over 30 years to partner with you to get the results you want.
I would love to help you experience more clarity, confidence, connection, balance, peace, love, and joy! Even if you’ve struggled with trauma, emotional dysregulation, anxiety, troubled relationships or the pain of devastating losses for years, I am confident we can move toward positive change.
It takes energy to initiate therapy and can sometimes be difficult to find the right fit! I’ve been a trusted guide and healing catalyst for several decades, helping individuals of all ages, as well as couples and families to address a wide range of issues. Clients often tell me they feel at ease our first session and many experience breakthroughs and results they haven’t been able to achieve in therapy previously. I am highly compassionate, present, empathic, and will offer my undivided attention and tap into the vast knowledge, skill, and experience I’ve gained over 30 years to partner with you to get the results you want.
![Photo of Erica Adams, PhD, ABPP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5d17dc47-f0d1-42f3-b72d-445cf8a9636c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Whether you are seeking support in managing chronic pain, coping with digestive issues, or navigating other medical symptoms, I am here to help and invite you to reach out.
Are you living with a chronic medical condition, such as chronic pelvic pain, digestive issues, or medically unexplained symptoms? I understand the unique emotional and psychological difficulties that can accompany these conditions, and I am here to support you on your journey towards better well-being. My name is Erica, and I am a dedicated, compassionate psychotherapist specializing in working with individuals who are navigating the complex emotional landscape of chronic medical conditions. I aim to provide you with a safe and non-judgmental space where you can openly express your thoughts, feelings, and concerns.
Whether you are seeking support in managing chronic pain, coping with digestive issues, or navigating other medical symptoms, I am here to help and invite you to reach out.
Are you living with a chronic medical condition, such as chronic pelvic pain, digestive issues, or medically unexplained symptoms? I understand the unique emotional and psychological difficulties that can accompany these conditions, and I am here to support you on your journey towards better well-being. My name is Erica, and I am a dedicated, compassionate psychotherapist specializing in working with individuals who are navigating the complex emotional landscape of chronic medical conditions. I aim to provide you with a safe and non-judgmental space where you can openly express your thoughts, feelings, and concerns.
![Photo of Jayan Thomas, LCSW , Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/95a5ea1b-facc-438a-bedd-61901eaeccab/2/320x400.jpeg)
Have you been told that it is all in your head, or that there are no medical explanations for your symptoms? Or maybe you have received a chronic illness diagnosis and aren't quite sure how to cope. You might be at a place in your life when you feel ready to tackle past hurt and grief and find a sense of peace. My practice focuses exclusively on individuals and family members coping with the diagnosis of a medical illness.
Have you been told that it is all in your head, or that there are no medical explanations for your symptoms? Or maybe you have received a chronic illness diagnosis and aren't quite sure how to cope. You might be at a place in your life when you feel ready to tackle past hurt and grief and find a sense of peace. My practice focuses exclusively on individuals and family members coping with the diagnosis of a medical illness.
![Photo of Suzanne LeMere Guerin, EdS, MEd, LPCC-S, NCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e7c6b82-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Suzanne LeMere Guerin
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, EdS, MEd, LPCC-S, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Florence, KY 41042
Providing client-centered, interactive and solution-focused cognitive therapy for adults to optimize their emotional well-being including the areas of anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief and loss, stress, work/life balance, aging, chronic pain, declining health, women's issues, and general day to day challenges. My therapeutic approach is to provide support and feedback to assist you to develop strategies to live your best life. I integrate complementary methodologies and techniques to offer you a highly personalized approach tailored specifically to your needs.
Providing client-centered, interactive and solution-focused cognitive therapy for adults to optimize their emotional well-being including the areas of anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief and loss, stress, work/life balance, aging, chronic pain, declining health, women's issues, and general day to day challenges. My therapeutic approach is to provide support and feedback to assist you to develop strategies to live your best life. I integrate complementary methodologies and techniques to offer you a highly personalized approach tailored specifically to your needs.
Tricia Hite - Formerly Isenstein (She Her)
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC, CTP
Verified Verified
Lexington, KY 40503
Common issues include PTSD, depression, panic, chronic pain, identity, infertility, stress, anxiety, adverse childhood experiences, relationship violence, survivors of trauma and abuse, LGBTQ challenges, gender transition, sexual issues.
Hi! My name is Tricia. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with over 20 years experience in the counseling field. I provide unconditional acceptance for human struggle. I have extensive training and experience in trauma. I also work with with anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. I am trained in many therapeutic approaches. For you, that means I am able to assist in finding the right treatment modality. I stay abreast of the latest research and I stay eager to always learn new ways to help others. It is my passion to witness and nurture growth and healing.
Common issues include PTSD, depression, panic, chronic pain, identity, infertility, stress, anxiety, adverse childhood experiences, relationship violence, survivors of trauma and abuse, LGBTQ challenges, gender transition, sexual issues.
Hi! My name is Tricia. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with over 20 years experience in the counseling field. I provide unconditional acceptance for human struggle. I have extensive training and experience in trauma. I also work with with anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. I am trained in many therapeutic approaches. For you, that means I am able to assist in finding the right treatment modality. I stay abreast of the latest research and I stay eager to always learn new ways to help others. It is my passion to witness and nurture growth and healing.
![Photo of Sonny Hatfield, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4eac7293-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Change can be frightening and growth that results from changes in our life or sadly a crisis can be challenging or debilitating. Relationships at home and work maybe urging you to make changes. Perhaps you’ve found that everything has changed, moved on or away and that has caused a crisis, pain or an imbalance in your life. What you’ve used to cope with in the past to manage sorrow, dispair, stress, anxiety, grief or the unfinished business in your life your work and relationships may not be working for you any longer. Life is urging you to do things differently and make those changes that this process can help and heal.
Change can be frightening and growth that results from changes in our life or sadly a crisis can be challenging or debilitating. Relationships at home and work maybe urging you to make changes. Perhaps you’ve found that everything has changed, moved on or away and that has caused a crisis, pain or an imbalance in your life. What you’ve used to cope with in the past to manage sorrow, dispair, stress, anxiety, grief or the unfinished business in your life your work and relationships may not be working for you any longer. Life is urging you to do things differently and make those changes that this process can help and heal.
![Photo of Tiffany Mitchell, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/76ec07b4-df71-4816-9345-dce73c68db3a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tiffany Mitchell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Louisville, KY 40205
Are you looking for a way to heal emotional pain? If so, I would love to help you on your journey.
Are you looking for a way to heal emotional pain? If so, I would love to help you on your journey.
![Photo of Barbara J Martin, LCSW, MSSW, OSW, IIC, ESSE, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fe4876bb-57f9-4879-8e84-a01d218104ab/1/320x400.jpeg)
Barbara J Martin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSSW, OSW, IIC, ESSE
Verified Verified
Louisville, KY 40203
Waitlist for new clients
Heuser Hearing Institute Integrative Counseling & Wellness Clinic provides in-clinic, telehealth and video remote sessions for individuals, families and caregivers of all ages to cope with the stress and practical challenges of life, hearing health, as well as for those in need of connection to Community Health Navigation and/or other community-based resources. We offer patient-centered assessment, diagnosis and counseling services, integrative traditional and modern therapy approaches. We work with patients experiencing stress during sudden or progressive illness, traumatic brain injuries, hearing loss and ear-related disorders
Heuser Hearing Institute Integrative Counseling & Wellness Clinic provides in-clinic, telehealth and video remote sessions for individuals, families and caregivers of all ages to cope with the stress and practical challenges of life, hearing health, as well as for those in need of connection to Community Health Navigation and/or other community-based resources. We offer patient-centered assessment, diagnosis and counseling services, integrative traditional and modern therapy approaches. We work with patients experiencing stress during sudden or progressive illness, traumatic brain injuries, hearing loss and ear-related disorders
![Photo of Dr. Pat Peacock, PhD, LCSW, BCD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5957fd41-89bd-45af-a632-2a3484be597c/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Pat Peacock
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW, BCD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lexington, KY 40503
I began my career working with chronic pain patients in a multidisciplinary setting. My career has included helping clients with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and adult children issues including emotional, psychological, physical, and sexual abuse. Most recently, I worked with veterans with PTSD from combat, sexual trauma, and other military related trauma issues. I have extensive experience helping trauma survivors recover from their experiences.
I began my career working with chronic pain patients in a multidisciplinary setting. My career has included helping clients with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and adult children issues including emotional, psychological, physical, and sexual abuse. Most recently, I worked with veterans with PTSD from combat, sexual trauma, and other military related trauma issues. I have extensive experience helping trauma survivors recover from their experiences.
![Photo of Alisha Bowker, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4eaffaa8-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Alisha Bowker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Louisville, KY 40205 (Online Only)
You will come away from therapy with a set of skills that will allow you to navigate your pain and find new meaning and purpose in your life.
Life can throw a number of curve-balls our way. Sometimes these experiences are manageable, but often they bring up a number of feelings, thoughts, and reactions that impact our daily functioning. Perhaps you are struggling with infertility, grief/loss, the challenges of pregnancy + new parenthood, or postpartum anxiety/depression. Maybe you have experienced trauma in your lifetime and have never had the space to give it the narrative it deserves. Or are experiencing stress from a new life transition. Whatever it might be, I offer a collaborative, safe, and supportive environment to find the solutions that best meet your needs.
You will come away from therapy with a set of skills that will allow you to navigate your pain and find new meaning and purpose in your life.
Life can throw a number of curve-balls our way. Sometimes these experiences are manageable, but often they bring up a number of feelings, thoughts, and reactions that impact our daily functioning. Perhaps you are struggling with infertility, grief/loss, the challenges of pregnancy + new parenthood, or postpartum anxiety/depression. Maybe you have experienced trauma in your lifetime and have never had the space to give it the narrative it deserves. Or are experiencing stress from a new life transition. Whatever it might be, I offer a collaborative, safe, and supportive environment to find the solutions that best meet your needs.
![Photo of Kristi Collier Thompson, MS, LMHC, LPCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/78367f81-d6d6-4060-8c62-221fba9bb2b0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kristi Collier Thompson
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MS, LMHC, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Louisville, KY 40223
Waitlist for new clients
I am a trauma-informed, licensed counselor specializing in children, teenagers, adults and families who are experiencing anxiety, depression, anger, trauma, relational trauma (adoption, foster care, chronic illness, abuse or neglect), chronic illness and chronic pain. With over 20 years of experience, I am certified in EMDR, and trained in Theraplay, internal family systems (IFS), DBT, Trust-Based Relational Intervention, solution-focused brief counseling, trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), Prepare-Enrich and mindfulness.
I am a trauma-informed, licensed counselor specializing in children, teenagers, adults and families who are experiencing anxiety, depression, anger, trauma, relational trauma (adoption, foster care, chronic illness, abuse or neglect), chronic illness and chronic pain. With over 20 years of experience, I am certified in EMDR, and trained in Theraplay, internal family systems (IFS), DBT, Trust-Based Relational Intervention, solution-focused brief counseling, trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), Prepare-Enrich and mindfulness.
![Photo of Elizabeth Lou Love - Central Kentucky Counseling Associates, LLC, LPCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42b94aaf-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Central Kentucky Counseling Associates, LLC
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Danville, KY 40422
At Central Kentucky Counseling Associates, we serve a wide variety of clients and needs ranging from the more common depression, anxiety issues to more complex chronic mental illness, addiction, family conflicts and more. We have highly trained and highly skills clinicians available to get you quickly scheduled and to meet you where you are at! -Whether you need in-home counseling, in-school counseling for your child or if you prefer the traditional setting of coming to the office, we will provide effective mental health counseling treatment to get you on the road to the change you've been hoping for.
At Central Kentucky Counseling Associates, we serve a wide variety of clients and needs ranging from the more common depression, anxiety issues to more complex chronic mental illness, addiction, family conflicts and more. We have highly trained and highly skills clinicians available to get you quickly scheduled and to meet you where you are at! -Whether you need in-home counseling, in-school counseling for your child or if you prefer the traditional setting of coming to the office, we will provide effective mental health counseling treatment to get you on the road to the change you've been hoping for.
![Photo of Frances Lee Mican, LMFT, CSW, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1f879817-7851-48fa-b649-4147ade5ce91/4/320x400.jpeg)
Frances Lee Mican
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CSW
Verified Verified
Louisville, KY 40207 (Online Only)
Do you have trouble understanding what you’re feeling, or why you’re feeling it? Maybe you find yourself asking “does that make sense?”, unsure whether your thoughts are coming across how you want them to. Or you tend to be really hard on yourself, with a running narrative of “I’m the worst!”. Perhaps you’re scared to get things wrong, and feel unable to trust yourself to know what you want, let alone how to get there. This might come from being told how you think doesn't make sense, past mistakes, or being told to deny your own perceptions. You want to feel more at ease, confident, and relaxed. If this describes you, I can help!
Do you have trouble understanding what you’re feeling, or why you’re feeling it? Maybe you find yourself asking “does that make sense?”, unsure whether your thoughts are coming across how you want them to. Or you tend to be really hard on yourself, with a running narrative of “I’m the worst!”. Perhaps you’re scared to get things wrong, and feel unable to trust yourself to know what you want, let alone how to get there. This might come from being told how you think doesn't make sense, past mistakes, or being told to deny your own perceptions. You want to feel more at ease, confident, and relaxed. If this describes you, I can help!
See more therapy options for Alexandria
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.