Chronic Pain Therapists in Slidell, LA

Photo of Kate Walker, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kate Walker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Slidell, LA 70458
I have 12 years' experience helping adults and the elderly in psychiatric hospitals, medical hospitals, cancer units, hospice, and nursing homes. This experience has taught me that families and care givers often struggle just as much as patients. I can help with depression, anxiety, chronic mental illness, mood disorders, grief, adjusting to life after divorce, issues with aging, low self esteem, poor boundary issues, chronic stress, and more. The best way to reach me is by email. Go to my website at KATELWALKERLCSW.COM to view more information and contact me.
I have 12 years' experience helping adults and the elderly in psychiatric hospitals, medical hospitals, cancer units, hospice, and nursing homes. This experience has taught me that families and care givers often struggle just as much as patients. I can help with depression, anxiety, chronic mental illness, mood disorders, grief, adjusting to life after divorce, issues with aging, low self esteem, poor boundary issues, chronic stress, and more. The best way to reach me is by email. Go to my website at KATELWALKERLCSW.COM to view more information and contact me.
(850) 547-6104 View (850) 547-6104
Photo of Reid Doster - Dr. Reid Doster LLC, LPC-S, LMFT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Dr. Reid Doster LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, LMFT
Verified Verified
Slidell, LA 70460  (Online Only)
It takes courage to ask for help, especially from someone you don't know. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and clinical pastoral counselor, I work with individuals, couples and families to resolve common human problems. I believe you will benefit from clinical competence, experience and maturity gained from more than forty years in practice, and will quickly realize I sincerely care about you. When you reach out to me, I will do my best to respond promptly, without your waiting too long for an appointment. Don't be surprised if I personally answer the phone.
It takes courage to ask for help, especially from someone you don't know. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and clinical pastoral counselor, I work with individuals, couples and families to resolve common human problems. I believe you will benefit from clinical competence, experience and maturity gained from more than forty years in practice, and will quickly realize I sincerely care about you. When you reach out to me, I will do my best to respond promptly, without your waiting too long for an appointment. Don't be surprised if I personally answer the phone.
(985) 805-5295 View (985) 805-5295
Photo of Dr. Darlene Brooks-Sanville, DSW, LCSW, BACS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Dr. Darlene Brooks-Sanville
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LCSW, BACS
Verified Verified
Slidell, LA 70458  (Online Only)
I am Dr. Darlene Brooks-Sanville, I have a Doctorate in Social Work, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Board Approved Clinical Supervisor (DSW, LCSW-BACS). I have 19+ years of diverse social work experience. I have worked with adolescents and adults in a variety of settings: secure care, inpatient, intensive outpatient, and virtual therapy. I currently work with adults. I use diverse therapeutic approaches that are person centered to treat those with trauma, stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance abuse, self-esteem issues and more. I also offer supervision for clinicians with LMSW licensure pursuing LCSW licensure.
I am Dr. Darlene Brooks-Sanville, I have a Doctorate in Social Work, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Board Approved Clinical Supervisor (DSW, LCSW-BACS). I have 19+ years of diverse social work experience. I have worked with adolescents and adults in a variety of settings: secure care, inpatient, intensive outpatient, and virtual therapy. I currently work with adults. I use diverse therapeutic approaches that are person centered to treat those with trauma, stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance abuse, self-esteem issues and more. I also offer supervision for clinicians with LMSW licensure pursuing LCSW licensure.
(504) 386-5463 View (504) 386-5463
Photo of Gerald M Rich, PhD, LMFT-S, LPC-S, MAC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Gerald M Rich
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT-S, LPC-S, MAC
Verified Verified
Slidell, LA 70461
Based upon experience and education, my clinical focus includes the following: mental illnesses with co-occurring substance abuse (dual diagnosis); addictions; depression; mood & anxiety disorders; personality disorders; marital discord; financial distress; sexuality; divorce recovery; at-risk youth; effective parenting; blended families; aging; personal growth; professional development; family businesses; and hypnotherapy. For much more information, please visit my website.
Based upon experience and education, my clinical focus includes the following: mental illnesses with co-occurring substance abuse (dual diagnosis); addictions; depression; mood & anxiety disorders; personality disorders; marital discord; financial distress; sexuality; divorce recovery; at-risk youth; effective parenting; blended families; aging; personal growth; professional development; family businesses; and hypnotherapy. For much more information, please visit my website.
(985) 465-0933 View (985) 465-0933
Photo of Mary Grace Wagner - BACH Therapeutic Counseling Services, LMSW, Pre-Licensed Professional
BACH Therapeutic Counseling Services
Pre-Licensed Professional, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Slidell, LA 70458
Feeling overwhelmed? Do you ever feel stress and anxiety are so paralyzing, that everyday tasks feel almost impossible? While stress and anxiety are natural emotions, that doesn’t mean you have to face them alone. Mary Grace Wagner, LMSW has experience helping individuals cope and live with anxiety, depression, and stress of any magnitude. She possesses the necessary skills to help clients develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage stressful emotions and life events that are constructive as well as therapeutic.
Feeling overwhelmed? Do you ever feel stress and anxiety are so paralyzing, that everyday tasks feel almost impossible? While stress and anxiety are natural emotions, that doesn’t mean you have to face them alone. Mary Grace Wagner, LMSW has experience helping individuals cope and live with anxiety, depression, and stress of any magnitude. She possesses the necessary skills to help clients develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage stressful emotions and life events that are constructive as well as therapeutic.
(504) 321-5686 View (504) 321-5686

Online Therapists

Photo of Sarah Probst - Pneuma Counseling, EMDR & Neurofeedback, MA, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Pneuma Counseling, EMDR & Neurofeedback
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Mandeville, LA 70471
We specialize in the "turbo-trauma-informed" therapies to address PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Sleep disorders, ADHD, Autism, ADD, Seizures, Mood Swings, OCD, Addiction, Chronic Pain, Hyper-vigilence, Migraine Headaches & other brain-based issues.
Pneuma Counseling & Neurofeedback practices state-of-the-art approaches including Neurofeedback, EMDR, Lifespan Integration, & other brain-smart, trauma-informed therapies. We incorporate various curriculums and trauma-informed, brain-based therapies into treatment plans to help clients see significant changes not otherwise achieved. Schedules are typically pretty full due to the volume of inquiries for these modalities, but please click the "website" button to the left to fill out our "contact us" form to begin your healing journey.
We specialize in the "turbo-trauma-informed" therapies to address PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Sleep disorders, ADHD, Autism, ADD, Seizures, Mood Swings, OCD, Addiction, Chronic Pain, Hyper-vigilence, Migraine Headaches & other brain-based issues.
Pneuma Counseling & Neurofeedback practices state-of-the-art approaches including Neurofeedback, EMDR, Lifespan Integration, & other brain-smart, trauma-informed therapies. We incorporate various curriculums and trauma-informed, brain-based therapies into treatment plans to help clients see significant changes not otherwise achieved. Schedules are typically pretty full due to the volume of inquiries for these modalities, but please click the "website" button to the left to fill out our "contact us" form to begin your healing journey.
(985) 298-8771 View (985) 298-8771
Photo of Michelle Fuller Harris Specialized Social Work Solutions Llc, MSW, LCSW, BACS, CTMH, CIMHP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Michelle Fuller Harris Specialized Social Work Solutions Llc
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, BACS, CTMH, CIMHP
Verified Verified
Gonzales, LA 70737  (Online Only)
I have a background in mental health, primarily with adults and geriatrics who also have chronic medical conditions. I have over 25 years of experience , providing in-person & telehealth sessions to clients & their family members, as well as locating resources to assist in improving levels of functioning. Focus on medical trauma & illness, anxiety, grief, loss & bereavement counseling. I will challenge you to get to know yourself & to find your joy. Teletherapy (video) therapy sessions are available statewide in Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri,& Arkansas (if appropriate for client's needs & based on insurance requirements) .
I have a background in mental health, primarily with adults and geriatrics who also have chronic medical conditions. I have over 25 years of experience , providing in-person & telehealth sessions to clients & their family members, as well as locating resources to assist in improving levels of functioning. Focus on medical trauma & illness, anxiety, grief, loss & bereavement counseling. I will challenge you to get to know yourself & to find your joy. Teletherapy (video) therapy sessions are available statewide in Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri,& Arkansas (if appropriate for client's needs & based on insurance requirements) .
(225) 314-8241 View (225) 314-8241
Photo of Dr. Suzie Flores, PsyD, LLC, Psychologist
Dr. Suzie Flores
Psychologist, PsyD, LLC
Verified Verified
New Orleans, LA 70112  (Online Only)
Accepting new clients - - Experiencing PTSD, narcissistic abuse, overall anxiety, sadness, and chronic pain can impact your ability to function mentally and physically. My goal is to help you feel better as soon as possible by empowering you through honest and direct feedback. Together we can facilitate your ability to overcome whatever challenges you are facing, learn how to set firm and appropriate boundaries, and create a successful way of being with yourself and others.
Accepting new clients - - Experiencing PTSD, narcissistic abuse, overall anxiety, sadness, and chronic pain can impact your ability to function mentally and physically. My goal is to help you feel better as soon as possible by empowering you through honest and direct feedback. Together we can facilitate your ability to overcome whatever challenges you are facing, learn how to set firm and appropriate boundaries, and create a successful way of being with yourself and others.
(504) 499-1205 View (504) 499-1205
Photo of Averie McCauley - Averie McCauley LLC/Crescent City Psychotherapy, MSW, LCSW, BACS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Averie McCauley LLC/Crescent City Psychotherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, BACS
Verified Verified
18 Endorsed
New Orleans, LA 70119
With 17 years of experience treating trauma and anxiety, as well as a special interest supporting people living with chronic pain and complex conditions like EDS, I often work with medical trauma and health related anxiety.
As an EMDRIA approved Consultant with certifications in EMDR, Brainspotting, and Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy, I offer evidenced-based psychotherapy. Stress, anxiety, and trauma overwhelm our systems. Symptoms can manifest in unexpected ways. There may be an identifiable trigger or we may not know why we feel the way we do. These brain-body modalities work with the self-healing aspects of our biology, restoring balance to the nervous system, and influencing neural patterning so that deep and lasting change can occur. Intensives/ customized accelerated therapy programs are available.
With 17 years of experience treating trauma and anxiety, as well as a special interest supporting people living with chronic pain and complex conditions like EDS, I often work with medical trauma and health related anxiety.
As an EMDRIA approved Consultant with certifications in EMDR, Brainspotting, and Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy, I offer evidenced-based psychotherapy. Stress, anxiety, and trauma overwhelm our systems. Symptoms can manifest in unexpected ways. There may be an identifiable trigger or we may not know why we feel the way we do. These brain-body modalities work with the self-healing aspects of our biology, restoring balance to the nervous system, and influencing neural patterning so that deep and lasting change can occur. Intensives/ customized accelerated therapy programs are available.
(504) 264-6776 View (504) 264-6776
Photo of Max Wallace, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Max Wallace
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New Orleans, LA 70130
Waitlist for new clients
I treat a wide range of client concerns, but a few examples are: self-esteem, depression, anxiety, LGBTQIA+ experiences, transition, and chronic illness & pain.
Hey, y’all! I’m Max, and it’s wonderful to meet you. While I don’t know exactly why you’re here yet, I do know that you should be proud of yourself for seeking out support. Considering a new therapist or going to therapy for the first time is often a bit scary. I can help. Whether you’re needing change, new coping skills, or a calm, quiet place for yourself - where the outside world is put on pause for a moment - I will be committed to helping you reach your goals, while we develop safety and trust together.
I treat a wide range of client concerns, but a few examples are: self-esteem, depression, anxiety, LGBTQIA+ experiences, transition, and chronic illness & pain.
Hey, y’all! I’m Max, and it’s wonderful to meet you. While I don’t know exactly why you’re here yet, I do know that you should be proud of yourself for seeking out support. Considering a new therapist or going to therapy for the first time is often a bit scary. I can help. Whether you’re needing change, new coping skills, or a calm, quiet place for yourself - where the outside world is put on pause for a moment - I will be committed to helping you reach your goals, while we develop safety and trust together.
(504) 446-6212 View (504) 446-6212
Photo of Liora Diamond, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Liora Diamond
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
New Orleans, LA 70119
Sometimes internal and external pressure becomes too much to bear alone. My goal is to provide a contained space where you can begin to unburden and explore. You will set the pace as we explore the issues most important to you, including daily hardships, navigating relationships, and untangling pain past and present. I prioritize working from an understanding of your unique identity and worldview.
Sometimes internal and external pressure becomes too much to bear alone. My goal is to provide a contained space where you can begin to unburden and explore. You will set the pace as we explore the issues most important to you, including daily hardships, navigating relationships, and untangling pain past and present. I prioritize working from an understanding of your unique identity and worldview.
(504) 285-4120 View (504) 285-4120
Photo of Barry D. Schwartz - Barry D. Schwartz Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist, PhD, Psychologist
Barry D. Schwartz Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New Orleans, LA 70115
Are you feeling powerless, a victim and at the mercy of life? Oftentimes these feelings are symptoms of your difficulty in making decisions, experiencing anger, frustration, anxiety/depression and worry. Do you feel overloaded/overwhelmed by problems? Are you experiencing sleep problems, constant tiredness, frequent use of over the counter drugs, and pain? Do you have attention problems/disorganization and confusion? My 30-plus years of professional experience has taught me that we all have something in common. Whether you're a butcher, a baker or candle stick maker you are a human being who wants to experience "peace of mind".
Are you feeling powerless, a victim and at the mercy of life? Oftentimes these feelings are symptoms of your difficulty in making decisions, experiencing anger, frustration, anxiety/depression and worry. Do you feel overloaded/overwhelmed by problems? Are you experiencing sleep problems, constant tiredness, frequent use of over the counter drugs, and pain? Do you have attention problems/disorganization and confusion? My 30-plus years of professional experience has taught me that we all have something in common. Whether you're a butcher, a baker or candle stick maker you are a human being who wants to experience "peace of mind".
(504) 521-6897 View (504) 521-6897
Photo of Shannon Anita Mott - Gentilly Behavioral Health, LCSW, MHP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Gentilly Behavioral Health
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MHP
Verified Verified
Gretna, LA 70053
We all get physically ill sometimes. But there is no stigma in going to get a check up when we don't feel physically well. Unfortunately, there is a stigma attached to obtaining mental health care. Although more than likely at some point in your life, you'll experience some form of mental Illness. It takes a brave person, to move past the stigma of mental illness and get the help that they need. As a Licensed Clinical Social worker/Therapist I have the eclectic skills, knowledge, training and certification to help you get better.
We all get physically ill sometimes. But there is no stigma in going to get a check up when we don't feel physically well. Unfortunately, there is a stigma attached to obtaining mental health care. Although more than likely at some point in your life, you'll experience some form of mental Illness. It takes a brave person, to move past the stigma of mental illness and get the help that they need. As a Licensed Clinical Social worker/Therapist I have the eclectic skills, knowledge, training and certification to help you get better.
(504) 380-9709 View (504) 380-9709
Photo of Sharon Marie Chester, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sharon Marie Chester
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chalmette, LA 70043
Waitlist for new clients
CLINICAL PRACTICE: In 30-plus years of practice, there simply isn't anything left that I haven't worked with. If you are weary of living with old wounds or destructive relationships please don't resign yourself to a life of emotional pain. Allow me to help guide you through your own personal resolution by enhancing your skills, strengths and supports. I will use whatever constructs work for each unique personality, but am heavily based in cognitive-behavioral work. An email may get the quickest response.
CLINICAL PRACTICE: In 30-plus years of practice, there simply isn't anything left that I haven't worked with. If you are weary of living with old wounds or destructive relationships please don't resign yourself to a life of emotional pain. Allow me to help guide you through your own personal resolution by enhancing your skills, strengths and supports. I will use whatever constructs work for each unique personality, but am heavily based in cognitive-behavioral work. An email may get the quickest response.
(504) 684-7443 View (504) 684-7443
Photo of Karen Dubret, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Karen Dubret
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Hammond, LA 70401
What is keeping you from feeling fully alive in each moment? I offer a warm atmosphere to address whatever is keeping you from feeling fully alive. I believe that pain and struggles in life can be turned into opportunities to grow and find more peace in both our lives and relationships. My belief is that healing happens in the context of a supportive and nonjudgmental relationship. My work focuses on helping people develop the skills they need to thrive and to discover things in themselves that may be preventing them from experiencing a genuine connection with others.
What is keeping you from feeling fully alive in each moment? I offer a warm atmosphere to address whatever is keeping you from feeling fully alive. I believe that pain and struggles in life can be turned into opportunities to grow and find more peace in both our lives and relationships. My belief is that healing happens in the context of a supportive and nonjudgmental relationship. My work focuses on helping people develop the skills they need to thrive and to discover things in themselves that may be preventing them from experiencing a genuine connection with others.
(985) 792-2230 View (985) 792-2230
Photo of Frank Trupiano, LCSW, PhD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Frank Trupiano
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PhD
Verified Verified
Marrero, LA 70072
Specialties include: Blended Families, Marital and Couple Relationship Problems; Addictions (substance abuse and gambling); Eating Disorders (Obesity, Anorexia and Bulimia); Anxiety and Depressive Disorders, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Victims of Sexual Abuse; chronic pain management.
I provide individual, marriage, and family counseling services. I also create health and wellness programs . Whether you want to quit smoking, lose weight, manage stress, or improve your relationships, I can help. I also offer a number of complementary therapies: Reiki , hypnotherapy, (EFT) Emotional Freedom Techniques, the Sedona Method,and Psych-k . For clients experiencing a lack of direction, purpose, or meaning in their life, I offer psycho-spiritual counseling, utilizing the Akashic Records and Wisdom Teachings from the Bible and other spiritual tradition.
Specialties include: Blended Families, Marital and Couple Relationship Problems; Addictions (substance abuse and gambling); Eating Disorders (Obesity, Anorexia and Bulimia); Anxiety and Depressive Disorders, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Victims of Sexual Abuse; chronic pain management.
I provide individual, marriage, and family counseling services. I also create health and wellness programs . Whether you want to quit smoking, lose weight, manage stress, or improve your relationships, I can help. I also offer a number of complementary therapies: Reiki , hypnotherapy, (EFT) Emotional Freedom Techniques, the Sedona Method,and Psych-k . For clients experiencing a lack of direction, purpose, or meaning in their life, I offer psycho-spiritual counseling, utilizing the Akashic Records and Wisdom Teachings from the Bible and other spiritual tradition.
(504) 358-0517 View (504) 358-0517
Photo of Lynde Ulmer, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lynde Ulmer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
I believe that everyone has the capacity to make lasting changes in their lives! Whether you are dealing with an addiction, depression and anxiety, relationship difficulties, chronic pain, or other adverse situations, I am here to help. I will work with you side by side to assist you in taking the necessary steps in your journey.
I believe that everyone has the capacity to make lasting changes in their lives! Whether you are dealing with an addiction, depression and anxiety, relationship difficulties, chronic pain, or other adverse situations, I am here to help. I will work with you side by side to assist you in taking the necessary steps in your journey.
(225) 206-5439 View (225) 206-5439
Martha P Novoa
PhD, LMSW
Not Verified Not Verified
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Restoring the lightness of being. I am an energy healer. We are a body of light - mind body and spirit. Events in life leave a memory of emotions in our cells and organs that affect the physical and emotional body. As a consequence pain, disease, depression, hopelessness, anxiety, fears, etc come to the surface.
Restoring the lightness of being. I am an energy healer. We are a body of light - mind body and spirit. Events in life leave a memory of emotions in our cells and organs that affect the physical and emotional body. As a consequence pain, disease, depression, hopelessness, anxiety, fears, etc come to the surface.
(225) 819-3603 View (225) 819-3603
Photo of Melissa Jenny Lacoste, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Melissa Jenny Lacoste
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Metairie, LA 70002
I have a passion for connecting and helping people reach balance, direction, and live a more fulfilling life. I work with teens, adults, couples, and families. I have worked with people from various backgrounds with anxiety, depression, grief, stages of life, trauma, severe mental illness, and marital/relationship, and identity issues. Therapy is highly effective, but requires openness, patience, and dedication! I would love to work with you and help you on this journey called “Life.”
I have a passion for connecting and helping people reach balance, direction, and live a more fulfilling life. I work with teens, adults, couples, and families. I have worked with people from various backgrounds with anxiety, depression, grief, stages of life, trauma, severe mental illness, and marital/relationship, and identity issues. Therapy is highly effective, but requires openness, patience, and dedication! I would love to work with you and help you on this journey called “Life.”
(504) 608-7205 View (504) 608-7205
Photo of Dawn Chiappetta - Light Of Dawn Counseling, LLC, LPC, NCC, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor
Light Of Dawn Counseling, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
New Orleans, LA 70119
It works by identifying, processing, and releasing core neurophysiological sources of emotional/body pain, Depending on the individual, a client can completely heal an issue in a very short amount of time.
I am here for you for the purpose of helping you heal your mind, body & spirit through the innovative and somatic technique of Brainspotting which some call “the new EMDR”. I also offer other counseling modalities such as parts work, talk therapy, visual meditation, inner child work, play & art therapy techniques in order to help you heal trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, & the difficulties of life in general.
It works by identifying, processing, and releasing core neurophysiological sources of emotional/body pain, Depending on the individual, a client can completely heal an issue in a very short amount of time.
I am here for you for the purpose of helping you heal your mind, body & spirit through the innovative and somatic technique of Brainspotting which some call “the new EMDR”. I also offer other counseling modalities such as parts work, talk therapy, visual meditation, inner child work, play & art therapy techniques in order to help you heal trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, & the difficulties of life in general.
(504) 226-5230 View (504) 226-5230
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.