Chronic Pain Therapists in Davison, MI

Photo of Jo Richardson - Effort + Ease Integrative Mental Health LLC, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Effort + Ease Integrative Mental Health LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Davison, MI 48423  (Online Only)
At different times in life, we can become overwhelmed, and feel as if we have lost our center of gravity. Times when our old ways of coping + getting through the day, just aren't cutting it. Whether it is a sudden change disrupting your well-being or a long-suffered pain weighing you down, it is possible to heal. It is possible to feel differently than you do now. Often we are plagued by self-doubt + self-criticism and assume this is "just how I am." That assumption halts our healing. You can learn new skills. You can learn to think, feel, and behave differently. You can heal, grow, and have a different experience of life.
At different times in life, we can become overwhelmed, and feel as if we have lost our center of gravity. Times when our old ways of coping + getting through the day, just aren't cutting it. Whether it is a sudden change disrupting your well-being or a long-suffered pain weighing you down, it is possible to heal. It is possible to feel differently than you do now. Often we are plagued by self-doubt + self-criticism and assume this is "just how I am." That assumption halts our healing. You can learn new skills. You can learn to think, feel, and behave differently. You can heal, grow, and have a different experience of life.
(810) 255-5112 View (810) 255-5112
Photo of Yvonne Makidon, PhD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Yvonne Makidon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD
Verified Verified
Davison, MI 48423
Certified Sex Therapist, Trauma Therapist & Life Coach. For over 18 years I have helped individuals and couples recover from the traumas of sexual, physical, verbal & emotional abuse & neglect. These early traumas manifest in somatic disorders ( illness/ pain), relationship issues, professional issues, & the inability to live in peace & harmony. Other manifestations may include poor body image, self-hatred & low self-esteem. Some of the modalities I utilize: Brainspotting (BSP), Internal Family Systems (IFS), PACT & Family Systems.
Certified Sex Therapist, Trauma Therapist & Life Coach. For over 18 years I have helped individuals and couples recover from the traumas of sexual, physical, verbal & emotional abuse & neglect. These early traumas manifest in somatic disorders ( illness/ pain), relationship issues, professional issues, & the inability to live in peace & harmony. Other manifestations may include poor body image, self-hatred & low self-esteem. Some of the modalities I utilize: Brainspotting (BSP), Internal Family Systems (IFS), PACT & Family Systems.
(810) 659-7242 View (810) 659-7242
Photo of Tyra M Petoskey Lmsw, LMSW, HDP, RYT-200, REIKI-4, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tyra M Petoskey Lmsw
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, HDP, RYT-200, REIKI-4
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Davison, MI 48423
“Considering counseling?" I provide adult individual and couples' counseling. I work with a broad spectrum of client needs including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, communication issues and post-traumatic stress. I believe that every person is invested with strengths and abilities that make them unique. Various problems can compromise our ability to reach our full potential. Let's strengthen coping mechanisms to overcome pain, loss and stress that limit us from moving forward in life. Together we will create positive change.
“Considering counseling?" I provide adult individual and couples' counseling. I work with a broad spectrum of client needs including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, communication issues and post-traumatic stress. I believe that every person is invested with strengths and abilities that make them unique. Various problems can compromise our ability to reach our full potential. Let's strengthen coping mechanisms to overcome pain, loss and stress that limit us from moving forward in life. Together we will create positive change.
(810) 893-7937 View (810) 893-7937
Photo of Autumn Ward - Peace of Mind Therapy Services, PLLC, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Peace of Mind Therapy Services, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Not Verified Not Verified
Davison, MI 48423
Calling all fiercely compassionate, anxious, self-doubters! Are you kept awake at night by your worries and overthinking? Do you have a nagging voice inside saying you are never good enough? Do you feel dissatisfied with your relationships or just feel stuck? This can be very painful and it’s a common theme for highly attuned individuals (empaths, highly sensitive individuals, and/or chaos/trauma survivors). Unfortunately, we are socialized to avoid painful emotions and when we do so we cause more harm to our minds (hello inner critic!) and our bodies (hello headaches and chronic pain!).
Calling all fiercely compassionate, anxious, self-doubters! Are you kept awake at night by your worries and overthinking? Do you have a nagging voice inside saying you are never good enough? Do you feel dissatisfied with your relationships or just feel stuck? This can be very painful and it’s a common theme for highly attuned individuals (empaths, highly sensitive individuals, and/or chaos/trauma survivors). Unfortunately, we are socialized to avoid painful emotions and when we do so we cause more harm to our minds (hello inner critic!) and our bodies (hello headaches and chronic pain!).
(810) 644-3064 View (810) 644-3064
Photo of Alicia Hensley, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alicia Hensley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Davison, MI 48423  (Online Only)
Welcome! My name is Alicia Hensley and I have 17 years of experience working with individuals and families as a Licensed Social Worker. I have extensive experience working with grief/loss, caregiver support/education, loss of independence, aging concerns, infertility, anxiety, and more. With a Masters in Social Work from Michigan State University I am well qualified to help you on your therapy journey to reach your goals. I utilize a variety of practices in our sessions that are individualized to meet your needs.
Welcome! My name is Alicia Hensley and I have 17 years of experience working with individuals and families as a Licensed Social Worker. I have extensive experience working with grief/loss, caregiver support/education, loss of independence, aging concerns, infertility, anxiety, and more. With a Masters in Social Work from Michigan State University I am well qualified to help you on your therapy journey to reach your goals. I utilize a variety of practices in our sessions that are individualized to meet your needs.
(810) 442-8093 View (810) 442-8093
Photo of Melody Munro-Wolfe - MM Wolfe, Psychotherapy, PLLC, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
MM Wolfe, Psychotherapy, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Davison, MI 48423
Stressed, depressed, overwhelmed? When you feel you have no one to talk with who understands you and really listens, its time to reach out for help. You are unique and so are your problems. When you believe there is no hope, there is. If your coping methods are no longer working and you are sabotaging your health and relationships, its time to learn new ways to cope. You deserve to feel better, think clearer, regain hope, and trust in someone again. You may be tired of weight loss programs that don't work and tired of being overweight but not knowing what to do about it.
Stressed, depressed, overwhelmed? When you feel you have no one to talk with who understands you and really listens, its time to reach out for help. You are unique and so are your problems. When you believe there is no hope, there is. If your coping methods are no longer working and you are sabotaging your health and relationships, its time to learn new ways to cope. You deserve to feel better, think clearer, regain hope, and trust in someone again. You may be tired of weight loss programs that don't work and tired of being overweight but not knowing what to do about it.
(810) 277-9653 View (810) 277-9653
Photo of Nikki Moorman, MA, LPC, CCTP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Nikki Moorman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CCTP
Verified Verified
Davison, MI 48423
Together we can identify past trauma(s), make connections between past and present, and identify relevant patterns. This process will allow you to understand anxious and/or traumatic responses and do the work to allow those parts of you to heal. I specialize in trauma, complex trauma, anxiety, stress, and depression. I often utilize red light therapy (medical grade), frequency therapy, DBT, and CBT, IFS, and Somatic approaches with my clients. My goal is to help you grow, become your personal best, and to help you heal from challenging and difficult experiences-both past and present. It is important to know that you are never alone.
Together we can identify past trauma(s), make connections between past and present, and identify relevant patterns. This process will allow you to understand anxious and/or traumatic responses and do the work to allow those parts of you to heal. I specialize in trauma, complex trauma, anxiety, stress, and depression. I often utilize red light therapy (medical grade), frequency therapy, DBT, and CBT, IFS, and Somatic approaches with my clients. My goal is to help you grow, become your personal best, and to help you heal from challenging and difficult experiences-both past and present. It is important to know that you are never alone.
(947) 300-4823 View (947) 300-4823
Photo of Kimberly Donahue, MA, LPC, NCC, Counselor
Kimberly Donahue
Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Davison, MI 48423  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
A job change. A new baby. A divorce. Depression and anxiety. Whether it's navigating life's transitions, or addressing a particular issue that has become a roadblock in your way, counseling can help you overcome the challenges, and get back on track. At Healing Path Counseling I help people on the journey to wholeness, peace and well-being. I approach therapy with an client-centered integrative mix of therapeutic techniques, with a special emphasis on Humanistic Therapy, Existential Therapy, Wellness Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Rational Motive Behavior Therapy. It all depends on what is best for you.
A job change. A new baby. A divorce. Depression and anxiety. Whether it's navigating life's transitions, or addressing a particular issue that has become a roadblock in your way, counseling can help you overcome the challenges, and get back on track. At Healing Path Counseling I help people on the journey to wholeness, peace and well-being. I approach therapy with an client-centered integrative mix of therapeutic techniques, with a special emphasis on Humanistic Therapy, Existential Therapy, Wellness Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Rational Motive Behavior Therapy. It all depends on what is best for you.
(248) 639-4477 View (248) 639-4477

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Kristina Belzer, MA, LLP, Limited Licensed Psychologist
Kristina Belzer
Limited Licensed Psychologist, MA, LLP
Verified Verified
Flint, MI 48506  (Online Only)
I work with any age group , but specialize in women with depression, anxiety and chronic pain.
Are you looking to become the best version of yourself? I believe through psychotherapy you can become a highly functioning, self- actualized and happy individualized. Together, we will work towards helping you be the person you wish to be and project to the world. My goal is to help you heal from your past, grow, and move forward with your life.
I work with any age group , but specialize in women with depression, anxiety and chronic pain.
Are you looking to become the best version of yourself? I believe through psychotherapy you can become a highly functioning, self- actualized and happy individualized. Together, we will work towards helping you be the person you wish to be and project to the world. My goal is to help you heal from your past, grow, and move forward with your life.
(947) 333-8291 View (947) 333-8291
Photo of Marie Hazel Putnam, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Marie Hazel Putnam
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Flint, MI 48502
I have experience with chronic pain, and substance abuse screening and treatment.
Hello I am a social worker/therapist. I've been working and assisting people, with over 20 years of clinical experience. I enjoy working with all ages, ethnicity, and orientations. I will listen without judgement to what you have to say. I will offer coping skills to assist in daily living. I can offer a safe and comfortable environment for you to begin your journey to wellness.
I have experience with chronic pain, and substance abuse screening and treatment.
Hello I am a social worker/therapist. I've been working and assisting people, with over 20 years of clinical experience. I enjoy working with all ages, ethnicity, and orientations. I will listen without judgement to what you have to say. I will offer coping skills to assist in daily living. I can offer a safe and comfortable environment for you to begin your journey to wellness.
(810) 339-4192 View (810) 339-4192
Photo of Kendra Dixson, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kendra Dixson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grand Blanc, MI 48439
I offer trauma-informed therapy to help sort through the type of pain - emotional pain and/or chronic physical pain and trace its source after one to two sessions.
Awake at night, can't sleep? Tossing and turning and can't shut your thoughts off? Emotional pain? Exhausted mentally and physically? Chronic pain? Will you ever get the help you need? Is relief possible? You need help now as quickly as possible so you can feel like yourself. You don't have time to waste. Each day you are down is another missed opportunity. You need specialized therapy from a trauma-informed expert who provides intensive therapy to accelerate your healing. You want to work through the trauma, get back to yourself, and reclaim the life you once had or live the life you never thought possible.
I offer trauma-informed therapy to help sort through the type of pain - emotional pain and/or chronic physical pain and trace its source after one to two sessions.
Awake at night, can't sleep? Tossing and turning and can't shut your thoughts off? Emotional pain? Exhausted mentally and physically? Chronic pain? Will you ever get the help you need? Is relief possible? You need help now as quickly as possible so you can feel like yourself. You don't have time to waste. Each day you are down is another missed opportunity. You need specialized therapy from a trauma-informed expert who provides intensive therapy to accelerate your healing. You want to work through the trauma, get back to yourself, and reclaim the life you once had or live the life you never thought possible.
(248) 600-4543 View (248) 600-4543
Photo of Michelle Lynn Kirk-Consavage, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Michelle Lynn Kirk-Consavage
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Flint, MI 48501
I help people clear out emotional blockages in the body that often leads to physical pain as well as anxiety, trauma, depression, low self worth, and confusion.
Welcome! I am offering virtual and in person services. I am a licensed clinical therapist in Michigan with 24 years of professional work experience. I use a unique holistic/spiritual approach incorporating the mind, body, and soul as they all go hand in hand. I utilize mindfulness techniques to really help you retrain the brain from negative thoughts that often lead us down the rabbit hole of anxiety, depression, and hopelessness that can keep us stuck. I can provide guidance with career, relationships, trauma, depression, anxiety, physical issues, intuitive development, spiritual healing, and healing on all levels!
I help people clear out emotional blockages in the body that often leads to physical pain as well as anxiety, trauma, depression, low self worth, and confusion.
Welcome! I am offering virtual and in person services. I am a licensed clinical therapist in Michigan with 24 years of professional work experience. I use a unique holistic/spiritual approach incorporating the mind, body, and soul as they all go hand in hand. I utilize mindfulness techniques to really help you retrain the brain from negative thoughts that often lead us down the rabbit hole of anxiety, depression, and hopelessness that can keep us stuck. I can provide guidance with career, relationships, trauma, depression, anxiety, physical issues, intuitive development, spiritual healing, and healing on all levels!
(248) 923-4594 View (248) 923-4594
Photo of Dr. Thomasine T Wortham - Grace Counseling Services Thomasine T. Wortham, PhD, MSW, ACSW, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Grace Counseling Services Thomasine T. Wortham
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, MSW, ACSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Flint, MI 48507
Being a two-time overcomer of breast cancer and other traumatic experiences, I am no stranger to pain and suffering.
Are you ready for a change—a better life? If so, our team is ready to partner with you in your change process. I am Dr. Thomasine T. Wortham (Dr. T), Clinical Director, and founder of Grace Counseling Services. With over 30 years of clinical practice, I have helped individuals with all types of mental distress. Likewise, our skilled and compassionate therapists can help if you suffer from anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, addictions, relationships issues, financial stress, work stress, marriage conflicts, ADHD, parenting stress, eating disorders, other life stressors.
Being a two-time overcomer of breast cancer and other traumatic experiences, I am no stranger to pain and suffering.
Are you ready for a change—a better life? If so, our team is ready to partner with you in your change process. I am Dr. Thomasine T. Wortham (Dr. T), Clinical Director, and founder of Grace Counseling Services. With over 30 years of clinical practice, I have helped individuals with all types of mental distress. Likewise, our skilled and compassionate therapists can help if you suffer from anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, addictions, relationships issues, financial stress, work stress, marriage conflicts, ADHD, parenting stress, eating disorders, other life stressors.
(810) 209-9083 View (810) 209-9083
Photo of Traci Sampson - Eight-Point Counseling, LLC, MA, LLC, NCC, Counselor
Eight-Point Counseling, LLC
Counselor, MA, LLC, NCC
Verified Verified
Flint, MI 48507
Got stress? ...anxiety, depression, grief, or difficulty dealing with life changes? Do you tend to hold your emotions inside? Have you experienced the loss of a loved one, job, or home? Do you have serious/chronic health or pain issues? Too much stress causes distress, and distress leads to poor mental health, physical health, and quality of life. Hello, I’m Traci, owner of Eight-Point Counseling, LLC. My passion is to help you to experience 1) hope, in circumstances that feel hopeless, 2) change, in your mind/life in a positive direction, and 3) peace, through positive coping.
Got stress? ...anxiety, depression, grief, or difficulty dealing with life changes? Do you tend to hold your emotions inside? Have you experienced the loss of a loved one, job, or home? Do you have serious/chronic health or pain issues? Too much stress causes distress, and distress leads to poor mental health, physical health, and quality of life. Hello, I’m Traci, owner of Eight-Point Counseling, LLC. My passion is to help you to experience 1) hope, in circumstances that feel hopeless, 2) change, in your mind/life in a positive direction, and 3) peace, through positive coping.
(810) 546-4907 View (810) 546-4907
Photo of Jodie Eckleberry-Hunt Ph.D. A.B.P.P., PhD, ABPP, Psychologist
Jodie Eckleberry-Hunt Ph.D. A.B.P.P.
Psychologist, PhD, ABPP
Verified Verified
Grand Blanc, MI 48439
Are you looking for assistance with managing stress, relationships, grief, parenting, anxiety, trauma and/or depression? Or, are you interested in help with weight loss, adjustment to illness, or stopping smoking? I am a board certified Health Psychologist specializing in short-term counseling (usually 6-10 visits but could be more/less). I believe that people benefit more from short spurts of counseling over a lifetime (as needed) rather than meeting regularly for long periods of time. I give you the skills. You live life and return as needed. I offer individual, couples, and family therapy.
Are you looking for assistance with managing stress, relationships, grief, parenting, anxiety, trauma and/or depression? Or, are you interested in help with weight loss, adjustment to illness, or stopping smoking? I am a board certified Health Psychologist specializing in short-term counseling (usually 6-10 visits but could be more/less). I believe that people benefit more from short spurts of counseling over a lifetime (as needed) rather than meeting regularly for long periods of time. I give you the skills. You live life and return as needed. I offer individual, couples, and family therapy.
(810) 348-8470 View (810) 348-8470
Photo of Melanie Tomalia, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Melanie Tomalia
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grand Blanc, MI 48439
I have worked a lot with individuals who suffer from depression, anxiety, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, ODD, OCD, Anger, Schizophrenia, Borderline Personality disorder, LGBTQ+ related issues, and more. My ideal client is really anyone who wants my help. I love to help people to find the ways that they have to better their lives, and help make people happier. I help people through very hard times in their lives and to find small ways to make life go a little more smoothly.
I have worked a lot with individuals who suffer from depression, anxiety, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, ODD, OCD, Anger, Schizophrenia, Borderline Personality disorder, LGBTQ+ related issues, and more. My ideal client is really anyone who wants my help. I love to help people to find the ways that they have to better their lives, and help make people happier. I help people through very hard times in their lives and to find small ways to make life go a little more smoothly.
(810) 631-1238 View (810) 631-1238
Photo of Ruqaiyah Rogers, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ruqaiyah Rogers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Grand Blanc, MI 48439
My name is Ruqaiyah Rogers and I'm a licensed clinical social worker, LMSW-C, based in Michigan. I provide individual counseling/therapy services statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in coaching strategies for better managing ADHD and executive functioning symptoms, anxiety, borderline personality, mother-daughter/parent-adult child attachment, and codependency using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, and Brainspotting, to help my clients get clearer about who they are and start making positive and necessary changes to create the type of life they want and deserve to live.
My name is Ruqaiyah Rogers and I'm a licensed clinical social worker, LMSW-C, based in Michigan. I provide individual counseling/therapy services statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in coaching strategies for better managing ADHD and executive functioning symptoms, anxiety, borderline personality, mother-daughter/parent-adult child attachment, and codependency using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, and Brainspotting, to help my clients get clearer about who they are and start making positive and necessary changes to create the type of life they want and deserve to live.
(734) 212-8965 View (734) 212-8965
Photo of Shelby Robertson, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Shelby Robertson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Grand Blanc, MI 48439
As a licensed, clinical social worker, my goal is to help you build resilience, develop healthy coping skills, and create the life you want and deserve. I use a trauma informed approach to provide a supportive and authentic space to heal and grow. I have a Bachelor of Social Work degree with a minor in Substance use Treatment from the University of Michigan-Flint. In addition, I earned a Master of Social Work from Boston University. During the last 15 years, I have worked with primarily adults struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance use disorders, grief/loss issues, and difficulty in relationships.
As a licensed, clinical social worker, my goal is to help you build resilience, develop healthy coping skills, and create the life you want and deserve. I use a trauma informed approach to provide a supportive and authentic space to heal and grow. I have a Bachelor of Social Work degree with a minor in Substance use Treatment from the University of Michigan-Flint. In addition, I earned a Master of Social Work from Boston University. During the last 15 years, I have worked with primarily adults struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance use disorders, grief/loss issues, and difficulty in relationships.
(810) 505-5680 View (810) 505-5680
Photo of Rachel Johnson, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rachel Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Grand Blanc, MI 48439
In life's overwhelming moments, stress, anxiety, sadness, and burnout can consume us, leaving us feeling powerless. Expressing these emotions to loved ones can be daunting. If you're yearning for change but feeling overwhelmed by where to start, know that you're not alone. As your therapist, my focus is to help provide support in a nurturing and empathic environment so you do not have to feel alone during this journey. I walk alongside you to reach your goals, rediscover your strengths, & assist you in coping with the hardships.
In life's overwhelming moments, stress, anxiety, sadness, and burnout can consume us, leaving us feeling powerless. Expressing these emotions to loved ones can be daunting. If you're yearning for change but feeling overwhelmed by where to start, know that you're not alone. As your therapist, my focus is to help provide support in a nurturing and empathic environment so you do not have to feel alone during this journey. I walk alongside you to reach your goals, rediscover your strengths, & assist you in coping with the hardships.
(810) 209-3572 View (810) 209-3572
Photo of Jessica Prevost, LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jessica Prevost
Licensed Professional Counselor, LLC
Verified Verified
Grand Blanc, MI 48439
Life can bring challenging emotions and situations. As a strength-based counselor, I offer tailored therapeutic interventions in a safe, non-judgmental space where you can process feelings of hurt, insecurity, anger, and worry. I take a proactive approach, partnering with adults, new moms, and teens feeling stuck in patterns of depression, anxiety, or grief. Using experiential and cognitive-behavioral methods, I customize our work based on your needs, focusing on attachment trauma and insecurities. I respect various faiths and worldviews, and together we will develop goals and create a path forward.
Life can bring challenging emotions and situations. As a strength-based counselor, I offer tailored therapeutic interventions in a safe, non-judgmental space where you can process feelings of hurt, insecurity, anger, and worry. I take a proactive approach, partnering with adults, new moms, and teens feeling stuck in patterns of depression, anxiety, or grief. Using experiential and cognitive-behavioral methods, I customize our work based on your needs, focusing on attachment trauma and insecurities. I respect various faiths and worldviews, and together we will develop goals and create a path forward.
(810) 255-5330 View (810) 255-5330

See more therapy options for Davison

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.