Chronic Pain Therapists in Kernersville, NC

Photo of Carol Walsh, MEd, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Carol Walsh
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MEd, LCSW
Verified Verified
Kernersville, NC 27284
You may be experiencing anxious worries, feelings of depression, chronic pain, concerns about parenting, stress-eating, conflicts or uncertainty at work or home, or the pain and upheaval of a loss. My commitment is to creating a health-focussed solution to your problems. I provide a calm, compassionate, and thoughtful presence in order to help you achieve a greater sense of peace and acceptance, as well as a greater sense of control over the direction of your life. I welcome phone and email inquiries to answer any questions you may have about my practice and my approach to achieving greater emotional wellness.
You may be experiencing anxious worries, feelings of depression, chronic pain, concerns about parenting, stress-eating, conflicts or uncertainty at work or home, or the pain and upheaval of a loss. My commitment is to creating a health-focussed solution to your problems. I provide a calm, compassionate, and thoughtful presence in order to help you achieve a greater sense of peace and acceptance, as well as a greater sense of control over the direction of your life. I welcome phone and email inquiries to answer any questions you may have about my practice and my approach to achieving greater emotional wellness.
(336) 685-1947 View (336) 685-1947
Photo of Holly Johnson, MSW, LCSW-A, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Holly Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-A
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Kernersville, NC 27284
I specialize in treating Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, PTSD, Chronic Pain as well as Grief, Life Transitions, Caregiver Strain, Coping Skills, Stress Management, Self-esteem issues, Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Anger Management and Faith integration, when requested.
Sometimes when you’re in a dark place, you tend to think you have been buried. Perhaps you have been planted? My passion is to help you find what puts that sparkle back in your eyes. Sometimes life beats us down or perhaps you haven’t had the opportunity to discover your own inner beauty because your focus was on survival. My goal is to create a safe, authentic, non-judgmental space where individuals can be heard and supported so that healing may begin and your unique gifts and beauty will be discovered/rediscovered. I am here to help you not only navigate how to survive but to help you learn how to truly thrive!
I specialize in treating Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, PTSD, Chronic Pain as well as Grief, Life Transitions, Caregiver Strain, Coping Skills, Stress Management, Self-esteem issues, Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Anger Management and Faith integration, when requested.
Sometimes when you’re in a dark place, you tend to think you have been buried. Perhaps you have been planted? My passion is to help you find what puts that sparkle back in your eyes. Sometimes life beats us down or perhaps you haven’t had the opportunity to discover your own inner beauty because your focus was on survival. My goal is to create a safe, authentic, non-judgmental space where individuals can be heard and supported so that healing may begin and your unique gifts and beauty will be discovered/rediscovered. I am here to help you not only navigate how to survive but to help you learn how to truly thrive!
(336) 439-8141 View (336) 439-8141
Photo of Deidre Montgomery, MSW, LCSWA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Deidre Montgomery
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSWA
Verified Verified
Kernersville, NC 27284
Outside of my focus areas, I have experience working with bipolar disorder, substance use, depression, grief, trauma, borderline personality disorder, chronic illness/ pain, children, teens, young adults, older adults, and low-income.
Seeking therapeutic counseling can be challenging for any number of reasons, from being ready to take the first step on your mental health journey to finding a therapist that's right for you. Wherever you are on your path, I aim to provide a comforting, non-judgmental environment where you feel heard, valued, and comfortable being yourself. Therapy is collaborative work with your goals as the focus. The number of different therapeutic treatments out there may be overwhelming, but I can help you find what works. No matter who you are, I will work with you to reach your next step and grow while you decide what we are working towards.
Outside of my focus areas, I have experience working with bipolar disorder, substance use, depression, grief, trauma, borderline personality disorder, chronic illness/ pain, children, teens, young adults, older adults, and low-income.
Seeking therapeutic counseling can be challenging for any number of reasons, from being ready to take the first step on your mental health journey to finding a therapist that's right for you. Wherever you are on your path, I aim to provide a comforting, non-judgmental environment where you feel heard, valued, and comfortable being yourself. Therapy is collaborative work with your goals as the focus. The number of different therapeutic treatments out there may be overwhelming, but I can help you find what works. No matter who you are, I will work with you to reach your next step and grow while you decide what we are working towards.
(336) 396-5798 View (336) 396-5798
Photo of Madalina Ochenatu, MS, CRC, LCMHCA, Counselor
Madalina Ochenatu
Counselor, MS, CRC, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kernersville, NC 27284
Given my training in medicine, psychology, clinical rehabilitation & mental health, I espouse a holistic approach to help you best manage stress and chronic illness, process past trauma, and improve your QOL.
It is frustrating to have tried everything, yet continue to feel in pain, sad, hopeless, stuck in the past, and worrying about the future, yourself, and your relationships. Stress, past trauma, chronic physical & mental illness can make you feel that way, affecting your quality of life (QOL). Imagine though a life where you get a boost of energy and motivation, quiet negative self-talk, cope better with stress, manage physical and emotional pain, build confidence, feel less worried, self-conscious and withdrawn, regain hope and pleasure in things you used to enjoy, live a healthier life style, and accomplish meaningful life goals.
Given my training in medicine, psychology, clinical rehabilitation & mental health, I espouse a holistic approach to help you best manage stress and chronic illness, process past trauma, and improve your QOL.
It is frustrating to have tried everything, yet continue to feel in pain, sad, hopeless, stuck in the past, and worrying about the future, yourself, and your relationships. Stress, past trauma, chronic physical & mental illness can make you feel that way, affecting your quality of life (QOL). Imagine though a life where you get a boost of energy and motivation, quiet negative self-talk, cope better with stress, manage physical and emotional pain, build confidence, feel less worried, self-conscious and withdrawn, regain hope and pleasure in things you used to enjoy, live a healthier life style, and accomplish meaningful life goals.
(984) 205-4877 View (984) 205-4877
Photo of Tanya Gunter, MAEd, NCC, LCMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Tanya Gunter
Licensed Professional Counselor, MAEd, NCC, LCMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kernersville, NC 27284
Waitlist for new clients
The therapeutic process is an opportunity to to address problematic issues in a safe, nurturing environment that will encourage growth toward healing, self-awareness, coping and wellness. I specialize in counseling women, men and adolescents who strive to change unhealthy patterns and learn new ways of becoming successful, happy and peaceful. If you find yourself thinking, "Life shouldn't be this hard," I can help you examine the disconnect you feel and and turn it into knowledge that works for you. Choices rather than limitations; power over powerlessness.
The therapeutic process is an opportunity to to address problematic issues in a safe, nurturing environment that will encourage growth toward healing, self-awareness, coping and wellness. I specialize in counseling women, men and adolescents who strive to change unhealthy patterns and learn new ways of becoming successful, happy and peaceful. If you find yourself thinking, "Life shouldn't be this hard," I can help you examine the disconnect you feel and and turn it into knowledge that works for you. Choices rather than limitations; power over powerlessness.
(336) 949-6149 View (336) 949-6149
Photo of Joseph B Alexander - Footprints Counseling, MA, MDiv, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Footprints Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MDiv, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Kernersville, NC 27285
Clients come to me in trying times for help dealing with issues like depression, anxiety, grief issues, and anger issues. I don't see myself as the "expert" who is going to provide all the "answers" but I do promise to walk with my clients as they address the issues we identify together that they want to address in therapy. I am comfortable working with clients individuals, couples and families, and kids (age 9 to adults). I have been theologically trained and can explore spiritual issues and crises as a pastoral counselor, also.
Clients come to me in trying times for help dealing with issues like depression, anxiety, grief issues, and anger issues. I don't see myself as the "expert" who is going to provide all the "answers" but I do promise to walk with my clients as they address the issues we identify together that they want to address in therapy. I am comfortable working with clients individuals, couples and families, and kids (age 9 to adults). I have been theologically trained and can explore spiritual issues and crises as a pastoral counselor, also.
(336) 939-0412 View (336) 939-0412
Photo of Esther Mendez, MS, CRC, LCMHC
Esther Mendez
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MS, CRC, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Kernersville, NC 27284
Personal power is necessary when bad things happen to good people. With over 18 years of experience in the mental health field, I've worked with individuals of all ages and their families. So whether it's the end of a marriage or a job; PTSD; depression or the roller coaster of ADHD, Bipolar Disorders, Behavioral Addictions and more, I'm here to help you step through the door of your "old" normal and into improved personal power and an increased sense of personal success that will become your "new" normal with a happier, healthier life.
Personal power is necessary when bad things happen to good people. With over 18 years of experience in the mental health field, I've worked with individuals of all ages and their families. So whether it's the end of a marriage or a job; PTSD; depression or the roller coaster of ADHD, Bipolar Disorders, Behavioral Addictions and more, I'm here to help you step through the door of your "old" normal and into improved personal power and an increased sense of personal success that will become your "new" normal with a happier, healthier life.
(336) 814-9297 View (336) 814-9297
Photo of Laura Taylor - Greenway Counseling & Wellness, LCMHCS, LCMHC, LCMHCA, LCASA, LCSW, Licensed Professional Counselor
Greenway Counseling & Wellness
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHCS, LCMHC, LCMHCA, LCASA, LCSW
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Kernersville, NC 27284
As a group practice, we have a particular interest in helping our adult clients address traumas that may have occurred across their lifespan. Trauma can come in all shapes and sizes, & we believe it can be at the center of many concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, performance issues, & addiction. We also love working with children, teens, & their families! Whether it's fears and worries, behavior problems, family & life changes, or school & relationship struggles, we are here to support younger individuals & their families.
As a group practice, we have a particular interest in helping our adult clients address traumas that may have occurred across their lifespan. Trauma can come in all shapes and sizes, & we believe it can be at the center of many concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, performance issues, & addiction. We also love working with children, teens, & their families! Whether it's fears and worries, behavior problems, family & life changes, or school & relationship struggles, we are here to support younger individuals & their families.
(336) 496-2361 View (336) 496-2361
Photo of Elyse Edwards - Forsyth Family Counseling, Licensed Professional Counselor
Forsyth Family Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kernersville, NC 27284
Our licensed therapists have extensive training and experience in issues affecting adults, couples, children, adolescents and their families. We specialize in treating a range of conditions including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, attachment, addiction, grief, women/men's issues, ADHD, oppositional/defiance, trauma, post traumatic stress disorder, OCD, and much more. We also offer extensive effective parenting training if your child is oppositional, defiant, and sometimes even aggressive.
Our licensed therapists have extensive training and experience in issues affecting adults, couples, children, adolescents and their families. We specialize in treating a range of conditions including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, attachment, addiction, grief, women/men's issues, ADHD, oppositional/defiance, trauma, post traumatic stress disorder, OCD, and much more. We also offer extensive effective parenting training if your child is oppositional, defiant, and sometimes even aggressive.
(336) 750-6021 View (336) 750-6021
Photo of William (Stacey) Steck, MDiv, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
William (Stacey) Steck
Marriage & Family Therapist, MDiv, MA
Verified Verified
Kernersville, NC 27284
We may not like to admit it, but sometimes we just need help in sorting out our thoughts, feelings, relationships, and problems. Hey, if you could have "fixed" yourself on your own, you wouldn't be here looking for a therapist! With more than twenty years of experience as a pastor to complement my practice of therapy, I have seen how individuals of all ages, couples of all types, and families of all shapes and sizes both endure and solve problems, as well as how just a little effort can go a long way. The important thing for you to know is that there's nothing inherently wrong with you; you just need a little help working it out.
We may not like to admit it, but sometimes we just need help in sorting out our thoughts, feelings, relationships, and problems. Hey, if you could have "fixed" yourself on your own, you wouldn't be here looking for a therapist! With more than twenty years of experience as a pastor to complement my practice of therapy, I have seen how individuals of all ages, couples of all types, and families of all shapes and sizes both endure and solve problems, as well as how just a little effort can go a long way. The important thing for you to know is that there's nothing inherently wrong with you; you just need a little help working it out.
(704) 327-0562 View (704) 327-0562
Photo of Sheryl Norris Ketner, MEd, LCMHCS, NCC
Sheryl Norris Ketner
MEd, LCMHCS, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kernersville, NC 27285
Not accepting new clients
Fisher Park Counseling is a private counseling practice located near downtown Greensboro. I offer a warm, safe, and inviting atmosphere where you can share your concerns and we can work towards positive changes. I welcome all ethnicities, sexual identities and and spiritual orientations. I am qualified to work with individuals and couples experiencing a number of concerns including mood disorders, sexual abuse, anxiety disorders, adjustment issues, relationship and family concerns and social issues to name a few.
Fisher Park Counseling is a private counseling practice located near downtown Greensboro. I offer a warm, safe, and inviting atmosphere where you can share your concerns and we can work towards positive changes. I welcome all ethnicities, sexual identities and and spiritual orientations. I am qualified to work with individuals and couples experiencing a number of concerns including mood disorders, sexual abuse, anxiety disorders, adjustment issues, relationship and family concerns and social issues to name a few.
(336) 542-2076 View (336) 542-2076

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Erin L Joyner
Erin L Joyner
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
High Point, NC 27265  (Online Only)
My name is Erin Joyner, and I am a Master’s Intern Therapist at Breaking Cycles Counseling. I have experience working with depression, anxiety, trauma, interpersonal relationships, life changes, and grief. I also specialize in helping clients living with chronic pain, illness, and disability. I can happily provide for a broad spectrum of needs for individual adults, seniors, teens, couples, and families, via telehealth. I always aim to help people by tailoring my approach to your individual needs. I have a nonjudgmental perspective on everyone and have yet to meet anyone from whom I can’t learn something, too!
My name is Erin Joyner, and I am a Master’s Intern Therapist at Breaking Cycles Counseling. I have experience working with depression, anxiety, trauma, interpersonal relationships, life changes, and grief. I also specialize in helping clients living with chronic pain, illness, and disability. I can happily provide for a broad spectrum of needs for individual adults, seniors, teens, couples, and families, via telehealth. I always aim to help people by tailoring my approach to your individual needs. I have a nonjudgmental perspective on everyone and have yet to meet anyone from whom I can’t learn something, too!
(336) 715-0047 x102 View (336) 715-0047 x102
Photo of Leah Dixon, MS, LCMHC
Leah Dixon
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MS, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Winston Salem, NC 27101
Areas of focus: anxiety, chronic illness, depression, grief and loss, self esteem, and trauma.
Being human can be difficult. I hope to provide a safe nonjudgmental space so you can feel heard and seen, a space to be honest and reflect on what’s meaningful, and to recognize the impacts of culture and society on your wellbeing. I encourage others to enter into vulnerability to do deeper work that can create lasting change. My desire is to help my clients find self-compassion to heal the old wounds that can keep us stuck and find peace. Being human can also be beautiful, and I hope to help you discover that beauty in your own life.
Areas of focus: anxiety, chronic illness, depression, grief and loss, self esteem, and trauma.
Being human can be difficult. I hope to provide a safe nonjudgmental space so you can feel heard and seen, a space to be honest and reflect on what’s meaningful, and to recognize the impacts of culture and society on your wellbeing. I encourage others to enter into vulnerability to do deeper work that can create lasting change. My desire is to help my clients find self-compassion to heal the old wounds that can keep us stuck and find peace. Being human can also be beautiful, and I hope to help you discover that beauty in your own life.
(336) 502-6072 View (336) 502-6072
Photo of Tia Hunter, MS, LCMHCA
Tia Hunter
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, MS, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Winston Salem, NC 27101  (Online Only)
Working to ensure members of communities such as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, chronic illness, and hidden disabilities feel heard and seen is a daily goal.
I strive to create an environment for each client that is as liberating as it is welcoming to inspire a growth mindset. Our sessions have a person-centered foundation and incorporate approaches such as CBT, Somatic, ACT, Existential, Narrative, Brainspotting, and yoga-based therapies as needed. I find that the methods listed help foster a growth mindset and allow clients to reflect on their experiences and explore their goals and values at a pace that suits them. Sessions, treatment planning, and goals are the result of our partnership, and it's important that you always feel comfortable in the design of your care.
Working to ensure members of communities such as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, chronic illness, and hidden disabilities feel heard and seen is a daily goal.
I strive to create an environment for each client that is as liberating as it is welcoming to inspire a growth mindset. Our sessions have a person-centered foundation and incorporate approaches such as CBT, Somatic, ACT, Existential, Narrative, Brainspotting, and yoga-based therapies as needed. I find that the methods listed help foster a growth mindset and allow clients to reflect on their experiences and explore their goals and values at a pace that suits them. Sessions, treatment planning, and goals are the result of our partnership, and it's important that you always feel comfortable in the design of your care.
(336) 502-5521 View (336) 502-5521
Photo of Valarie Anne Snell, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Valarie Anne Snell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
High Point, NC 27265
Waitlist for new clients
At my office, I hope to make sure all feel welcome. I want my clients to know that I hear you and I see you; your pain matters. Brutality at the hands of others is hard to process, but I hope we can go on that journey together. I specialize in trauma recovery, but also treat a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, relationship problems, and more severe disorders. I work with my client to find what therapy methods work best for her/him/them, as we are all different individuals with different needs.
At my office, I hope to make sure all feel welcome. I want my clients to know that I hear you and I see you; your pain matters. Brutality at the hands of others is hard to process, but I hope we can go on that journey together. I specialize in trauma recovery, but also treat a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, relationship problems, and more severe disorders. I work with my client to find what therapy methods work best for her/him/them, as we are all different individuals with different needs.
(336) 754-2119 x228 View (336) 754-2119 x228
Photo of Amy O'Hearn, MSW, LCAS, LCSW, Drug & Alcohol Counselor
Amy O'Hearn
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, MSW, LCAS, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oak Ridge, NC 27310
Are you struggling with anxiety, social settings, negative self-talk, guilt, shame, or substance use? Would you like help developing healthy coping skills, learning how to change your self-talk and behaviors? Do you have difficulty feeling confident making choices in your life? Have you experienced a recent illness or health diagnosis that you are having difficulty processing? If so, I would love to help explore these areas with you and assist you in developing a plan that allows you to accomplish your goals. We will work together to develop a plan for you and allow you to persevere through your challenges.
Are you struggling with anxiety, social settings, negative self-talk, guilt, shame, or substance use? Would you like help developing healthy coping skills, learning how to change your self-talk and behaviors? Do you have difficulty feeling confident making choices in your life? Have you experienced a recent illness or health diagnosis that you are having difficulty processing? If so, I would love to help explore these areas with you and assist you in developing a plan that allows you to accomplish your goals. We will work together to develop a plan for you and allow you to persevere through your challenges.
(336) 810-0157 View (336) 810-0157
Photo of Mary Cottam Keever, LCSW, CHC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Mary Cottam Keever
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CHC
Verified Verified
High Point, NC 27265
I find that trauma and chronic illness often go hand in hand.
Glad you found me here! I come from the medical system and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Health Coach. As a social worker, I see you as the expert of yourself and am determined to help you get what you want. I would like to help you with whatever is getting in your way and nurture your connection to yourself-increasing awareness, trust in yourself and love for yourself so that you might feel more capable. I am passionate about working with graduate/college students, young adults and the LGBTQIA2S+ community. I am typically useful to parents, caregivers and partners of folks with substance use disorders.
I find that trauma and chronic illness often go hand in hand.
Glad you found me here! I come from the medical system and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Health Coach. As a social worker, I see you as the expert of yourself and am determined to help you get what you want. I would like to help you with whatever is getting in your way and nurture your connection to yourself-increasing awareness, trust in yourself and love for yourself so that you might feel more capable. I am passionate about working with graduate/college students, young adults and the LGBTQIA2S+ community. I am typically useful to parents, caregivers and partners of folks with substance use disorders.
(336) 916-9181 View (336) 916-9181
Photo of Jade Spielman, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jade Spielman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
High Point, NC 27265
Whether it is the loss of a person, loss of a job, or loss of a dream that you had once hoped for; I am trained and dedicated to providing a safe and compassionate space to process the phases of loss. I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families on a variety of issues, with concentrations and specializations in grief and loss therapy, as well as the postpartum phases of life and pregnancy/infant loss. In addition, I work clients with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, stress management, trauma, chronic illness, abuse, phase of life issues, marital/couple conflict and divorce.
Whether it is the loss of a person, loss of a job, or loss of a dream that you had once hoped for; I am trained and dedicated to providing a safe and compassionate space to process the phases of loss. I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families on a variety of issues, with concentrations and specializations in grief and loss therapy, as well as the postpartum phases of life and pregnancy/infant loss. In addition, I work clients with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, stress management, trauma, chronic illness, abuse, phase of life issues, marital/couple conflict and divorce.
(336) 530-5046 View (336) 530-5046
Photo of Valerie Begovich, LCHMC
Valerie Begovich
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCHMC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
High Point, NC 27265
Are you looking for a healing therapy that goes to the core of the issue and transforms your connection with body, mind and spirit? I have an extensive background in treating issues related to trauma, chronic physical issues, anxiety, depression and more starting from conception to present. Also, I help professional adults who feel like you aren't fully living, people with chronic health or pain, as well as many mental health professionals. My modalities are holistic and go much deeper than talk therapy or correcting thinking. In addition, I work with businesses & groups to teach simple but powerful brain & body skills.
Are you looking for a healing therapy that goes to the core of the issue and transforms your connection with body, mind and spirit? I have an extensive background in treating issues related to trauma, chronic physical issues, anxiety, depression and more starting from conception to present. Also, I help professional adults who feel like you aren't fully living, people with chronic health or pain, as well as many mental health professionals. My modalities are holistic and go much deeper than talk therapy or correcting thinking. In addition, I work with businesses & groups to teach simple but powerful brain & body skills.
(336) 383-1420 View (336) 383-1420
Photo of Mitchell Bloom; Medical Hypnosis, MD, CHT, BCH
Mitchell Bloom; Medical Hypnosis
MD, CHT, BCH
Verified Verified
Oak Ridge, NC 27310
Dr. Bloom gave up a lucrative medical career to treat the root psychological components of physical, emotional, and spiritual conditions. In his 35 years of practicing medicine he found that the mind-body connection is very real, and is the invisible cause of many seemingly untreatable medical conditions. He found that by correcting root unconscious causes of diseases, many chronic medical conditions can improve. This can be seen in the numerous clinical studies which can be found at rootcausehypnosis.online/education/hypnosis-studies
Dr. Bloom gave up a lucrative medical career to treat the root psychological components of physical, emotional, and spiritual conditions. In his 35 years of practicing medicine he found that the mind-body connection is very real, and is the invisible cause of many seemingly untreatable medical conditions. He found that by correcting root unconscious causes of diseases, many chronic medical conditions can improve. This can be seen in the numerous clinical studies which can be found at rootcausehypnosis.online/education/hypnosis-studies
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See more therapy options for Kernersville

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.