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Online Therapists

Photo of Amber Kowing Hayzlett, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Amber Kowing Hayzlett
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37207
I help men, women, and LGBTQIA+ adults explore who they are and who they want to be. I deeply enjoy working with those who have experienced complex relational or religious/spiritual trauma, those who live with chronic pain or illnesses, and those (yes, you) high-achieving, perfectionists, creatives & professionals. Whether you're coming to therapy for the first time or the tenth time, my goal is that you are able to leave our sessions encouraged, equipped, and more compassionate towards yourself and others.
I help men, women, and LGBTQIA+ adults explore who they are and who they want to be. I deeply enjoy working with those who have experienced complex relational or religious/spiritual trauma, those who live with chronic pain or illnesses, and those (yes, you) high-achieving, perfectionists, creatives & professionals. Whether you're coming to therapy for the first time or the tenth time, my goal is that you are able to leave our sessions encouraged, equipped, and more compassionate towards yourself and others.
(615) 434-9115 View (615) 434-9115
Photo of Steve Zanoni, MA
Steve Zanoni
MA
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37207
I extend my support-driven counseling approach to clients dealing with difficult times or mental illness.
I am a Chicagoland native that migrated to Nashville in 2019 to pursue my passion for helping and motivating those in need of guidance and counseling. Working as a mental health professional with more than two decades of experience in counseling, public service and resolution, leadership roles, and mentoring, I have developed a distinct skill set for providing effective counseling and act as a positive support system for adults, adolescents, and children.
I extend my support-driven counseling approach to clients dealing with difficult times or mental illness.
I am a Chicagoland native that migrated to Nashville in 2019 to pursue my passion for helping and motivating those in need of guidance and counseling. Working as a mental health professional with more than two decades of experience in counseling, public service and resolution, leadership roles, and mentoring, I have developed a distinct skill set for providing effective counseling and act as a positive support system for adults, adolescents, and children.
(615) 257-3139 View (615) 257-3139
Photo of Brian S Poynter, LPC, MHSP, Counselor
Brian S Poynter
Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37212
Utilizing the basic tenets of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy I enjoy assisting those with a wide range of mental health issues. From acute illness such as Bipolar Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder to change of life issues, this approach allows for permanent change to the the distorted thought process. My experience has been, and continues to be inpatient at a local psychiatric hospital as well as my private practice. I will work with your psychiatrist or medical provider as well as supportive members of your family/life to provide a more comprehensive approach to mental wellness.
Utilizing the basic tenets of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy I enjoy assisting those with a wide range of mental health issues. From acute illness such as Bipolar Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder to change of life issues, this approach allows for permanent change to the the distorted thought process. My experience has been, and continues to be inpatient at a local psychiatric hospital as well as my private practice. I will work with your psychiatrist or medical provider as well as supportive members of your family/life to provide a more comprehensive approach to mental wellness.
(615) 442-7143 View (615) 442-7143
Photo of Jennifer K. Knowles, MHSP, (temp), Licensed Professional Counselor
Jennifer K. Knowles
Licensed Professional Counselor, MHSP, (temp)
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Goodlettsville, TN 37072
While I work with all types of clients, I have special training in chronic pain and illness, complex trauma, complicated grief, and end-of-life counseling.
I work with clients from all walks of life and with a variety of concerns and lived experiences. My approach to therapy is through a polyvagal-informed, body-based lens incorporating therapeutic modalities designed to attend to biological systems as well as core thoughts, beliefs, and emotions. Clients who are interested in achieving a better understanding of the body/brain connection and who would like to address chronic pain, tension, and trauma in the body will find help here. My goal is to restore ease and empower you to connect with your own innate healing abilities.
While I work with all types of clients, I have special training in chronic pain and illness, complex trauma, complicated grief, and end-of-life counseling.
I work with clients from all walks of life and with a variety of concerns and lived experiences. My approach to therapy is through a polyvagal-informed, body-based lens incorporating therapeutic modalities designed to attend to biological systems as well as core thoughts, beliefs, and emotions. Clients who are interested in achieving a better understanding of the body/brain connection and who would like to address chronic pain, tension, and trauma in the body will find help here. My goal is to restore ease and empower you to connect with your own innate healing abilities.
(629) 205-9519 View (629) 205-9519
Photo of Carrie Wilkerson, MA, MMFT, Pre-Licensed Professional
Carrie Wilkerson
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, MMFT
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37203
Hi, I’m Carrie. Whatever is happening in your life right now, we can face it with care and find authentic, effective ways to handle it, together. For over 20 years, I’ve worked with individuals, groups, organizations, and communities in making positive change. I have also experienced my own healing journey from childhood abuse and family dysfunction, so I’m intimately familiar with the terrain. My life’s passion is for healing trauma; transforming pain into wholeness; helping my clients develop their unique gifts and path; and nurturing relationships back to health; and that’s what I’ve trained to do.
Hi, I’m Carrie. Whatever is happening in your life right now, we can face it with care and find authentic, effective ways to handle it, together. For over 20 years, I’ve worked with individuals, groups, organizations, and communities in making positive change. I have also experienced my own healing journey from childhood abuse and family dysfunction, so I’m intimately familiar with the terrain. My life’s passion is for healing trauma; transforming pain into wholeness; helping my clients develop their unique gifts and path; and nurturing relationships back to health; and that’s what I’ve trained to do.
(615) 492-2208 View (615) 492-2208
Photo of Lara Branscomb Jackson, PhD, LPCMHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lara Branscomb Jackson
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPCMHSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Franklin, TN 37067
I believe that understanding our attachment style is one avenue to self-discovery. I use an integrative approach to help clients improve their connection with others and create a life of hope and purpose. My goal is to help clients improve their quality of life, increase self compassion, develop coping skills boundaries, decrease suffering, and improve body image. I work with adolescents, adults, couples, and families who struggle with relationships, chronic illness, stress, eating disorders/disordered eating, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, marital or family problems, grief and/or co-occurring disorders
I believe that understanding our attachment style is one avenue to self-discovery. I use an integrative approach to help clients improve their connection with others and create a life of hope and purpose. My goal is to help clients improve their quality of life, increase self compassion, develop coping skills boundaries, decrease suffering, and improve body image. I work with adolescents, adults, couples, and families who struggle with relationships, chronic illness, stress, eating disorders/disordered eating, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, marital or family problems, grief and/or co-occurring disorders
(615) 861-2526 View (615) 861-2526
Photo of Ellen Wilkins - Ellen Wilkins Counseling and Therapy, LMFT, PT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ellen Wilkins Counseling and Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37203
Waitlist for new clients
My hope is for you to transform your pain, and find acceptance and peace to live life to the fullest!.
Are you struggling with a difficult, significant person in your life? Do you stuff your feelings, trying to keep the peace then, in frustration, overreact? I have a passion for healthy relationships and believe a strong, therapeutic relationship can provide the context for transformative healing & growth. I work well with people who feel stuck in the way they handle conflict-either avoiding it or repeating unhealthy patterns or behaviors. I can help you expand your awareness about how the past is effecting the present so you can respond to those you love without losing yourself.
My hope is for you to transform your pain, and find acceptance and peace to live life to the fullest!.
Are you struggling with a difficult, significant person in your life? Do you stuff your feelings, trying to keep the peace then, in frustration, overreact? I have a passion for healthy relationships and believe a strong, therapeutic relationship can provide the context for transformative healing & growth. I work well with people who feel stuck in the way they handle conflict-either avoiding it or repeating unhealthy patterns or behaviors. I can help you expand your awareness about how the past is effecting the present so you can respond to those you love without losing yourself.
(615) 203-8110 View (615) 203-8110
Photo of Bob Coates, MDiv, LMFT-TN, LPC, TN-VA, LMHC-Fl, Counselor
Bob Coates
Counselor, MDiv, LMFT-TN, LPC, TN-VA, LMHC-Fl
Verified Verified
Franklin, TN 37067  (Online Only)
I am committed to assist my client's personal growth and healing, and improving their relationship with their family members and physicians, especially with behavioral pain management, PTSD, or substance abuse struggles.
I radiate empathy towards the personal challenges of suffering, be it physical, spiritual, or psychological. I also strive to assist your loved ones in comprehending the difficulties and possibilities in your life. With my background in collaborative care within the medical field, I can coordinate your treatment alongside your physician, should you wish. Moreover, I possess a deep understanding of executive professionals, recovering healthcare practitioners, attorneys, and judges. Many patients consistently express how therapy has granted them a renewed sense of consciousness, eradicating feelings of isolation and disconnection.
I am committed to assist my client's personal growth and healing, and improving their relationship with their family members and physicians, especially with behavioral pain management, PTSD, or substance abuse struggles.
I radiate empathy towards the personal challenges of suffering, be it physical, spiritual, or psychological. I also strive to assist your loved ones in comprehending the difficulties and possibilities in your life. With my background in collaborative care within the medical field, I can coordinate your treatment alongside your physician, should you wish. Moreover, I possess a deep understanding of executive professionals, recovering healthcare practitioners, attorneys, and judges. Many patients consistently express how therapy has granted them a renewed sense of consciousness, eradicating feelings of isolation and disconnection.
(813) 590-4878 View (813) 590-4878
Photo of Abby Graham, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Abby Graham
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37203
Hi, I’m Abby. I help people find ways of moving through pain more effectively and wholeheartedly. Experience working with psychiatric crises and severe & persistent mental illness taught me that presence and connection are possible amid deep emotional pain and the human capacity for meaningful change is remarkable. “You know that the antidote to exhaustion is not necessarily rest? … The antidote to exhaustion is wholeheartedness.” - David Whyte
Hi, I’m Abby. I help people find ways of moving through pain more effectively and wholeheartedly. Experience working with psychiatric crises and severe & persistent mental illness taught me that presence and connection are possible amid deep emotional pain and the human capacity for meaningful change is remarkable. “You know that the antidote to exhaustion is not necessarily rest? … The antidote to exhaustion is wholeheartedness.” - David Whyte
(615) 808-8945 View (615) 808-8945
Photo of Christine Wolf, MMFT, MedFT, CKAP
Christine Wolf
MMFT, MedFT, CKAP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37204
As a Temp-Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist I meet people where they are, find their own intention for therapy, & guide them through their interpersonal relationships, thoughts, and feelings. I work from an evidence-based Collaborative/Narrative Strength Based Approach to understand the patient’s perspective and help empower them to understand their mental health through neurophysiological psychoeducation, assessments, and build coping skills for everyday life stressors. I see patients with chronic illness, depression, anxiety, Trauma (PTSD, Complex), relationship distress/conflict. I work with individuals, couples, and families.
As a Temp-Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist I meet people where they are, find their own intention for therapy, & guide them through their interpersonal relationships, thoughts, and feelings. I work from an evidence-based Collaborative/Narrative Strength Based Approach to understand the patient’s perspective and help empower them to understand their mental health through neurophysiological psychoeducation, assessments, and build coping skills for everyday life stressors. I see patients with chronic illness, depression, anxiety, Trauma (PTSD, Complex), relationship distress/conflict. I work with individuals, couples, and families.
(615) 845-5951 View (615) 845-5951
Photo of James Weakley - Hope Renewed Counseling and EMDR Therapy, LPCMHSP, CCH, C-DBT, C-EMDR, LPCC-MN, Licensed Professional Counselor
Hope Renewed Counseling and EMDR Therapy
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCMHSP, CCH, C-DBT, C-EMDR, LPCC-MN
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hornsby, TN 38044  (Online Only)
Do you feel like the pressures and problems of life are crushing in on you, causing you to wonder just how much longer you can hang on? Are life experiences causing lost sleep, chronic pain, and impairments in your everyday life? Do you feel isolated, like no one really understands what it's like to be you? Life can deal some pretty nasty blows, and can at times, knock us down, and can even make us wonder if there's hope, or a reason to go on. As a trauma survivor, I know how it feels to be overwhelmed, feeling isolated and defeated! I also know there is HOPE and life after trauma. There truly is hope!
Do you feel like the pressures and problems of life are crushing in on you, causing you to wonder just how much longer you can hang on? Are life experiences causing lost sleep, chronic pain, and impairments in your everyday life? Do you feel isolated, like no one really understands what it's like to be you? Life can deal some pretty nasty blows, and can at times, knock us down, and can even make us wonder if there's hope, or a reason to go on. As a trauma survivor, I know how it feels to be overwhelmed, feeling isolated and defeated! I also know there is HOPE and life after trauma. There truly is hope!
(731) 628-8201 View (731) 628-8201
Photo of A. DeAnn Whalen, MS, LPC-, MHSP, (temp), Pre-Licensed Professional
A. DeAnn Whalen
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, LPC-, MHSP, (temp)
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Brentwood, TN 37027
My areas of specific interest are anxiety & overwhelm, perfectionism, caretaking, chronic illness, & end-of-life issues, and issues specific to creatives & the music industry.
Hi, I’m DeAnn, and I would be honored to support you on your path to healing. I provide a nurturing space to collaboratively explore and move through challenges while cultivating heart-centered coping skills. Amid the noise of our often confusing, pressured, and disconnected world, I aim to help you remember who you are at your core, enhancing your creativity and authentic “voice.” I believe in the power of slowing down and being listened to by someone who can help you uncover calm and creativity within. Our work would involve honoring your past and navigating the road ahead while grounding in the present.
My areas of specific interest are anxiety & overwhelm, perfectionism, caretaking, chronic illness, & end-of-life issues, and issues specific to creatives & the music industry.
Hi, I’m DeAnn, and I would be honored to support you on your path to healing. I provide a nurturing space to collaboratively explore and move through challenges while cultivating heart-centered coping skills. Amid the noise of our often confusing, pressured, and disconnected world, I aim to help you remember who you are at your core, enhancing your creativity and authentic “voice.” I believe in the power of slowing down and being listened to by someone who can help you uncover calm and creativity within. Our work would involve honoring your past and navigating the road ahead while grounding in the present.
(615) 348-8865 View (615) 348-8865
Photo of Jack Justin Dreher, LPCMHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jack Justin Dreher
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCMHSP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Franklin, TN 37064  (Online Only)
My areas of special interest and focus are: anxiety, depression, perfectionism, existential and spiritual issues, religious/spiritual trauma, artistic/creative issues, grief and loss, chronic pain, sexual health, and men’s issues.
I recognize that the journey that brought you to therapy may not have been an easy one. I work to assist you in your self-exploration, learning, and growth by creating a safe, nurturing, respectful, yet challenging environment. I prioritize your autonomy and personal responsibility throughout the healing process.
My areas of special interest and focus are: anxiety, depression, perfectionism, existential and spiritual issues, religious/spiritual trauma, artistic/creative issues, grief and loss, chronic pain, sexual health, and men’s issues.
I recognize that the journey that brought you to therapy may not have been an easy one. I work to assist you in your self-exploration, learning, and growth by creating a safe, nurturing, respectful, yet challenging environment. I prioritize your autonomy and personal responsibility throughout the healing process.
(615) 488-7683 View (615) 488-7683
Photo of Doug Taylor, LPC-, MHSP,  NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Doug Taylor
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-, MHSP, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37212
Your current pain and struggle need not define who you are.
I work with clients wanting to heal from all kinds of painful experiences and challenges in their lives. Often what brings someone into therapy, their current struggles, are symptoms of an underlying unresolved experience which has thrown life out of balance. Anxiety and depression, for example, frequently are a pattern of being stuck in a state of imbalance, following a significant loss, heartbreak or trauma. The goal of therapy is to restore the natural integrity and balance within clients, empowering them to lead creative and fulfilling lives.
Your current pain and struggle need not define who you are.
I work with clients wanting to heal from all kinds of painful experiences and challenges in their lives. Often what brings someone into therapy, their current struggles, are symptoms of an underlying unresolved experience which has thrown life out of balance. Anxiety and depression, for example, frequently are a pattern of being stuck in a state of imbalance, following a significant loss, heartbreak or trauma. The goal of therapy is to restore the natural integrity and balance within clients, empowering them to lead creative and fulfilling lives.
(615) 560-7675 View (615) 560-7675
Photo of Beverly Cohron McManus, MS, LPC, NCC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Beverly Cohron McManus
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC, MHSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brentwood, TN 37027  (Online Only)
Feeling overwhelmed? Stressed about your relationships? Does life seem out of control? Take the first step toward hope today! Our practice offers a unique, faith-based atmosphere, providing a refuge and healing space for you and your relationships. We offer counseling for individuals, couples, and families, addressing issues such as depression, motivation, infertility, anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, abandonment, abuse, communication problems, grief, and more. We look forward to meeting you and helping you find hope in your pain!
Feeling overwhelmed? Stressed about your relationships? Does life seem out of control? Take the first step toward hope today! Our practice offers a unique, faith-based atmosphere, providing a refuge and healing space for you and your relationships. We offer counseling for individuals, couples, and families, addressing issues such as depression, motivation, infertility, anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, abandonment, abuse, communication problems, grief, and more. We look forward to meeting you and helping you find hope in your pain!
(615) 745-1156 View (615) 745-1156
Photo of Michelle Hilton, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Michelle Hilton
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37212
Chronic perfectionism, while helpful in the short term, can lead to stress, relationship issues and chronic pain/illness down the road.
Are you feeling stressed, overwhelmed, anxious or depressed? Maybe you've been having thoughts of not being good enough or questioning your identity. You might be the kind of person who is used to having it all figured out and can usually manage things on your own, but lately it’s been feeling like too much to handle. Stress is starting to negatively impact your relationships, work and health. Trying to carry this weight can be emotionally and physically exhausting especially when you’re trying to do it alone. That’s where I come in.
Chronic perfectionism, while helpful in the short term, can lead to stress, relationship issues and chronic pain/illness down the road.
Are you feeling stressed, overwhelmed, anxious or depressed? Maybe you've been having thoughts of not being good enough or questioning your identity. You might be the kind of person who is used to having it all figured out and can usually manage things on your own, but lately it’s been feeling like too much to handle. Stress is starting to negatively impact your relationships, work and health. Trying to carry this weight can be emotionally and physically exhausting especially when you’re trying to do it alone. That’s where I come in.
(615) 395-6489 View (615) 395-6489
Photo of Leslie Ann Binch, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Leslie Ann Binch
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37206
Talk therapy is not enough. My approach to therapy focuses on combining cognitive and somatic therapies to strengthen connection to self, and reduce the blocks to healing. The goal is to connect to your authenticity, and have the freedom to find positive and affirming ways to enjoy relationships with self and others. The goal is to experience life without shutting down or disconnecting, and/or using destructive behaviors to reduce pain and distress. Attaining the freedom to choose what you want for yourself, begins with taking the first step.
Talk therapy is not enough. My approach to therapy focuses on combining cognitive and somatic therapies to strengthen connection to self, and reduce the blocks to healing. The goal is to connect to your authenticity, and have the freedom to find positive and affirming ways to enjoy relationships with self and others. The goal is to experience life without shutting down or disconnecting, and/or using destructive behaviors to reduce pain and distress. Attaining the freedom to choose what you want for yourself, begins with taking the first step.
(615) 274-4233 View (615) 274-4233
Photo of Jami Ivey, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jami Ivey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Antioch, TN 37013
My name is Jami Ivey, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Tennessee and Kentucky. I have 30 years of experience in the field and over 22 years as an LCSW. I work with all ages with various issues. I work with each client on individual issues helping them reach treatment goals. I see people with various issues such as, but not limited to depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, chronic pain, trauma, life changes, behavior issues, adjustment disorder, and parenting issues.
My name is Jami Ivey, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Tennessee and Kentucky. I have 30 years of experience in the field and over 22 years as an LCSW. I work with all ages with various issues. I work with each client on individual issues helping them reach treatment goals. I see people with various issues such as, but not limited to depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, chronic pain, trauma, life changes, behavior issues, adjustment disorder, and parenting issues.
(629) 276-4912 View (629) 276-4912
Photo of Carolyn Kutsko, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Carolyn Kutsko
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37204
David Forbes and I facilitate Groups helping clients heal from trauma and emotional pain.
I am a Holistic Therapist meaning I treat mental health through the lens of the whole person: emotional, relational, physical, and spiritual. I offer experiences treating depression, trauma, anxiety, eating disorders and other mental health issues aiming to bring clients into their bodies and out of the mode of traditional talk therapy. These include psychodrama, sand tray, art, and yoga therapy. Wounding happens through living, relational, body-felt experiences and require similar experiences to heal. I create a safe container and relationship for the natural process of healing to occur. Expect to move, breath, and feel... we will not just sit and talk.
David Forbes and I facilitate Groups helping clients heal from trauma and emotional pain.
I am a Holistic Therapist meaning I treat mental health through the lens of the whole person: emotional, relational, physical, and spiritual. I offer experiences treating depression, trauma, anxiety, eating disorders and other mental health issues aiming to bring clients into their bodies and out of the mode of traditional talk therapy. These include psychodrama, sand tray, art, and yoga therapy. Wounding happens through living, relational, body-felt experiences and require similar experiences to heal. I create a safe container and relationship for the natural process of healing to occur. Expect to move, breath, and feel... we will not just sit and talk.
(615) 800-7078 View (615) 800-7078
Photo of David Pearl, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
David Pearl
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37205
Prior experience includes counseling patients with chronic illness, and psychotherapy with individuals & couples in an outpatient mental health center and in private practice.
People's lives are full of change, transitions and evolving relationships. It is natural to feel ungrounded or stressed during these transitions. Whether you are depressed, anxious, or experiencing challenges in your relationships, my aim is to provide a safe and supportive environment to facilitate exploration and strengthen self esteem and relationships with family, friends or professional colleagues. My approach as a psychotherapist is non-judgmental, value-based, and practical. I am an active therapist who is dedicated to helping people live their best lives.
Prior experience includes counseling patients with chronic illness, and psychotherapy with individuals & couples in an outpatient mental health center and in private practice.
People's lives are full of change, transitions and evolving relationships. It is natural to feel ungrounded or stressed during these transitions. Whether you are depressed, anxious, or experiencing challenges in your relationships, my aim is to provide a safe and supportive environment to facilitate exploration and strengthen self esteem and relationships with family, friends or professional colleagues. My approach as a psychotherapist is non-judgmental, value-based, and practical. I am an active therapist who is dedicated to helping people live their best lives.
(615) 697-4750 View (615) 697-4750

See more therapy options for Paris

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.