Chronic Pain Therapists in Austin, TX

Photo of Lisa Beth Skalla (Enteave Counseling), LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lisa Beth Skalla (Enteave Counseling)
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78759
Facing trauma, chronic pain, illness, or sudden loss can feel overwhelming. You seek resilience and growth amidst life's uncertainties, desiring a path to well-being that respects your unique story and core values. You're looking for compassionate support that integrates practical strategies with a holistic approach to navigate these challenges effectively, all while maintaining room for all human emotions, including laughter and joy.
Facing trauma, chronic pain, illness, or sudden loss can feel overwhelming. You seek resilience and growth amidst life's uncertainties, desiring a path to well-being that respects your unique story and core values. You're looking for compassionate support that integrates practical strategies with a holistic approach to navigate these challenges effectively, all while maintaining room for all human emotions, including laughter and joy.
(737) 520-7489 View (737) 520-7489
Photo of Noelle Prax, MA
Noelle Prax
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MA
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78748
Trauma can be a hard subject to talk about. Often we minimize or compare our experiences with those of our friends who are somehow more valid. We struggle to name our trauma, but trauma includes impactful events like not having our needs met growing up or a significant break-up. Chronic trauma is stored in the body and can manifest as feeling on edge, feeling overstimulated, or people-pleasing. As a former EMT, I understand how these experiences can manifest somatically. I specialize in complex trauma and attachment wounds, and support individuals through life transitions, grief, medical trauma, chronic illness, and OCD.
Trauma can be a hard subject to talk about. Often we minimize or compare our experiences with those of our friends who are somehow more valid. We struggle to name our trauma, but trauma includes impactful events like not having our needs met growing up or a significant break-up. Chronic trauma is stored in the body and can manifest as feeling on edge, feeling overstimulated, or people-pleasing. As a former EMT, I understand how these experiences can manifest somatically. I specialize in complex trauma and attachment wounds, and support individuals through life transitions, grief, medical trauma, chronic illness, and OCD.
(737) 345-4693 View (737) 345-4693
Photo of Eric Swanholm, PhD, Psychologist
Eric Swanholm
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78750
I am specially trained and have experience working with individuals with chronic pain conditions, inclusive of specific/generalized pain and migraine headaches.
I have provided evaluation and treatment for individuals who experience difficulties from the combination of psychological symptoms and chronic medical conditions. In particular, I have worked extensively with individuals experiencing both chronic pain (specific or generalized chronic pain, fibromyalgia, migraine headaches) and symptoms of depressive/anxiety-related disorders. I have worked extensively with individuals experiencing chronic medical conditions and personality-related disorders. Often, chronic pain, leads to development or worsening of psychological symptoms. Whether an individual's psychological symptoms existed prior to or developed after his or her chronic medical condition, I offer treatment toward an increase quality of life.
I am specially trained and have experience working with individuals with chronic pain conditions, inclusive of specific/generalized pain and migraine headaches.
I have provided evaluation and treatment for individuals who experience difficulties from the combination of psychological symptoms and chronic medical conditions. In particular, I have worked extensively with individuals experiencing both chronic pain (specific or generalized chronic pain, fibromyalgia, migraine headaches) and symptoms of depressive/anxiety-related disorders. I have worked extensively with individuals experiencing chronic medical conditions and personality-related disorders. Often, chronic pain, leads to development or worsening of psychological symptoms. Whether an individual's psychological symptoms existed prior to or developed after his or her chronic medical condition, I offer treatment toward an increase quality of life.
(817) 383-2914 View (817) 383-2914
Photo of Beth Garrison, PhD, Psychologist
Beth Garrison
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78759
, headaches, chronic pain.
My approach is practical, solution-focused and based on listening carefully to your concerns. And then, we roll up our sleeves, and work together to transform your situation. With over 20 years of experience as a psychologist, I use cognitive-behavioral therapy: I listen, I give feedback, we discuss obstacles to change and creative ways around them. We move at the pace that works for you. You may surprise yourself: a small change in perspective can sometimes transform your life.
, headaches, chronic pain.
My approach is practical, solution-focused and based on listening carefully to your concerns. And then, we roll up our sleeves, and work together to transform your situation. With over 20 years of experience as a psychologist, I use cognitive-behavioral therapy: I listen, I give feedback, we discuss obstacles to change and creative ways around them. We move at the pace that works for you. You may surprise yourself: a small change in perspective can sometimes transform your life.
(512) 271-3727 View (512) 271-3727
Photo of Erin Page Spalding, LCSW-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Erin Page Spalding
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78703
Are you grieving the loss of something or someone you loved? Perhaps it was the traumatic loss of a person close to you or your health due to illness. Maybe you’re grieving the person you once knew who you’ve lost due to substances, dementia, or mental health. Grief is a difficult, exhausting, and often isolating process. You may feel like you don’t even know how to or want to move forward, or you may have thought you did and are only now realizing you could use some support to do that. You’re looking for a safe place to start on or move forward in your grief journey.
Are you grieving the loss of something or someone you loved? Perhaps it was the traumatic loss of a person close to you or your health due to illness. Maybe you’re grieving the person you once knew who you’ve lost due to substances, dementia, or mental health. Grief is a difficult, exhausting, and often isolating process. You may feel like you don’t even know how to or want to move forward, or you may have thought you did and are only now realizing you could use some support to do that. You’re looking for a safe place to start on or move forward in your grief journey.
(512) 270-7241 View (512) 270-7241
Photo of India Gardner, MA, LPC-A, LPC Intern
India Gardner
LPC Intern, MA, LPC-A
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78753  (Online Only)
My specialties include TBIs and concussions, acquired and congenital disabilities, chronic illness and pain, racial identity and affirmation, mood and anxiety concerns and life transitions.
I'm India! Thank you for taking the first step on your therapeutic journey of healing and restoration with me! I'm the Founder and Therapist of Couch Conversations and Consulting, a fully online private practice offering quality mental health telehealth services for clients who prefer virtual sessions or may not be able to meet for in person sessions and are seeking a collaborative, compassionate and empowering therapy experience on the road to healing and restoration from the comfort of their own homes. I aim for my work as a therapist to be living proof of the benefits that therapy can be for one’s overall mental health.
My specialties include TBIs and concussions, acquired and congenital disabilities, chronic illness and pain, racial identity and affirmation, mood and anxiety concerns and life transitions.
I'm India! Thank you for taking the first step on your therapeutic journey of healing and restoration with me! I'm the Founder and Therapist of Couch Conversations and Consulting, a fully online private practice offering quality mental health telehealth services for clients who prefer virtual sessions or may not be able to meet for in person sessions and are seeking a collaborative, compassionate and empowering therapy experience on the road to healing and restoration from the comfort of their own homes. I aim for my work as a therapist to be living proof of the benefits that therapy can be for one’s overall mental health.
(737) 232-4769 View (737) 232-4769
Photo of Kelly Pastori, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kelly Pastori
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78704
Trauma and abuse: spiritual, emotional, sexual, physical, racial; Nervous system psychoeducation, anxiety/depression; Boundaries and codependency; Non Monogamy and Polyamory;Sexual identity development, Evangelical fundamentalist Purity culture recovery; White identity development; Chronic illness, unidentified physical pain and stress, psychosomatic stress.
At the heart of my work, I approach therapy from a relational, psychodynamic therapy model, which means I believe the relationship between the client and therapist can be a transformative component in the growth process. I am a LPC combining modern neurobiology with holistic somatic healing, the psychodynamic therapeutic relationship, and body-based practices to create an experiential awakening on a bodily, psychological and emotional level. I work from a somatic-centered therapeutic approach, meaning that I believe that the body tells the stories and narratives. For more information, my website is: www.kellypastori.com
Trauma and abuse: spiritual, emotional, sexual, physical, racial; Nervous system psychoeducation, anxiety/depression; Boundaries and codependency; Non Monogamy and Polyamory;Sexual identity development, Evangelical fundamentalist Purity culture recovery; White identity development; Chronic illness, unidentified physical pain and stress, psychosomatic stress.
At the heart of my work, I approach therapy from a relational, psychodynamic therapy model, which means I believe the relationship between the client and therapist can be a transformative component in the growth process. I am a LPC combining modern neurobiology with holistic somatic healing, the psychodynamic therapeutic relationship, and body-based practices to create an experiential awakening on a bodily, psychological and emotional level. I work from a somatic-centered therapeutic approach, meaning that I believe that the body tells the stories and narratives. For more information, my website is: www.kellypastori.com
(512) 598-5003 View (512) 598-5003
Photo of Robin Marie Hendershot - Robin Hendershot, LPC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Robin Hendershot, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78746
I assist clients with: Depression/Anxiety, Life Skills (effective communication, financial literacy), LGBT issues, Healthy Relationships & Boundaries, Chronic Pain & Illness, and Grief & Loss.
Hello and welcome. I am currently accepting new patients for Individual and Couples Counseling. If you are searching for a therapist, I imagine you are experiencing some feelings of pain and disconnection. We all want to be loved, seen, and understood; but oftentimes in life we find ourselves engaging in unhealthy relationship patterns, unhelpful communication styles, and harmful behaviors. Therapy offers a powerful tool for growth, connection, and insight. The heart of successful therapy is the client-therapist relationship. I would be honored to speak with you about your goals to see if I can be of service to you.
I assist clients with: Depression/Anxiety, Life Skills (effective communication, financial literacy), LGBT issues, Healthy Relationships & Boundaries, Chronic Pain & Illness, and Grief & Loss.
Hello and welcome. I am currently accepting new patients for Individual and Couples Counseling. If you are searching for a therapist, I imagine you are experiencing some feelings of pain and disconnection. We all want to be loved, seen, and understood; but oftentimes in life we find ourselves engaging in unhealthy relationship patterns, unhelpful communication styles, and harmful behaviors. Therapy offers a powerful tool for growth, connection, and insight. The heart of successful therapy is the client-therapist relationship. I would be honored to speak with you about your goals to see if I can be of service to you.
(512) 572-3210 View (512) 572-3210
Photo of Dyan Haspel-Johnson, PSY, Psychologist
Dyan Haspel-Johnson
Psychologist, PSY
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78745  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I use hypnosis to treat everything from pain and chronic illness to anxiety and self-esteem.
Are you looking for greater balance and harmony in your life? I am aware of the interaction between mind, body, and spirit and how challenges to these components can be opportunities for growth, strength, and wisdom. We are all unique individuals so my approach to each person varies to suit each particular issue and patient. By focusing on your core values, I will actively help you to reach your potential. I see therapy as a collaborative process with myself here to facilitate the building of your resources and strengths to empower you.
I use hypnosis to treat everything from pain and chronic illness to anxiety and self-esteem.
Are you looking for greater balance and harmony in your life? I am aware of the interaction between mind, body, and spirit and how challenges to these components can be opportunities for growth, strength, and wisdom. We are all unique individuals so my approach to each person varies to suit each particular issue and patient. By focusing on your core values, I will actively help you to reach your potential. I see therapy as a collaborative process with myself here to facilitate the building of your resources and strengths to empower you.
(424) 294-8970 View (424) 294-8970
Photo of John Kauffroth, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
John Kauffroth
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78727  (Online Only)
Maybe you’re hitting up against some loneliness and isolation right now. Or maybe some old burdens are affecting your current life. Lets talk. I don't have any platitudes about positive thinking, but your story matters to me. The thing is, I really enjoy helping people cultivate resilience and self- compassion. Depression, Chronic Pain, Anxiety, Anger that’s hard to control, all these are adversities that we humans grapple with. I've been doing this for a minute. I can say for sure that there is no cookie-cutter solution. It's more about connection. My focus is to create the space for someone to know they aren’t alone in this.
Maybe you’re hitting up against some loneliness and isolation right now. Or maybe some old burdens are affecting your current life. Lets talk. I don't have any platitudes about positive thinking, but your story matters to me. The thing is, I really enjoy helping people cultivate resilience and self- compassion. Depression, Chronic Pain, Anxiety, Anger that’s hard to control, all these are adversities that we humans grapple with. I've been doing this for a minute. I can say for sure that there is no cookie-cutter solution. It's more about connection. My focus is to create the space for someone to know they aren’t alone in this.
(512) 886-6651 View (512) 886-6651
Photo of Paige Majko, MA , LPC, EMDR, Licensed Professional Counselor
Paige Majko
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA , LPC, EMDR
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78745  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Hi. Thank you for your interest in my therapy services. I specialize in trauma, PTSD and treating chronic pain utilizing both EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Somatic Psychotherapy. Both of these are evidence based treatment modalities with high efficacy rates. Making the decision to begin therapy is an incredibly brave act of self kindness. You can have peace, joy and happiness in your life. I would be honored to help you begin this courageous journey of transformation.
Hi. Thank you for your interest in my therapy services. I specialize in trauma, PTSD and treating chronic pain utilizing both EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Somatic Psychotherapy. Both of these are evidence based treatment modalities with high efficacy rates. Making the decision to begin therapy is an incredibly brave act of self kindness. You can have peace, joy and happiness in your life. I would be honored to help you begin this courageous journey of transformation.
(832) 307-3463 View (832) 307-3463
Photo of Pamela Steele, MS, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Pamela Steele
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78746
Primarily, I have worked in the areas of chronic pain, stress reduction, trauma, anger management, anxiety, depression, PTSD, abuse, family relations, and self-empowerment.
Breathe... Now breathe again. Let go of negative emotions and thoughts, and allow more of what you really, really want. No matter what obstacles are presenting in your life experience right now, we can begin an integrative journey together, with a simple breath. Feelings and emotions are true indicators to help guide you to what you want more of in life. We can focus and become more aware of choices and positive options, and ultimately remove self-limiting beliefs. We can learn to make decisions with more clarity and awareness, leading you to a more joyful and fuller life.
Primarily, I have worked in the areas of chronic pain, stress reduction, trauma, anger management, anxiety, depression, PTSD, abuse, family relations, and self-empowerment.
Breathe... Now breathe again. Let go of negative emotions and thoughts, and allow more of what you really, really want. No matter what obstacles are presenting in your life experience right now, we can begin an integrative journey together, with a simple breath. Feelings and emotions are true indicators to help guide you to what you want more of in life. We can focus and become more aware of choices and positive options, and ultimately remove self-limiting beliefs. We can learn to make decisions with more clarity and awareness, leading you to a more joyful and fuller life.
(512) 882-1766 View (512) 882-1766
Photo of Sarah Pendergraft, LCSW, RYT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sarah Pendergraft
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RYT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78746
Not accepting new clients
We can lose touch with ourselves for a variety of reasons. Sometimes the symptoms of our issues disconnect us from ourselves, our environment, and our loved ones. I help clients reconnect with who they are, what they need, and what is most important to them. In sessions, I help clients work through trauma, addiction, chronic pain, chronic health, personal development, relationships, limiting beliefs, black-and-white thinking, judgments, and self-compassion. As a somatic therapist and yoga instructor, I help clients cultivate mindfulness and meditation skills, which can be a critical part of the therapeutic process.
We can lose touch with ourselves for a variety of reasons. Sometimes the symptoms of our issues disconnect us from ourselves, our environment, and our loved ones. I help clients reconnect with who they are, what they need, and what is most important to them. In sessions, I help clients work through trauma, addiction, chronic pain, chronic health, personal development, relationships, limiting beliefs, black-and-white thinking, judgments, and self-compassion. As a somatic therapist and yoga instructor, I help clients cultivate mindfulness and meditation skills, which can be a critical part of the therapeutic process.
(512) 233-6018 View (512) 233-6018
Photo of Gary Brothers, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Gary Brothers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78746
Not accepting new clients
My specialized focus of care is with treating those struggling with chronic pain, chronic health conditions, physical and emotional trauma, and posttraumatic stress conditions.
First of all, I work for you. I am a hired consultant with specialized skills and expertise in certain areas with one goal...to make your life better. Often, however, getting to better takes some doing from both of us. This partnership, which is called the therapeutic relationship, is at the core of good psychotherapy. As such, I do not judge clients and do not look at things in terms of good or bad, right or wrong, should or shouldn't. Instead, I consider things in context of either constructive or destructive in moving towards the goal of making your life better in the ways you are seeking.
My specialized focus of care is with treating those struggling with chronic pain, chronic health conditions, physical and emotional trauma, and posttraumatic stress conditions.
First of all, I work for you. I am a hired consultant with specialized skills and expertise in certain areas with one goal...to make your life better. Often, however, getting to better takes some doing from both of us. This partnership, which is called the therapeutic relationship, is at the core of good psychotherapy. As such, I do not judge clients and do not look at things in terms of good or bad, right or wrong, should or shouldn't. Instead, I consider things in context of either constructive or destructive in moving towards the goal of making your life better in the ways you are seeking.
(808) 518-4315 View (808) 518-4315
Photo of Bryan Snead - DeepWatersLPC, LPC, LMFT, Licensed Professional Counselor
DeepWatersLPC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78732  (Online Only)
We specialize in helping people just like you to overcome depression and anxiety, traumatic experiences, relational distress and struggles, and even chronic pain.
What would it be like to wake up in the morning and be excited about the day? To have hope? To experience more than just relief, but real joy?
We specialize in helping people just like you to overcome depression and anxiety, traumatic experiences, relational distress and struggles, and even chronic pain.
What would it be like to wake up in the morning and be excited about the day? To have hope? To experience more than just relief, but real joy?
(737) 352-4987 View (737) 352-4987
Photo of Delana Parker, Delana , Psychologist
Delana Parker
Psychologist, Delana
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78701
I specialize in working with adolescents, young adults and their families to help them achieve fuller, healthier and happier lives. I particularly enjoy working with adolescents and young adults coping with anxiety, depression, perfectionism, chronic pain, adjustment to health conditions and difficulties managing emotions.
I specialize in working with adolescents, young adults and their families to help them achieve fuller, healthier and happier lives. I particularly enjoy working with adolescents and young adults coping with anxiety, depression, perfectionism, chronic pain, adjustment to health conditions and difficulties managing emotions.
(737) 727-3636 View (737) 727-3636
Photo of Elizanda de la Sota, Psychologist
Elizanda de la Sota
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78746
If you want to create change in your life and prefer a therapist who is dynamic and directive, then I could be a good fit for you. Clients who do well with me want to understand themselves and are willing to be challenged and are committed to growth. I am best suited to dealing with depression, anxiety, health issues, substance abuse problems, and relationship issues. I have special training in Pain Management, Mind-Body Issues in Health, and Sexual Dysfunction
If you want to create change in your life and prefer a therapist who is dynamic and directive, then I could be a good fit for you. Clients who do well with me want to understand themselves and are willing to be challenged and are committed to growth. I am best suited to dealing with depression, anxiety, health issues, substance abuse problems, and relationship issues. I have special training in Pain Management, Mind-Body Issues in Health, and Sexual Dysfunction
(512) 379-6526 View (512) 379-6526
Photo of Kristina Sarkisova, MSSW, LMSW
Kristina Sarkisova
Licensed Master Social Worker, MSSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78756  (Online Only)
Whether emotional, physical, or both: your pain is 100% real, it matters, and it carries important information.
I'm a multi-cultural, bilingual (English/Español), trauma-sensitive and caring psychotherapist. I'm passionate about neurobiology and the mind-body connection, and I have experience using this integrated approach with clients going through grief, trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relationship struggles. I find it especially fulfilling to work with people who live with disabilities, chronic illness, and/or chronic pain. I know first-hand how challenging it can be to sustain a loss of health, and I consider it a privilege to support you in the many ways this may be impacting your life.
Whether emotional, physical, or both: your pain is 100% real, it matters, and it carries important information.
I'm a multi-cultural, bilingual (English/Español), trauma-sensitive and caring psychotherapist. I'm passionate about neurobiology and the mind-body connection, and I have experience using this integrated approach with clients going through grief, trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relationship struggles. I find it especially fulfilling to work with people who live with disabilities, chronic illness, and/or chronic pain. I know first-hand how challenging it can be to sustain a loss of health, and I consider it a privilege to support you in the many ways this may be impacting your life.
(512) 982-6027 View (512) 982-6027
Photo of Brandy Goins, Phd,ABD, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Brandy Goins
Licensed Professional Counselor, Phd,ABD, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78730  (Online Only)
Are you frustrated, perhaps feeling a bit angry? In addition, you feel like no one understands you or they say the wrong thing to you without thinking of the impact. Dealing with chronic illness and pain is a consistent struggle. Sometimes getting through a day to just support a decent lifestyle is excruciating. The isolation is troubling because a social life feels so out of reach Top that off with a relationship and a healthy sex life seems impossible at the moment. Everyday feels like a marathon of how much can be done while feeling a consistent exhaustion that never goes away. Waking up feeling refreshed seems like a fantasy.
Are you frustrated, perhaps feeling a bit angry? In addition, you feel like no one understands you or they say the wrong thing to you without thinking of the impact. Dealing with chronic illness and pain is a consistent struggle. Sometimes getting through a day to just support a decent lifestyle is excruciating. The isolation is troubling because a social life feels so out of reach Top that off with a relationship and a healthy sex life seems impossible at the moment. Everyday feels like a marathon of how much can be done while feeling a consistent exhaustion that never goes away. Waking up feeling refreshed seems like a fantasy.
(248) 965-0474 View (248) 965-0474
Photo of Shanna Willner, MA, PMP, LPCC, Counselor
Shanna Willner
Counselor, MA, PMP, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78757
I work with anxiety, PTS/D, chronic pain, medical trauma, abuse, and illness including insomnia, migraine, and body system issues.
You can heal what hurts you, and I'm an ally and guide in the process. I work with pts/d and trauma, anxiety, chronic pain, and attachment interruption. My work integrates psychotherapy, bio-psychology, behavioral change, and holistic practice, and I use the lense of attachment theory to guide us. We will dismantle the barriers that block you from living your fullest life, however you define that, and we'll help you build new pathways to travel forward. Together, we use our relationship, your self-knowledge and life-knowledge, and my specialized training to move your life into something personally satisfying.
I work with anxiety, PTS/D, chronic pain, medical trauma, abuse, and illness including insomnia, migraine, and body system issues.
You can heal what hurts you, and I'm an ally and guide in the process. I work with pts/d and trauma, anxiety, chronic pain, and attachment interruption. My work integrates psychotherapy, bio-psychology, behavioral change, and holistic practice, and I use the lense of attachment theory to guide us. We will dismantle the barriers that block you from living your fullest life, however you define that, and we'll help you build new pathways to travel forward. Together, we use our relationship, your self-knowledge and life-knowledge, and my specialized training to move your life into something personally satisfying.
(424) 206-6738 View (424) 206-6738
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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.