Therapists in Austin, TX
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.
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.
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.
Allison Ray Benavides
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78704 (Online Only)
If you have a body & heart that hurts, I’m here to hold, help & hear your pain.
If you’re in chronic pain - physical or emotional, feel left out of life, or find yourself doubting your value or ability, I could be a good fit :) My clients find me because they struggle managing pain, illness or fatigue. More often than not, they also have depression, anxiety, insomnia, grief & panic. They struggle at work, home, socially & in their own headspace & heart. There can be layers of trauma. All of my clients come to me w hope, seeking a higher quality of life. I love my work because the models I use work and I actually get to see this happen for them. If you relate to this downward spiral, I'm here to help you too.
If you have a body & heart that hurts, I’m here to hold, help & hear your pain.
If you’re in chronic pain - physical or emotional, feel left out of life, or find yourself doubting your value or ability, I could be a good fit :) My clients find me because they struggle managing pain, illness or fatigue. More often than not, they also have depression, anxiety, insomnia, grief & panic. They struggle at work, home, socially & in their own headspace & heart. There can be layers of trauma. All of my clients come to me w hope, seeking a higher quality of life. I love my work because the models I use work and I actually get to see this happen for them. If you relate to this downward spiral, I'm here to help you too.
I work with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, sleep problems, chronic pain, and serious mental illness. I am here to support you or your loved one on the journey to health and provide you with tools and strategies to help you weather personal, professional, and parenting storms, whether through therapy or a thorough psychological assessment. I am currently taking clients age 16 and up. All services are for people of any sexual orientation and at all points on the gender spectrum. Psychological evaluation offered in person including pre-surgical assessment for those seeking gender-affirming procedures.
I work with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, sleep problems, chronic pain, and serious mental illness. I am here to support you or your loved one on the journey to health and provide you with tools and strategies to help you weather personal, professional, and parenting storms, whether through therapy or a thorough psychological assessment. I am currently taking clients age 16 and up. All services are for people of any sexual orientation and at all points on the gender spectrum. Psychological evaluation offered in person including pre-surgical assessment for those seeking gender-affirming procedures.
Some of my specialties include life transitions, relationships, identity development, self-esteem, people pleasing, chronic illness, anxiety, depression, and school challenges.
It can be hard to find a therapist who understands how living with marginalized identities impact the way we show up in the world—and for ourselves. I take a culturally-responsive and somatic (mind-body centered) approach and value authenticity and inclusivity in my work. I support individuals in understanding how their experiences, relationships, identities, and culture impact who they are and their behaviors and interactions in the world. I specialize in working with young adults, BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals, and 1st and 2nd generation immigrants experiencing life transitions.
Some of my specialties include life transitions, relationships, identity development, self-esteem, people pleasing, chronic illness, anxiety, depression, and school challenges.
It can be hard to find a therapist who understands how living with marginalized identities impact the way we show up in the world—and for ourselves. I take a culturally-responsive and somatic (mind-body centered) approach and value authenticity and inclusivity in my work. I support individuals in understanding how their experiences, relationships, identities, and culture impact who they are and their behaviors and interactions in the world. I specialize in working with young adults, BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals, and 1st and 2nd generation immigrants experiencing life transitions.
Mary Webb-Tafoya, PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, LPCC, NCC, CMS-CHt
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78732 (Online Only)
Texas, New Mexico, and Washington licensed in working with crisis, trauma intervention, prevention, grief, bereavement, clinical hypnotherapy, disease, illness, and chronic pain, sexual assault and abuse, domestic violence, physical abuse, combat trauma, reintegration issues, GLBT issues, sexual dysfunction, marriage, family, stress and anger management.
Currently only accepting clients for Teletherapy. The individual who seeks to improve their quality of life would greatly benefit from having me as their counselor. Each session is goal-oriented and an educational process towards insight and awareness which can greatly improve a client's perspective of themselves; the world; and themselves in the world. I believe in short term, brief solution focused therapy to maximize time and therapeutic interventions. I strive to form a therapeutic alliance with my clients and act as a guide and mentor through all of life's challenges. For more information, go to marywebbtafoyapllc.com
Texas, New Mexico, and Washington licensed in working with crisis, trauma intervention, prevention, grief, bereavement, clinical hypnotherapy, disease, illness, and chronic pain, sexual assault and abuse, domestic violence, physical abuse, combat trauma, reintegration issues, GLBT issues, sexual dysfunction, marriage, family, stress and anger management.
Currently only accepting clients for Teletherapy. The individual who seeks to improve their quality of life would greatly benefit from having me as their counselor. Each session is goal-oriented and an educational process towards insight and awareness which can greatly improve a client's perspective of themselves; the world; and themselves in the world. I believe in short term, brief solution focused therapy to maximize time and therapeutic interventions. I strive to form a therapeutic alliance with my clients and act as a guide and mentor through all of life's challenges. For more information, go to marywebbtafoyapllc.com
Laura Scheindlin
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78752
Waitlist for new clients
Perhaps you are suffering from depression, anxiety, chronic illness, or addiction.
Now doing In Person Myofascial Release! Talk therapy will remain virtual. Let me help you make some big shifts in your life! Most of the reason why we sabotage or ruin our progress is because our unconscious self is driving our behaviors. I can help you to bring those unconscious beliefs into your awareness so you can change your behaviors that don't serve you anymore. As a body-centered therapist (LPC and LMT), I help people who may be stuck in their healing process and are in need of deep and active work. By utilizing both psychotherapy and Myofascial Release, I help clients heal more effectively.
Perhaps you are suffering from depression, anxiety, chronic illness, or addiction.
Now doing In Person Myofascial Release! Talk therapy will remain virtual. Let me help you make some big shifts in your life! Most of the reason why we sabotage or ruin our progress is because our unconscious self is driving our behaviors. I can help you to bring those unconscious beliefs into your awareness so you can change your behaviors that don't serve you anymore. As a body-centered therapist (LPC and LMT), I help people who may be stuck in their healing process and are in need of deep and active work. By utilizing both psychotherapy and Myofascial Release, I help clients heal more effectively.
Sabrina Eads (Enteave Counseling)
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78759 (Online Only)
Evening Availability! Therapy doesn’t look the same for every person. Sabrina gets that. She provides an individualized counseling experience that can be received from the comfort of your home, office, or other quiet personal space. Her sessions are 100% telehealth to save you time, frustration, and enhance your personal comfort. She regularly works with clients struggling with depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, grief/loss, chronic pain, and life transitions. She welcomes LGBTQIA+ clients enthusiastically and is polyamory- and kink-friendly. She is also body positive and is informed on health at every size (HAES).
Evening Availability! Therapy doesn’t look the same for every person. Sabrina gets that. She provides an individualized counseling experience that can be received from the comfort of your home, office, or other quiet personal space. Her sessions are 100% telehealth to save you time, frustration, and enhance your personal comfort. She regularly works with clients struggling with depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, grief/loss, chronic pain, and life transitions. She welcomes LGBTQIA+ clients enthusiastically and is polyamory- and kink-friendly. She is also body positive and is informed on health at every size (HAES).
Michelle Ortiz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78759 (Online Only)
Has your sense of safety and security been compromised by trauma or adverse childhood experiences? Or perhaps lately you have been feeling “off” and are unsure what is wrong. Whether the issue you are experiencing is big or small, my objective is to create a safe space where we can collaborate to resolve any obstacles in the way of living the life you want. I specialize in working with individuals who have lived through traumatic experiences and/or struggle with depression, anxiety, stress or chronic pain that affects their well-being.
Has your sense of safety and security been compromised by trauma or adverse childhood experiences? Or perhaps lately you have been feeling “off” and are unsure what is wrong. Whether the issue you are experiencing is big or small, my objective is to create a safe space where we can collaborate to resolve any obstacles in the way of living the life you want. I specialize in working with individuals who have lived through traumatic experiences and/or struggle with depression, anxiety, stress or chronic pain that affects their well-being.
Brittany (Neece) Whallen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LPC-S, LMFT-S
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78759
We also have experience using EMDR in treatment for those dealing with trauma or a terminal illness.
We all go through complicated situations, some of which we don’t feel adequately prepared to handle. Most of us were never taught how to navigate these difficult struggles in healthy, constructive ways. That's why we are here. My clinical team works with a diverse variety of clientele to provide affordable counseling services to individuals, couples, and families. We want to work with you to help you overcome obstacles that you are facing, improve on aspects in your current life situation, and provide a sense of strength and hope during times that you may feel lost. Please call us for a free phone consultation.
We also have experience using EMDR in treatment for those dealing with trauma or a terminal illness.
We all go through complicated situations, some of which we don’t feel adequately prepared to handle. Most of us were never taught how to navigate these difficult struggles in healthy, constructive ways. That's why we are here. My clinical team works with a diverse variety of clientele to provide affordable counseling services to individuals, couples, and families. We want to work with you to help you overcome obstacles that you are facing, improve on aspects in your current life situation, and provide a sense of strength and hope during times that you may feel lost. Please call us for a free phone consultation.
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With over 6 years helping clients work through trauma, depression, anxiety, and chronic pain, and 20 years working with athletes, I can help.
Despite working hard and achieving goals, life is hard. When my clients first come in, they are frustrated things aren’t going the way they would like. You know life can be better but nothing seems to be improving, even with hard work. You feel like you’re failing, and your confidence is tanking. You worry that your problems aren’t important enough and have thought that people like you don’t ask for help. Or maybe you're in constant pain and no doctor has been able to provide you with any relief. You feel stuck. You may even feel like you deserve to suffer. Feeling alone and discouraged is hard.
With over 6 years helping clients work through trauma, depression, anxiety, and chronic pain, and 20 years working with athletes, I can help.
Despite working hard and achieving goals, life is hard. When my clients first come in, they are frustrated things aren’t going the way they would like. You know life can be better but nothing seems to be improving, even with hard work. You feel like you’re failing, and your confidence is tanking. You worry that your problems aren’t important enough and have thought that people like you don’t ask for help. Or maybe you're in constant pain and no doctor has been able to provide you with any relief. You feel stuck. You may even feel like you deserve to suffer. Feeling alone and discouraged is hard.
Eden Davisson, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78746
I have been providing psychotherapy and behavioral health counseling to diverse population of adults with a full spectrum of emotional and psychological needs since 2011. I have witnessed many of my clients progress and graduate out of counseling after we have worked together on anxiety, depression, anger, relationship distress, chronic pain, health behaviors, and mild addiction.
I have been providing psychotherapy and behavioral health counseling to diverse population of adults with a full spectrum of emotional and psychological needs since 2011. I have witnessed many of my clients progress and graduate out of counseling after we have worked together on anxiety, depression, anger, relationship distress, chronic pain, health behaviors, and mild addiction.
DeYoung Counseling, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LMHC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78741 (Online Only)
My areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, life transitions, trauma, relationship concerns, stress, isolation, chronic illness, compassion fatigue, grief and loss, sleep issues, self-esteem, self-compassion, parenting issues, and career transition.
Life can feel overwhelming at times and can be difficult to manage. Unexpected change can challenge our ability to navigate. Thankfully, you don’t have to navigate life’s transitions alone. I'm passionate about working with my clients to gain an understanding of both past and present stressors, while discovering tools for healing and growth. Investing time into better understanding and developing yourself is one of the most pivotal decisions you can make. Self-awareness and self-care are important for success. Together we can explore what gives your life purpose, hope and meaning and discover new paths for living your best life.
My areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, life transitions, trauma, relationship concerns, stress, isolation, chronic illness, compassion fatigue, grief and loss, sleep issues, self-esteem, self-compassion, parenting issues, and career transition.
Life can feel overwhelming at times and can be difficult to manage. Unexpected change can challenge our ability to navigate. Thankfully, you don’t have to navigate life’s transitions alone. I'm passionate about working with my clients to gain an understanding of both past and present stressors, while discovering tools for healing and growth. Investing time into better understanding and developing yourself is one of the most pivotal decisions you can make. Self-awareness and self-care are important for success. Together we can explore what gives your life purpose, hope and meaning and discover new paths for living your best life.
Moonstone Counseling PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78759
Our therapists also specialize in treating addiction, eating disorders, and chronic illness.
Moonstone Counseling serves people across the lifespan. Clinicians specialize in working with children, adolescents, adults and older adults. We also offer couples and family therapy. Clients come to Moonstone because they are seeking a therapist who is compassionate, reliable and understands the impact of living in a complex world. In additional to traditional psychotherapy, Moonstone also offers Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), which is grounded in relationship and integration. We believe therapy should be accessible and we proudly accept insurance.
Our therapists also specialize in treating addiction, eating disorders, and chronic illness.
Moonstone Counseling serves people across the lifespan. Clinicians specialize in working with children, adolescents, adults and older adults. We also offer couples and family therapy. Clients come to Moonstone because they are seeking a therapist who is compassionate, reliable and understands the impact of living in a complex world. In additional to traditional psychotherapy, Moonstone also offers Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), which is grounded in relationship and integration. We believe therapy should be accessible and we proudly accept insurance.
Latosha Kessell Thomas
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, RYT, USAF, Veteran
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78702 (Online Only)
Life transitions can cause great strain in our lives and can lead to even greater pain if not addressed. Signs that you may be struggling with a life transition are depression, anxiety, feeling unsettled and lost, emptiness, fatigue, chronic pain, unexplained ailments, and illnesses. Life is full of painful transitions. Transitions can disconnect you from your true self, what’s important to you, and ultimately disconnect you from a life with meaning. Greater clarity, self-confidence, and balance will help you reconnect with your true self and your values to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
Life transitions can cause great strain in our lives and can lead to even greater pain if not addressed. Signs that you may be struggling with a life transition are depression, anxiety, feeling unsettled and lost, emptiness, fatigue, chronic pain, unexplained ailments, and illnesses. Life is full of painful transitions. Transitions can disconnect you from your true self, what’s important to you, and ultimately disconnect you from a life with meaning. Greater clarity, self-confidence, and balance will help you reconnect with your true self and your values to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
Faith A Perez
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78705 (Online Only)
I specialize in treatment of military service members active duty and veterans, LGBTQIA+, sex related issues, kink positive, depression, trauma and PTSD, anxiety, ADHD and those with severe mental illness.
My name is Faith and I work with individuals and couples facing a range of concerns to include depression, trauma, abuse, PTSD, ADHD, relationship issues, sex related issues, sexuality, and other stressors causing life to feel unsettled. I will work to meet you where you are in your journey through support and challenging toward progress and healing. I work with Headway and Red Apple Therapy to to assist you in meeting your goals by providing a safe, authentic and compassionate clinical setting with an individualized therapy experience.
I specialize in treatment of military service members active duty and veterans, LGBTQIA+, sex related issues, kink positive, depression, trauma and PTSD, anxiety, ADHD and those with severe mental illness.
My name is Faith and I work with individuals and couples facing a range of concerns to include depression, trauma, abuse, PTSD, ADHD, relationship issues, sex related issues, sexuality, and other stressors causing life to feel unsettled. I will work to meet you where you are in your journey through support and challenging toward progress and healing. I work with Headway and Red Apple Therapy to to assist you in meeting your goals by providing a safe, authentic and compassionate clinical setting with an individualized therapy experience.
Resolve Therapy With Cindy Noland
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78759
ETT can be applied to a wide range of conditions: anxiety, dissociative identity disorder, family of origin issues, chronic pain, situational trauma such as auto collision, most DSM V disorders, motivation or any issues that are blocking you in your goals or relationships.
Experienced, compassionate counselor/coach dedicated to your healing and goals. Meeting you where you are with what's right for you. Here you will find tender, safe support to work on family trauma, rapid relief from anxiety and chronic pain, and help for dealing with addictions. I take an integrative approach in my counseling practice, using a combination of evidence-based therapies and the latest findings in brain science. I welcome and support diversity and LGBTQ+ folks. I mainly practice Emotional Transformation Therapy (ETT), a breakthrough in psychological science.
ETT can be applied to a wide range of conditions: anxiety, dissociative identity disorder, family of origin issues, chronic pain, situational trauma such as auto collision, most DSM V disorders, motivation or any issues that are blocking you in your goals or relationships.
Experienced, compassionate counselor/coach dedicated to your healing and goals. Meeting you where you are with what's right for you. Here you will find tender, safe support to work on family trauma, rapid relief from anxiety and chronic pain, and help for dealing with addictions. I take an integrative approach in my counseling practice, using a combination of evidence-based therapies and the latest findings in brain science. I welcome and support diversity and LGBTQ+ folks. I mainly practice Emotional Transformation Therapy (ETT), a breakthrough in psychological science.
ATX Therapy Center
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMFT, LCSW
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78759
Here are some examples of what we can offer during sessions: Improving communication skills, setting boundaries, creating healthy coping skills to manage overwhelming situations, navigating the waves of grief, building healthier couples & family relationships, reducing anxiety or depression symptoms, & managing chronic pain or illness (just to name a few).
It takes great courage to recognize when you could use some additional support in your life, and even more courage to take the first step in reaching out. It may feel easier at times to suffer in silence. ATX Therapy Center is very glad you're here - you deserve to receive the support you need to overcome life's challenges that you are facing, and live your best life. Our team of expert, professional clinicians have experience in helping people with a wide variety of life situations and struggles. We accept most major insurance plans and want to make sure that you have access to affordable, quality healthcare - we're here to help!
Here are some examples of what we can offer during sessions: Improving communication skills, setting boundaries, creating healthy coping skills to manage overwhelming situations, navigating the waves of grief, building healthier couples & family relationships, reducing anxiety or depression symptoms, & managing chronic pain or illness (just to name a few).
It takes great courage to recognize when you could use some additional support in your life, and even more courage to take the first step in reaching out. It may feel easier at times to suffer in silence. ATX Therapy Center is very glad you're here - you deserve to receive the support you need to overcome life's challenges that you are facing, and live your best life. Our team of expert, professional clinicians have experience in helping people with a wide variety of life situations and struggles. We accept most major insurance plans and want to make sure that you have access to affordable, quality healthcare - we're here to help!
Susan Y Wegener, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78731 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
In addition to my work with clients with chronic illness, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease in 2005.
Being diagnosed with a chronic illness can create a great deal of anxiety about the future. Will I be able to keep working? Will my family and friends truly understand? Will I be able to afford treatment? Will I be able to plan for my future? You may be experiencing feelings of sadness, anger, and anxiety. You may even feel a sense of loss in terms of the person you feel you once were. There may be new limitations and challenges regarding your physical or cognitive abilities. I am here to help!
In addition to my work with clients with chronic illness, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease in 2005.
Being diagnosed with a chronic illness can create a great deal of anxiety about the future. Will I be able to keep working? Will my family and friends truly understand? Will I be able to afford treatment? Will I be able to plan for my future? You may be experiencing feelings of sadness, anger, and anxiety. You may even feel a sense of loss in terms of the person you feel you once were. There may be new limitations and challenges regarding your physical or cognitive abilities. I am here to help!
See more therapy options for Austin
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.