Chronic Pain Therapists in Burnet County, TX

Photo of Ali Corona, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ali Corona
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Marble Falls, TX 78654
Waitlist for new clients
No one should feel alone when experiencing pain. I am passionate about walking alongside people on their healing journey. I meet you where you are, create a personalized care plan, and encourage you every step of the way as you develop skills that can be used in many seasons of life.
No one should feel alone when experiencing pain. I am passionate about walking alongside people on their healing journey. I meet you where you are, create a personalized care plan, and encourage you every step of the way as you develop skills that can be used in many seasons of life.
(830) 365-0762 View (830) 365-0762
Photo of Sandra Galyon, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sandra Galyon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Marble Falls, TX 78654
Life can be rough, and sometimes we need a little help getting by and coping. I have always been led to help people, and have found my calling in counseling people through their trials. I have worked with individuals of various ages and issues. My goal is to help you build coping skills to get you over the challenges in your daily life and return to a sense of balance and serenity.
Life can be rough, and sometimes we need a little help getting by and coping. I have always been led to help people, and have found my calling in counseling people through their trials. I have worked with individuals of various ages and issues. My goal is to help you build coping skills to get you over the challenges in your daily life and return to a sense of balance and serenity.
(830) 201-3028 View (830) 201-3028
Photo of Christina Thomas, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Christina Thomas
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Bertram, TX 78605  (Online Only)
I am a Nationally certified counselor and an LPC in the state of TX. My clients describe me as empathetic, kind, and patient. My primary focus is to provide a safe space to unravel emotions, trauma, or experiences without the fear of being judged. My primary area of specialty is Cognitive behavioral therapy. My experience includes working with children, adolescents and individuals of diverse cultures. I am a strong believer in the statement. "Progress is progress no matter how small it is".
I am a Nationally certified counselor and an LPC in the state of TX. My clients describe me as empathetic, kind, and patient. My primary focus is to provide a safe space to unravel emotions, trauma, or experiences without the fear of being judged. My primary area of specialty is Cognitive behavioral therapy. My experience includes working with children, adolescents and individuals of diverse cultures. I am a strong believer in the statement. "Progress is progress no matter how small it is".
(346) 478-6319 View (346) 478-6319
Photo of Dr. Joy Morgan, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Joy Morgan
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Marble Falls, TX 78654  (Online Only)
When life feels tough, and the day-to-day can feel like a struggle, it can be difficult to know where to turn for help. You may be telling yourself that you can solve whatever is troubling you on your own, or that only weak people go to therapy. The truth is that life can be tough and everyone needs helps sometimes. Reaching out for help is a very brave step. I will help support you in gaining insight into yourself, identifying the areas of your life that you would like to change, and we will work as a team to help you create a life that feels better to you. You are not alone. I am here to help.
When life feels tough, and the day-to-day can feel like a struggle, it can be difficult to know where to turn for help. You may be telling yourself that you can solve whatever is troubling you on your own, or that only weak people go to therapy. The truth is that life can be tough and everyone needs helps sometimes. Reaching out for help is a very brave step. I will help support you in gaining insight into yourself, identifying the areas of your life that you would like to change, and we will work as a team to help you create a life that feels better to you. You are not alone. I am here to help.
(512) 399-4646 View (512) 399-4646

Online Therapists

Photo of Debbie King Mabray, MS, LMFT, LPC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Debbie King Mabray
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, LPC
Verified Verified
Killeen, TX 76542
Why live in pain and misery when we can help you find relief now?.
Nightmares? Flashbacks? Anger? Relationship conflicts? Let us help you out of this misery, showing you hope and happiness.We are located three miles from the Ft. Hood (TX) airport; over 80% of our clients are Soldiers. Many heroes are left with a debilitating "souveneir" of their honorable profession even after transitioning to a civilian lifestyle. Experiences stay with us, forever changing us, our relationships, our lives, our behaviors. Let us help you out of this misery, finding your happiness and light.. Our therapists are published authors, speakers, active in the community and ready to assist you however we may.
Why live in pain and misery when we can help you find relief now?.
Nightmares? Flashbacks? Anger? Relationship conflicts? Let us help you out of this misery, showing you hope and happiness.We are located three miles from the Ft. Hood (TX) airport; over 80% of our clients are Soldiers. Many heroes are left with a debilitating "souveneir" of their honorable profession even after transitioning to a civilian lifestyle. Experiences stay with us, forever changing us, our relationships, our lives, our behaviors. Let us help you out of this misery, finding your happiness and light.. Our therapists are published authors, speakers, active in the community and ready to assist you however we may.
(254) 217-8409 View (254) 217-8409
Photo of Ross Garcia, MS, LPC-S, LCDC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Ross Garcia
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC-S, LCDC
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78240
Feelings of loneliness, inadequacy, shame, hopelessness, and anxiety/depression often derive from negative patterns developed over time or as a result of traumatic pain or stressors.
I believe all human beings strive to create fulfilling lives with meaningful connections to others. Having a greater understanding of our strengths and weaknesses enables us to make better decisions that lead to living the life we imagine for ourselves. Through therapy, I assist clients in gaining insight into themselves through increasing coping and self-awareness. We will examine and identify values/strengths in order to make realistic goals and movement towards the life you want. Time - friend or foe? "And then one day you find ten years have got behind you, no one told you when to run, you missed the starting gun."
Feelings of loneliness, inadequacy, shame, hopelessness, and anxiety/depression often derive from negative patterns developed over time or as a result of traumatic pain or stressors.
I believe all human beings strive to create fulfilling lives with meaningful connections to others. Having a greater understanding of our strengths and weaknesses enables us to make better decisions that lead to living the life we imagine for ourselves. Through therapy, I assist clients in gaining insight into themselves through increasing coping and self-awareness. We will examine and identify values/strengths in order to make realistic goals and movement towards the life you want. Time - friend or foe? "And then one day you find ten years have got behind you, no one told you when to run, you missed the starting gun."
(210) 981-4812 View (210) 981-4812
Photo of Jackie Hodges, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jackie Hodges
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Antonio, TX 78240  (Online Only)
I work specifically with clients experiencing grief and loss, traumatic loss, infant loss, major medical diagnoses, chronic pain/ illness, complicated bereavement, caregiver stress/anxiety, and other areas of life that are overwhelming.
I’m a licensed counselor providing teletherapy to anyone looking for support from the comfort of their own home. We can work together to help make life feel a little better. I work with clients who may live in Texas. I have many years working with grief and loss, chronic pain, chronic illness. I like to get to know my clients and how they navigate their world so we can find practical skills to move through tough emotions. I look forward to meeting you!
I work specifically with clients experiencing grief and loss, traumatic loss, infant loss, major medical diagnoses, chronic pain/ illness, complicated bereavement, caregiver stress/anxiety, and other areas of life that are overwhelming.
I’m a licensed counselor providing teletherapy to anyone looking for support from the comfort of their own home. We can work together to help make life feel a little better. I work with clients who may live in Texas. I have many years working with grief and loss, chronic pain, chronic illness. I like to get to know my clients and how they navigate their world so we can find practical skills to move through tough emotions. I look forward to meeting you!
(210) 864-7577 View (210) 864-7577
Photo of Jack Betancourt, LMSW, Pre-Licensed Professional
Jack Betancourt
Pre-Licensed Professional, LMSW
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78745
I have a wide repertoire, but I specialize in working with individuals and couples on topics like substance use, depression, anxiety, stress, chronic Illness/ pain, anxiety, depression, LGBTQIA+ Issues and identity exploration, grief and life transitions.
I have experience working with diverse clients with a variety of needs. The bulk of my career has been working with LGBTQ+ teens, adults with chronic illnesses, and people who use drugs in harm reduction outreach settings. A through-line in these experiences is recognizing the impact biology as well as its interactions with our social environment has on mental & physical health. As such, I apply a systems approach to understand the factors impacting a client and then leverage client strengths to achieve their goals. I welcome conversations about how structural factors impact health and how therapy can be one tool toward healing.
I have a wide repertoire, but I specialize in working with individuals and couples on topics like substance use, depression, anxiety, stress, chronic Illness/ pain, anxiety, depression, LGBTQIA+ Issues and identity exploration, grief and life transitions.
I have experience working with diverse clients with a variety of needs. The bulk of my career has been working with LGBTQ+ teens, adults with chronic illnesses, and people who use drugs in harm reduction outreach settings. A through-line in these experiences is recognizing the impact biology as well as its interactions with our social environment has on mental & physical health. As such, I apply a systems approach to understand the factors impacting a client and then leverage client strengths to achieve their goals. I welcome conversations about how structural factors impact health and how therapy can be one tool toward healing.
(512) 714-3403 View (512) 714-3403
Photo of Trish Leaver PhD.,LPC,CCTP, PhD, Licensed Professional Counselor
Trish Leaver PhD.,LPC,CCTP
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD
Verified Verified
Universal City, TX 78148  (Online Only)
military, and first responders dealing with life's issues as well as those struggling with PTSD, trauma, marriage/divorce, & stressors of chronic pain/ illnesses.
Sometimes life throws us curve balls and with those hiccups in life come struggles in which we all need help. I believe that it is in those moments when turning to others is key to helping one heal and move forward with their lives. I see strength in seeking counseling for oneself, because that takes courage on your part to step outside of your box and seek help. Establishing a therapeutic relationship that leads to the development of trust is important for growth and healing of a client. It takes courage to take that first step towards counseling, I hope to be able to walk this step with you.
military, and first responders dealing with life's issues as well as those struggling with PTSD, trauma, marriage/divorce, & stressors of chronic pain/ illnesses.
Sometimes life throws us curve balls and with those hiccups in life come struggles in which we all need help. I believe that it is in those moments when turning to others is key to helping one heal and move forward with their lives. I see strength in seeking counseling for oneself, because that takes courage on your part to step outside of your box and seek help. Establishing a therapeutic relationship that leads to the development of trust is important for growth and healing of a client. It takes courage to take that first step towards counseling, I hope to be able to walk this step with you.
(210) 361-1728 View (210) 361-1728
Photo of Bertha Rodarte - Bertha E Rodarte, PhD clinical psychologist PLLC, PhD, Psychologist
Bertha E Rodarte, PhD clinical psychologist PLLC
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78259  (Online Only)
I’m a bilingual (English/Spanish) psychologist located in San Antonio, Texas. I work with individuals who need support to reclaim peace and connection. I provide internet-based psychotherapy to high functioning individuals with mood disorders, anxiety, stress, relationship concerns, and health problems. I have specialized training in bariatric evaluations/issues, trauma recovery, and chronic pain. In addition, I have extensive experience in psychological evaluations. My mission is to provide a trusting relationship where you can discover your authentic self and growth is nurtured. I provide treatment for adults.
I’m a bilingual (English/Spanish) psychologist located in San Antonio, Texas. I work with individuals who need support to reclaim peace and connection. I provide internet-based psychotherapy to high functioning individuals with mood disorders, anxiety, stress, relationship concerns, and health problems. I have specialized training in bariatric evaluations/issues, trauma recovery, and chronic pain. In addition, I have extensive experience in psychological evaluations. My mission is to provide a trusting relationship where you can discover your authentic self and growth is nurtured. I provide treatment for adults.
(210) 899-7261 View (210) 899-7261
Photo of Jenna Wade Garman, MA, NCC
Jenna Wade Garman
LPC Associate, MA, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78731
Additionally, offering ETT intensives for insomnia, ADHD, chronic pain, & anxiety.
Reclaiming your peace, clarity, and purpose is possible. Through a cutting-edge approach, you can experience rapid physical and emotional shifts. Maybe you have tried various types of therapy before, or maybe this is your first time considering something different. You want change. You want relief. You want results. Reaching out for help is a courageous, commendable step toward reclaiming the fulfilling life you desire. Please contact Reclaim U Counseling, PLLC for more information.
Additionally, offering ETT intensives for insomnia, ADHD, chronic pain, & anxiety.
Reclaiming your peace, clarity, and purpose is possible. Through a cutting-edge approach, you can experience rapid physical and emotional shifts. Maybe you have tried various types of therapy before, or maybe this is your first time considering something different. You want change. You want relief. You want results. Reaching out for help is a courageous, commendable step toward reclaiming the fulfilling life you desire. Please contact Reclaim U Counseling, PLLC for more information.
(512) 729-5684 View (512) 729-5684
Photo of Khadijat Quadri - Bioenergetic Healing Psychotherapist, LPC, NCC, CHT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Bioenergetic Healing Psychotherapist
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, CHT
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78228
Unlike our modern western practices, holistic psychotherapy can empower clients dramatically, divine their illnesses' ultimate causes while in an expanded state of awareness, neutralize them at their spiritual and energetic levels, and prevent their re-occurrence.
My role in psychotherapy is simple. I work as a guide to help lead clients from 3rd dimensional consciousness to new levels of awareness. With the support of my guiding system and those of my clients', I act as a conduit to bring the information and energies that are needed in that point in time for the client's highest good. My approach is spiritual and energy psychology. It is based on the premise that all illness is mental illness and all healing must begin in psychotherapy.
Unlike our modern western practices, holistic psychotherapy can empower clients dramatically, divine their illnesses' ultimate causes while in an expanded state of awareness, neutralize them at their spiritual and energetic levels, and prevent their re-occurrence.
My role in psychotherapy is simple. I work as a guide to help lead clients from 3rd dimensional consciousness to new levels of awareness. With the support of my guiding system and those of my clients', I act as a conduit to bring the information and energies that are needed in that point in time for the client's highest good. My approach is spiritual and energy psychology. It is based on the premise that all illness is mental illness and all healing must begin in psychotherapy.
(210) 625-7633 View (210) 625-7633
Photo of Martha Brandt, MEd, LPC-S, SEP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Martha Brandt
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC-S, SEP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78746
Are you overwhelmed? Anxious? Lonely? In emotional or even physical pain? Working hard to care for everyone else and coming up empty within yourself? Feeling isolated in the close relationship you care about most? Therapy offers a safe and confidential place to get some help to develop or perhaps rekindle a lively connection to yourself and your own dreams. If your relationship is suffering, it can help you regain the closeness and intimacy you once had and if you are parents help you nurture your own marriage while raising secure children.
Are you overwhelmed? Anxious? Lonely? In emotional or even physical pain? Working hard to care for everyone else and coming up empty within yourself? Feeling isolated in the close relationship you care about most? Therapy offers a safe and confidential place to get some help to develop or perhaps rekindle a lively connection to yourself and your own dreams. If your relationship is suffering, it can help you regain the closeness and intimacy you once had and if you are parents help you nurture your own marriage while raising secure children.
(512) 699-6950 View (512) 699-6950
Photo of Bryan Snead - DeepWatersLPC, LPC, LMFT, Licensed Professional Counselor
DeepWatersLPC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78732  (Online Only)
At DeepWatersLPC we specialize in helping people just like you to overcome depression and anxiety, traumatic experiences, relational distress and struggles, and even chronic pain.
DeepWatersLPC helps people navigate their emotional deep waters toward relief and hope with effective, client centered, skilled therapy. 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?
At DeepWatersLPC we specialize in helping people just like you to overcome depression and anxiety, traumatic experiences, relational distress and struggles, and even chronic pain.
DeepWatersLPC helps people navigate their emotional deep waters toward relief and hope with effective, client centered, skilled therapy. 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 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 Jim Toombs, MA, LMFT, EMDR, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jim Toombs
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78213
I have helped others with: depression, anxiety, physical or sex abuse, PTSD, bipolar depression, dissociative disorders, phobias, chronic pain, migraines, and performance anxiety.
Emotional pain ... sucks. I can help your pain. Flashbacks, nightmares and PTSD respond very well to EMDR, as do intrusive thoughts and disturbing memories. I have been using it since 1993, so early that Francine Shapiro, the creator of EMDR, trained me herself. In addition, my basic training is Marriage and Family so I excel in relationships. But memories cause most of our problems.
I have helped others with: depression, anxiety, physical or sex abuse, PTSD, bipolar depression, dissociative disorders, phobias, chronic pain, migraines, and performance anxiety.
Emotional pain ... sucks. I can help your pain. Flashbacks, nightmares and PTSD respond very well to EMDR, as do intrusive thoughts and disturbing memories. I have been using it since 1993, so early that Francine Shapiro, the creator of EMDR, trained me herself. In addition, my basic training is Marriage and Family so I excel in relationships. But memories cause most of our problems.
(210) 417-4687 View (210) 417-4687
Photo of Linda Ludden - The Ludden Group, P.C., EdD, Psy, LPC-S, Psychologist
The Ludden Group, P.C.
Psychologist, EdD, Psy, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Round Rock, TX 78664
The group provides neuropsychological testing, psychological testing and evaluations for medical procedures, pain management, and counseling in outpatient private practice and in nursing homes, and hospitals.
I have more than twenty five years experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and geriatrics in individual, marital, family, and groups in the field of counseling health services. My experience includes consulting in inpatient psychiatric and hospitals, medical/surgical hospitals, nursing homes, pain management clinics, and private practice. I also specialize in career testing and counseling for high school students, college students, and in career transition for adults. I have served as a psychologist and director of a Christian counseling center for eight years and as a psychologist and manager for the employee assistance program for Methodist Hospitals of Dallas.
The group provides neuropsychological testing, psychological testing and evaluations for medical procedures, pain management, and counseling in outpatient private practice and in nursing homes, and hospitals.
I have more than twenty five years experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and geriatrics in individual, marital, family, and groups in the field of counseling health services. My experience includes consulting in inpatient psychiatric and hospitals, medical/surgical hospitals, nursing homes, pain management clinics, and private practice. I also specialize in career testing and counseling for high school students, college students, and in career transition for adults. I have served as a psychologist and director of a Christian counseling center for eight years and as a psychologist and manager for the employee assistance program for Methodist Hospitals of Dallas.
(972) 646-2801 View (972) 646-2801
Photo of Elene Drakonakis, LCSW-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Elene Drakonakis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78731
I have 25 years of experience working in mental health, grief and loss, substance use disorder, chronic illness, hospice and HIV/AIDS.
Contemplating any change can be daunting, but here you are, reaching out, exploring. Seeing a therapist can be the first step along a new path. Change takes time, and we can go at your pace, walking together on a path you determine. Whether you are looking at a life transition, worried about how substance use is affecting you, grieving a loss or dealing with a chronic illness, together we will begin the process of examining where you are, working together to shift to a place that brings you fulfillment and to help you reach your goals.
I have 25 years of experience working in mental health, grief and loss, substance use disorder, chronic illness, hospice and HIV/AIDS.
Contemplating any change can be daunting, but here you are, reaching out, exploring. Seeing a therapist can be the first step along a new path. Change takes time, and we can go at your pace, walking together on a path you determine. Whether you are looking at a life transition, worried about how substance use is affecting you, grieving a loss or dealing with a chronic illness, together we will begin the process of examining where you are, working together to shift to a place that brings you fulfillment and to help you reach your goals.
(737) 204-2192 View (737) 204-2192
Photo of Olga Maria Simons - Olga Simons, LCSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Olga Simons, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78723  (Online Only)
I believe the counseling process needs to be tailored to the needs of each individual and the client-counselor relationship is very important in effectively addressing life situations and emotional pain. My education and experience has prepared me to counsel individuals, couples, and families. I have spent several years gaining expertise providing mindfulness based counseling (Hakomi) to clients interested in this person-centered approach. EMDR and PACT (Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy - Stan Tatkin's work) trained. Certified mediator.
I believe the counseling process needs to be tailored to the needs of each individual and the client-counselor relationship is very important in effectively addressing life situations and emotional pain. My education and experience has prepared me to counsel individuals, couples, and families. I have spent several years gaining expertise providing mindfulness based counseling (Hakomi) to clients interested in this person-centered approach. EMDR and PACT (Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy - Stan Tatkin's work) trained. Certified mediator.
(512) 829-7418 View (512) 829-7418
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

See more therapy options for Burnet County

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.