Chronic Pain Therapists in San Antonio, TX

Photo of Jennifer Wilson, PhD, Psychologist
Jennifer Wilson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Antonio, TX 78258  (Online Only)
I have a knack for helping people get "unstuck" after becoming immobilized or discouraged in therapy, perplexed about with decision-making, or in the tough situations life brings us. I have had good success with clients with residual symptoms from PTSD, and helping patients manage the intersection between chronic pain and PTSD. I have worked with clients and families adjusting to disabilities/chronic medical conditions, addressing mood symptoms, trauma symptoms, anger, grief, couples, family parenting, & divorce, for school age children through older adults. Clients actively engaging in therapy report progress within 2-3 sessions.
I have a knack for helping people get "unstuck" after becoming immobilized or discouraged in therapy, perplexed about with decision-making, or in the tough situations life brings us. I have had good success with clients with residual symptoms from PTSD, and helping patients manage the intersection between chronic pain and PTSD. I have worked with clients and families adjusting to disabilities/chronic medical conditions, addressing mood symptoms, trauma symptoms, anger, grief, couples, family parenting, & divorce, for school age children through older adults. Clients actively engaging in therapy report progress within 2-3 sessions.
(210) 796-3889 View (210) 796-3889
Photo of Cheryl Wright, LPC, LCDC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Cheryl Wright
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCDC
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78240
The decision to seek therapy is difficult and personal. Not knowing all the answers to your life questions is natural. Often, people choose therapy during times of stress, discomfort, chaos, and emotional pain. It may also be when you are ready for changes or growth to happen in your life. I believe that within every individual lies the ability to overcome, learn, and preserver through the concerns that brought them to therapy.
The decision to seek therapy is difficult and personal. Not knowing all the answers to your life questions is natural. Often, people choose therapy during times of stress, discomfort, chaos, and emotional pain. It may also be when you are ready for changes or growth to happen in your life. I believe that within every individual lies the ability to overcome, learn, and preserver through the concerns that brought them to therapy.
(210) 762-4741 View (210) 762-4741
Photo of Javier (Javi) Villanueva, PhD, Psychologist
Javier (Javi) Villanueva
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Antonio, TX 78229
I hope you will research our website where you will find more information about my associates and myself, as well as free resources pertaining to pain, insomnia and anxiety, and a full, thorough description of how we can help you.
First, thank you so much for taking the time to view my page. I know you have many options, and your time is meaningful. I believe you care about quality. You want someone to provide care for yourself or your loved one, someone you feel comfortable with, someone you can come to trust. My approach to treatment is twofold: address the symptoms of distress, and seek resolution for the root cause of that distress. By helping me understand your life conditions, we can create your path to both immediate and lasting relief.
I hope you will research our website where you will find more information about my associates and myself, as well as free resources pertaining to pain, insomnia and anxiety, and a full, thorough description of how we can help you.
First, thank you so much for taking the time to view my page. I know you have many options, and your time is meaningful. I believe you care about quality. You want someone to provide care for yourself or your loved one, someone you feel comfortable with, someone you can come to trust. My approach to treatment is twofold: address the symptoms of distress, and seek resolution for the root cause of that distress. By helping me understand your life conditions, we can create your path to both immediate and lasting relief.
(210) 849-1244 View (210) 849-1244
Photo of Dr. Jacqueline Contreras, PhD, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Dr. Jacqueline Contreras
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Antonio, TX 78228
¡Hola! My name is Dr. Jacqueline Contreras. My experiences include treating patients managing chronic pain, anxiety, depression, stress, phase of life issues, post-traumatic stress disorder, personal growth, social phobia, self-esteem, work related injuries, car accident injuries, and adjustment disorder. I have experience working with LGBTQ+ patients, too. Additionally, I have advised college students from low socio-economic communities, career counseling, and helped first-generation college students adjust to a four-year university.
¡Hola! My name is Dr. Jacqueline Contreras. My experiences include treating patients managing chronic pain, anxiety, depression, stress, phase of life issues, post-traumatic stress disorder, personal growth, social phobia, self-esteem, work related injuries, car accident injuries, and adjustment disorder. I have experience working with LGBTQ+ patients, too. Additionally, I have advised college students from low socio-economic communities, career counseling, and helped first-generation college students adjust to a four-year university.
(210) 972-1137 View (210) 972-1137
Photo of Allison Ray Benavides, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Allison Ray Benavides
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78209  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My Clients are often coping w/chronic pain, terminal illness, caregiver fatigue, grief & loss (including child, limb, suicide, pet, divorce, faith), trauma, depression, anxiety/OCD/panic, challenges w/aging or low self worth.
If you’re in chronic pain (emotional or physical), feel left out of life or find yourself doubting your value or ability, I could be a good fit :) Some bodies & minds have a nervous system that continuously sends danger signals. These intrusive, distressing “internal misunderstandings” show up as chronic symptoms - preventing us from experiencing what is good, right & true about ourselves, our relationships & life. I'm here to help desensitize & reprogram the internal vibes & thoughts decreasing your quality of life - to pass along eclectic, simple & warm yet evidenced-based strategies to nurture & restore your mind, body & heart.
My Clients are often coping w/chronic pain, terminal illness, caregiver fatigue, grief & loss (including child, limb, suicide, pet, divorce, faith), trauma, depression, anxiety/OCD/panic, challenges w/aging or low self worth.
If you’re in chronic pain (emotional or physical), feel left out of life or find yourself doubting your value or ability, I could be a good fit :) Some bodies & minds have a nervous system that continuously sends danger signals. These intrusive, distressing “internal misunderstandings” show up as chronic symptoms - preventing us from experiencing what is good, right & true about ourselves, our relationships & life. I'm here to help desensitize & reprogram the internal vibes & thoughts decreasing your quality of life - to pass along eclectic, simple & warm yet evidenced-based strategies to nurture & restore your mind, body & heart.
(210) 971-4414 View (210) 971-4414
Photo of Gary Whiting - Rehab Therapy Resources, Inc., PhD, Psychologist
Rehab Therapy Resources, Inc.
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78240
We provide supportive psychotherapy for patients with a serious illness or injury, who now live with chronic pain and impairment. It is not unusual to experience problems with stress, depression, and anxiety after a medical crisis, and to become isolated from the flow of life. You will be given an individual therapist to support you and help you learn about the specific skills, attitudes, and behaviors that help you slowly but steadily "push back" and regain quality of life.
We provide supportive psychotherapy for patients with a serious illness or injury, who now live with chronic pain and impairment. It is not unusual to experience problems with stress, depression, and anxiety after a medical crisis, and to become isolated from the flow of life. You will be given an individual therapist to support you and help you learn about the specific skills, attitudes, and behaviors that help you slowly but steadily "push back" and regain quality of life.
(210) 672-1246 View (210) 672-1246
Photo of Yvonne Tejeda, MA, LPC, PLLC, RYT200, Licensed Professional Counselor
Yvonne Tejeda
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, PLLC, RYT200
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78229
Hello, I’m a licensed therapist in SA & Spring Branch TX, specialized in treating trauma, PTSD, anxiety disorders, and chronic pain. I use evidence-based treatment modalities such as EMDR or TF-CBT, somatic psychotherapy for body regulation and reconnection of mind and body. I’m a Hatha yoga certified teacher, an original yoga practiced thousands of years ago that has transformed human beings to transcend to higher states of consciousness, releasing mental, emotional and physical illness and daily stressors in order to return to original state of wellness and inner peace.
Hello, I’m a licensed therapist in SA & Spring Branch TX, specialized in treating trauma, PTSD, anxiety disorders, and chronic pain. I use evidence-based treatment modalities such as EMDR or TF-CBT, somatic psychotherapy for body regulation and reconnection of mind and body. I’m a Hatha yoga certified teacher, an original yoga practiced thousands of years ago that has transformed human beings to transcend to higher states of consciousness, releasing mental, emotional and physical illness and daily stressors in order to return to original state of wellness and inner peace.
(210) 844-1296 View (210) 844-1296
Photo of Wenona Y Andress - Wenona Andress, LCSW-S, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Wenona Andress, LCSW-S
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Antonio, TX 78204  (Online Only)
Do you have chronic pain and wonder if you can enjoy life again? Does your family struggle with addiction? Interested in reducing symptoms from a traumatic event? Trying to stop tobacco for health or prior to a surgery? Adjusting to mental illness/long term health condition and feel lost? It's my passion to guide you to a life that is as full as possible! I have been treating these issues, mood disorders, ADD/other adjustment disorders. My typical clients are young adults to Seniors. I see children/adults age 10 and over for chronic pain.
Do you have chronic pain and wonder if you can enjoy life again? Does your family struggle with addiction? Interested in reducing symptoms from a traumatic event? Trying to stop tobacco for health or prior to a surgery? Adjusting to mental illness/long term health condition and feel lost? It's my passion to guide you to a life that is as full as possible! I have been treating these issues, mood disorders, ADD/other adjustment disorders. My typical clients are young adults to Seniors. I see children/adults age 10 and over for chronic pain.
(806) 474-5787 View (806) 474-5787
Photo of Terri L Beck, LCDC, CHT, CPC, CPRC, Drug & Alcohol Counselor
Terri L Beck
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, LCDC, CHT, CPC, CPRC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Antonio, TX 78245
I have used hypnotherapy to help some clients increase their ability to manage chronic pain, quit smoking or work through trauma.
I am a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and Hypnotherapist and have been working in the mental health field for over 12 years. I imagine my ideal client has been feeling symptoms of anxiety, worry or depression or maybe life has hampered you from achieving your desires or goals. I provide in-person and tele-health sessions for those located in the state of Texas that have a desire to begin coping differently
I have used hypnotherapy to help some clients increase their ability to manage chronic pain, quit smoking or work through trauma.
I am a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and Hypnotherapist and have been working in the mental health field for over 12 years. I imagine my ideal client has been feeling symptoms of anxiety, worry or depression or maybe life has hampered you from achieving your desires or goals. I provide in-person and tele-health sessions for those located in the state of Texas that have a desire to begin coping differently
(956) 450-7334 View (956) 450-7334
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.
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.
(210) 981-4812 View (210) 981-4812
Photo of Bob Stead, MS, NCC, LPC, CCTP-II, Licensed Professional Counselor
Bob Stead
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, NCC, LPC, CCTP-II
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Antonio, TX 78249
I know pain, I know what the darkness feels like, let's be real with each other, on how we explore that together.
Thank you for taking the time to review my profile. I am NOT your typical Psychotherapist, and I am looking for NOT your typical client. If you believe in the healing power of community and are eager to take control of your bubble, (because that's really all we can control), Don't hesitate to smile in my direction, let's change something meaningful! Also providing Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, Preparation, and Integration.
I know pain, I know what the darkness feels like, let's be real with each other, on how we explore that together.
Thank you for taking the time to review my profile. I am NOT your typical Psychotherapist, and I am looking for NOT your typical client. If you believe in the healing power of community and are eager to take control of your bubble, (because that's really all we can control), Don't hesitate to smile in my direction, let's change something meaningful! Also providing Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, Preparation, and Integration.
(210) 791-6580 View (210) 791-6580
Photo of Lara Durand, MA,  MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lara Durand
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Antonio, TX 78248  (Online Only)
I am a bilingual Licensed Professional Counselor working with children, adolescents and adults going through a variety of situations and life transitions. I earned my bachelors in Psychology in Mexico City and a Masters degree in psychoanalysis. I then moved to Miami, FL to pursue another masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I have worked with people from all walks of life going through anxiety, depression, domestic violence, incarceration, mental illness, and life transitions such as divorce, death of a loved one, entering adolescence, among others. My focus is mainly psychodynamic.
I am a bilingual Licensed Professional Counselor working with children, adolescents and adults going through a variety of situations and life transitions. I earned my bachelors in Psychology in Mexico City and a Masters degree in psychoanalysis. I then moved to Miami, FL to pursue another masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I have worked with people from all walks of life going through anxiety, depression, domestic violence, incarceration, mental illness, and life transitions such as divorce, death of a loved one, entering adolescence, among others. My focus is mainly psychodynamic.
(210) 981-6359 View (210) 981-6359
Photo of Deborah Bergmann, MS, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Deborah Bergmann
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Antonio, TX 78240
Therapy is a unique space where you can let your thoughts and feelings unfold freely and in a supported way. I listen as deeply as I can to a person’s experience. Attuning to what you are saying, feeling, and to what might be hard to say or feel. Together, we might be able to find new ways to be with your pain, regrets, unfulfilled hopes, conflicted feelings, fears, and losses.
Therapy is a unique space where you can let your thoughts and feelings unfold freely and in a supported way. I listen as deeply as I can to a person’s experience. Attuning to what you are saying, feeling, and to what might be hard to say or feel. Together, we might be able to find new ways to be with your pain, regrets, unfulfilled hopes, conflicted feelings, fears, and losses.
(210) 742-4504 View (210) 742-4504
Photo of Rachel A Nichols, MS, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Rachel A Nichols
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC-S
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78209
Hypnosis can aid in stress reduction, assist in pain management, and habit change.
Living is an art and you are the outcome. You owe it to yourself to live your best life. Do you feel like you want to get in touch with your expanded self, and all possibilities of life? Are you ready to change your habitual patterns, relationships, and set new goals? Relational issues will improve as you Increase your awareness of the cause of communication struggles and you will be able to love without petty squabbles. Reconnect and become the person you were meant to be.
Hypnosis can aid in stress reduction, assist in pain management, and habit change.
Living is an art and you are the outcome. You owe it to yourself to live your best life. Do you feel like you want to get in touch with your expanded self, and all possibilities of life? Are you ready to change your habitual patterns, relationships, and set new goals? Relational issues will improve as you Increase your awareness of the cause of communication struggles and you will be able to love without petty squabbles. Reconnect and become the person you were meant to be.
(210) 598-5209 View (210) 598-5209
Photo of Lea Bloodworth, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lea Bloodworth
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Antonio, TX 78254  (Online Only)
My primary areas of focus are: College Students, Emerging & Young Adults, Internationals & Repatriates, Teachers & Educators, Chronic Pain & Illness/Autoimmune Diseases, Trauma & Grief.
Are you struggling with life's challenges? We all experience seasons in life where life gets too hard, and the burden seems too heavy to carry alone. More often than not, when we consider therapy as a treatment approach, we have tried everything we know to try on our own, and it's just not quite working. People who seek out counseling during these times are BRAVE enough to admit that it's okay to ask for help. Whatever you may be going through, my hope is that you seek the help you may need and find what works for you!
My primary areas of focus are: College Students, Emerging & Young Adults, Internationals & Repatriates, Teachers & Educators, Chronic Pain & Illness/Autoimmune Diseases, Trauma & Grief.
Are you struggling with life's challenges? We all experience seasons in life where life gets too hard, and the burden seems too heavy to carry alone. More often than not, when we consider therapy as a treatment approach, we have tried everything we know to try on our own, and it's just not quite working. People who seek out counseling during these times are BRAVE enough to admit that it's okay to ask for help. Whatever you may be going through, my hope is that you seek the help you may need and find what works for you!
(806) 605-1239 View (806) 605-1239
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
The source of all illness is hidden in the subconscious mind which stores all manner of distortions about the self.
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.
The source of all illness is hidden in the subconscious mind which stores all manner of distortions about the self.
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 Valerie A Martin - Custom Counseling, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Custom Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78258  (Online Only)
STOP! My name is Valerie and I'd like to be your therapist. In my 20+ years' experience as a counselor, I've worked with a variety of people with a multitude of issues from depression and anxiety to chronic illness. My practice is 100% tele counseling so this will ensure that I can accommodate your schedule. I am not contracted with insurance and am self-pay. For this reason, I'm willing work on a sliding scale to accommodate your budget. Feel free to call me so we can get started and I look forward to speaking with you.
STOP! My name is Valerie and I'd like to be your therapist. In my 20+ years' experience as a counselor, I've worked with a variety of people with a multitude of issues from depression and anxiety to chronic illness. My practice is 100% tele counseling so this will ensure that I can accommodate your schedule. I am not contracted with insurance and am self-pay. For this reason, I'm willing work on a sliding scale to accommodate your budget. Feel free to call me so we can get started and I look forward to speaking with you.
(210) 625-5863 View (210) 625-5863
Photo of Ray Begaye, LPC, LCDC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Ray Begaye
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCDC
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78216  (Online Only)
My philosophy on counseling psychotherapy is to provide an atmosphere of no judgment, safety, and reassurance to address overwhelming stressors that create pain, loss, shame, regret, and guilt from childhood to adulthood.
I am from New Mexico and was raised on a farm on the Navajo Reservation before joining the US Army in 2000. After discharging honorably in 2012, I moved to San Antonio, Texas; whereby, I received my Master’s Degree from Wayland Baptist University in Counseling in 2015. I have been a licensed psychotherapist since 2019. I hold a variety of professional licensures: Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. I have had a variety of experiences with families, couples, and individual work.
My philosophy on counseling psychotherapy is to provide an atmosphere of no judgment, safety, and reassurance to address overwhelming stressors that create pain, loss, shame, regret, and guilt from childhood to adulthood.
I am from New Mexico and was raised on a farm on the Navajo Reservation before joining the US Army in 2000. After discharging honorably in 2012, I moved to San Antonio, Texas; whereby, I received my Master’s Degree from Wayland Baptist University in Counseling in 2015. I have been a licensed psychotherapist since 2019. I hold a variety of professional licensures: Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. I have had a variety of experiences with families, couples, and individual work.
(830) 730-6090 View (830) 730-6090
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 Joanna Trevino, MA, EMDR, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Joanna Trevino
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, EMDR, LPC-S
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
San Antonio, TX 78247
KAP Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy and EMDR for eligible clients. I work with humans just like you, offering counseling & guidance to help you relax, activate your inner healing intelligence and achieve your desired goals. Our work is guided by a trauma-responsive lens, which helps you understand how past and/or systemic trauma is connected to your current struggles. Specialty areas include PTS/D, depression, anxiety, chronic pain/illness; and working with other health care and high-stress professionals. Therapy with me is compassionate, client-centered, with growth-mindset accountability.
KAP Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy and EMDR for eligible clients. I work with humans just like you, offering counseling & guidance to help you relax, activate your inner healing intelligence and achieve your desired goals. Our work is guided by a trauma-responsive lens, which helps you understand how past and/or systemic trauma is connected to your current struggles. Specialty areas include PTS/D, depression, anxiety, chronic pain/illness; and working with other health care and high-stress professionals. Therapy with me is compassionate, client-centered, with growth-mindset accountability.
(210) 405-8942 View (210) 405-8942
1
...

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.