Chronic Pain Therapists in Sugar Land, TX

Photo of Heidi Hoarau, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Heidi Hoarau
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sugar Land, TX 77478  (Online Only)
Feeling anxious or depressed is often the result of chronic stress, unresolved trauma or grief. I work with adults who struggle with intense emotions or have coped through numbing them. Some suffer from physical discomfort or chronic pain, while others struggle in their relationships, or engage in behaviors that both soothe and hurt them. If that resonates with you, I would love to offer you my attention and guiding skills to help you explore and make sense of your inner experiences in order to heal wounds and access more calm, clarity, confidence, compassion, and connection with yourself and others, so that you may feel more alive!
Feeling anxious or depressed is often the result of chronic stress, unresolved trauma or grief. I work with adults who struggle with intense emotions or have coped through numbing them. Some suffer from physical discomfort or chronic pain, while others struggle in their relationships, or engage in behaviors that both soothe and hurt them. If that resonates with you, I would love to offer you my attention and guiding skills to help you explore and make sense of your inner experiences in order to heal wounds and access more calm, clarity, confidence, compassion, and connection with yourself and others, so that you may feel more alive!
(346) 534-5831 View (346) 534-5831
Photo of Dr. Jonathan Morris, PhD, BCET, DCM, DPM, Psychologist
Dr. Jonathan Morris
Psychologist, PhD, BCET, DCM, DPM
Verified Verified
Sugar Land, TX 77478
ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, PAIN, STRESS are interwoven through mind and body interactions.
For individual, couples, adults and teens, the pursuit of ones therapeutic goals is a deeply personal endeavor, one that entails time, effort, occasional discomfort and some expense. I am keenly aware of the burden of trust, inherent in my participation in so intimate and earnest an undertaking, and will apply my clinical judgment, professional acumen, interpersonal skills and 35-years of experience, to discern and address those needs. In doing so, respect for your values, reverence for your individuality and deference to your aspirations, will guide our endeavor, enabling you to attain your goals with dignity and true contentment.
ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, PAIN, STRESS are interwoven through mind and body interactions.
For individual, couples, adults and teens, the pursuit of ones therapeutic goals is a deeply personal endeavor, one that entails time, effort, occasional discomfort and some expense. I am keenly aware of the burden of trust, inherent in my participation in so intimate and earnest an undertaking, and will apply my clinical judgment, professional acumen, interpersonal skills and 35-years of experience, to discern and address those needs. In doing so, respect for your values, reverence for your individuality and deference to your aspirations, will guide our endeavor, enabling you to attain your goals with dignity and true contentment.
(281) 937-8306 View (281) 937-8306
Photo of Laura Shely, MA, LMFT-S, LPC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Laura Shely
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT-S, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sugar Land, TX 77478  (Online Only)
Relationship problems can also arise as individuals and their families deal with chronic illness.
As a couples and family therapist my focus is on making relationships stronger. Anxiety, depression, family stressors, trauma or infidelity can impact how we feel about ourselves and our relationships with others. Whether you come alone or with your family members, I offer a safe non-judgmental place in which to work through the issues affecting you or your family members.
Relationship problems can also arise as individuals and their families deal with chronic illness.
As a couples and family therapist my focus is on making relationships stronger. Anxiety, depression, family stressors, trauma or infidelity can impact how we feel about ourselves and our relationships with others. Whether you come alone or with your family members, I offer a safe non-judgmental place in which to work through the issues affecting you or your family members.
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Photo of India Gardner, MA, LPC-A, LPC Intern
India Gardner
LPC Intern, MA, LPC-A
Verified Verified
Sugar Land, TX 77479  (Online Only)
My specialties include TBIs and concussions, acquired and congenital disabilities, chronic illness and pain, racial identity and affirmation, mood and anxiety concerns and life transitions.
I'm India! Thank you for taking the first step on your therapeutic journey of healing and restoration with me! I'm the Founder and Therapist of Couch Conversations and Consulting, a fully online private practice offering quality mental health telehealth services for clients who prefer virtual sessions or may not be able to meet for in person sessions and are seeking a collaborative, compassionate and empowering therapy experience on the road to healing and restoration from the comfort of their own homes. I aim for my work as a therapist to be living proof of the benefits that therapy can be for one’s overall mental health.
My specialties include TBIs and concussions, acquired and congenital disabilities, chronic illness and pain, racial identity and affirmation, mood and anxiety concerns and life transitions.
I'm India! Thank you for taking the first step on your therapeutic journey of healing and restoration with me! I'm the Founder and Therapist of Couch Conversations and Consulting, a fully online private practice offering quality mental health telehealth services for clients who prefer virtual sessions or may not be able to meet for in person sessions and are seeking a collaborative, compassionate and empowering therapy experience on the road to healing and restoration from the comfort of their own homes. I aim for my work as a therapist to be living proof of the benefits that therapy can be for one’s overall mental health.
(737) 232-4769 View (737) 232-4769
Photo of Asma Rahim, MA, LPC, S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Asma Rahim
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, S
Verified Verified
Sugar Land, TX 77479
Mrs. Rahim started RCCS in 2010. Her first experience in the field in 2007 was at the Veteran Hospital's Pain Clinic and In-patient Area. After Graduation, she spent some time in the Middle East and voluntarily served her time and knowledge with familial issues and women issues. She has experienced hospice and loss, & understands grief and suicide. Her years of experience is wide as she has worked with clients and their families about depression, anxiety, addiction, multi-cultural, multi-racial family and marital issues. She works well with adults and adolescents dealing with self esteem and communication issues.
Mrs. Rahim started RCCS in 2010. Her first experience in the field in 2007 was at the Veteran Hospital's Pain Clinic and In-patient Area. After Graduation, she spent some time in the Middle East and voluntarily served her time and knowledge with familial issues and women issues. She has experienced hospice and loss, & understands grief and suicide. Her years of experience is wide as she has worked with clients and their families about depression, anxiety, addiction, multi-cultural, multi-racial family and marital issues. She works well with adults and adolescents dealing with self esteem and communication issues.
(832) 308-8146 View (832) 308-8146
Photo of Karen Waldman, PhD, Psychologist
Karen Waldman
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Sugar Land, TX 77479  (Online Only)
My specializations include couples and marital counseling, individual therapy, behavioral health (i.e., the mind-body connection), mindfulness training, stress management, values/goals clarification, LGBT issues, and hypnosis. Understandably, clients want results that are both fast and lasting, so I tend to use some type of brief, solution-focused model in my work. I also have considerable experience utilizing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a method that is both quick and effective for relationship/family/parenting problems, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, chronic pain, guilt, insomnia, medical impairments, work stress, anger/resentment, smoking addiction, and many other difficult issues.
My specializations include couples and marital counseling, individual therapy, behavioral health (i.e., the mind-body connection), mindfulness training, stress management, values/goals clarification, LGBT issues, and hypnosis. Understandably, clients want results that are both fast and lasting, so I tend to use some type of brief, solution-focused model in my work. I also have considerable experience utilizing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a method that is both quick and effective for relationship/family/parenting problems, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, chronic pain, guilt, insomnia, medical impairments, work stress, anger/resentment, smoking addiction, and many other difficult issues.
(713) 766-4375 View (713) 766-4375
Photo of Harold Haven Boggs, MS, LMFT, LCDC, EMDR, Marriage & Family Therapist
Harold Haven Boggs
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, LCDC, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sugar Land, TX 77478  (Online Only)
I help adults with: (divorce, remarriage, PTSD, alcohol, drugs, depression, anxiety, grief, suicide prevention, compulsive sex, job loss; physical illness and disability; eldering); male teens: (problems with self-confidence, sexuality and identity; relationship with parents; alcohol drug problems, depression, grief); with : parents' divorce, or remarriage); families with : (Covenant Marriage, pre-marriage, remarriage, blended families, conflict and violence, abuse, divorce, empty nest), parents : (parent-child conflicts, problems with co-parenting, single-parenting and/or blending families, difficulties with CPS cases, and in-laws
I help adults with: (divorce, remarriage, PTSD, alcohol, drugs, depression, anxiety, grief, suicide prevention, compulsive sex, job loss; physical illness and disability; eldering); male teens: (problems with self-confidence, sexuality and identity; relationship with parents; alcohol drug problems, depression, grief); with : parents' divorce, or remarriage); families with : (Covenant Marriage, pre-marriage, remarriage, blended families, conflict and violence, abuse, divorce, empty nest), parents : (parent-child conflicts, problems with co-parenting, single-parenting and/or blending families, difficulties with CPS cases, and in-laws
(281) 978-2998 View (281) 978-2998
Photo of Kris Kerlin, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kris Kerlin
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Sugar Land, TX 77479
Whether it is the stress of daily living or major life stressors such as illness, or loss, we can help.
If you are dealing with a health issue that has changed your life or are caring for someone with cancer or a serious illness, you don't have to do it alone. Dealing with an illness is a whole person, whole family event and can be an emotional rollercoaster. Seeking professional support when your life is impacted by a health issue can reduce the stress and isolation of trying to figure out how to cope on your own. With more than twenty years of experience working in the cancer community and helping people facing illness, I can help you discover your path through this experience.
Whether it is the stress of daily living or major life stressors such as illness, or loss, we can help.
If you are dealing with a health issue that has changed your life or are caring for someone with cancer or a serious illness, you don't have to do it alone. Dealing with an illness is a whole person, whole family event and can be an emotional rollercoaster. Seeking professional support when your life is impacted by a health issue can reduce the stress and isolation of trying to figure out how to cope on your own. With more than twenty years of experience working in the cancer community and helping people facing illness, I can help you discover your path through this experience.
(281) 699-2833 View (281) 699-2833
Photo of James S. Guerrero, Psy D, Psychologist
James S. Guerrero
Psychologist, Psy D
Verified Verified
Sugar Land, TX 77498
Mental illness can distract us from living healthy and productive lives.
I was born and raised in Hawaii, and got my doctorate in Chicago. After my doctorate I moved to the great state of Texas 14 years ago. I have worked with people in many different settings including psychiatric hospitals, outpatient and inpatient clinics, residential treatment centers for children, and rehabilitation and long-term care centers. As a licensed psychologist I specialize in individual, couples, and family psychotherapy. I've done Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with children, adults, and older adults. I also incorporate behavioral interventions such as imagery, progressive muscle and relaxation training.
Mental illness can distract us from living healthy and productive lives.
I was born and raised in Hawaii, and got my doctorate in Chicago. After my doctorate I moved to the great state of Texas 14 years ago. I have worked with people in many different settings including psychiatric hospitals, outpatient and inpatient clinics, residential treatment centers for children, and rehabilitation and long-term care centers. As a licensed psychologist I specialize in individual, couples, and family psychotherapy. I've done Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with children, adults, and older adults. I also incorporate behavioral interventions such as imagery, progressive muscle and relaxation training.
(281) 672-8957 View (281) 672-8957
Photo of Dr. LaToya Carter, DSW, LCSW-S, NSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Dr. LaToya Carter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LCSW-S, NSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sugar Land, TX 77478  (Online Only)
If you, or someone you know, were recently diagnosed with a chronic illness, have chronic pain or are experiencing symptoms of grief, stress, anxiety, depression, or other challenges that are impacting your quality of life, please contact me to make an appointment.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker from Houston, Texas. My expertise include: grief and loss, anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder, coping skills and life transitions. I am also a certified nephrology social worker and I have extensive knowledge and experience working with adults diagnosed with end stage renal disease, chronic illnesses and chronic pain. I have practiced in multiple healthcare settings including home health, substance use/abuse, outpatient dialysis centers and acute hospital settings.
If you, or someone you know, were recently diagnosed with a chronic illness, have chronic pain or are experiencing symptoms of grief, stress, anxiety, depression, or other challenges that are impacting your quality of life, please contact me to make an appointment.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker from Houston, Texas. My expertise include: grief and loss, anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder, coping skills and life transitions. I am also a certified nephrology social worker and I have extensive knowledge and experience working with adults diagnosed with end stage renal disease, chronic illnesses and chronic pain. I have practiced in multiple healthcare settings including home health, substance use/abuse, outpatient dialysis centers and acute hospital settings.
(915) 268-0686 View (915) 268-0686
Photo of Ashley Johnson, LPC, MEd, MS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Ashley Johnson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MEd, MS
Verified Verified
Sugar Land, TX 77478
I commend you for acknowledging your pain and seeking out ways to help yourself.
What do you want clients to know about you? You are on the search for something. Whether it is clarity, peace, happiness, support, or the freedom to finally explore who YOU truly are. We often feel the pressure to appear we have it all together when deep inside we are fighting a battle within. This journey that you are on, no longer has to be walked alone. What is your approach to therapy? I commend you for acknowledging your pain and seeking out ways to help yourself. I provide individual therapy to young adults, adults and adolescents experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, low self-esteem and life transitions.
I commend you for acknowledging your pain and seeking out ways to help yourself.
What do you want clients to know about you? You are on the search for something. Whether it is clarity, peace, happiness, support, or the freedom to finally explore who YOU truly are. We often feel the pressure to appear we have it all together when deep inside we are fighting a battle within. This journey that you are on, no longer has to be walked alone. What is your approach to therapy? I commend you for acknowledging your pain and seeking out ways to help yourself. I provide individual therapy to young adults, adults and adolescents experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, low self-esteem and life transitions.
(346) 371-2297 View (346) 371-2297
Photo of Dr. Roger D. Vazquez, PhD, LPC, LCDC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Dr. Roger D. Vazquez
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, LCDC
Verified Verified
Sugar Land, TX 77478
I have experience working with a wide variety of life problems and mental health disorders, but my primary interests include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), academic issues, panic/phobias, anger management, addiction, couples, marriage, and family relationship issues.
I have experience working with a wide variety of life problems and mental health disorders, but my primary interests include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), academic issues, panic/phobias, anger management, addiction, couples, marriage, and family relationship issues.
(281) 666-9607 View (281) 666-9607
Photo of Rachel Rao, LPC-A, CPA
Rachel Rao
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, LPC-A, CPA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sugar Land, TX 77479
Hello! My name is Rachel Qihao Rao, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC-A), supervised by Leigh Rainwater, LPC-S. I have clinical experience working with children, teenagers, adults, and couples dealing with Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, and other symptoms. From a humanistic counseling perspective, these can often manifest as various challenging life situations, including: •Life-changing events •Daily stress •Identity issues •Relationship problems. I understand these challenges can create imbalances in your life, and I am here to collaborate with you to tailor a treatment plan that aligns with your personal goals.
Hello! My name is Rachel Qihao Rao, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC-A), supervised by Leigh Rainwater, LPC-S. I have clinical experience working with children, teenagers, adults, and couples dealing with Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, and other symptoms. From a humanistic counseling perspective, these can often manifest as various challenging life situations, including: •Life-changing events •Daily stress •Identity issues •Relationship problems. I understand these challenges can create imbalances in your life, and I am here to collaborate with you to tailor a treatment plan that aligns with your personal goals.
(346) 522-3504 View (346) 522-3504
Photo of Roopa Baruah, MSW, LCSW, CCHt, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Roopa Baruah
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CCHt
Verified Verified
Sugar Land, TX 77478  (Online Only)
Are you experiencing physical and emotional symptoms that are unexplainable and preventing you from living a healthy, fulfilling life? If so, it may be a response to a painful experience. Adverse life experiences and how it impacts a person is unique to every person. Medical research has demonstrated for decades that survivors of accidents, disasters, and childhood trauma often endure life-long symptoms ranging from anxiety and depression to body syndromes, harmful behaviors, and addictions. While you can't change difficult situations of the past, you have the natural ability to recuperate from these painful experiences.
Are you experiencing physical and emotional symptoms that are unexplainable and preventing you from living a healthy, fulfilling life? If so, it may be a response to a painful experience. Adverse life experiences and how it impacts a person is unique to every person. Medical research has demonstrated for decades that survivors of accidents, disasters, and childhood trauma often endure life-long symptoms ranging from anxiety and depression to body syndromes, harmful behaviors, and addictions. While you can't change difficult situations of the past, you have the natural ability to recuperate from these painful experiences.
(346) 449-4506 View (346) 449-4506
Photo of Tyrone Obaseki, MDiv, MA, LPC-S, LCDC, LSOTP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Tyrone Obaseki
Licensed Professional Counselor, MDiv, MA, LPC-S, LCDC, LSOTP
Verified Verified
Sugar Land, TX 77479
Welcome to Transformative Counseling & Wellness Solutions! We believe in renewing the mind and dealing with the total person! Healing starts with being transparent, and opening up about your life’s journey to your therapist, who responds with compassion, empathy, and wisdom. Our therapeutic relationship can be the building block and the catalyst towards your new life! We provide affordable counseling, traditional & wellness services. If you want to journey beyond life's obstacles, don't hesitate to call. Together we will navigate your path towards freedom, success, and happiness.
Welcome to Transformative Counseling & Wellness Solutions! We believe in renewing the mind and dealing with the total person! Healing starts with being transparent, and opening up about your life’s journey to your therapist, who responds with compassion, empathy, and wisdom. Our therapeutic relationship can be the building block and the catalyst towards your new life! We provide affordable counseling, traditional & wellness services. If you want to journey beyond life's obstacles, don't hesitate to call. Together we will navigate your path towards freedom, success, and happiness.
(832) 562-3196 View (832) 562-3196
Photo of Carol Prusinski, MEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Carol Prusinski
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
Sugar Land, TX 77478
All of us have experienced life's difficulties. Finding a way to work through these problems and begin to understand ourselves, and grow in the process, is what counseling is about. I provide a nuturing, safe, confidential environment where you can discover yourself, and learn healthy coping strategies . I work with adults, adolescents and children who suffer from depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and other mental health diagnoses. I also work with couples, families and provide group counseling.
All of us have experienced life's difficulties. Finding a way to work through these problems and begin to understand ourselves, and grow in the process, is what counseling is about. I provide a nuturing, safe, confidential environment where you can discover yourself, and learn healthy coping strategies . I work with adults, adolescents and children who suffer from depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and other mental health diagnoses. I also work with couples, families and provide group counseling.
(281) 690-1296 View (281) 690-1296
Donna Hicks
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Sugar Land, TX 77498  (Online Only)
I am licensed in Texas with 4 years of professional work experience. I have an associates in justice administration, a bachelor's in justice administration with a focus on human services and a minor in psychology, and a master's of arts in counseling. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & anger management. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I have worked with all levels of addiction, Bexar County Probation, in-patient recovery, wounded transition for military members, domestic violence, and crisis intervention.
I am licensed in Texas with 4 years of professional work experience. I have an associates in justice administration, a bachelor's in justice administration with a focus on human services and a minor in psychology, and a master's of arts in counseling. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & anger management. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I have worked with all levels of addiction, Bexar County Probation, in-patient recovery, wounded transition for military members, domestic violence, and crisis intervention.
(346) 572-4166 View (346) 572-4166
Photo of Laila Narsi, LCSW, CMMT, CMT-P, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Laila Narsi
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CMMT, CMT-P
Verified Verified
Sugar Land, TX 77478
We all have inner wisdom which holds the answers to our questions. At the center of our beings we know who we are and what we want but getting there can sometimes be difficult. Using sound innovative psychotherapeutic techniques I work with my clients towards their goals. Whether I work with individual, couples, families, or groups, I understand the importance of a healthy relationship, excellent rapport, non-judgment, honesty and the need for confidentiality in working towards these goals. I also now offer Telehealth/Virtual sessions.
We all have inner wisdom which holds the answers to our questions. At the center of our beings we know who we are and what we want but getting there can sometimes be difficult. Using sound innovative psychotherapeutic techniques I work with my clients towards their goals. Whether I work with individual, couples, families, or groups, I understand the importance of a healthy relationship, excellent rapport, non-judgment, honesty and the need for confidentiality in working towards these goals. I also now offer Telehealth/Virtual sessions.
(281) 675-2722 View (281) 675-2722
Photo of Sneha Desai, PsyD, Psychologist
Sneha Desai
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sugar Land, TX 77479  (Online Only)
I am a licensed clinical psychologist whose work involves the treatment and assessment of many types of psychological difficulties that includes but is not limited to depression, anxiety, grief/loss, and relationship conflicts. I also have extensive experience working with children with developmental and behavioral disorders including ADHD and autism.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist whose work involves the treatment and assessment of many types of psychological difficulties that includes but is not limited to depression, anxiety, grief/loss, and relationship conflicts. I also have extensive experience working with children with developmental and behavioral disorders including ADHD and autism.
(832) 906-3999 View (832) 906-3999
Photo of Amanda Trost- Solace Counseling And Coaching, MEd, Licensed Professional Counselor
Amanda Trost- Solace Counseling And Coaching
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Sugar Land, TX 77478
We see teens and adults and help with managing anxiety and depression, achieving work-life balance, perfectionism/people pleasing, and navigating the journey of healing from childhood trauma, estrangements, and complex family dynamics. We specialize in working with CPTSD. Therapy can also be beneficial in addressing issues such as overwhelming or misplaced guilt, stress related to academics or employment, prioritizing others' needs over one's own, fear of abandonment, establishing healthy personal and professional boundaries, setting goals, and processing traumatic experiences.
We see teens and adults and help with managing anxiety and depression, achieving work-life balance, perfectionism/people pleasing, and navigating the journey of healing from childhood trauma, estrangements, and complex family dynamics. We specialize in working with CPTSD. Therapy can also be beneficial in addressing issues such as overwhelming or misplaced guilt, stress related to academics or employment, prioritizing others' needs over one's own, fear of abandonment, establishing healthy personal and professional boundaries, setting goals, and processing traumatic experiences.
(346) 567-7162 View (346) 567-7162
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Chronic Pain Therapists

How does chronic pain therapy work?

Engaging with a psychotherapist to help treat chronic pain does not mean that one’s pain is all in their head. Therapy for chronic-pain patients has been shown to benefit both the mind and the body, targeting physical symptoms and increasing daily functioning. In other words, for many, addressing their emotional health through therapy affects their physical health. A therapist can help a client challenge unhelpful thoughts about pain and develop new ways to respond to it, such as distraction or calming breathing techniques. Studies have found that therapy can be as effective as surgery for certain cases of chronic pain and many doctors recommend trying psychotherapy in advance of considering invasive surgery.

What are the most effective treatment options for chronic pain?

Stress, anxiety, depression, catastrophizing, ruminating, lack of activity, and social withdrawal all make chronic pain worse. Addressing these issues, research shows, can help people gain control over their pain symptoms. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, and mindfulness-based stress reduction, along with greater pain-management education, have been found to help people reduce fear and disability.

Are there new treatments for chronic pain?

Many cases of chronic pain, particularly those involving back pain, remain medically unexplained. But there is evidence that changes in the brain or nervous system are caused by previous physical ailments such as tissue damage; in such cases, the brain may continue to send out pain signals despite the physical cause having healed. To aid patients under these circumstances, a recently developed treatment known as pain reprocessing therapy (PRT) is designed to help the brain “unlearn” this response. A PRT practitioner helps individuals to reduce the “threat value” of their ongoing pain signals until they can reappraise them as less threatening and fear-inducing. They also help an individual to develop new emotional regulation skills.

How long does therapy for chronic pain take?

There is no set timeline for recovery from chronic pain, especially as there may be a range of physical and psychological causes for any individual’s discomfort, but most patients should expect to see a therapist for a number of weeks or months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions. Studies of pain reprocessing therapy found that many individuals’ experience of pain lessened in eight sessions over four weeks.