Photo of Kimberly Mizerik, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kimberly Mizerik
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Temple, TX 76503
I teach Mindfulness to increase the ability to tolerate emotional pain and decrease suffering.
Now offering Therapy Intensive sessions which are an accelerated form of therapy that allows deeper healing in a shorter amount of time. Are stressful events and relationships making it impossible for you to relax? Are anxiety and depression making it hard to focus on the important things in your life and preventing you from making positive changes? There is hope and help available. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 12 years of experience as a psychotherapist in private practice and in Community Counseling. I have helped patients in their recovery from depression, anxiety, unstable relationships, PTSD, OCD, and ADHD.
I teach Mindfulness to increase the ability to tolerate emotional pain and decrease suffering.
Now offering Therapy Intensive sessions which are an accelerated form of therapy that allows deeper healing in a shorter amount of time. Are stressful events and relationships making it impossible for you to relax? Are anxiety and depression making it hard to focus on the important things in your life and preventing you from making positive changes? There is hope and help available. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 12 years of experience as a psychotherapist in private practice and in Community Counseling. I have helped patients in their recovery from depression, anxiety, unstable relationships, PTSD, OCD, and ADHD.
(254) 853-5079 View (254) 853-5079
Photo of Linda Malsbary, MSSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Linda Malsbary
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Temple, TX 76502
"The past has no power over the present moment"--Eckhart Tolle. Living your life's purpose can be difficult when you are burdened with past experiences of trauma. Worrying about the future can also hinder one's ability to live life to its fullest in the present moment. I am fulfilling my life's purpose by helping others attain their goals with the assistance of psychotherapy. I offer a committed, non-judgmental relationship, combined with ethical evidence-based practice techniques. I provide Client-Centered, CBT, EMDR, Mindfulness, Play Therapy, and Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy to adults, children, adolescents, and couples.
"The past has no power over the present moment"--Eckhart Tolle. Living your life's purpose can be difficult when you are burdened with past experiences of trauma. Worrying about the future can also hinder one's ability to live life to its fullest in the present moment. I am fulfilling my life's purpose by helping others attain their goals with the assistance of psychotherapy. I offer a committed, non-judgmental relationship, combined with ethical evidence-based practice techniques. I provide Client-Centered, CBT, EMDR, Mindfulness, Play Therapy, and Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy to adults, children, adolescents, and couples.
(254) 255-4846 View (254) 255-4846
Photo of Angela Marie Jourdain, MS, LPC, LCDC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Angela Marie Jourdain
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, LCDC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Temple, TX 76503
Our office believes that access to counseling should be easy and comfortable. I personally try my best to never turn away a client, schedule immediately, and work with any financial barriers. Although I work with a variety of treatment goals and treatment modalities, I am known for my work with children, trauma experienced populations, relationship counseling, addictions, military and advocacy for community health. When working with children, I always involve the parents and I attempt to assess in a variety of settings to assure I have the entire picture. Counseling should feel comfortable and safe.
Our office believes that access to counseling should be easy and comfortable. I personally try my best to never turn away a client, schedule immediately, and work with any financial barriers. Although I work with a variety of treatment goals and treatment modalities, I am known for my work with children, trauma experienced populations, relationship counseling, addictions, military and advocacy for community health. When working with children, I always involve the parents and I attempt to assess in a variety of settings to assure I have the entire picture. Counseling should feel comfortable and safe.
(254) 280-0793 View (254) 280-0793

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Heather Sronce, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Heather Sronce
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Belton, TX 76513  (Online Only)
I love helping people on their journey get to where they want to go! I believe therapy can be beneficial no matter what you're going through. Seeing people grow and change is such a wonderful gift.
I love helping people on their journey get to where they want to go! I believe therapy can be beneficial no matter what you're going through. Seeing people grow and change is such a wonderful gift.
(254) 944-2523 View (254) 944-2523

Online Therapists

Photo of Cristina Peck, MA, LMFT, LPC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cristina Peck
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78759
Issues include chronic pain, burnout, coping with cancer, parenting, relationship and communication skills, and more.
Are you experiencing burnout? Do you over-book or overwork yourself, believing you have no choice? Do you prioritize other people's needs or problems before your own? Caring physicians, nurses, social workers, therapists, caregivers and parents need extra help in deciding how much they can offer and when to pull back to avoid burnout. You may need help if you are an adult child of an alcoholic or grew up in a chaotic or unpredictable home.
Issues include chronic pain, burnout, coping with cancer, parenting, relationship and communication skills, and more.
Are you experiencing burnout? Do you over-book or overwork yourself, believing you have no choice? Do you prioritize other people's needs or problems before your own? Caring physicians, nurses, social workers, therapists, caregivers and parents need extra help in deciding how much they can offer and when to pull back to avoid burnout. You may need help if you are an adult child of an alcoholic or grew up in a chaotic or unpredictable home.
(512) 948-3538 View (512) 948-3538
Photo of Brittany (Neece) Whallen, MA, LPC-S, LMFT-S, Marriage & Family Therapist
Brittany (Neece) Whallen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LPC-S, LMFT-S
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78759
Many of our clients come to us for issues including: Relationship struggles; Grief and Loss (including the death or loss of a loved one, loss of a job, and divorce); Anxiety; Depression; Traumatic experiences; EMDR; Life transitional issues; Difficulty within the family system; and Chronic Pain (Specifically pelvic pain).
We all go through complicated situations, some of which we don’t feel adequately prepared to handle. Most of us were never taught how to navigate these difficult struggles in healthy, constructive ways. That's why we are here. My clinical team works with a diverse variety of clientele to provide affordable counseling services to individuals, couples, and families. We want to work with you to help you overcome obstacles that you are facing, improve on aspects in your current life situation, and provide a sense of strength and hope during times that you may feel lost. Please call us for a free phone consultation.
Many of our clients come to us for issues including: Relationship struggles; Grief and Loss (including the death or loss of a loved one, loss of a job, and divorce); Anxiety; Depression; Traumatic experiences; EMDR; Life transitional issues; Difficulty within the family system; and Chronic Pain (Specifically pelvic pain).
We all go through complicated situations, some of which we don’t feel adequately prepared to handle. Most of us were never taught how to navigate these difficult struggles in healthy, constructive ways. That's why we are here. My clinical team works with a diverse variety of clientele to provide affordable counseling services to individuals, couples, and families. We want to work with you to help you overcome obstacles that you are facing, improve on aspects in your current life situation, and provide a sense of strength and hope during times that you may feel lost. Please call us for a free phone consultation.
(512) 814-6027 View (512) 814-6027
Photo of Latosha Kessell Thomas, MS, LPC, RYT, USAF, Veteran, Licensed Professional Counselor
Latosha Kessell Thomas
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, RYT, USAF, Veteran
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78702  (Online Only)
Life transitions can cause great strain in our lives and can lead to even greater pain if not addressed. Signs that you may be struggling with a life transition are depression, anxiety, feeling unsettled and lost, emptiness, fatigue, chronic pain, unexplained ailments, and illnesses. Life is full of painful transitions. Transitions can disconnect you from your true self, what’s important to you, and ultimately disconnect you from a life with meaning. Greater clarity, self-confidence, and balance will help you reconnect with your true self and your values to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
Life transitions can cause great strain in our lives and can lead to even greater pain if not addressed. Signs that you may be struggling with a life transition are depression, anxiety, feeling unsettled and lost, emptiness, fatigue, chronic pain, unexplained ailments, and illnesses. Life is full of painful transitions. Transitions can disconnect you from your true self, what’s important to you, and ultimately disconnect you from a life with meaning. Greater clarity, self-confidence, and balance will help you reconnect with your true self and your values to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
(832) 990-1678 View (832) 990-1678
Photo of Abigail Mcneely - Wellspring Behavioral Health, PsyD, LP, Psychologist
Wellspring Behavioral Health
Psychologist, PsyD, LP
Verified Verified
Cedar Park, TX 78613
Whether you are suffering with emotional problems, dealing with a chronic illness that’s begun to limit your life, or you simply have goals you need help meeting, we can help you find your way forward.
At Wellspring Behavioral Health, we provide counseling, psychological and neuropsychological testing, including individual and family services for adults, adolescents, children, and families in Austin, Texas. We are a group of professionals working with clients addressing a broad range of concerns. Dr. McNeely leads the group and works with a general population. In addition to counseling, she specializes in psychological and neuropsychological evaluation and diagnostic services.
Whether you are suffering with emotional problems, dealing with a chronic illness that’s begun to limit your life, or you simply have goals you need help meeting, we can help you find your way forward.
At Wellspring Behavioral Health, we provide counseling, psychological and neuropsychological testing, including individual and family services for adults, adolescents, children, and families in Austin, Texas. We are a group of professionals working with clients addressing a broad range of concerns. Dr. McNeely leads the group and works with a general population. In addition to counseling, she specializes in psychological and neuropsychological evaluation and diagnostic services.
(833) 529-8515 View (833) 529-8515
Photo of Conrad Sloat, MA, LPC, CCH, Licensed Professional Counselor
Conrad Sloat
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CCH
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78717
As a Relapse Prevention Specialist, I help clients end their struggle, stop their cravings, and recover from the pain of their addictions.
You may be experiencing symptoms that are clearly a signal that it's time for positive change in your life and I am here to help you experience that change and growth in your life. I utilize an integrative approach for counseling and relapse prevention. This includes cognitive-behavioral tools, family systems approach, and hypnotherapy as appropriate. If stress, anxiety and/or depression are all too familiar, I can help. I also work with couples who desire to improve their relationships. Where appropriate I can provide video counseling,
As a Relapse Prevention Specialist, I help clients end their struggle, stop their cravings, and recover from the pain of their addictions.
You may be experiencing symptoms that are clearly a signal that it's time for positive change in your life and I am here to help you experience that change and growth in your life. I utilize an integrative approach for counseling and relapse prevention. This includes cognitive-behavioral tools, family systems approach, and hypnotherapy as appropriate. If stress, anxiety and/or depression are all too familiar, I can help. I also work with couples who desire to improve their relationships. Where appropriate I can provide video counseling,
(512) 643-6216 View (512) 643-6216
Photo of Marty Romero Brickley - Marty Romero Brickley, M.Ed., LPC, MEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Marty Romero Brickley, M.Ed., LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78745
Life Problems * Depression * Anxiety * Life Transitions * Pain Grief & Loss * Marital & Relationship Issues * Fears & Phobias * Parenting Issues * Trauma/PTSD * Existential Issues.
I provide counseling for individuals, couples, marriages and families. I also provide individual sessions for Meridian Tapping and iRest® Yoga Nidra Meditation. I integrate Imago, Meridian Tapping and meditation to empower you in learning to navigate your life and relationships. I guide you in exploring body feelings, emotions and beliefs as well as your relationship systems. I will guide you in learning how to become safe with yourself and how to be empowered in the present while living in the world. I look forward to working with you. I will treat your concerns with the utmost respect and with complete confidentiality.
Life Problems * Depression * Anxiety * Life Transitions * Pain Grief & Loss * Marital & Relationship Issues * Fears & Phobias * Parenting Issues * Trauma/PTSD * Existential Issues.
I provide counseling for individuals, couples, marriages and families. I also provide individual sessions for Meridian Tapping and iRest® Yoga Nidra Meditation. I integrate Imago, Meridian Tapping and meditation to empower you in learning to navigate your life and relationships. I guide you in exploring body feelings, emotions and beliefs as well as your relationship systems. I will guide you in learning how to become safe with yourself and how to be empowered in the present while living in the world. I look forward to working with you. I will treat your concerns with the utmost respect and with complete confidentiality.
(512) 354-2813 View (512) 354-2813
Photo of Gwen B Hawley, MSW, LCSW, MAEL, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Gwen B Hawley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, MAEL
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78759
I use techniques that protect your dignity, teach you how to process the source of your pain while gaining strength, understanding and compelling insight.
Therapy should not be scary nor should it be complicated. I provide a non-judgmental, safe environment for you to explore your concerns and become the best version of yourself. My clients describe me as encouraging, loving, motivating and professional.. I don't use psychobabble. My approach is down to earth, educational and adapted to meet your individual style. I use psychological principals combined with lifestyle education (exercise, diet, nutrition) to empower you to start living the life you want. These techniques may be used for physical and emotional problems and may positively impact areas such as personal relationships, sports and business.
I use techniques that protect your dignity, teach you how to process the source of your pain while gaining strength, understanding and compelling insight.
Therapy should not be scary nor should it be complicated. I provide a non-judgmental, safe environment for you to explore your concerns and become the best version of yourself. My clients describe me as encouraging, loving, motivating and professional.. I don't use psychobabble. My approach is down to earth, educational and adapted to meet your individual style. I use psychological principals combined with lifestyle education (exercise, diet, nutrition) to empower you to start living the life you want. These techniques may be used for physical and emotional problems and may positively impact areas such as personal relationships, sports and business.
(512) 920-6353 View (512) 920-6353
Photo of Jim D Murphy, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jim D Murphy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
College Station, TX 77845
Are you overwhelmed with your chronic pain, a chronic illness, or other health challenges and aren't sure if anyone understands your concerns? Do you feel like a burden to your family and friends? Consider getting an ally who can help you find hope and more effectively manage your situation.
Are you overwhelmed with your chronic pain, a chronic illness, or other health challenges and aren't sure if anyone understands your concerns? Do you feel like a burden to your family and friends? Consider getting an ally who can help you find hope and more effectively manage your situation.
(979) 800-3070 View (979) 800-3070
Photo of Keli Hemingway, LCSW-S, C-EMDR, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Keli Hemingway
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S, C-EMDR, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Leander, TX 78641
I know that sometimes you feel like you're all alone in your pain, anxiety, sadness, and anger.
You're an accomplished, hard worker, and people think you have it all together. But your internal voice reminds you that you feel inadequate, and you may struggle with sadness, anxiety, or anger. Perhaps you have unresolved trauma. You work hard to hide your deepest thoughts and feelings, and it's exhausting. You overanalyze your perceived flaws and past experiences. Perhaps you withdraw or lash out at loved ones. You try to push down negative feelings by staying busy and focusing on other things, but you don't feel so good inside when things are quiet. You feel "off". You're tired of living this way and ready for a change.
I know that sometimes you feel like you're all alone in your pain, anxiety, sadness, and anger.
You're an accomplished, hard worker, and people think you have it all together. But your internal voice reminds you that you feel inadequate, and you may struggle with sadness, anxiety, or anger. Perhaps you have unresolved trauma. You work hard to hide your deepest thoughts and feelings, and it's exhausting. You overanalyze your perceived flaws and past experiences. Perhaps you withdraw or lash out at loved ones. You try to push down negative feelings by staying busy and focusing on other things, but you don't feel so good inside when things are quiet. You feel "off". You're tired of living this way and ready for a change.
(512) 387-8902 View (512) 387-8902
Photo of Shanna Willner, MA, PMP, LPCC, Counselor
Shanna Willner
Counselor, MA, PMP, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78757
I work with anxiety, PTS/D, chronic pain, medical trauma, abuse, and illness including insomnia, migraine, and body system issues.
You can heal what hurts you, and I'm an ally and guide in the process. I work with pts/d and trauma, anxiety, chronic pain, and attachment interruption. My work integrates psychotherapy, bio-psychology, behavioral change, and holistic practice, and I use the lense of attachment theory to guide us. We will dismantle the barriers that block you from living your fullest life, however you define that, and we'll help you build new pathways to travel forward. Together, we use our relationship, your self-knowledge and life-knowledge, and my specialized training to move your life into something personally satisfying.
I work with anxiety, PTS/D, chronic pain, medical trauma, abuse, and illness including insomnia, migraine, and body system issues.
You can heal what hurts you, and I'm an ally and guide in the process. I work with pts/d and trauma, anxiety, chronic pain, and attachment interruption. My work integrates psychotherapy, bio-psychology, behavioral change, and holistic practice, and I use the lense of attachment theory to guide us. We will dismantle the barriers that block you from living your fullest life, however you define that, and we'll help you build new pathways to travel forward. Together, we use our relationship, your self-knowledge and life-knowledge, and my specialized training to move your life into something personally satisfying.
(424) 206-6738 View (424) 206-6738
Photo of LaTasha Vanin, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
LaTasha Vanin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Kyle, TX 78640  (Online Only)
I also have a personal connection to assisting individuals experiencing emotional issues surrounding medical diagnoses, chronic pain, and disabilities.
Congratulations to you! You are already doing the work that can lead to YOU being a Better YOU! You’ve taken the most difficult step and that’s the decision to seek therapy. If you are feeling unmotivated, depressed, or anxious and having problems in your personal or work life, I would like to assist you in acquiring the tools to help you better manage these issues. Even if it’s a behavior you’d like to change, anger you’d like to control, or trauma you’d like to sort through, my passion is to help individuals overcome debilitating issues and begin living the life they deserve.
I also have a personal connection to assisting individuals experiencing emotional issues surrounding medical diagnoses, chronic pain, and disabilities.
Congratulations to you! You are already doing the work that can lead to YOU being a Better YOU! You’ve taken the most difficult step and that’s the decision to seek therapy. If you are feeling unmotivated, depressed, or anxious and having problems in your personal or work life, I would like to assist you in acquiring the tools to help you better manage these issues. Even if it’s a behavior you’d like to change, anger you’d like to control, or trauma you’d like to sort through, my passion is to help individuals overcome debilitating issues and begin living the life they deserve.
(512) 886-9763 View (512) 886-9763
Photo of Turquoise N. Banks, MA, LPC, MBA, Licensed Professional Counselor
Turquoise N. Banks
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, MBA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78701  (Online Only)
My clients come to me when they're experiencing emotional or mental distress and just want the pain to stop immediately.
The CHOICES we make have a major impact on the life we live. It's important to find a therapist who is a good fit for your needs and I understand it can be challenging. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 14 years of experience, training and advocacy. I'm an open and accessible therapist with a warm, candid, and collaborative style. I primarily use an approach based on the dynamics of mind, brain, body and spirit. I look forward to building a trusting therapeutic alliance with you and feel confident we can meet your goals together.
My clients come to me when they're experiencing emotional or mental distress and just want the pain to stop immediately.
The CHOICES we make have a major impact on the life we live. It's important to find a therapist who is a good fit for your needs and I understand it can be challenging. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 14 years of experience, training and advocacy. I'm an open and accessible therapist with a warm, candid, and collaborative style. I primarily use an approach based on the dynamics of mind, brain, body and spirit. I look forward to building a trusting therapeutic alliance with you and feel confident we can meet your goals together.
(972) 430-6412 View (972) 430-6412
Photo of Joanna Louise Cook, LMSW
Joanna Louise Cook
Licensed Master Social Worker, LMSW
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78747  (Online Only)
Are you struggling with the weight of anxiety and depression? Have you identified with chronic illness or mystery somatic symptoms? A perfect storm happens in our lives and often takes us by surprise, leaving out minds and bodies in a perpetual state of survival. It is tempting to give up hope, but true and lasting healing is possible. Within you lies an incredible propensity towards aliveness and ability to heal. If you want to tap into the power that you hold within you to heal, I am here to help guide you to nervous system regulation and somatic reconnection.
Are you struggling with the weight of anxiety and depression? Have you identified with chronic illness or mystery somatic symptoms? A perfect storm happens in our lives and often takes us by surprise, leaving out minds and bodies in a perpetual state of survival. It is tempting to give up hope, but true and lasting healing is possible. Within you lies an incredible propensity towards aliveness and ability to heal. If you want to tap into the power that you hold within you to heal, I am here to help guide you to nervous system regulation and somatic reconnection.
(346) 536-8676 View (346) 536-8676
Photo of Ali Houshmand, MA, LMFT, LPC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ali Houshmand
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78746
Seeking support after the death of a loved one, or preparing for the death of a loved one, can be overwhelming. The focus of my work is to support individuals, families, couples, and children/teenagers when they are dealing with the challenges of loss due to an illness or other issues related to loss. I strive to help my clients cope with the difficult prospects of loss such as death, suicide, divorce, marital discord, terminal illness, chronic illness, job loss, and the challenges it brings to the client, and their family.
Seeking support after the death of a loved one, or preparing for the death of a loved one, can be overwhelming. The focus of my work is to support individuals, families, couples, and children/teenagers when they are dealing with the challenges of loss due to an illness or other issues related to loss. I strive to help my clients cope with the difficult prospects of loss such as death, suicide, divorce, marital discord, terminal illness, chronic illness, job loss, and the challenges it brings to the client, and their family.
(512) 764-1045 View (512) 764-1045
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 Alicia C Prachar, LPC-S, LCPC, Counselor
Alicia C Prachar
Counselor, LPC-S, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Round Rock, TX 78664
We see clients ages 21 and up. Seeking a therapist can be an uncomfortable process. It is important that you feel welcome and safe every time you enter your therapy session. I believe in helping you to find joy in tough times as well as in good and in creating a comfortable environment for you to process your thoughts and feelings. Laughter can bring healing. Therapy does not have to focus just on the pain. Learning to notice the good in each day can bring healing and refresh our spirit.
We see clients ages 21 and up. Seeking a therapist can be an uncomfortable process. It is important that you feel welcome and safe every time you enter your therapy session. I believe in helping you to find joy in tough times as well as in good and in creating a comfortable environment for you to process your thoughts and feelings. Laughter can bring healing. Therapy does not have to focus just on the pain. Learning to notice the good in each day can bring healing and refresh our spirit.
(515) 522-4280 View (515) 522-4280

Nearby Chronic Pain Therapists Searches for Temple

See More Chronic Pain Therapists
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.