Chronic Pain Therapists in Centralia, WA

Photo of Patty Dean, MA, LMHC, CASDCS
Patty Dean
Mental Health Counselor, MA, LMHC, CASDCS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Centralia, WA 98531
I'm here to offer a safe, comfortable, accepting environment to process your goals, needs, and challenges. I affirm and celebrate everyone's identity and values. Your goals are the ones that matter in therapy. I want you to be comfortable while connecting with someone who authentically cares about you. I believe we are all doing the best we can. Whether age 2, 102, or anywhere in between, I am here to support you. I love working with children, teens, and adults both on and off the autism spectrum. I have also worked as a grief counselor with Hospice, and walked beside many people on their journey of grief.
I'm here to offer a safe, comfortable, accepting environment to process your goals, needs, and challenges. I affirm and celebrate everyone's identity and values. Your goals are the ones that matter in therapy. I want you to be comfortable while connecting with someone who authentically cares about you. I believe we are all doing the best we can. Whether age 2, 102, or anywhere in between, I am here to support you. I love working with children, teens, and adults both on and off the autism spectrum. I have also worked as a grief counselor with Hospice, and walked beside many people on their journey of grief.
(360) 469-0563 View (360) 469-0563
Photo of Craig Smith, MA, LMHCA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Craig Smith
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, LMHCA
Verified Verified
Centralia, WA 98531  (Online Only)
Life can feel like it's not making sense to us. A string of unconnected events that are not working out the way we hoped. The grind of daily responsibilities can leave us feeling stuck and overwhelmed. The possibility of economic or social oblivion can be anxiety provoking. The way we coped when we were younger, might not work anymore. It can be a lot to deal with. These are normal experiences, but figuring out what you want, and how you want to go forward, will be unique to your life.
Life can feel like it's not making sense to us. A string of unconnected events that are not working out the way we hoped. The grind of daily responsibilities can leave us feeling stuck and overwhelmed. The possibility of economic or social oblivion can be anxiety provoking. The way we coped when we were younger, might not work anymore. It can be a lot to deal with. These are normal experiences, but figuring out what you want, and how you want to go forward, will be unique to your life.
(360) 685-7714 View (360) 685-7714
Photo of David Simonsen - Creative Solutions TMS, PhD, LMFT
Creative Solutions TMS
PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Centralia, WA 98531
Imagine if you were emotionally in a place happiness. A place where you could reconnect with old friends, enjoy trips with family, feel empowered to reconnect emotionally with your partner. If you or your loved one is suffering from depression and have tried various medications and therapy without the results that you need and deserve, we can help. We at Creative Solutions TMS use an alternative to medicine approach to treat each individual who is experiencing depression, anxiety, and related conditions. We work with healthcare providers to achieve optimum outcomes using TMS therapy, also called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.
Imagine if you were emotionally in a place happiness. A place where you could reconnect with old friends, enjoy trips with family, feel empowered to reconnect emotionally with your partner. If you or your loved one is suffering from depression and have tried various medications and therapy without the results that you need and deserve, we can help. We at Creative Solutions TMS use an alternative to medicine approach to treat each individual who is experiencing depression, anxiety, and related conditions. We work with healthcare providers to achieve optimum outcomes using TMS therapy, also called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.
(360) 810-5614 View (360) 810-5614

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Rudy D Hernandez, MA MFT, LMHC, Counselor
Rudy D Hernandez
Counselor, MA MFT, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chehalis, WA 98532
Through a person-centered humanistic approach, Rudy hopes to meet people where they are at. He is honored to support those doing the hard work of facing their challenges and be a part of the healing process. He also draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and strength-based therapy to help guide those seeking to connect thoughts and behaviors and encourage self-efficacy. Play therapy also informs his work with children, teens, and families.
Through a person-centered humanistic approach, Rudy hopes to meet people where they are at. He is honored to support those doing the hard work of facing their challenges and be a part of the healing process. He also draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and strength-based therapy to help guide those seeking to connect thoughts and behaviors and encourage self-efficacy. Play therapy also informs his work with children, teens, and families.
(360) 469-6673 View (360) 469-6673

Online Therapists

Photo of Alex Alexander - Pain Alternatives Clinic, ND, LMHC
Pain Alternatives Clinic
ND, LMHC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98177  (Online Only)
My counseling clinic name is Pain Alternatives because my early practice was primarily in structural medicine. I became interested in mental wellness after years of seeing the inextricable connectedness of mental and physical pain. In my current practice, I use a time-limited dynamic psychotherapy model, and medication prescription and management wherever clinically appropriate. You can come for medication management alone, for counseling alone, or for a combination of medication prescription and management with counseling sessions.
My counseling clinic name is Pain Alternatives because my early practice was primarily in structural medicine. I became interested in mental wellness after years of seeing the inextricable connectedness of mental and physical pain. In my current practice, I use a time-limited dynamic psychotherapy model, and medication prescription and management wherever clinically appropriate. You can come for medication management alone, for counseling alone, or for a combination of medication prescription and management with counseling sessions.
(206) 687-4786 View (206) 687-4786
Photo of Chaitra Elise Devereaux - Inner Peace Counseling, PsyD, Psychologist
Inner Peace Counseling
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98101  (Online Only)
The daily struggles of life, loss, relationships, and health are real. But we are not supposed to face them alone. We may not choose the pain that comes our way, but we can choose how we respond. Inner peace and strength are gifts from God — gifts that are within our reach. I will partner with you in your journey toward healing, providing the resources and space you need to apply faith and skill in everyday life.
The daily struggles of life, loss, relationships, and health are real. But we are not supposed to face them alone. We may not choose the pain that comes our way, but we can choose how we respond. Inner peace and strength are gifts from God — gifts that are within our reach. I will partner with you in your journey toward healing, providing the resources and space you need to apply faith and skill in everyday life.
(206) 208-0278 View (206) 208-0278
Photo of Amy Appel Picco, DO, MA, LMHCA, Counselor
Amy Appel Picco
Counselor, DO, MA, LMHCA
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98105  (Online Only)
I have worked extensively with adolescents and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, chronic pain, chronic illness, disordered eating, body dysmorphia, difficult life transitions, grief, burnout, and overwhelm. I believe discovering our authentic self, landing safely back in our body, finding the deeper meanings underneath our current symptoms, releasing patterns that no longer serve us, and identifying our fears, hopes and desires can help us find a renewed sense of peace and purpose in our life.
I have worked extensively with adolescents and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, chronic pain, chronic illness, disordered eating, body dysmorphia, difficult life transitions, grief, burnout, and overwhelm. I believe discovering our authentic self, landing safely back in our body, finding the deeper meanings underneath our current symptoms, releasing patterns that no longer serve us, and identifying our fears, hopes and desires can help us find a renewed sense of peace and purpose in our life.
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Photo of Sal Barba, PhD, BCN, Counselor
Sal Barba
Counselor, PhD, BCN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98103
Sometimes I introduce EEG Biofeedback to support deeper understanding of your need to find relief from emotional and physical pain.
I specialize neuromodulation therapies. My emphasis is on the interaction of our relationship, the integration of brain, mind and body. What brings you to search for a skilled professional to be present to your inquiry? An inquiry perhaps ignited by an ineffable experience, invoking you to reshape your life, or perhaps an inner call to open deeper connectivity and understanding beyond the multitude of daily cyber interactions? What do you require most to navigate your life through the labyrinth of work, relationships and community? I am available to explore your questions with you, and to support you to awaken to your own potential.
Sometimes I introduce EEG Biofeedback to support deeper understanding of your need to find relief from emotional and physical pain.
I specialize neuromodulation therapies. My emphasis is on the interaction of our relationship, the integration of brain, mind and body. What brings you to search for a skilled professional to be present to your inquiry? An inquiry perhaps ignited by an ineffable experience, invoking you to reshape your life, or perhaps an inner call to open deeper connectivity and understanding beyond the multitude of daily cyber interactions? What do you require most to navigate your life through the labyrinth of work, relationships and community? I am available to explore your questions with you, and to support you to awaken to your own potential.
(360) 464-1297 View (360) 464-1297
Photo of Natasha Hendricks, MA, LMHC, CMNCS, NCC, Counselor
Natasha Hendricks
Counselor, MA, LMHC, CMNCS, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
White Salmon, WA 98672
My goal as your counselor is to give you the tools to be resilient, redeem your experiences, create meaning out of your pain, and help you find hope.
There is healing and transformation in connection. You are not alone, and there is hope and healing for your pain. I specialize in EMDR and Mental Health and Nutrition allowing me to have a holistic approach to your healing. I focus on neuroscience-based counseling methods. Integrating EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems Therapy, Christian Counseling Methods and mindfulness is a powerful collaboration. Incorporating the mind-body connection into the skills and tools I offer clients helps aid them in regulating their nervous system.
My goal as your counselor is to give you the tools to be resilient, redeem your experiences, create meaning out of your pain, and help you find hope.
There is healing and transformation in connection. You are not alone, and there is hope and healing for your pain. I specialize in EMDR and Mental Health and Nutrition allowing me to have a holistic approach to your healing. I focus on neuroscience-based counseling methods. Integrating EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems Therapy, Christian Counseling Methods and mindfulness is a powerful collaboration. Incorporating the mind-body connection into the skills and tools I offer clients helps aid them in regulating their nervous system.
(360) 869-0504 View (360) 869-0504
Photo of Hayden Hamilton - Hayden Hamilton, MD, Sealevel Pllc, MD, MA, LMHCA
Hayden Hamilton, MD, Sealevel Pllc
MD, MA, LMHCA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98115
I work with adolescents and adults with anxiety, depression, grief, chronic pain, issues of personal identity (race/gender/sexuality orientation), and life transitions (relational/ academic/professional). Navigating into the depths of who we are reveals we are so much more than what we sense at the surface. Having support on our journey can allow us to develop tolerance for our full range of emotions, gain awareness of what we feel in our bodies, discover new insights into past events, expand our ability to discuss fears, increase empathy for ourselves, experience more meaningful relationships.
I work with adolescents and adults with anxiety, depression, grief, chronic pain, issues of personal identity (race/gender/sexuality orientation), and life transitions (relational/ academic/professional). Navigating into the depths of who we are reveals we are so much more than what we sense at the surface. Having support on our journey can allow us to develop tolerance for our full range of emotions, gain awareness of what we feel in our bodies, discover new insights into past events, expand our ability to discuss fears, increase empathy for ourselves, experience more meaningful relationships.
(206) 737-1027 View (206) 737-1027
Photo of Elliott McMurray, MSW, LSWAIC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Elliott McMurray
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSWAIC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98107  (Online Only)
I am a trauma-focused practitioner and have experience working with adults and elders on a variety of concerns, including life transitions and stress, traumatic experiences, toxic and abusive relationships, chronic illness and disability, gender, sexuality, anxiety, and depression. As a person-centered practitioner, I believe that recovery is possible and that you know yourself best. I work to create an environment of unconditional acceptance as we work together to explore what's unresolved, unbalanced, and causing pain in your life. I draw from several evidence-based practices to provide individualized treatment to every client.
I am a trauma-focused practitioner and have experience working with adults and elders on a variety of concerns, including life transitions and stress, traumatic experiences, toxic and abusive relationships, chronic illness and disability, gender, sexuality, anxiety, and depression. As a person-centered practitioner, I believe that recovery is possible and that you know yourself best. I work to create an environment of unconditional acceptance as we work together to explore what's unresolved, unbalanced, and causing pain in your life. I draw from several evidence-based practices to provide individualized treatment to every client.
(360) 564-5557 View (360) 564-5557
Photo of Anthony Mucci, MA, LMCH, LPC
Anthony Mucci
Mental Health Counselor, MA, LMCH, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98107  (Online Only)
I specialize in EMDR Therapy and Christian (integrated) counseling. I have experience in helping clients with Trauma (acute/Chronic/complex), stress and anxiety, Narcissistic Abuse, Premarital/marital/relationship issues, chronic pain, depression, and most mental health conditions. I work with my clients and believe in authenticity and transparency to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Learning coping strategies and skills to manage life stressors is great, but my goal ultimately is that you actually heal and grow in the abundant life.
I specialize in EMDR Therapy and Christian (integrated) counseling. I have experience in helping clients with Trauma (acute/Chronic/complex), stress and anxiety, Narcissistic Abuse, Premarital/marital/relationship issues, chronic pain, depression, and most mental health conditions. I work with my clients and believe in authenticity and transparency to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Learning coping strategies and skills to manage life stressors is great, but my goal ultimately is that you actually heal and grow in the abundant life.
(253) 242-9849 View (253) 242-9849
Photo of Amber Caldera, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Amber Caldera
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98660  (Online Only)
Hi! My case load is full but check out my website to match with one of my associates who would love to work with you! I am an LCSW in Oregon and Washington. I work with teens and adults particularly around trauma and more severe symptoms of anxiety and depression. I also work with those with chronic illness, body image issues, gender questions, and neurodivergence. I have a particular affinity for people who have endured trauma and who feel like they are outsiders. I pride myself in being culturally sensitive and welcoming to all, and someone who works as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. I'm an approved clinical supervisor in Oregon.
Hi! My case load is full but check out my website to match with one of my associates who would love to work with you! I am an LCSW in Oregon and Washington. I work with teens and adults particularly around trauma and more severe symptoms of anxiety and depression. I also work with those with chronic illness, body image issues, gender questions, and neurodivergence. I have a particular affinity for people who have endured trauma and who feel like they are outsiders. I pride myself in being culturally sensitive and welcoming to all, and someone who works as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. I'm an approved clinical supervisor in Oregon.
(503) 213-9201 View (503) 213-9201
Photo of Lynn Crothers, MA, LCMHCA, LMHCA
Lynn Crothers
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, MA, LCMHCA, LMHCA
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98104  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I support adults navigating a variety of issues, including chronic pain and chronic illness, dissociative conditions, depression and grief, complex trauma, relationship challenges, searches for meaning, and family of origin concerns. Trained in depth psychology, I am an ideal fit for anyone who is engaged in the process of self-understanding, curious about life, and seeking to be known. I believe the potential for deep healing, connection, and revitalization exists within this work. My approach, while holistic, is rooted in relational psychoanalysis and the belief that talking—about questions and issues that matter—leads to change.
I support adults navigating a variety of issues, including chronic pain and chronic illness, dissociative conditions, depression and grief, complex trauma, relationship challenges, searches for meaning, and family of origin concerns. Trained in depth psychology, I am an ideal fit for anyone who is engaged in the process of self-understanding, curious about life, and seeking to be known. I believe the potential for deep healing, connection, and revitalization exists within this work. My approach, while holistic, is rooted in relational psychoanalysis and the belief that talking—about questions and issues that matter—leads to change.
(828) 547-4679 View (828) 547-4679
Geoffrey A Wiegand
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98102
Common problems treated include, Depression; Anxiety ( OCD, Panic, School Avoidance, Generalized Anxiety Disorder); Academic Underachievement, Chronic Pain; Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity and Adjustment Disorders.
I like to start with a 2 session diagnostic evaluation to help identify the most appropriate evidence based treatment for the problem. Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) for Depression, CBT for OCD, Parent Behavior Management Training for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Habit Reversal Training for Skin Picking, Nail Biting, and Trichotillomania, and Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics are some of the evidence based treatments that I commonly provide. My work with families focuses on providing skills to both the child/adolescent and parents.
Common problems treated include, Depression; Anxiety ( OCD, Panic, School Avoidance, Generalized Anxiety Disorder); Academic Underachievement, Chronic Pain; Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity and Adjustment Disorders.
I like to start with a 2 session diagnostic evaluation to help identify the most appropriate evidence based treatment for the problem. Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) for Depression, CBT for OCD, Parent Behavior Management Training for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Habit Reversal Training for Skin Picking, Nail Biting, and Trichotillomania, and Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics are some of the evidence based treatments that I commonly provide. My work with families focuses on providing skills to both the child/adolescent and parents.
(206) 981-3119 View (206) 981-3119
Photo of Jennifer Croke, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jennifer Croke
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tacoma, WA 98422
I have worked with the elderly, helping the client cope with the onset of a fatal illness, thus bereavement is unique to my practice.
Preferred contact method is email, please check your junk for my reply! I feel so fortunate to have found a career that I love, and cherish! My practice came about in the form of an epiphany one day, as I sat on the AIDS unit in NYC as a volunteer. As I listened to a man share his story, I realized that he had not been celebrated for his many talents, but had been ostracized for having AIDS. I decided that my philosophy was going to be-"our differences are what make us beautiful, we should all be celebrated for our uniqueness." This is the philosophy I live by daily.
I have worked with the elderly, helping the client cope with the onset of a fatal illness, thus bereavement is unique to my practice.
Preferred contact method is email, please check your junk for my reply! I feel so fortunate to have found a career that I love, and cherish! My practice came about in the form of an epiphany one day, as I sat on the AIDS unit in NYC as a volunteer. As I listened to a man share his story, I realized that he had not been celebrated for his many talents, but had been ostracized for having AIDS. I decided that my philosophy was going to be-"our differences are what make us beautiful, we should all be celebrated for our uniqueness." This is the philosophy I live by daily.
(253) 259-3202 View (253) 259-3202
Photo of Lynn Hackstaff, LICSW, DCSW, PhD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lynn Hackstaff
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, DCSW, PhD
Verified Verified
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Why go to therapy? You might seek therapy when experiencing emotional pain or stress, even confusion about a situation or about yourself. Life challenges can pile up and seem overwhelming. Worry can interfere with relationships, work, and sleep. One goal of therapy is to relieve stress and every session should offer greater understanding of issues and relief in some way. Maybe you feel all alone with your concerns—it’s normal to feel that way. Therapy offers a place of understanding and acceptance, a place to be heard, and for you to feel safe with all of your feelings and thoughts, even those that you feel no one else has.
Why go to therapy? You might seek therapy when experiencing emotional pain or stress, even confusion about a situation or about yourself. Life challenges can pile up and seem overwhelming. Worry can interfere with relationships, work, and sleep. One goal of therapy is to relieve stress and every session should offer greater understanding of issues and relief in some way. Maybe you feel all alone with your concerns—it’s normal to feel that way. Therapy offers a place of understanding and acceptance, a place to be heard, and for you to feel safe with all of your feelings and thoughts, even those that you feel no one else has.
(425) 250-9662 View (425) 250-9662
Photo of Angela Saidybah, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Angela Saidybah
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Federal Way, WA 98023  (Online Only)
I have provided in-home therapy to child welfare involved families, provided therapy to adults with chronic and acute illness in the oncology setting, and served as a crisis clinician.
Therapy is a vehicle of exploration of your higher self. Clients are encouraged to assess their overall functioning across the life domains to identify their healing/wellness opportunities. Trauma exposures are often stored in the body and can manifest in maladaptive ways such as low self-esteem, shame, anger, interpersonal conflict, impulsivity, stagnation, anxiety, depression, and demoralization. Accordingly, I approach therapy from a collaborative perspective encouraging clients to discover their medicine by honoring their truth and intrinsic value.
I have provided in-home therapy to child welfare involved families, provided therapy to adults with chronic and acute illness in the oncology setting, and served as a crisis clinician.
Therapy is a vehicle of exploration of your higher self. Clients are encouraged to assess their overall functioning across the life domains to identify their healing/wellness opportunities. Trauma exposures are often stored in the body and can manifest in maladaptive ways such as low self-esteem, shame, anger, interpersonal conflict, impulsivity, stagnation, anxiety, depression, and demoralization. Accordingly, I approach therapy from a collaborative perspective encouraging clients to discover their medicine by honoring their truth and intrinsic value.
(253) 465-2844 View (253) 465-2844
Photo of Carrie Farrell - Training the Complete Athlete, LPC, Counselor
Training the Complete Athlete
Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Battle Ground, WA 98604
The focus of Training the Complete Athlete is to serve teens and young adults with a variety of mental health concerns. Our primary focus is working with athletes and other high performers, but we also work with families, adults and clients that deal with medical issues or chronic pain. We want our clients to feel heard and gain the skills to make a change and re-enter their life with confidence, skills and a sense of self-control.
The focus of Training the Complete Athlete is to serve teens and young adults with a variety of mental health concerns. Our primary focus is working with athletes and other high performers, but we also work with families, adults and clients that deal with medical issues or chronic pain. We want our clients to feel heard and gain the skills to make a change and re-enter their life with confidence, skills and a sense of self-control.
(360) 646-2335 View (360) 646-2335
Photo of Dr. Greg Peterson, PhD, LPC, LMHC, ACS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Dr. Greg Peterson
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, LMHC, ACS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Ridgefield, WA 98642  (Online Only)
I am a proud professional counselor. In the last ten years of my career I have worked with university students and individuals with severe persistent mental illness. I was drawn to working in higher education because university students are often times ready to change and dive into working on growing as people and developing new patterns of behavior. I enjoy helping anyone willing to take a few moments to try an experiment with their thoughts, or try something new. It may be a bit anxiety provoking at times but it helps us all to grow and change. I aspire to be an expert in helping clients find relief from their issues.
I am a proud professional counselor. In the last ten years of my career I have worked with university students and individuals with severe persistent mental illness. I was drawn to working in higher education because university students are often times ready to change and dive into working on growing as people and developing new patterns of behavior. I enjoy helping anyone willing to take a few moments to try an experiment with their thoughts, or try something new. It may be a bit anxiety provoking at times but it helps us all to grow and change. I aspire to be an expert in helping clients find relief from their issues.
(360) 873-5622 View (360) 873-5622

See more therapy options for Centralia

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.