Chronic Pain Therapists in Kenmore, WA

Photo of Anne K Luopa, MTS, LMHC, Counselor
Anne K Luopa
Counselor, MTS, LMHC
Verified Verified
Kenmore, WA 98028  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I specialize in anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, chronic pain, health challenges, traumatic loss, grief, relationship issues, and other life transitions.
Toward well-being... Life presents challenges that often feel overwhelming and burdensome. If you are struggling to cope with anxiety, panic, or depression, adjusting to a health crisis, or recovering from some loss or trauma, I may be able to help. I work with your unique situation in order to develop new coping strategies that may incorporate strengths you already possess. I work with you to discover and make healthy choices that blend with your values and overall well-being.
I specialize in anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, chronic pain, health challenges, traumatic loss, grief, relationship issues, and other life transitions.
Toward well-being... Life presents challenges that often feel overwhelming and burdensome. If you are struggling to cope with anxiety, panic, or depression, adjusting to a health crisis, or recovering from some loss or trauma, I may be able to help. I work with your unique situation in order to develop new coping strategies that may incorporate strengths you already possess. I work with you to discover and make healthy choices that blend with your values and overall well-being.
(206) 557-3942 View (206) 557-3942
Photo of Liana Ren - Lighthouse Infusions & Seattle Ketamine, CRNA, ARNP
Lighthouse Infusions & Seattle Ketamine
CRNA, ARNP
Verified Verified
Kenmore, WA 98028
We're here to help people overcome mental health disorders and chronic pain conditions.
We specialize in IV Ketamine Infusion Therapy for people experiencing treatment resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and other mood disorders. IV Ketamine Therapy has an extremely high efficacy rate of around 70%-80% for most of the mental health conditions we treat. For many people with life-altering conditions, ketamine allows them to resume normal activities and reclaim their lives.
We're here to help people overcome mental health disorders and chronic pain conditions.
We specialize in IV Ketamine Infusion Therapy for people experiencing treatment resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and other mood disorders. IV Ketamine Therapy has an extremely high efficacy rate of around 70%-80% for most of the mental health conditions we treat. For many people with life-altering conditions, ketamine allows them to resume normal activities and reclaim their lives.
(425) 835-2363 View (425) 835-2363
Photo of Jordan Anderson - Jordan Anderson PLLC, MA, LMHC, CHT, BSP II, Counselor
Jordan Anderson PLLC
Counselor, MA, LMHC, CHT, BSP II
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Kenmore, WA 98028
Not accepting new clients
I specialize in Brainspotting, a brain-body based relational therapy that can help with mental health symptoms, intense emotions, and physical pain.
Hello! I have over twenty-five years of experience working with people with a variety of issues and concerns including anxiety, social anxiety, PTSD and Complex PTSD, depression, physical pain, marital and family conflict, parenting topics, adolescent development, midlife phase, and grief and loss. I am also a Clinical Supervisor. My Practice is Currently Full.
I specialize in Brainspotting, a brain-body based relational therapy that can help with mental health symptoms, intense emotions, and physical pain.
Hello! I have over twenty-five years of experience working with people with a variety of issues and concerns including anxiety, social anxiety, PTSD and Complex PTSD, depression, physical pain, marital and family conflict, parenting topics, adolescent development, midlife phase, and grief and loss. I am also a Clinical Supervisor. My Practice is Currently Full.
(206) 535-1637 View (206) 535-1637
Photo of Diane Beecher Morrison, MA, LMHCA, Counselor
Diane Beecher Morrison
Counselor, MA, LMHCA
Verified Verified
Kenmore, WA 98028
Supporting them as they journey with you while you nurture your mental health struggles and decisions surrounding illness and end-of-life, is a significant component of this transition that cannot be ignored.
I am now accepting new clients! I specialize in problems affecting aging adults and their families. And thank you for taking this first step in your counseling journey! Age I enjoy helping all individuals throughout their life span; however as we go through our seasons of life, anxiety, depression, grief, and loneliness can be prevalent emotions that impede our everyday life: you deserve a fresh start and positive change! As the world is changing, so is our work life, our families, an d everything in between. My support will also help, children, grandchildren and couples within your family unit.
Supporting them as they journey with you while you nurture your mental health struggles and decisions surrounding illness and end-of-life, is a significant component of this transition that cannot be ignored.
I am now accepting new clients! I specialize in problems affecting aging adults and their families. And thank you for taking this first step in your counseling journey! Age I enjoy helping all individuals throughout their life span; however as we go through our seasons of life, anxiety, depression, grief, and loneliness can be prevalent emotions that impede our everyday life: you deserve a fresh start and positive change! As the world is changing, so is our work life, our families, an d everything in between. My support will also help, children, grandchildren and couples within your family unit.
(425) 414-8576 View (425) 414-8576
Photo of Emily Sinclair, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Emily Sinclair
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Kenmore, WA 98028
Waitlist for new clients
Without judgment or pathologizing, I will help you accept "what is" so you can create "what can be." People naturally move toward healthier lives and choices with the right support: empathy, authentic compassion, sincere curiosity, and validation. Together we will establish a comfort zone in therapy. In the safe haven of my office, you can explore your inner world, discover your voice, put words to your story, and move through and beyond your suffering - to find healing, peace, and joy. My clients report increased self-awareness and personal growth, more meaningful insights, stronger connections, and greater satisfaction in life.
Without judgment or pathologizing, I will help you accept "what is" so you can create "what can be." People naturally move toward healthier lives and choices with the right support: empathy, authentic compassion, sincere curiosity, and validation. Together we will establish a comfort zone in therapy. In the safe haven of my office, you can explore your inner world, discover your voice, put words to your story, and move through and beyond your suffering - to find healing, peace, and joy. My clients report increased self-awareness and personal growth, more meaningful insights, stronger connections, and greater satisfaction in life.
(206) 735-4876 View (206) 735-4876
Photo of Barbara Ann Barnes, MA, RN, LMHC, CHT, Counselor
Barbara Ann Barnes
Counselor, MA, RN, LMHC, CHT
Verified Verified
Kenmore, WA 98028
Waitlist for new clients
Hello. If you are looking for a therapist, the most important thing is for you to work with someone who will relate specifically to you and can help you heal. I work with each client as a unique individual with a goal to heal the whole person. Real and lasting change comes not only from an understanding of your issues and concerns, but from creating corrective emotional experiences that allow you to release old and unproductive patterns of thinking and behaving.
Hello. If you are looking for a therapist, the most important thing is for you to work with someone who will relate specifically to you and can help you heal. I work with each client as a unique individual with a goal to heal the whole person. Real and lasting change comes not only from an understanding of your issues and concerns, but from creating corrective emotional experiences that allow you to release old and unproductive patterns of thinking and behaving.
(425) 224-6699 View (425) 224-6699
Photo of Christy D Hofsess, PhD, Psychologist
Christy D Hofsess
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Kenmore, WA 98028  (Online Only)
Three fundamental values guide my practice: 1) I value relationships and believe that feeling connected in relationships is essential to overall health and well-being. 2) I value diversity. I believe that the environment within which people live impacts overall health. As such, I respect and work with all aspects of a person's identity (e.g., race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion,). 3) I value a holistic approach. I believe that attending to all aspects of a person's life - emotional, physical, spiritual, intellectual, psychological - is an important part of healing. These are the interconnections within each one of us, within ourselves.
Three fundamental values guide my practice: 1) I value relationships and believe that feeling connected in relationships is essential to overall health and well-being. 2) I value diversity. I believe that the environment within which people live impacts overall health. As such, I respect and work with all aspects of a person's identity (e.g., race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion,). 3) I value a holistic approach. I believe that attending to all aspects of a person's life - emotional, physical, spiritual, intellectual, psychological - is an important part of healing. These are the interconnections within each one of us, within ourselves.
(253) 248-4496 View (253) 248-4496
Photo of Melanie - Eastside Counseling Center, LMFT, LMHC, LCSW
Eastside Counseling Center
LMFT, LMHC, LCSW
Verified Verified
Kenmore, WA 98028
Are relationship issues, anxiety and/or depression keeping you up at night? The counselors at ECC will work with you to help you improve the quality of your your life and your relationships. Our dynamic team of counselors seek to understand and resolve the real-life, everyday challenges many of us face. We work with a wide range of issues and have a diverse team of therapists trained in a variety of specialties. This allows us to create a personalized treatment plan to meet your individual needs.
Are relationship issues, anxiety and/or depression keeping you up at night? The counselors at ECC will work with you to help you improve the quality of your your life and your relationships. Our dynamic team of counselors seek to understand and resolve the real-life, everyday challenges many of us face. We work with a wide range of issues and have a diverse team of therapists trained in a variety of specialties. This allows us to create a personalized treatment plan to meet your individual needs.
(425) 405-7857 View (425) 405-7857
Photo of Becky Robbins - Inner Phoenix Embodied Arts, PLLC, MA, LMHC, CEAT, CYT, Counselor
Inner Phoenix Embodied Arts, PLLC
Counselor, MA, LMHC, CEAT, CYT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kenmore, WA 98028
You are ready to dive deep and explore the inner workings of your life in order to understand, heal, and thrive. You'll find my services particularly effective if you are going through transition (career/livelihood, relational, geographical, physical, gender, financial, and so on), wanting to explore traumatic experiences, seeking support for learning or acquired physical disabilities, you are struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, and parts of your life that feel out of control. You might also be seeking support through use of nature and mindfulness-based or somatic therapy modalities, dream exploration, and spirituality.
You are ready to dive deep and explore the inner workings of your life in order to understand, heal, and thrive. You'll find my services particularly effective if you are going through transition (career/livelihood, relational, geographical, physical, gender, financial, and so on), wanting to explore traumatic experiences, seeking support for learning or acquired physical disabilities, you are struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, and parts of your life that feel out of control. You might also be seeking support through use of nature and mindfulness-based or somatic therapy modalities, dream exploration, and spirituality.
(425) 786-2726 View (425) 786-2726
Photo of Lisa Farsje, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lisa Farsje
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kenmore, WA 98028
Welcoming New Clients! I work with individuals going through a major life transition such as burnout, personal loss, "empty nester syndrome", a career crisis, break-up/divorce, etc. They are surprised how this change has revealed things about themselves that have been too painful to acknowledge until now. Whether it's underlying anxiety or depression symptoms, perfectionism, "people-pleasing", regret, grief, emptiness or shame, they want to learn more about who they are so they can have a more fulfilling relationship with themselves and others.
Welcoming New Clients! I work with individuals going through a major life transition such as burnout, personal loss, "empty nester syndrome", a career crisis, break-up/divorce, etc. They are surprised how this change has revealed things about themselves that have been too painful to acknowledge until now. Whether it's underlying anxiety or depression symptoms, perfectionism, "people-pleasing", regret, grief, emptiness or shame, they want to learn more about who they are so they can have a more fulfilling relationship with themselves and others.
(425) 952-9542 View (425) 952-9542

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Christine Joo - Christine Joo, EdD. PLLC, EdD, Psychologist
Christine Joo, EdD. PLLC
Psychologist, EdD
Verified Verified
Kirkland, WA 98034
Waitlist for new clients
I hold level 2 certifications in EMDR, the Gottman method, and Lifespan Integration, and I am also a certified Pain Reprocessing Therapist (PRT).
As a licensed psychologist with over 20 years of clinical experience, I offer therapy with compassion, warmth, genuine empathy, and unconditional acceptance. Throughout my career, I have supported individuals facing diverse challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, phobias, and more. My therapeutic approach is eclectic, with a dedicated focus on establishing trusting and empowering relationships with each client. I integrate various techniques into my practice, including EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, the Gottman approach, and Lifespan Integration.
I hold level 2 certifications in EMDR, the Gottman method, and Lifespan Integration, and I am also a certified Pain Reprocessing Therapist (PRT).
As a licensed psychologist with over 20 years of clinical experience, I offer therapy with compassion, warmth, genuine empathy, and unconditional acceptance. Throughout my career, I have supported individuals facing diverse challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, phobias, and more. My therapeutic approach is eclectic, with a dedicated focus on establishing trusting and empowering relationships with each client. I integrate various techniques into my practice, including EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, the Gottman approach, and Lifespan Integration.
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Photo of Julie Hanson - Bluestone Psychological Services, LLC, PsyD, LMHC, Counselor
Bluestone Psychological Services, LLC
Counselor, PsyD, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Shoreline, WA 98155
Help for adults: Depression, anxiety, trauma, coping with chronic illness, LGBTQI concerns, postpartum transition/depression, grief and loss, stress, work stress, aging parents, life transitions & more.
Find us at: www.BluestonePS.com. At Bluestone you have access to a group of independent, private practitioners who offer a wide variety of services so you can get the type of help you need in one location. Each of us has many years of experience and advanced training within our specialty areas so you know you or your loved one are working with someone who is highly skilled and can help facilitate reaching your goals.
Help for adults: Depression, anxiety, trauma, coping with chronic illness, LGBTQI concerns, postpartum transition/depression, grief and loss, stress, work stress, aging parents, life transitions & more.
Find us at: www.BluestonePS.com. At Bluestone you have access to a group of independent, private practitioners who offer a wide variety of services so you can get the type of help you need in one location. Each of us has many years of experience and advanced training within our specialty areas so you know you or your loved one are working with someone who is highly skilled and can help facilitate reaching your goals.
(425) 385-0106 View (425) 385-0106
Photo of David G Rasmussen, PsyD, Psychologist
David G Rasmussen
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Bothell, WA 98011
Not accepting new clients
When someone comes for psychotherapy its because of emotional pain that feels unbearable. Everyone has blindspots, and a crisis can be growth producing when caring, understanding, and respect are offered during vulnerable times of life. To my way of thinking, by strengthening self- awareness of the depth and breadth of the intricacies of one's own emotions and thoughts, there is tremendous help in facing the challenges of living. As psychotherapy continues past a beginning point, discoveries and learning occur through a joint effort, gathering a fuller appreciation of the events in life that have led to a crucial point.
When someone comes for psychotherapy its because of emotional pain that feels unbearable. Everyone has blindspots, and a crisis can be growth producing when caring, understanding, and respect are offered during vulnerable times of life. To my way of thinking, by strengthening self- awareness of the depth and breadth of the intricacies of one's own emotions and thoughts, there is tremendous help in facing the challenges of living. As psychotherapy continues past a beginning point, discoveries and learning occur through a joint effort, gathering a fuller appreciation of the events in life that have led to a crucial point.
(425) 678-3717 View (425) 678-3717
Photo of Dustin Shatto, MA, LMHCA, Counselor
Dustin Shatto
Counselor, MA, LMHCA
Verified Verified
Bothell, WA 98011
Are you at a crossroads in life? I support adults as they work through present struggles and past painful experiences like divorce, career issues, chronic pain, grief, parenting concerns, and other stressors. Another focus area of my practice is on processing religious abuse, deconstruction, and spiritual exploration. It is common to experience anxiety, depression, low self esteem, and a host of other symptoms in response to traumatic experiences, but healing is possible no matter what you are facing.
Are you at a crossroads in life? I support adults as they work through present struggles and past painful experiences like divorce, career issues, chronic pain, grief, parenting concerns, and other stressors. Another focus area of my practice is on processing religious abuse, deconstruction, and spiritual exploration. It is common to experience anxiety, depression, low self esteem, and a host of other symptoms in response to traumatic experiences, but healing is possible no matter what you are facing.
(425) 243-3031 View (425) 243-3031
Photo of Sarah Sherrell, LMHC, Counselor
Sarah Sherrell
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Bothell, WA 98011  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Have you been dealing with increased symptoms of anxiety or depression? You are not alone. I am here to support you. In your sessions, I offer deep listening as you share your experiences of pain and uncertainty. We will pay attention to your mind-body connection, growing your awareness for the physical messages that your body sends regarding your emotional experience--whether these messages shows up as tense muscles, increased heart rate, nausea, lack of energy, etc. In this way, therapy offers the opportunity to care for your whole self.
Have you been dealing with increased symptoms of anxiety or depression? You are not alone. I am here to support you. In your sessions, I offer deep listening as you share your experiences of pain and uncertainty. We will pay attention to your mind-body connection, growing your awareness for the physical messages that your body sends regarding your emotional experience--whether these messages shows up as tense muscles, increased heart rate, nausea, lack of energy, etc. In this way, therapy offers the opportunity to care for your whole self.
(206) 208-0522 View (206) 208-0522
Photo of Gale Dhaliwal, PhD, Psychologist
Gale Dhaliwal
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Bothell, WA 98011
My work focuses on individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, infertility, chronic illness, pregnancy loss, bereavement, and adjustment to loss and change.
Welcome to Eastside Mental Wellness. Whether you are experiencing a long-standing issue or a sudden change in your life, you will find help and hope here. I have been a psychologist for 9 years, working with couples undergoing infertility or pregnancy loss, and individuals facing a new medical diagnosis, depression and anxiety. Together, we will infuse new hope into your life and better tools to handle the challenges facing you.
My work focuses on individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, infertility, chronic illness, pregnancy loss, bereavement, and adjustment to loss and change.
Welcome to Eastside Mental Wellness. Whether you are experiencing a long-standing issue or a sudden change in your life, you will find help and hope here. I have been a psychologist for 9 years, working with couples undergoing infertility or pregnancy loss, and individuals facing a new medical diagnosis, depression and anxiety. Together, we will infuse new hope into your life and better tools to handle the challenges facing you.
(425) 549-9902 View (425) 549-9902
Photo of Lauren Nelson, MSS, LCSW, LICSW, NET III, ART, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lauren Nelson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSS, LCSW, LICSW, NET III, ART
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Kirkland, WA 98034
I specialize in the integrative and holistic treatment of anxiety, depression, chronic pain and illness, health issues, life transitions, trauma, intimacy and relationship issues.
I create a nurturing and safe environment for you and loved ones to explore ways to reconnect with yourself and show up in relationships. I provide high quality integrative psychotherapy, Coaching, and application of Neuro-Emotional Technique, Applied Kinesiology, and bioenergetic healing to encourage healing at the unconscious level, releasing inherited emotional and intergenerational DNA. This allows for results in a shorter time frame. Together, we will tailor your path to healing and living the life you desire. I work with children, teens, and adults in the context of individual, family, and couples therapy, and groups.
I specialize in the integrative and holistic treatment of anxiety, depression, chronic pain and illness, health issues, life transitions, trauma, intimacy and relationship issues.
I create a nurturing and safe environment for you and loved ones to explore ways to reconnect with yourself and show up in relationships. I provide high quality integrative psychotherapy, Coaching, and application of Neuro-Emotional Technique, Applied Kinesiology, and bioenergetic healing to encourage healing at the unconscious level, releasing inherited emotional and intergenerational DNA. This allows for results in a shorter time frame. Together, we will tailor your path to healing and living the life you desire. I work with children, teens, and adults in the context of individual, family, and couples therapy, and groups.
(425) 549-9698 View (425) 549-9698
Photo of Emili Fletcher, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Emili Fletcher
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bothell, WA 98011
Many people say life doesn't go according to plan. We all know that to be true. Life goes up and down with many bits and pieces that make our story. As we are going through our life we may not understand or want parts of our story that entail grief and pain. YOUR story is what makes you, what has happened in your life, and what hasn't happened in your life. Many of us tend to have expectations of who we are supposed to be and how to navigate life, that we may forget to live life. Life isn't about pushing through, dread and pain. It's about the hope that pain and loss can be grieved and change can happen in your heart.
Many people say life doesn't go according to plan. We all know that to be true. Life goes up and down with many bits and pieces that make our story. As we are going through our life we may not understand or want parts of our story that entail grief and pain. YOUR story is what makes you, what has happened in your life, and what hasn't happened in your life. Many of us tend to have expectations of who we are supposed to be and how to navigate life, that we may forget to live life. Life isn't about pushing through, dread and pain. It's about the hope that pain and loss can be grieved and change can happen in your heart.
(253) 242-2351 View (253) 242-2351
Photo of August Tritt, Pre-Licensed Professional
August Tritt
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Kirkland, WA 98034
My specialties include those with chronic health issues and chronic pain and all the complexity that can bring, depression and anxiety, grief, trauma and existential questions.
I believe that you already contain a deep power for healing inside. Together with kindness and curiosity, we will create a safe and accepting space where all aspects of you are welcome. Our journey will be one of shared exploration and discovery. I am here to guide and support you along the way. Our work will originate in the here and now—what is present in your life currently, learning to meet what shows up with care and compassion. I love counseling those in transition— be that career, gender, or otherwise and draw from feminist, existential, Buddhist, and somatic frameworks and work from a trauma-informed lens.
My specialties include those with chronic health issues and chronic pain and all the complexity that can bring, depression and anxiety, grief, trauma and existential questions.
I believe that you already contain a deep power for healing inside. Together with kindness and curiosity, we will create a safe and accepting space where all aspects of you are welcome. Our journey will be one of shared exploration and discovery. I am here to guide and support you along the way. Our work will originate in the here and now—what is present in your life currently, learning to meet what shows up with care and compassion. I love counseling those in transition— be that career, gender, or otherwise and draw from feminist, existential, Buddhist, and somatic frameworks and work from a trauma-informed lens.
(206) 649-2708 View (206) 649-2708
Photo of Erin Mullins- Pre- Licensed Counselor, ACHt, LMT, CSP, RYT
Erin Mullins- Pre- Licensed Counselor
ACHt, LMT, CSP, RYT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bothell, WA 98011
Do you want to feel more whole? More connected to your life, yourself, and others? Do you struggle with mood, stress, energy, and/or expression? Do you live with pain, anxiety and/or fatigue and know there is something deeper at the root? I can help!.
Counseling with me is strengths-based, humanistic, somatic, transpersonal and existential. My work is rooted in my commitment to personal & collective healing and development. I collaborate with you to create change and reach your therapeutic goals while also focusing on your long-term vision. In addition to counseling & health psych., I am a hypnotherapist, SOMA structural integrator, LMT, craniosacral therapist, death and birth doula, and more. My orientation towards all healing is rooted in the truth that we are all whole and unique and that our patterns are always evolving.
Do you want to feel more whole? More connected to your life, yourself, and others? Do you struggle with mood, stress, energy, and/or expression? Do you live with pain, anxiety and/or fatigue and know there is something deeper at the root? I can help!.
Counseling with me is strengths-based, humanistic, somatic, transpersonal and existential. My work is rooted in my commitment to personal & collective healing and development. I collaborate with you to create change and reach your therapeutic goals while also focusing on your long-term vision. In addition to counseling & health psych., I am a hypnotherapist, SOMA structural integrator, LMT, craniosacral therapist, death and birth doula, and more. My orientation towards all healing is rooted in the truth that we are all whole and unique and that our patterns are always evolving.
(206) 333-0497 View (206) 333-0497

See more therapy options for Kenmore

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.