Therapists in Raleigh, NC
Judith Ann Stubanas
RN, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27614 (Online Only)
New clients accepted for teletherapy via a secure link. Please know you will receive ethical, non-judgmental, confidential and compassionate counseling. When any type of stress or trauma, PTSD or chronic pain becomes overwhelming, I will assist you assist you in finding ways to meet your overall physical and emotional needs in balance. I have an interest in addressing the impact of nutrition on mental and physical health. As a counselor and a nurse, I want to provide hope, resources and practical coping skills to live with life's challenges and experience peace, healing and joy.
New clients accepted for teletherapy via a secure link. Please know you will receive ethical, non-judgmental, confidential and compassionate counseling. When any type of stress or trauma, PTSD or chronic pain becomes overwhelming, I will assist you assist you in finding ways to meet your overall physical and emotional needs in balance. I have an interest in addressing the impact of nutrition on mental and physical health. As a counselor and a nurse, I want to provide hope, resources and practical coping skills to live with life's challenges and experience peace, healing and joy.
Kristy Bastone
Counselor, LCMHCA, NCC, C-AAIS, MEd, RYT-200
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27615
I have experience working with clients of all ages on a wide range of issues, including chronic pain and illness, anxiety, parenting, adoption, trauma, LGBTQIA+ identity, addiction, veterans concerns, and grief. I believe that counseling is a collaborative experience, where both the client and therapist decide on a way forward together.
I have experience working with clients of all ages on a wide range of issues, including chronic pain and illness, anxiety, parenting, adoption, trauma, LGBTQIA+ identity, addiction, veterans concerns, and grief. I believe that counseling is a collaborative experience, where both the client and therapist decide on a way forward together.
Integrated Holistic Solutions, PLLC
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor, DBH, LCMHCS, BCIM, BC-TMH, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27606 (Online Only)
Feeling as if you will never get well? Tired of visiting multiple practices in search of answers and never finding them? Do you have difficulty managing a chronic illness or complying with your provider's recommended treatment plan? If any of these scenarios sound familiar, allow one of our team members to assist you in regaining your optimal health.
The clinicians at Integrated Holistic Solutions, PLLC are qualified, credentialed, and licensed professionals whose primary mission is to provide quality therapeutic care and organizational training to the surrounding community. Their goal is to empower people; to enrich lives; to give you control of your outcomes; and to restore your body, mind and spirit back to their optimal states of functioning. The certified and licensed clinicians at Integrated Holistic Solutions have over 28 years of experience and are trained in equipping clients with the tools necessary to maximize their environment and enhance their well-being.
Feeling as if you will never get well? Tired of visiting multiple practices in search of answers and never finding them? Do you have difficulty managing a chronic illness or complying with your provider's recommended treatment plan? If any of these scenarios sound familiar, allow one of our team members to assist you in regaining your optimal health.
The clinicians at Integrated Holistic Solutions, PLLC are qualified, credentialed, and licensed professionals whose primary mission is to provide quality therapeutic care and organizational training to the surrounding community. Their goal is to empower people; to enrich lives; to give you control of your outcomes; and to restore your body, mind and spirit back to their optimal states of functioning. The certified and licensed clinicians at Integrated Holistic Solutions have over 28 years of experience and are trained in equipping clients with the tools necessary to maximize their environment and enhance their well-being.
Barbara Jean Lowe
Psychologist, PhD, LP, BCC, SEP
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27615
Are you hurting, frustrated, or feel stuck? I honor your courage to seek wholeness & growth. I know you want relief. Enduring change through therapy can happen for you. Trauma, relationship challenges, family struggles & internal pain can be shifted! I welcome you into a space of honor, hope, safety, & power to change. I partner w/ you to achieve your goals for skillful living, belonging, & wholeness. I artfully employ therapeutic & scientific techniques that bring wellness to the heart & mind (SE, DBT, ART, CBT, IFS, EMDR, Gottman, EFT). Ages 5-75. I also offer faith integration upon request. I offer hourly sessions & intensives.
Are you hurting, frustrated, or feel stuck? I honor your courage to seek wholeness & growth. I know you want relief. Enduring change through therapy can happen for you. Trauma, relationship challenges, family struggles & internal pain can be shifted! I welcome you into a space of honor, hope, safety, & power to change. I partner w/ you to achieve your goals for skillful living, belonging, & wholeness. I artfully employ therapeutic & scientific techniques that bring wellness to the heart & mind (SE, DBT, ART, CBT, IFS, EMDR, Gottman, EFT). Ages 5-75. I also offer faith integration upon request. I offer hourly sessions & intensives.
Dan Chartier
Psychologist
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27612
Dan Chartier, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist- Health Service Provider, Raleigh, NC has been in private practice since 1983. As a psychotherapist, in addition to "talk therapy", Dr. Chartier uses psychophysiological methods of biofeedback and neurofeedback to facilitate mind-body healing. In his work, deepening awareness and release of non-productive behaviors is a primary process. By learning to enter neutral emotional space clients come to more clearly recognize options and choices that result in improved health. In addition to treating clients with psychological and emotional distress, Dr. Chartier works with patients coping with chronic pain or recovering from brain injury.
Dan Chartier, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist- Health Service Provider, Raleigh, NC has been in private practice since 1983. As a psychotherapist, in addition to "talk therapy", Dr. Chartier uses psychophysiological methods of biofeedback and neurofeedback to facilitate mind-body healing. In his work, deepening awareness and release of non-productive behaviors is a primary process. By learning to enter neutral emotional space clients come to more clearly recognize options and choices that result in improved health. In addition to treating clients with psychological and emotional distress, Dr. Chartier works with patients coping with chronic pain or recovering from brain injury.
Dr. Brad Rappaport
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27615
Clients say that I have a calm and non-judgmental manner that demonstrates great respect for their difficulties and pain.
Are you feeling anxious? Overwhelmed? Stuck? Have you been feeling depressed? Irritable? Unsure of how to feel better or move forward? Are you turning to coping skills that may work in the short-run but offer no long-term potential to help you develop confidence and resilience? If you are struggling with these issues, our work together can help you cultivate a more meaningful life when it comes to love, work, and play. Our work together will focus on developing the tools and the practical "know-how" so that you can meet the challenges of life with calmness and confidence and sustain this growth.
Clients say that I have a calm and non-judgmental manner that demonstrates great respect for their difficulties and pain.
Are you feeling anxious? Overwhelmed? Stuck? Have you been feeling depressed? Irritable? Unsure of how to feel better or move forward? Are you turning to coping skills that may work in the short-run but offer no long-term potential to help you develop confidence and resilience? If you are struggling with these issues, our work together can help you cultivate a more meaningful life when it comes to love, work, and play. Our work together will focus on developing the tools and the practical "know-how" so that you can meet the challenges of life with calmness and confidence and sustain this growth.
Kimberly Lillig
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27612 (Online Only)
Bilingual in Spanish, I offer help for anxiety, depression, unraveling past traumas, chronic illness, parenting issues, anger management, grief and life transitions.
Do you have persistent worries, have boundary issues, always feeling stuck or sad or are haunted by past traumas? I can help you in your healing journey and we can work together to untangle unresolved issues in your life. Above all however, compassionate listening is the first hallmark of my practice. To feel safe enough to make changes you must first feel you have been truly heard without judgement while expressing your concerns. Together we can create a space where both your feel safe to express Bothe thoughts and embodied emotions. Feel free to reach out to me for a short free 15 minute session.
Bilingual in Spanish, I offer help for anxiety, depression, unraveling past traumas, chronic illness, parenting issues, anger management, grief and life transitions.
Do you have persistent worries, have boundary issues, always feeling stuck or sad or are haunted by past traumas? I can help you in your healing journey and we can work together to untangle unresolved issues in your life. Above all however, compassionate listening is the first hallmark of my practice. To feel safe enough to make changes you must first feel you have been truly heard without judgement while expressing your concerns. Together we can create a space where both your feel safe to express Bothe thoughts and embodied emotions. Feel free to reach out to me for a short free 15 minute session.
Christine L Jeffreys
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, MA, LCMHCA, NCC
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27616 (Online Only)
I have a heart for serving adults, adolescents, couples and families dealing with significant life issues such as the death of a loved one, chronic illness or pain, issues stemming from past trauma, parenting children with special needs, or managing chronic mental health conditions such as ADHD, anxiety and depression. I believe that it is helpful when a therapist has a personal understanding of the areas in which they specialize. I have personal experience with all of these circumstances, allowing me a level of empathy and insight that may not be possible otherwise.
I have a heart for serving adults, adolescents, couples and families dealing with significant life issues such as the death of a loved one, chronic illness or pain, issues stemming from past trauma, parenting children with special needs, or managing chronic mental health conditions such as ADHD, anxiety and depression. I believe that it is helpful when a therapist has a personal understanding of the areas in which they specialize. I have personal experience with all of these circumstances, allowing me a level of empathy and insight that may not be possible otherwise.
Karen O Harmon
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27615 (Online Only)
I work with individual, couples or families to get to the root of their pain.
Christian suffering with challenging mental health? Are panic attacks or weird physical symptoms hijacking you? You are taking the first important step! Symptoms are trying to tell you something. Do you feel as though you could use some help being able to express yourself or make yourself understood? Would you like to feel as though you have some control over the way your body reacts to situations that seem out of your control? I can help you find the answers to these questions because I believe you deserve to live a beautiful life and develop greater resilience when life seems too hard. I see you. Maybe I can help you process it?
I work with individual, couples or families to get to the root of their pain.
Christian suffering with challenging mental health? Are panic attacks or weird physical symptoms hijacking you? You are taking the first important step! Symptoms are trying to tell you something. Do you feel as though you could use some help being able to express yourself or make yourself understood? Would you like to feel as though you have some control over the way your body reacts to situations that seem out of your control? I can help you find the answers to these questions because I believe you deserve to live a beautiful life and develop greater resilience when life seems too hard. I see you. Maybe I can help you process it?
Kathleen Hyland
Psychologist, PsyD, LP
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27615
Waitlist for new clients
I have expertise helping those struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, family conflict & marital discord. My work with clients helps them reclaim their lives and bounce forward from pain and difficulties. I take a practical, evidence-based approach to assist clients in learning effective coping, communication & conflict resolution skills. I aim to help couples and families develop stronger relational bonds and restore peace in their lives. In my individual work with teens & adults, I provide a non-judgmental space to gain insight and offer the skills to successfully navigate struggles, find purpose, and increase happiness.
I have expertise helping those struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, family conflict & marital discord. My work with clients helps them reclaim their lives and bounce forward from pain and difficulties. I take a practical, evidence-based approach to assist clients in learning effective coping, communication & conflict resolution skills. I aim to help couples and families develop stronger relational bonds and restore peace in their lives. In my individual work with teens & adults, I provide a non-judgmental space to gain insight and offer the skills to successfully navigate struggles, find purpose, and increase happiness.
Paige Orlandi-Holmes
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MEd, LCMHC
Verified Verified
20 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27607
Waitlist for new clients
I enjoy helping young adults in transitions or seeking career counseling, clients overcoming trauma, anxiety, depression, pregnancy/postpartum, or chronic illness/pain, and highly sensitive people.
Accepting New Clients - (Open slots are for telehealth only); Our world today can be such a loud, chaotic, unpredictable place - and we are all feeling it, especially post COVID. Life can knock us to the ground and then lift us up to the highest of highs. None of us are immune to pain, but this is of course what makes us human. If you choose to work with me, I will be someone who can support you, encourage you to grow with self-discovery, guide you towards a greater sense of well-being, and help you feel empowered to manage life’s ups and downs.
I enjoy helping young adults in transitions or seeking career counseling, clients overcoming trauma, anxiety, depression, pregnancy/postpartum, or chronic illness/pain, and highly sensitive people.
Accepting New Clients - (Open slots are for telehealth only); Our world today can be such a loud, chaotic, unpredictable place - and we are all feeling it, especially post COVID. Life can knock us to the ground and then lift us up to the highest of highs. None of us are immune to pain, but this is of course what makes us human. If you choose to work with me, I will be someone who can support you, encourage you to grow with self-discovery, guide you towards a greater sense of well-being, and help you feel empowered to manage life’s ups and downs.
15 Second Videos
Judith Ann Stubanas
Barbara Jean Lowe
Christine L Jeffreys
Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Dr. Robert Heller
Kerrie Walters
Heather Ingram
Richard Aab
Transcending Limits Counseling Svcs Renee Hopkins
Dale S Sheffield
Kayla D. (Empowerment Therapist)
Jessica Cuttance at Nourish Carolina Counseling
Michael Thomas Rumbach
Luz Velez
Michelle Goldberg
Mindful Collaboration
Nina B Werness
Carolina Counseling Services - Fuquay-Varina, NC
Colin M Iwanski
Adam Green
Loryn Jones
Troy Lantz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27609
Through the years of working with others and as an experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker I have worked in various community and primary care settings assisting people with anxiety, depression, chronic medical conditions, chronic insomnia, chronic pain, maladaptive behaviors, and trauma.
Most people with anxiety or depression don’t realize how their negative self-talk keeps them down and actually deepens their anxiety or depression. After working with me, my clients identify and reverse the effects of their negative self-talk, start feeling energized and motivated to do the things they used to enjoy, and are able to experience the simple joys of being alive again.
Through the years of working with others and as an experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker I have worked in various community and primary care settings assisting people with anxiety, depression, chronic medical conditions, chronic insomnia, chronic pain, maladaptive behaviors, and trauma.
Most people with anxiety or depression don’t realize how their negative self-talk keeps them down and actually deepens their anxiety or depression. After working with me, my clients identify and reverse the effects of their negative self-talk, start feeling energized and motivated to do the things they used to enjoy, and are able to experience the simple joys of being alive again.
Wake Forest Peace of Mind, PLLC
MS, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27615
I've worked at the Miami VA, Cambridge (Massachusetts) public high school, chronic pain clinic, older adult and community mental health clinic, and now in private practice since 1998.
You are not alone.. You have options.. You can make healthy changes to give you peace of mind. P.O.M. sessions are conducted in a gentle, honest, down-to-earth, and resourceful way. My 20+ years of experience treating couples, adults, and kids help me to better clarify your challenge(s), identify options, and share strategies for change. Approach: Cognitive behavioral. Experienced, trained, interested in treating these challenges: Relationship/marital, adoption, military, depression, anxiety, panic, stress, anger, parenting, chronic pain, and life transitions (menopause, relocation, divorce). See: WFPeaceofMind.com
I've worked at the Miami VA, Cambridge (Massachusetts) public high school, chronic pain clinic, older adult and community mental health clinic, and now in private practice since 1998.
You are not alone.. You have options.. You can make healthy changes to give you peace of mind. P.O.M. sessions are conducted in a gentle, honest, down-to-earth, and resourceful way. My 20+ years of experience treating couples, adults, and kids help me to better clarify your challenge(s), identify options, and share strategies for change. Approach: Cognitive behavioral. Experienced, trained, interested in treating these challenges: Relationship/marital, adoption, military, depression, anxiety, panic, stress, anger, parenting, chronic pain, and life transitions (menopause, relocation, divorce). See: WFPeaceofMind.com
Suzanne F Bates
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27601
Many of my clients struggle with depression, bipolar disorder, OCD and other anxiety disorders, chronic illness, relationship issues, and grief and loss issues.
Psychotherapy is an opportunity to enhance learning about behavior, emotions, relationships, and oneself. My goal is to work through the difficulties you are experiencing now while we also build your resiliency to prevent or minimize future difficulties. I ask clients to devote time in between sessions to our work: to increase how accurately we understand your concerns and to take the therapeutic work into your everyday life. Treatment effectiveness relies heavily on the match between therapist and client. If it is not a positive match with me, I assist clients in finding your best match.
Many of my clients struggle with depression, bipolar disorder, OCD and other anxiety disorders, chronic illness, relationship issues, and grief and loss issues.
Psychotherapy is an opportunity to enhance learning about behavior, emotions, relationships, and oneself. My goal is to work through the difficulties you are experiencing now while we also build your resiliency to prevent or minimize future difficulties. I ask clients to devote time in between sessions to our work: to increase how accurately we understand your concerns and to take the therapeutic work into your everyday life. Treatment effectiveness relies heavily on the match between therapist and client. If it is not a positive match with me, I assist clients in finding your best match.
New Way Counseling, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCAS, MAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27610
Our goal is to help you grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, and move forward to where you want to be in your life.
Often times life can be challenging and many of us are not prepared to deal with those issues and find ourselves in an unfamiliar place. As a therapist, I am dedicated to providing individualized care to meet your needs. I've worked with children and adults in the mental health field for over 16 years and individuals with addiction for over 8 years. I've treated individuals with various mental health and substance use disorders. My experience enables me to offer effective, individualized outpatient psychological care. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, interpersonal challenges and addiction.
Our goal is to help you grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, and move forward to where you want to be in your life.
Often times life can be challenging and many of us are not prepared to deal with those issues and find ourselves in an unfamiliar place. As a therapist, I am dedicated to providing individualized care to meet your needs. I've worked with children and adults in the mental health field for over 16 years and individuals with addiction for over 8 years. I've treated individuals with various mental health and substance use disorders. My experience enables me to offer effective, individualized outpatient psychological care. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, interpersonal challenges and addiction.
Sacred Listener
Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27606
I also have experience as a hospital chaplain and am honored to help those dealing with chronic illness, grief, and loss.
Are you a generally healthy person, looking for guidance in how to live your life in the healthiest and happiest way? Whether your challenges are in the realm of finances, relationships, work satisfaction, anxiety, or depression, transpersonal counseling can help you! If you are looking for a therapist that can include your spiritual beliefs and include those in your treatment, and if you enjoy varied approaches to mental health and happiness such as art, yoga, and meditation, I might be the therapist for you!
I also have experience as a hospital chaplain and am honored to help those dealing with chronic illness, grief, and loss.
Are you a generally healthy person, looking for guidance in how to live your life in the healthiest and happiest way? Whether your challenges are in the realm of finances, relationships, work satisfaction, anxiety, or depression, transpersonal counseling can help you! If you are looking for a therapist that can include your spiritual beliefs and include those in your treatment, and if you enjoy varied approaches to mental health and happiness such as art, yoga, and meditation, I might be the therapist for you!
Jennifer C Franklin
Psychologist, PhD, MACP
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27617
Waitlist for new clients
I work best with adult individuals and couples who wish to address any of the following: anxiety; mind-body issues like IBS, chronic pain, back pain, etc; stress and trauma; relationship difficulties, life transitions, cultural differences, or spiritual issues; and depression.
Therapy is individualized, determined by each client's personal needs, interests, and goals. My aim is to support and guide each person through his or her own unique journey towards greater health, wellness, wholeness, peace, satisfaction, and fulfillment. My work is guided by a holistic, mindfulness-based approach, resulting in gradual yet sustainable change.
I work best with adult individuals and couples who wish to address any of the following: anxiety; mind-body issues like IBS, chronic pain, back pain, etc; stress and trauma; relationship difficulties, life transitions, cultural differences, or spiritual issues; and depression.
Therapy is individualized, determined by each client's personal needs, interests, and goals. My aim is to support and guide each person through his or her own unique journey towards greater health, wellness, wholeness, peace, satisfaction, and fulfillment. My work is guided by a holistic, mindfulness-based approach, resulting in gradual yet sustainable change.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Dr. Robert Heller
Psychologist, EdD, ABPP
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27601
Hypnosis can be very useful with improving self esteem, sleep, motivation, concentration and managing pain.
Suffering from anxiety, depression, anger, fear, or worry? Problems with relationships? Seeking relief from chronic health issues? With over 38 years of clinical experience with hundreds of clients and advanced training with some of the world's top leaders in Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Hypnosis and EMDR, I can provide you with tools and skills you can use NOW to overcome life's toughest challenges so you can lead a healthier, happier and more satisfying life. Call Dr. Robert Heller at 561-451-2731 for a FREE 15 minute phone consultation, email drrobertheller at gmail.com or visit www.cognitivetherapyfl.com. Licensed in FL, MA, NC
Hypnosis can be very useful with improving self esteem, sleep, motivation, concentration and managing pain.
Suffering from anxiety, depression, anger, fear, or worry? Problems with relationships? Seeking relief from chronic health issues? With over 38 years of clinical experience with hundreds of clients and advanced training with some of the world's top leaders in Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Hypnosis and EMDR, I can provide you with tools and skills you can use NOW to overcome life's toughest challenges so you can lead a healthier, happier and more satisfying life. Call Dr. Robert Heller at 561-451-2731 for a FREE 15 minute phone consultation, email drrobertheller at gmail.com or visit www.cognitivetherapyfl.com. Licensed in FL, MA, NC
Olinda Davidson
LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27603 (Online Only)
You may be feeling overwhelmed, exhausted and anxious from trying to hold it all together for everyone and everything. You put on a “happy” face and push through the day only to wonder if you will ever feel better. Until now, you’ve been able to manage it on your own, but it’s starting to affect other areas of your life and you can’t pretend everything is ok anymore. Maybe you’re struggling with anxiety, stress, a relationship or health concerns but wherever the pain is coming from you are tired of feeling alone and stuck. You want to make lasting changes, but deciding where to start feels impossible. I’m here and I get it.
You may be feeling overwhelmed, exhausted and anxious from trying to hold it all together for everyone and everything. You put on a “happy” face and push through the day only to wonder if you will ever feel better. Until now, you’ve been able to manage it on your own, but it’s starting to affect other areas of your life and you can’t pretend everything is ok anymore. Maybe you’re struggling with anxiety, stress, a relationship or health concerns but wherever the pain is coming from you are tired of feeling alone and stuck. You want to make lasting changes, but deciding where to start feels impossible. I’m here and I get it.
Anna-Kate Miller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27603
I want to help you heal from events that caused you pain, guilt and shame.
There are many reasons people decide to start therapy. Are you overwhelmed? Having a hard time controlling your emotions? Feel lost or need help with a goal? Are you a mom who constantly feels guilt that you aren't good enough? Are you having relationship issues? Are you dealing with chronic pain or grief? Reaching takes strength and shows a persons desire to heal and improve. We all deserve a time for ourselves to feel heard, understood and supported while we work towards positive changes.
I want to help you heal from events that caused you pain, guilt and shame.
There are many reasons people decide to start therapy. Are you overwhelmed? Having a hard time controlling your emotions? Feel lost or need help with a goal? Are you a mom who constantly feels guilt that you aren't good enough? Are you having relationship issues? Are you dealing with chronic pain or grief? Reaching takes strength and shows a persons desire to heal and improve. We all deserve a time for ourselves to feel heard, understood and supported while we work towards positive changes.
See more therapy options for Raleigh
Nearby Chronic Pain Therapists Searches for Raleigh
- Apex
- Cary
- Chapel Hill
- Clayton
- Durham
- Fuquay Varina
- Garner
- Holly Springs
- Knightdale
- Morrisville
- Research Triangle Park
- Wake Forest
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.