Photo of Tift Pelias, Counselor in Bethesda, MD
Tift Pelias
Counselor, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20814
Has the pandemic changed your world? Feeling stuck? Experiencing a lack of motivation? Are you struggling with pain from a chronic health issue or pain from daily life frustration? Are you always anxious, angry or depressed? Feel distant from your true self? Therapy can help you to break through the pain to be where you want to be. Warm, supportive, non-judgmental therapeutic exploration can help you to reconnect with or discover the person outside the pain, who is not just a medical diagnosis, an adult child of an alcoholic, your profession, an angry/depressed/anxious person but the real you and your full potential.
Has the pandemic changed your world? Feeling stuck? Experiencing a lack of motivation? Are you struggling with pain from a chronic health issue or pain from daily life frustration? Are you always anxious, angry or depressed? Feel distant from your true self? Therapy can help you to break through the pain to be where you want to be. Warm, supportive, non-judgmental therapeutic exploration can help you to reconnect with or discover the person outside the pain, who is not just a medical diagnosis, an adult child of an alcoholic, your profession, an angry/depressed/anxious person but the real you and your full potential.
(301) 563-9678 View (301) 563-9678
Photo of Martin Vendemia in Bethesda, MD
Martin Vendemia
BCH, MNLP, LPI
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
Ideal clients have tried other treatments and the issue persists. My/our clients may come with anxiety, PTSD, trauma, weight, smoking, sleeping, pain, restless leg and other severe or chronic issues. I have worked with veteran issues, ms, lupus, damaged spine, fibromyalgia, fears, sleep/insomnia, medical compliance, motivation. I have multiple certifications, research and science background and apply the latest methods that produce lasting results
Ideal clients have tried other treatments and the issue persists. My/our clients may come with anxiety, PTSD, trauma, weight, smoking, sleeping, pain, restless leg and other severe or chronic issues. I have worked with veteran issues, ms, lupus, damaged spine, fibromyalgia, fears, sleep/insomnia, medical compliance, motivation. I have multiple certifications, research and science background and apply the latest methods that produce lasting results
(410) 469-1554 View (410) 469-1554
Photo of Dr. Amanda Rhodes, Psychologist in Bethesda, MD
Dr. Amanda Rhodes
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20814
Waitlist for new clients
I’m an NIH-trained Clinical Health Psychologist who specializes in adolescents and adults experiencing chronic and acute illness or pain as well as caregivers of loved ones with medical conditions. I am the Supervising Psychologist and Director at Bethesda-Chevy Chase Psychological Services. In therapy, my approach is collaborative and experiential, aiming to help individuals break free from the grip of pain, empowering them to embrace meaning and vitality in their lives.
I’m an NIH-trained Clinical Health Psychologist who specializes in adolescents and adults experiencing chronic and acute illness or pain as well as caregivers of loved ones with medical conditions. I am the Supervising Psychologist and Director at Bethesda-Chevy Chase Psychological Services. In therapy, my approach is collaborative and experiential, aiming to help individuals break free from the grip of pain, empowering them to embrace meaning and vitality in their lives.
(301) 918-5645 View (301) 918-5645
Photo of Nick Szubiak, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Bethesda, MD
Nick Szubiak
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20816
Nick Szubiak has worked in the behavioral health and wellness field for over 20 years and specializes in individual, couples and family therapy. His areas of expertise include life balance, stress management, mood and behavior challenges, chronic health conditions, chronic pain, addiction as well as optimizing performance and leadership.
Nick Szubiak has worked in the behavioral health and wellness field for over 20 years and specializes in individual, couples and family therapy. His areas of expertise include life balance, stress management, mood and behavior challenges, chronic health conditions, chronic pain, addiction as well as optimizing performance and leadership.
(202) 335-2935 View (202) 335-2935
Photo of Pat Webbink, Psychologist in Bethesda, MD
Pat Webbink
Psychologist, PhD, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20816
I have produced 15 Creative Visualization recordings on Mindfulness, Dream & Sleep, Enhancing Relationships, Healing Pain & Illness, Centering & Weight Loss.
With 50 years of clinical experience, a Duke U. Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, I am an empathic, results-oriented psychologist. My specialties: relationships, anxiety, depression, stress reduction, intimacy, trauma & abuse. I work with adults, adolescents, & children in individual, couple, family & group therapy. I counsel in Spanish, French & Japanese. I've authored 4 books on intimacy & relationships & hold FREE monthly Zoom workshops on Mindfulness, Creative Movement & Relationships using guided imagery & music. My licensed associates and I serve MD, D.C. & VA. My interactive audio flyer is available at AacCounseling.com. Call me.
I have produced 15 Creative Visualization recordings on Mindfulness, Dream & Sleep, Enhancing Relationships, Healing Pain & Illness, Centering & Weight Loss.
With 50 years of clinical experience, a Duke U. Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, I am an empathic, results-oriented psychologist. My specialties: relationships, anxiety, depression, stress reduction, intimacy, trauma & abuse. I work with adults, adolescents, & children in individual, couple, family & group therapy. I counsel in Spanish, French & Japanese. I've authored 4 books on intimacy & relationships & hold FREE monthly Zoom workshops on Mindfulness, Creative Movement & Relationships using guided imagery & music. My licensed associates and I serve MD, D.C. & VA. My interactive audio flyer is available at AacCounseling.com. Call me.
(240) 435-4843 View (240) 435-4843
Photo of Stephen Holland, Psychologist in Bethesda, MD
Stephen Holland
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
I am Founder and Director of the Capital Institute for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Since 2003, the Institute has been a leading provider of research-proven treatments and compassionate care. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to be effective for a number of problems, including: depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), hoarding, phobias, social anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, insomnia, chronic pain, personality disorders, and relationship problems. Studies find most patients in CBT have significant reduction in symptoms and distress.
I am Founder and Director of the Capital Institute for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Since 2003, the Institute has been a leading provider of research-proven treatments and compassionate care. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to be effective for a number of problems, including: depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), hoarding, phobias, social anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, insomnia, chronic pain, personality disorders, and relationship problems. Studies find most patients in CBT have significant reduction in symptoms and distress.
(202) 759-2884 x15 View (202) 759-2884 x15
Photo of Authentically U Counseling, LLC - Marilyn Spenadel, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Bethesda, MD
Authentically U Counseling, LLC - Marilyn Spenadel
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MS, LCPC, ACS
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20817
I counsel (Adolescents & Adults), families with anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, self-esteem, Grief, health/illness, Childhood & Ancestral Traumas, communication issues.
WELCOME to your Therapeutic HOLISTIC WELLNESS ENRICHMENT CENTER. Do you want to learn to go with the flow DAILY, live in the here and now, and manage uncertainty? As an experienced Somatic Integrative Psychotherapist, Spiritual Coach I specialize in helping individuals gain insight and mind/body & spiritual strength. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can collaborate to help you accept feelings, let go of mind/body connections to stress, trauma, illness and triggers. Our body CERTAINLY hears what our mind says! By using healing techniques, you can let go of epigenetic traumas by their roots to become unstuck.
I counsel (Adolescents & Adults), families with anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, self-esteem, Grief, health/illness, Childhood & Ancestral Traumas, communication issues.
WELCOME to your Therapeutic HOLISTIC WELLNESS ENRICHMENT CENTER. Do you want to learn to go with the flow DAILY, live in the here and now, and manage uncertainty? As an experienced Somatic Integrative Psychotherapist, Spiritual Coach I specialize in helping individuals gain insight and mind/body & spiritual strength. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can collaborate to help you accept feelings, let go of mind/body connections to stress, trauma, illness and triggers. Our body CERTAINLY hears what our mind says! By using healing techniques, you can let go of epigenetic traumas by their roots to become unstuck.
(240) 426-8344 View (240) 426-8344
Photo of Christopher Barry Hill, Licensed Professional Counselor in Bethesda, MD
Christopher Barry Hill
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
Anxiety, Depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Substance Abuse/Addiction, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, OCD, Phobias Social Anxiety, Couples/Marital Issues, Adjustment Disorders Personality Disorders, Child/Parenting, Family Issues, Medical Illness, PTSD, TBI, Panic Attacks, Psychosis, Anger, Chronic Pain.
*Now Accepting Tele-therapy Clients* Do you find yourself feeling sad, anxious, unhappy with life circumstances? Are you having relationship difficulties, feel stress from work, or have a child experiencing difficulties? I offer comprehensive assistance to change and work through many of life's challenges. If you find yourself suffering from any of these situations, or if you do not feel quite like yourself, let us help you begin on the road to improvement by addressing patient concerns, including but not limited to the following:
Anxiety, Depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Substance Abuse/Addiction, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, OCD, Phobias Social Anxiety, Couples/Marital Issues, Adjustment Disorders Personality Disorders, Child/Parenting, Family Issues, Medical Illness, PTSD, TBI, Panic Attacks, Psychosis, Anger, Chronic Pain.
*Now Accepting Tele-therapy Clients* Do you find yourself feeling sad, anxious, unhappy with life circumstances? Are you having relationship difficulties, feel stress from work, or have a child experiencing difficulties? I offer comprehensive assistance to change and work through many of life's challenges. If you find yourself suffering from any of these situations, or if you do not feel quite like yourself, let us help you begin on the road to improvement by addressing patient concerns, including but not limited to the following:
(202) 759-4221 View (202) 759-4221
Photo of Eduardo Cortina, Licensed Professional Counselor in Bethesda, MD
Eduardo Cortina
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, SEP
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20815
Are you suffering from the effects of PTSD, anxiety, depression, sudden loss, and/or chronic pain? If so body-oriented psychotherapy may help facilitate your recovery. By working to address the root causes of nervous system imbalance, a body-psychotherapy approach can empower you with tools and skills to re-negotiate and resolve difficult and traumatic experiences. My approach in therapy is client-centered and my work is just to facilitate and provide the optimal conditions for healing to take place. I also hope to impart knowledge and skills for people to work with themselves effectively outside of therapy.
Are you suffering from the effects of PTSD, anxiety, depression, sudden loss, and/or chronic pain? If so body-oriented psychotherapy may help facilitate your recovery. By working to address the root causes of nervous system imbalance, a body-psychotherapy approach can empower you with tools and skills to re-negotiate and resolve difficult and traumatic experiences. My approach in therapy is client-centered and my work is just to facilitate and provide the optimal conditions for healing to take place. I also hope to impart knowledge and skills for people to work with themselves effectively outside of therapy.
(202) 933-6934 View (202) 933-6934
Photo of Sunrise Psychotherapy LLC, Counselor in Bethesda, MD
Sunrise Psychotherapy LLC
Counselor, LGPC, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20810  (Online Only)
Hi! My name is Alexandra Rubin. I am here to help you reconnect to a healthier version of yourself so you could deal with life’s challenges without feeling overwhelmed. Implementing such evidence-based and trauma-focused techniques like EMDR can help you loosen the grip of your past or your recent trauma so you could focus on recovery. Together we will establish a healthy therapeutic relationship in a safe and non-judgmental environment. Feeling seen, heard, and understood will allow you to confront your pain, gain new insights into your challenges, and discover the resilience within yourself.
Hi! My name is Alexandra Rubin. I am here to help you reconnect to a healthier version of yourself so you could deal with life’s challenges without feeling overwhelmed. Implementing such evidence-based and trauma-focused techniques like EMDR can help you loosen the grip of your past or your recent trauma so you could focus on recovery. Together we will establish a healthy therapeutic relationship in a safe and non-judgmental environment. Feeling seen, heard, and understood will allow you to confront your pain, gain new insights into your challenges, and discover the resilience within yourself.
(301) 453-2399 View (301) 453-2399
Photo of Amit Shahane, Psychologist in Bethesda, MD
Amit Shahane
Psychologist, PhD, ABPP
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20816
I am a board certified, licensed psychologist dedicated to helping individuals navigate personal and professional challenges on the path toward positive mental health well-being. With specialized training in trauma, depression, anxiety, sleep, gender and sexual identity, and adjustment to chronic medical illness, I bring years of clinical experience to assist in managing life’s challenges. I also provide a host of assessment services including readiness for surgery evaluations including bariatric and gender-affirming surgery. My approach is rooted in empathy and evidence-based practice to ensure a positive experience.
I am a board certified, licensed psychologist dedicated to helping individuals navigate personal and professional challenges on the path toward positive mental health well-being. With specialized training in trauma, depression, anxiety, sleep, gender and sexual identity, and adjustment to chronic medical illness, I bring years of clinical experience to assist in managing life’s challenges. I also provide a host of assessment services including readiness for surgery evaluations including bariatric and gender-affirming surgery. My approach is rooted in empathy and evidence-based practice to ensure a positive experience.
(434) 686-6430 View (434) 686-6430
Photo of Girglani Counseling &Therapy, Psychologist in Bethesda, MD
Girglani Counseling &Therapy
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20815  (Online Only)
Reaching out for therapy can feel overwhelming. I understand. Yes, it is a leap of faith. If you are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, in pain or numb or would proactively like to address specific concerns. If you are considering therapy for a one time consult, a few visits to address a recent crisis or would like to engage in ongoing therapy, I hope we can work together safely and productively to meet your therapy needs and goals. I collaborate and consult actively with other clinicians for care coordination, medication management or behavioral care as needed.
Reaching out for therapy can feel overwhelming. I understand. Yes, it is a leap of faith. If you are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, in pain or numb or would proactively like to address specific concerns. If you are considering therapy for a one time consult, a few visits to address a recent crisis or would like to engage in ongoing therapy, I hope we can work together safely and productively to meet your therapy needs and goals. I collaborate and consult actively with other clinicians for care coordination, medication management or behavioral care as needed.
(240) 823-5860 View (240) 823-5860
Photo of Caroline Friedman, Counselor in Bethesda, MD
Caroline Friedman
Counselor, LGPC, NCC, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20816
There are moments in life when things feel overwhelming and we struggle to find the answers to how to move forward. This can sometimes make us feel stressed, stuck, angry, anxious, or depressed. These feelings can also end up affecting our relationships, work, or life in general. I am a therapist who works collaboratively to find ways to help you explore what's happening in a supportive, caring, and non-judgmental environment. We'll work together to help you realize and build on your existing strengths and develop new emotional and behavioral strategies, especially self-compassion.
There are moments in life when things feel overwhelming and we struggle to find the answers to how to move forward. This can sometimes make us feel stressed, stuck, angry, anxious, or depressed. These feelings can also end up affecting our relationships, work, or life in general. I am a therapist who works collaboratively to find ways to help you explore what's happening in a supportive, caring, and non-judgmental environment. We'll work together to help you realize and build on your existing strengths and develop new emotional and behavioral strategies, especially self-compassion.
(301) 381-2474 View (301) 381-2474
Photo of Ruby Snyder Counseling, Counselor in Bethesda, MD
Ruby Snyder Counseling
Counselor, MEd, NCC, LCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20814
Do you feel lost in your own life? Are you anxious about the future or ruminating on the past? Maybe you just want to know yourself better and create the life you want. Together we can create a path to your best life fully in the present. I work from a solid foundation of empathy, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard. Building a strong, trusting, therapeutic relationship is central to my process. I incorporate techniques from behavioral therapies, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and CBT, and others. Social justice and culturally responsive practices are values I bring to our work and I am HAES-aligned.
Do you feel lost in your own life? Are you anxious about the future or ruminating on the past? Maybe you just want to know yourself better and create the life you want. Together we can create a path to your best life fully in the present. I work from a solid foundation of empathy, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard. Building a strong, trusting, therapeutic relationship is central to my process. I incorporate techniques from behavioral therapies, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and CBT, and others. Social justice and culturally responsive practices are values I bring to our work and I am HAES-aligned.
(301) 215-3252 View (301) 215-3252
Photo of Amanda Roberts Emdr Therapy, Psychologist in Bethesda, MD
Amanda Roberts Emdr Therapy
Psychologist, PhD, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20817  (Online Only)
My all virtual practice serves MD, VA, DC, MA and NM. I studied psychology at Harvard University, and earned a Masters in Marriage, Family Therapy from the University of San Francisco. I obtained my doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco. I bring thirty-seven years of deep clinical experience, having worked in diverse settings including inpatient, outpatient, community mental health and crisis services. I have a particular interest in global mental health issues, have lived in many different cultures/countries and have worked extensively with the expatriot community.
My all virtual practice serves MD, VA, DC, MA and NM. I studied psychology at Harvard University, and earned a Masters in Marriage, Family Therapy from the University of San Francisco. I obtained my doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco. I bring thirty-seven years of deep clinical experience, having worked in diverse settings including inpatient, outpatient, community mental health and crisis services. I have a particular interest in global mental health issues, have lived in many different cultures/countries and have worked extensively with the expatriot community.
(413) 519-1788 View (413) 519-1788
Photo of Helen Freiling, Licensed Professional Counselor in Bethesda, MD
Helen Freiling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20817  (Online Only)
A unique perspective of persons as inherently dignified, supported by philosophic and scientific education and study, informs my holistic view of the person sitting in front of me during the process of psychotherapy. With mindful attentiveness and by gently confronting obstacles and threats to emotional health and relational satisfaction in a collaborative manner, the patients I work with are able to experience an increase in personal resilience simultaneous to undergoing the process of cathartic healing. My use of techniques drawn from an array of professional proclivities creates a safe relationship that nourishes innate strengths
A unique perspective of persons as inherently dignified, supported by philosophic and scientific education and study, informs my holistic view of the person sitting in front of me during the process of psychotherapy. With mindful attentiveness and by gently confronting obstacles and threats to emotional health and relational satisfaction in a collaborative manner, the patients I work with are able to experience an increase in personal resilience simultaneous to undergoing the process of cathartic healing. My use of techniques drawn from an array of professional proclivities creates a safe relationship that nourishes innate strengths
(240) 541-5702 View (240) 541-5702
Photo of Global Psychotherapy Center of Bethesda, Counselor in Bethesda, MD
Global Psychotherapy Center of Bethesda
Counselor, MS, LCPC
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
We are a team of professionals with clinical expertise who love working together to provide the appropriate treatment in a compassionate, therapeutic environment. We provide services to the international community. Our goal is to provide high-quality psychotherapy and counseling treatment to individuals, couples, and families. We focus on helping our clients find their inner resources to be able to make changes in their lives in a healthy and meaningful way.
We are a team of professionals with clinical expertise who love working together to provide the appropriate treatment in a compassionate, therapeutic environment. We provide services to the international community. Our goal is to provide high-quality psychotherapy and counseling treatment to individuals, couples, and families. We focus on helping our clients find their inner resources to be able to make changes in their lives in a healthy and meaningful way.
(240) 823-5262 View (240) 823-5262
Photo of Capital Institute for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychologist in Bethesda, MD
Capital Institute for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
Since it was founded in 2003 by Dr. Stephen Holland, Capital Institute for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has been providing research-proven treatment and compassionate care in Washington, DC. In 2020, we expanded our practice to provide treatment and psychological assessments to children, adolescents, and adults in Bethesda, MD. CBT has been shown to be effective for a number of problems, including: depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic, phobias, social anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, personality disorders, and relationship problems.
Since it was founded in 2003 by Dr. Stephen Holland, Capital Institute for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has been providing research-proven treatment and compassionate care in Washington, DC. In 2020, we expanded our practice to provide treatment and psychological assessments to children, adolescents, and adults in Bethesda, MD. CBT has been shown to be effective for a number of problems, including: depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic, phobias, social anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, personality disorders, and relationship problems.
(301) 720-1186 x15 View (301) 720-1186 x15
Photo of Nancy Hyatt, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Bethesda, MD
Nancy Hyatt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
I have been helping individuals and couples transform their lives for over 25 years. My work is holistic. We target the root causes of your distress rather than skimming the surface level of symptoms. Only when root causes are addressed can symptoms dissolve. We dive deeply into the core issues that are keeping you stuck, disconnected and dissatisfied in your life and relationships. The process is efficient, effective, respectful, safe and profound. My ideal clients are people who are passionate about healing and releasing patterns that no longer serve them.
I have been helping individuals and couples transform their lives for over 25 years. My work is holistic. We target the root causes of your distress rather than skimming the surface level of symptoms. Only when root causes are addressed can symptoms dissolve. We dive deeply into the core issues that are keeping you stuck, disconnected and dissatisfied in your life and relationships. The process is efficient, effective, respectful, safe and profound. My ideal clients are people who are passionate about healing and releasing patterns that no longer serve them.
(202) 796-6091 View (202) 796-6091
Photo of Marie A. Murphy MS, MSW, BCPsa, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Bethesda, MD
Marie A. Murphy MS, MSW, BCPsa
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MS, MSW, BCPsa, FIPA
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
I specialize in helping people suffering from depression, anxiety (mood disorders), early trauma, family or personal transitions, relationship concerns (including marital and/or family issues), psychosomatic issues, losses, and grief issues that are inevitable throughout our lives. I focus on understanding the underlying fears and blockages that interfere with more satisfaction and enjoyment in life--put another way, in thinking about our psychological lives and our states of mind, the past is prologue. I deeply value the uniqueness of each patient's experience and the importance of active and supportive collaboration in promoting growth and change.
I specialize in helping people suffering from depression, anxiety (mood disorders), early trauma, family or personal transitions, relationship concerns (including marital and/or family issues), psychosomatic issues, losses, and grief issues that are inevitable throughout our lives. I focus on understanding the underlying fears and blockages that interfere with more satisfaction and enjoyment in life--put another way, in thinking about our psychological lives and our states of mind, the past is prologue. I deeply value the uniqueness of each patient's experience and the importance of active and supportive collaboration in promoting growth and change.
(240) 447-7785 View (240) 447-7785
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.