Find a Chronic Pain Therapist

Understanding chronic pain and its impact

Chronic pain is pain that persists beyond the usual healing time or that accompanies long-term health conditions. It can come and go or stay at a steady level, and it often affects more than your body. When pain lasts for months or years, it can change how you move, sleep, work, and relate to others. You may find that activities you once enjoyed feel more difficult, or that fatigue and worry become part of your daily routine. Because chronic pain touches so many areas of life, psychological and behavioral approaches are frequently part of a comprehensive plan to help you feel more capable and in control.

Signs you might benefit from therapy for chronic pain

You may be considering therapy if pain is limiting your daily routines or your ability to work, socialize, or care for loved ones. Mental health symptoms such as persistent low mood, anxiety about flare-ups, or changes in sleep and appetite are common companions of long-term pain and are valid reasons to seek support. If you notice that pain is changing how you think about yourself, leading to withdrawal from activities, or increasing your use of substances to cope, therapeutic intervention can offer strategies to reduce suffering and improve functioning. Therapy is also useful if you want help adjusting treatment plans in coordination with medical providers, learning paced activity, or building resilience for ongoing symptoms.

What to expect in therapy sessions focused on chronic pain

Therapy for chronic pain typically combines emotional support with skills-based work. In initial sessions you and your therapist will explore the history of your pain, how it affects your life, and your current goals. You will discuss what has helped or hindered you in the past and what you hope to change. Sessions often include education about the relationship between pain, mood, sleep, and activity, and your therapist will help you develop practical tools tailored to your situation. Over time you may practice ways to manage stress, restructure unhelpful thoughts, improve sleep habits, and gradually increase meaningful movement. Progress is usually gradual, and therapists will work with you to set realistic, measurable steps so you can notice improvement in daily life.

Therapeutic pacing and goal setting

A key part of pain-focused therapy is pacing - learning how to balance rest and activity so that you can conserve energy while rebuilding tolerance for movement and tasks. Your therapist will help you set achievable goals and break tasks into small, manageable steps. By measuring improvements in function rather than focusing only on pain intensity, you can regain a sense of accomplishment and agency even if pain persists at some level.

Common therapeutic approaches used for chronic pain

There are several evidence-informed approaches that therapists use when working with chronic pain. Cognitive behavioral approaches focus on the links between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, helping you identify thought patterns that intensify suffering and replace them with more helpful perspectives. Acceptance and commitment approaches emphasize making space for difficult sensations and emotions while clarifying personal values and committing to actions that align with those values. Mindfulness-based strategies teach skills to observe sensations and thoughts without judgment, which can reduce the emotional reactivity that often makes pain feel worse. Other approaches integrate graded activity planning, relaxation training, and problem-solving techniques to address specific daily challenges related to pain.

Trauma-informed and integrative care

If you have a history of trauma or complex emotional experiences, choosing a therapist who uses trauma-informed methods can ensure that work proceeds at a pace that feels manageable. Some clinicians also collaborate closely with physical therapists, pain specialists, and primary care providers to offer an integrative approach. This collaborative style helps align behavioral strategies with medical treatments and rehabilitation goals so that you receive coordinated care that addresses both symptoms and function.

How online therapy works for chronic pain

Online therapy makes it possible to connect with clinicians from your own home or another comfortable environment, which can be especially helpful if travel or mobility is limited by pain. Sessions typically occur via video calls, telephone, or text-based messaging, and the format allows you to practice techniques in the environments where you live and work. Many therapists offer flexible scheduling and the option to share materials, worksheets, and guided exercises electronically. While some interventions require in-person physical therapy or medical procedures, most psychological and behavioral pain treatments adapt well to online delivery and can be combined with local medical care.

Preparing for virtual sessions

To get the most from online sessions, plan a quiet time and place where you can focus with minimal interruption. Have a list of the most important issues you want to address at the start of the session and be ready to describe what has improved or changed since your last meeting. If you use pain tracking apps, wearable data, or medication logs, bring those notes to your appointments so your therapist can understand patterns and tailor your plan. Therapists will often assign exercises to practice between sessions and will check in on progress during follow-ups, helping you build sustainable habits gradually.

Tips for choosing the right therapist for chronic pain

When selecting a therapist, look for clinicians who describe experience with pain management, behavioral strategies for chronic conditions, or collaborative work with medical teams. Consider whether you prefer a therapist who emphasizes cognitive approaches, acceptance-based methods, mindfulness, or a mix of techniques. You may want someone who has training in working with physical health conditions or who openly coordinates with your medical providers. Accessibility factors - such as appointment times, telehealth options, and insurance or payment methods - are practical details that affect how consistently you can engage in care.

Trust and fit matter

Beyond credentials and approaches, fit is crucial. You should feel heard and respected by your therapist, and you should be able to talk about how sessions are going. It is normal to try a few clinicians before finding the right match. Ask potential therapists about their experience with chronic pain, what a typical course of work looks like, and how they measure progress. Clear communication about expectations - including goal setting, homework, and frequency of sessions - helps you decide whether a particular therapist will support your recovery and daily functioning.

Moving forward with care

Seeking therapy for chronic pain is a practical step you can take to improve how you manage symptoms and live your life. Therapy is not about eliminating all pain instantly; it is about building skills, adjusting behaviors, and finding ways to increase meaningful activity despite ongoing symptoms. With guidance, you can develop strategies to reduce the emotional burden of pain, improve sleep and mood, and regain a sense of control. When you are ready, use the listings above to review clinician profiles, compare specialties and approaches, and reach out to begin a conversation about what might work best for you.

Working with other providers

Therapy often works best as one part of a broader plan that includes medical care, physical rehabilitation, and lifestyle changes. If you are working with other providers, consider asking your therapist about coordination and communication so that everyone is aligned on goals. Integrating behavioral strategies with medical and movement-based treatments can create a comprehensive approach that addresses both symptoms and function, helping you move toward a more manageable, active daily life.