Find a Chronic Pain Therapist

Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on June 24, 2024
Written by the MiResource team

Living with chronic pain is not just a physical experience—it’s emotional, mental, and often invisible to others. When pain doesn’t go away, it can take over your life, affecting your mood, relationships, work, and sense of identity. You may feel exhausted, misunderstood, or even hopeless. But help is available. Chronic pain therapy provides tools to manage pain more effectively and regain a sense of control over your body and your life.

  • Nikki Moorman, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    Nikki Moorman

    Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    5409 Gateway Centre Boulevard, Flint, Michigan 48507

    Nikki Moorman is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Flint, Michigan and has been in practice for 7 years. They treat Chronic Pain, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Relationship(s) with Partner/Husband/Wife.

    I offer a warm and non-judgmental environment so my clients will feel comfortable to explore emotions, concerns, and other issues impacting their lives.

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  • Michelle Litwer, Psychologist

    Michelle Litwer

    Psychologist

    Remote only

    Michelle Litwer is a Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 8 years. They treat Chronic Pain, Infertility, Gender Identity.

    My main objective is to help clients manage their emotions, make decisions that are line with their values, and to live fulfilling and meaningful lives.

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  • Sandra Tursini, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    Sandra Tursini

    Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    2409 South Rural Road, STE C, Tempe, Arizona 85282

    Sandra Tursini is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Tempe, Arizona and has been in practice for 30 years. They treat Chronic Pain, Anxiety, Racial Identity.

    Caring LPC with 30+ years’ expertise in diverse counseling areas, committed to recognizing individual worth and guiding clients through life's challenges

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  • Stephen Barlow, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    Stephen Barlow

    Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    5540 Falmouth Street, Richmond, Virginia 23230

    Stephen Barlow is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Richmond, Virginia. They treat Chronic Pain, Relationship(s) with Friends/Roommates, Polyamorous relationship.

    I help people overcome anxiety, depression, and stress stemming from relationships or past experiences, in individual or couples counseling.

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  • William Alkhoury, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    William Alkhoury

    Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    4700 South Mill Avenue, Tempe, Arizona 85282

    William Alkhoury is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Tempe, Arizona and has been in practice for 8 years. They treat Chronic Pain, Personality Disorders, Suicidal Ideation.

    Discovering Meaning And A Life Worth Living

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  • Ayeh Darvishzadeh, Psychiatrist

    Ayeh Darvishzadeh

    Psychiatrist

    Remote only

    Ayeh Darvishzadeh is a Psychiatrist in undefined, undefined. They treat Chronic Pain, Academic Concerns, Infertility.

    I am a psychiatric physician welcoming people seeking to improve their mental health with medications and therapy options.

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What is chronic pain, and when does pain become “chronic”?

Chronic pain is pain that lasts longer than three to six months or beyond the typical healing time of an injury or illness. It might be constant or intermittent. It may have a clear cause—or no identifiable medical explanation at all.

Common examples of chronic pain conditions include:

  • Back or neck pain
  • Migraines or chronic headaches
  • Arthritis or joint pain
  • Nerve pain (neuropathy)
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Endometriosis
  • Autoimmune conditions
  • Post-surgical pain

Pain becomes “chronic” when it persists beyond the point where the body should have healed, often becoming a condition of its own. A pain management therapist works with you not just to relieve pain—but to change how you relate to it, reduce suffering, and improve your quality of life.


Can therapy really help with physical pain?

Yes—therapy can be a powerful tool in managing chronic pain, even though it doesn’t “cure” the source of the pain directly.

Therapy works by helping you:

  • Rewire how your brain processes pain signals
  • Reduce the emotional suffering that amplifies pain perception
  • Manage stress, anxiety, and depression that worsen physical symptoms
  • Increase your ability to function and engage in meaningful activities
  • Cope with the frustration, fear, or grief of living with long-term illness

Pain is a complex experience shaped by biology, psychology, and environment. Cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic pain, among other approaches, teaches evidence-based skills to reduce the impact of pain on your daily life.


What types of therapy are used to treat chronic pain (e.g., CBT, ACT)?

Several forms of psychotherapy have been shown to be effective in chronic illness counseling and pain management. Your therapist may use one or a combination of the following:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

The most researched psychological treatment for chronic pain, CBT helps you:

  • Identify thoughts and behaviors that worsen pain
  • Develop coping strategies
  • Improve sleep, mood, and daily functioning
  • Break the pain-stress-pain cycle

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Focuses on accepting pain rather than fighting it, while helping you commit to living a meaningful life despite discomfort. ACT teaches mindfulness and psychological flexibility.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

Combines meditation, gentle movement, and awareness techniques to reduce stress and change your relationship with pain.

Biofeedback and Relaxation Training

Teaches you to regulate physiological responses like muscle tension, heart rate, and breathing, which can all influence pain levels.

Pain Neuroscience Education

Helps you understand how pain works in the brain and body, reducing fear and catastrophizing, which often intensify pain perception.

An experienced chronic illness therapist will tailor treatment to your condition, lifestyle, and preferences.


How does chronic pain affect mental health, like anxiety or depression?

Chronic pain and mental health are deeply intertwined. When you live with pain day after day, it’s common to experience:

  • Depression: Loss of joy, energy, and purpose
  • Anxiety: Fear about the future, your health, or your ability to function
  • Irritability or emotional sensitivity
  • Social withdrawal and isolation
  • Low self-esteem or identity loss
  • Suicidal thoughts in severe cases

These symptoms are not weaknesses—they’re understandable responses to ongoing physical suffering. A chronic illness therapist can help you address the emotional side of pain, which often leads to real, measurable improvement in overall well-being.

Find care for Chronic Pain

Remember, recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive network, and the right professional care, you can overcome the challenges of Chronic Pain and build a fulfilling life. We are here to help you find care.

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