Chronic Pain Therapy
When pain is constant, everything can start to feel harder.
Living with chronic pain can be exhausting in ways that are hard to put into words.
You might look “fine” on the outside—while constantly managing discomfort, fatigue, or tension underneath.
It’s not just the pain itself—it’s how it affects every part of your life.
You might be:
● Pushing through the day while feeling physically depleted
● Frustrated that your body isn’t responding the way it used to
● Constantly thinking about your pain or trying to manage it
● Cancelling plans or avoiding things you used to enjoy
● Feeling misunderstood by others—or not fully believed
● Mentally and emotionally worn down
Over time, chronic pain can begin to impact your mood, your relationships, and your sense of who you are.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and support can make a difference.
What is chronic pain?
Chronic pain is pain that persists beyond the usual healing period—often lasting months or longer.
It can include:
● Back or neck pain
● Migraines or chronic headaches
● Fibromyalgia
● Joint or muscle pain
● Nerve pain
● Pain related to medical conditions or injuries
For many people, the cause of pain is complex—and not always fully visible or easily explained.
Even when there is a clear physical diagnosis, pain is always real—but it is also influenced by how the brain and nervous system process and respond to it.
Why chronic pain can feel so overwhelming
Pain doesn’t just stay in your body—it affects your thoughts, emotions, and daily life.
You might notice:
● Increased stress or anxiety about when pain will flare up
● Feeling discouraged or hopeless after trying many solutions
● Difficulty concentrating or staying present
● Changes in sleep, energy, or motivation
● A growing sense of loss—of activities, independence, or identity
You might also notice a deeper sense of loss—of how your body used to feel, or the version of yourself that felt more capable or independent.
Over time, the cycle of pain → stress → tension → more pain can become hard to break.
None of this means the pain is “in your head.”
It means your experience is real—and influenced by many interconnected factors.
How therapy can help with chronic pain
Therapy doesn’t mean the pain isn’t real—and it’s not about “just thinking differently.”
It’s about changing how your mind and body respond to pain so that it has less control over your life.
Many people we work with have already tried multiple treatments or approaches before coming to therapy.
We help you:
● Understand the connection between pain, stress, and the nervous system ● Reduce the emotional toll of ongoing pain
● Shift unhelpful thought patterns that can intensify suffering
● Build practical strategies to manage flare-ups and daily challenges
● Reconnect with activities and parts of life that feel meaningful
The goal isn’t to dismiss your pain—it’s to help you feel more in control, supported, and able to live alongside it in a more manageable way.
You might be wondering…
At Sherwood Psychology, we take a holistic and research-based approach.
This may include:
PSYCHOLOGY
SHERWOOD
“Is therapy actually helpful for physical pain?”
Yes. Research shows that psychological approaches can reduce the intensity of pain and improve quality of life by changing how the brain processes pain signals.
“What if I’ve already tried everything?”
Many people feel this way. Therapy offers a different angle—focusing on the interaction between your body, mind, and nervous system.
“Does this mean my pain is psychological?”
No. Your pain is real. Therapy helps address the factors that can amplify or sustain pain—not dismiss it.
“Will I ever feel like myself again?”
While pain may still be part of your life, many people find that with the right support, they feel more like themselves again—more engaged, more hopeful, and more in control.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to address pain-related thoughts and behaviours
Mind-body and nervous system strategies to reduce tension and reactivity
Emotion-focused work to process frustration, grief, or loss connected to pain
Pacing and activity planning to support sustainable daily functioning
Our approach to chronic pain
These approaches are well-supported in research for helping people reduce the impact of chronic pain and improve quality of life.
We tailor therapy to your specific experience, whether your pain is recent or something you’ve been living with for years.
