Therapists in Toronto, ON
Noga Lutzky-Cohen - Centre For Psychology And Emotional Health
Psychological Associate, MA, CPsych
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5R
Additionally, she has a background in rehabilitation, working with people who are living with chronic illness and pain.
Noga values the importance of the therapeutic relationship as the foundation from which empowerment and positive change grow. She emphasizes creating a safe, non-judgmental, collaborative environment to help clients address their concerns and goals. She helps clients with their pain and suffering as well as deepen their personal growth and improve their emotional well-being.
Additionally, she has a background in rehabilitation, working with people who are living with chronic illness and pain.
Noga values the importance of the therapeutic relationship as the foundation from which empowerment and positive change grow. She emphasizes creating a safe, non-judgmental, collaborative environment to help clients address their concerns and goals. She helps clients with their pain and suffering as well as deepen their personal growth and improve their emotional well-being.
Jessica Ward
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4P
I work with individuals in Ontario who are struggling with chronic pain and/or illness, narcissistic abuse, anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, school/work stress and/or difficult life transitions.
Hello! I'm glad you're here! I believe that therapy should be a human experience where individuals feel supported in exploring vulnerable parts of themselves at their own pace and on their own terms. During our time together you can expect compassion, curiosity, lots of metaphors and a little bit of humour. Whatever you may be struggling with, I am here to help you gain a deeper understanding of who you are and develop a more compassionate relationship with yourself. I offer sessions online, over the phone and in person in Barrie, Ontario
I work with individuals in Ontario who are struggling with chronic pain and/or illness, narcissistic abuse, anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, school/work stress and/or difficult life transitions.
Hello! I'm glad you're here! I believe that therapy should be a human experience where individuals feel supported in exploring vulnerable parts of themselves at their own pace and on their own terms. During our time together you can expect compassion, curiosity, lots of metaphors and a little bit of humour. Whatever you may be struggling with, I am here to help you gain a deeper understanding of who you are and develop a more compassionate relationship with yourself. I offer sessions online, over the phone and in person in Barrie, Ontario
Adam Brotherwood
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5J
Adam has trained and practiced for over 15 years in Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused, talk therapy, and hypnosis for anxiety and chronic pain.
Are you feeling stuck, struggling with anxiety, depression, low motivation, unhelpful behaviors, grief, Trauma, and life changes? Adam is here to listen, challenge, and work with you to overcome those things that are holding you back, from the changes you strive to make. He takes an evidence based approach to support your unique experences, strengths and goals.
Adam has trained and practiced for over 15 years in Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused, talk therapy, and hypnosis for anxiety and chronic pain.
Are you feeling stuck, struggling with anxiety, depression, low motivation, unhelpful behaviors, grief, Trauma, and life changes? Adam is here to listen, challenge, and work with you to overcome those things that are holding you back, from the changes you strive to make. He takes an evidence based approach to support your unique experences, strengths and goals.
The Design Your Life Centre
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4M
I am an award-winning Clinical Psychologist, acclaimed speaker, and the CEO, founder, and clinical director of The Design Your Life Centre, a psychotherapy practice in Toronto and the founder of the online Design Your Life Community. With more than 20 years experience helping people navigate some of life’s most difficult journeys such as infertility, pregnancy loss, chronic pain, chronic illness and sudden traumatic events, my strength is my ability to recognize resilience and teach people how to apply proven psychological strategies in order to move past mere survival and thrive in the face of adversity.
I am an award-winning Clinical Psychologist, acclaimed speaker, and the CEO, founder, and clinical director of The Design Your Life Centre, a psychotherapy practice in Toronto and the founder of the online Design Your Life Community. With more than 20 years experience helping people navigate some of life’s most difficult journeys such as infertility, pregnancy loss, chronic pain, chronic illness and sudden traumatic events, my strength is my ability to recognize resilience and teach people how to apply proven psychological strategies in order to move past mere survival and thrive in the face of adversity.
Rob Nolan
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M5R (Online Only)
i) regulate distressing thoughts and feelings due to stress, anxiety or depression; ii) reduce pain, fatigue or traumatic stress; iii) manage anxiety or fear associated with a medical or dental procedure; iv) plan and maintain lifestyle changes in diet, exercise, smoking and weight management, and most importantly v) improve your quality of life.
My therapy practice helps people who are trying to prevent or manage health problems and who are concerned about emotional distress or their ability to function optimally at work or in social activities. My approach to therapy as a Psychologist has been enriched by my experience as an Associate Professor in Medicine and Psychology, and as a Clinical Researcher and Senior Scientist in a major university teaching hospital. I am dedicated to working collaboratively with each person. I provide cognitive-behavioral therapy and motivational counseling to help my clients feel ready and confident to:
i) regulate distressing thoughts and feelings due to stress, anxiety or depression; ii) reduce pain, fatigue or traumatic stress; iii) manage anxiety or fear associated with a medical or dental procedure; iv) plan and maintain lifestyle changes in diet, exercise, smoking and weight management, and most importantly v) improve your quality of life.
My therapy practice helps people who are trying to prevent or manage health problems and who are concerned about emotional distress or their ability to function optimally at work or in social activities. My approach to therapy as a Psychologist has been enriched by my experience as an Associate Professor in Medicine and Psychology, and as a Clinical Researcher and Senior Scientist in a major university teaching hospital. I am dedicated to working collaboratively with each person. I provide cognitive-behavioral therapy and motivational counseling to help my clients feel ready and confident to:
Victoria Sit - Centre For Psychology And Emotional Health
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5R (Online Only)
She treats a wide range of psychological and emotional concerns, including anxiety and mood concerns, trauma, chronic pain and disability, self-esteem, stress and burnout, etc.
Dr. Victoria Sit has a therapeutic style that is trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and strengths-based, and she strives to create a safe, egalitarian, non-judgmental, and empowering space for clients. She values every person’s right to autonomy and respect, by inviting collaboration and diverse perspectives and experiences into the therapeutic process. She believes it is a privilege to work with clients, and has a genuine commitment to ongoing self-reflection, education, and personal and professional growth.
She treats a wide range of psychological and emotional concerns, including anxiety and mood concerns, trauma, chronic pain and disability, self-esteem, stress and burnout, etc.
Dr. Victoria Sit has a therapeutic style that is trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and strengths-based, and she strives to create a safe, egalitarian, non-judgmental, and empowering space for clients. She values every person’s right to autonomy and respect, by inviting collaboration and diverse perspectives and experiences into the therapeutic process. She believes it is a privilege to work with clients, and has a genuine commitment to ongoing self-reflection, education, and personal and professional growth.
Ann Schnurr
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M5S
My ideal clients are challenged with depression, anxiety, anger issues, illness and stress. Their goal is to relieve their symptoms so that they can live a more fulfilled life.
My ideal clients are challenged with depression, anxiety, anger issues, illness and stress. Their goal is to relieve their symptoms so that they can live a more fulfilled life.
Chris Lepage
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M4P (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
In therapy, my goals are to help my clients achieve the change they seek and make it last. I support my clients in becoming free to live fulfilled, according to their values, not their problems. Many of my patients come for treatment of their mind-body conditions, such as chronic pain, irritable bowel syndrome, and headaches, to name a few. Others come for help with depression, anxiety, and emotional difficulties related to life changes. Sometimes, my clients seek help when a problem is not so clear to them. Whatever their reasons, what is common among my clients is this: they are ready for change.
In therapy, my goals are to help my clients achieve the change they seek and make it last. I support my clients in becoming free to live fulfilled, according to their values, not their problems. Many of my patients come for treatment of their mind-body conditions, such as chronic pain, irritable bowel syndrome, and headaches, to name a few. Others come for help with depression, anxiety, and emotional difficulties related to life changes. Sometimes, my clients seek help when a problem is not so clear to them. Whatever their reasons, what is common among my clients is this: they are ready for change.
Jacqueline On
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4R
Is your chronic illness holding you back? Please know that you are worthy of living a fulfilling life. You are so much more than your illness. It can be challenging to carry on day to day. People around you may not understand just how much planning it takes to simply function when you are constantly low on energy, or how much effort you put in every single day to show up for yourself and others in spite of the pain. I see you, and I am here for you.
Is your chronic illness holding you back? Please know that you are worthy of living a fulfilling life. You are so much more than your illness. It can be challenging to carry on day to day. People around you may not understand just how much planning it takes to simply function when you are constantly low on energy, or how much effort you put in every single day to show up for yourself and others in spite of the pain. I see you, and I am here for you.
Chelsea Sherrington
Psychologist, PsyD, CPsych
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4R (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in supporting people impacted by chronic or life-threatening illness, including cancer, HIV, chronic pain, headache, chronic tension, IBD, IBS, and pelvic pain conditions.
I am a clinical and health psychologist with experience in a wide range of presenting concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, and difficulty coping with stress. I have a particular focus on the intersection of physical and mental health, and support those dealing with chronic or life-threatening illness and grief, as well as those impacted by mood changes and difficulty coping around the time of pregnancy and early parenting. I aim to be a warm, dynamic, and engaging therapist, and use an integrative approach which draws on cognitive behavioural (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), existential, and relational approaches.
I specialize in supporting people impacted by chronic or life-threatening illness, including cancer, HIV, chronic pain, headache, chronic tension, IBD, IBS, and pelvic pain conditions.
I am a clinical and health psychologist with experience in a wide range of presenting concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, and difficulty coping with stress. I have a particular focus on the intersection of physical and mental health, and support those dealing with chronic or life-threatening illness and grief, as well as those impacted by mood changes and difficulty coping around the time of pregnancy and early parenting. I aim to be a warm, dynamic, and engaging therapist, and use an integrative approach which draws on cognitive behavioural (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), existential, and relational approaches.
Dennis Keefe
Registered Psychotherapist, BA, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6P (Online Only)
I am a former athlete who now experiences limited mobility due to chronic illness.
I have always been a big advocate of jumping into action and finding ways to address problems through concrete, focused strategies. I also honour the important need to foster compassion, validation and understanding as a foundation with my clients before this occurs. I am available to help adults presenting with a broad array of mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, grief, self-esteem, relationships and life purpose. I also have a specialized focus of helping clients with chronic pain, chronic illness and disability. I am honoured to take part in the change process with anyone who is open to doing deep personal work.
I am a former athlete who now experiences limited mobility due to chronic illness.
I have always been a big advocate of jumping into action and finding ways to address problems through concrete, focused strategies. I also honour the important need to foster compassion, validation and understanding as a foundation with my clients before this occurs. I am available to help adults presenting with a broad array of mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, grief, self-esteem, relationships and life purpose. I also have a specialized focus of helping clients with chronic pain, chronic illness and disability. I am honoured to take part in the change process with anyone who is open to doing deep personal work.
15 Second Videos
Adam Brotherwood
Ann Schnurr
Dennis Keefe
Anna Cantalini
Lynne Protain
Joshua Albert
Strength Counselling Services
Farah Bektashi
Toronto Wellness Counselling
Renuka Gupta Phd
Eleanor McGroarty
Lisa Romano-Dwyer
Karen Lynn Goslin
Thomas Mosher
Andrew Hinkle
Jennifer Longpre
Lolita Abramyan
ThriveWell Counselling Inc.
Elizabeth Robinson
Shayna Nussbaum
Jordan Day Weir
Ashtyn Ford
Kate McGee
Anita Owusu
Heyday Therapy Inc
Kelly Alexander
Nicole Mullen
Bailey Oake
Natalia Brajak
Michael Labiak Nursing Professional Corporation
Leena Tiismann
Donna Marie McLean
Annette Newton Psychotherapy Services
Angela Cowling
Bel (Baljit) Chhokar
Angela Daw
Brooke Hill
Charlotte Shipley
Norah Kathleen Mooney
Heidi Mehta
Jonathan Philip Morgan
Vania Chopra - In Person + Virtual
Kiera Gillett
Tammy Marcus
Emily Taylor
Kristie Brassard & Associates
Deandra Favorite | Glimmer Health
Phill Rego
Fatima Nadir Noorali
Ching Fong (Theodora) Li
Annabelle Torsein - Centre For Psychology And Emotional Health
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4W
During her training she has gained experience working with people with a wide range of psychological issues, including mood disorders, and anxiety disorders, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, perfectionism, pain, insomnia, bereavement, low self-esteem, stress, emotional regulation, adjustment to life transitions, and relationship issues.
Annabelle strives to create a safe, non-judgmental environment, where she and her client can work together collaboratively to establish the client’s specific treatment goals. She approaches sessions with emotional attunement and empathy, which she considers to be very important for understanding the client’s journey. She uses evidenced-based therapies within the context of client-centered care. She is trained in delivering individual and group-based interventions in the following modalities, cognitive-behavioural therapy, CBT for insomnia, acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavioural therapy, and mindfulness.
During her training she has gained experience working with people with a wide range of psychological issues, including mood disorders, and anxiety disorders, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, perfectionism, pain, insomnia, bereavement, low self-esteem, stress, emotional regulation, adjustment to life transitions, and relationship issues.
Annabelle strives to create a safe, non-judgmental environment, where she and her client can work together collaboratively to establish the client’s specific treatment goals. She approaches sessions with emotional attunement and empathy, which she considers to be very important for understanding the client’s journey. She uses evidenced-based therapies within the context of client-centered care. She is trained in delivering individual and group-based interventions in the following modalities, cognitive-behavioural therapy, CBT for insomnia, acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavioural therapy, and mindfulness.
Lindsay Burns
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSc, PhD, Cand
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5R (Online Only)
I help individuals cope with major illness, manage chronic pain, achieve career goals, and heal from the effects of abuse, discrimination, and trauma.
As an individual therapist practicing at the Centre for Psychology and Emotional Health, I adopt a warm, collaborative, and strengths-based approach that will encourage you to draw from the wisdom of your unique life experiences to make deep and lasting improvements in your overall well-being, relationship functioning, motivation, health, and resilience. I provide evidence-based treatments, including Emotion Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy. I am currently completing the final stages of my PhD in Clinical Psychology and Graduate Diploma in Health Psychology at York University.
I help individuals cope with major illness, manage chronic pain, achieve career goals, and heal from the effects of abuse, discrimination, and trauma.
As an individual therapist practicing at the Centre for Psychology and Emotional Health, I adopt a warm, collaborative, and strengths-based approach that will encourage you to draw from the wisdom of your unique life experiences to make deep and lasting improvements in your overall well-being, relationship functioning, motivation, health, and resilience. I provide evidence-based treatments, including Emotion Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy. I am currently completing the final stages of my PhD in Clinical Psychology and Graduate Diploma in Health Psychology at York University.
Ida Radan Centre For Psychology & Emotional Health
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5R (Online Only)
Another focus of my interest is helping reduce the suffering of individuals who are living with chronic muscular-skeletal pain.
Welcome! It is a privilege to support my clients. I am intentional in creating an atmosphere of safety and hope during consultations by bringing kindness to the therapy space, and a desire for developing an authentic connection. I can support you overcome issues with depression, anxiety and chronic worry, panic attacks, social anxiety, family conflict, relationship issues, lack of assertiveness and boundary difficulties, anger issues, low confidence and self-esteem, trauma, grief and loss, adjustment to illness and injury, life changes, workplace difficulties, and discrimination.
Another focus of my interest is helping reduce the suffering of individuals who are living with chronic muscular-skeletal pain.
Welcome! It is a privilege to support my clients. I am intentional in creating an atmosphere of safety and hope during consultations by bringing kindness to the therapy space, and a desire for developing an authentic connection. I can support you overcome issues with depression, anxiety and chronic worry, panic attacks, social anxiety, family conflict, relationship issues, lack of assertiveness and boundary difficulties, anger issues, low confidence and self-esteem, trauma, grief and loss, adjustment to illness and injury, life changes, workplace difficulties, and discrimination.
Siobhan Sexton
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5R (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Living with life-altering illness, abuse, trauma, burnout or a devastating loss can be such an isolating experience. Sometimes the people around you, even health professionals, don’t know how to give the right support. The last thing you need after being put through the wringer is to have your experiences minimized or invalidated or to be given advice that doesn’t fit. You deserve respect, validation, and above all, genuine kindness as you make your way through the worst things a human being can experience. You deserve solid, compassionate support AND the practical tools to build a life in which you can THRIVE.
Living with life-altering illness, abuse, trauma, burnout or a devastating loss can be such an isolating experience. Sometimes the people around you, even health professionals, don’t know how to give the right support. The last thing you need after being put through the wringer is to have your experiences minimized or invalidated or to be given advice that doesn’t fit. You deserve respect, validation, and above all, genuine kindness as you make your way through the worst things a human being can experience. You deserve solid, compassionate support AND the practical tools to build a life in which you can THRIVE.
Delanie Nusca
Registered Nurse Psychotherapist, BScN, CON(C)
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M5G (Online Only)
I have many years of experience working with patients who experience distress, depression, trauma, and chronic illness (specifically cancer).
Welcome to your wellness journey. Some journeys are more challenging and complicated than others. You may feel yours is just that and more. Or, you may feel that it’s not. Whatever it is, you are here looking for someone to help you get through it.
I have many years of experience working with patients who experience distress, depression, trauma, and chronic illness (specifically cancer).
Welcome to your wellness journey. Some journeys are more challenging and complicated than others. You may feel yours is just that and more. Or, you may feel that it’s not. Whatever it is, you are here looking for someone to help you get through it.
Kara Braun
Registered Psychotherapist, OCT
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M5S
Mindful awareness is a skill set that can reduce feelings of pain and suffering while expanding our capacity for meeting life’s challenges with flexibility, confidence and ease.
I help clients build practices that nurture spontaneity, creativity, wisdom, and fun. As an experienced psychotherapist, meditator and trained mindfulness coach, I work with individuals, couples and professionals invested in systematically learning and applying secular meditation techniques to a broad range of high-level goals related to performance, physical, mental, and emotional health, behaviour, relationships, psychospiritual growth, and service. Working one-on-one means we can focus on supporting the areas of your life most ready to grow. Strategies can be adapted, and various therapeutic modalities are drawn upon.
Mindful awareness is a skill set that can reduce feelings of pain and suffering while expanding our capacity for meeting life’s challenges with flexibility, confidence and ease.
I help clients build practices that nurture spontaneity, creativity, wisdom, and fun. As an experienced psychotherapist, meditator and trained mindfulness coach, I work with individuals, couples and professionals invested in systematically learning and applying secular meditation techniques to a broad range of high-level goals related to performance, physical, mental, and emotional health, behaviour, relationships, psychospiritual growth, and service. Working one-on-one means we can focus on supporting the areas of your life most ready to grow. Strategies can be adapted, and various therapeutic modalities are drawn upon.
Anne Hampson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M2M
Models that I utilize include: Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), Prolonged Exposure Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Solution Focused Therapy.
I am a therapist who utilizes different approaches depending on the needs of my client. I have years of experience working in the addiction and mental health field and have worked with men, women, and youth of all ages. My areas of expertise include working with chronic and neuroplastic pain, addiction, PTSD, anxiety and depressive disorders
Models that I utilize include: Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), Prolonged Exposure Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Solution Focused Therapy.
I am a therapist who utilizes different approaches depending on the needs of my client. I have years of experience working in the addiction and mental health field and have worked with men, women, and youth of all ages. My areas of expertise include working with chronic and neuroplastic pain, addiction, PTSD, anxiety and depressive disorders
Andrea De Luca
Registered Social Worker, BA, BSW, RSW, MACP, RP-Q
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M1T (Online Only)
Do you struggle with chronic pain or trauma and consistently feel like your experiences are dismissed by those around you? Do you feel exhausted by over-explaining your symptoms to friends, family, and even medical professionals? Are you finding yourself stuck in cycles of sadness, isolation, hopelessness, and fear, impacting your relationships, job performance, parenting, or other roles in your life. As someone living with a chronic illness, I have been through this cycle that feels impossible to get out of. Worries about the future become so overwhelming and navigating the present moment becomes blurry. You are not alone!
Do you struggle with chronic pain or trauma and consistently feel like your experiences are dismissed by those around you? Do you feel exhausted by over-explaining your symptoms to friends, family, and even medical professionals? Are you finding yourself stuck in cycles of sadness, isolation, hopelessness, and fear, impacting your relationships, job performance, parenting, or other roles in your life. As someone living with a chronic illness, I have been through this cycle that feels impossible to get out of. Worries about the future become so overwhelming and navigating the present moment becomes blurry. You are not alone!
Anna Cantalini
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RMT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4S
Having worked in the healthcare sector for 16 years with pain and injury, I understand how unexpected life circumstances and transitions can bring up unsettling emotions and thoughts.
Welcome! I am a dual licensed healthcare professional registered with the CRPO and CMTO and a grief group facilitator. If you are searching for support with grief and loss, chronic pain and illness, anxiety, stress, depression, caregiver or professional burnout, or you just feel stuck and need someone to talk to, I am here to help. You might feel alone or like you have lost your sense of identity. These are natural responses to life challenges and transitions and all the emotions and uncertainty they bring. Together, we can connect you with your inner strengths and find hope and meaning.
Having worked in the healthcare sector for 16 years with pain and injury, I understand how unexpected life circumstances and transitions can bring up unsettling emotions and thoughts.
Welcome! I am a dual licensed healthcare professional registered with the CRPO and CMTO and a grief group facilitator. If you are searching for support with grief and loss, chronic pain and illness, anxiety, stress, depression, caregiver or professional burnout, or you just feel stuck and need someone to talk to, I am here to help. You might feel alone or like you have lost your sense of identity. These are natural responses to life challenges and transitions and all the emotions and uncertainty they bring. Together, we can connect you with your inner strengths and find hope and meaning.
See more therapy options for Toronto
Nearby Chronic Pain Counsellors Searches for Toronto
- Concord
- East York
- Etobicoke
- Markham
- North York
- Richmond Hill
- Scarborough
- Thornhill
- Unionville
- Vaughan
- Woodbridge
- York
Chronic Pain Counsellors
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, catastrophising, 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 behavioural 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.