Chronic Pain Therapists in 90026
Emily Picone
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90026 (Online Only)
I work with issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, chronic pain, chronic fatigue, and women's health issues such as Endometriosis and infertility.
Do you find that living with anxiety, depression, chronic discomfort, or pain keeps you from truly living life? Do you find yourself saying “Is this it, is this really my life? How depressing.” Life can often feel restricting and small when we live within the confines of our individual struggles. My goal is to facilitate a path to self-empowerment and be the support that you may be lacking in your life. By empowering my clients, we'll explore, unlock, and address the root of the obstacles that obscure the path to your true potential.
I work with issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, chronic pain, chronic fatigue, and women's health issues such as Endometriosis and infertility.
Do you find that living with anxiety, depression, chronic discomfort, or pain keeps you from truly living life? Do you find yourself saying “Is this it, is this really my life? How depressing.” Life can often feel restricting and small when we live within the confines of our individual struggles. My goal is to facilitate a path to self-empowerment and be the support that you may be lacking in your life. By empowering my clients, we'll explore, unlock, and address the root of the obstacles that obscure the path to your true potential.
Blair Lord
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Are you tired of being told your thoughts are the problem? Have you been labeled as "too sensitive?" If you are looking to heal the body which holds our pain and trauma and become more empowered to understand your own nervous system, then we may be a good fit. I work with womxn and non-binary clients who experience chronic pain, chronic illness, anxiety, depression, or trauma. I am LGBTQIA+ allied, social justice, and feminist therapist. Clients I work with come in when experiencing life transition, relationship stress, new health diagnoses, career changes, increased pain, or family-of-origin pain.
Are you tired of being told your thoughts are the problem? Have you been labeled as "too sensitive?" If you are looking to heal the body which holds our pain and trauma and become more empowered to understand your own nervous system, then we may be a good fit. I work with womxn and non-binary clients who experience chronic pain, chronic illness, anxiety, depression, or trauma. I am LGBTQIA+ allied, social justice, and feminist therapist. Clients I work with come in when experiencing life transition, relationship stress, new health diagnoses, career changes, increased pain, or family-of-origin pain.
Nicole Quaid
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90026
"I believe therapy is an empowering experience that allows us to make changes in our lives. I provide a safe environment to work in collaboration with you in a process of exploration. I specialize in working with relationship issues, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, career and life transition challenges. I also work with chronic illness, pain, body image issues and eating disorders. I integrate meditation, mindfulness and somatic work (accessing feelings through the body) as part of a holistic approach. I have a unique understanding of the issues and stresses that artists encounter having come from a fine arts background.
"I believe therapy is an empowering experience that allows us to make changes in our lives. I provide a safe environment to work in collaboration with you in a process of exploration. I specialize in working with relationship issues, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, career and life transition challenges. I also work with chronic illness, pain, body image issues and eating disorders. I integrate meditation, mindfulness and somatic work (accessing feelings through the body) as part of a holistic approach. I have a unique understanding of the issues and stresses that artists encounter having come from a fine arts background.
Diana Taylor
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90026
I offer a range of therapy options: Finding and Evaluating your Prospective Partner, mindfulness training, navigating life transitions, couples therapy, divorce and separation, blended families, bereavement, acculturation issues, trauma, eating disorders, depression, anxiety disorders, test preparation and performance anxiety, social skills training, stress management, parenting, adolescent therapy, guided autobiography and chronic pain.
I am an Attachment Therapist. My therapeutic approach is collaborative, interactive and individualized. I work together with clients assisting them to reach personal fulfillment, healthy and rewarding relationships, and empowerment. We accomplish this by overcoming longstanding obstacles, such as, negative thoughts, behaviors or emotions. Emotional limitations and fears are explored and conquered through insight and mindfulness, leading to clarity of understanding your path for personal growth. Insight opens the path to conquer obstacles, the way for cognitive behavioral changes, helps you achieve balance, reach your full potential and live a healthier life filled with joy and a sense of freedom.
I offer a range of therapy options: Finding and Evaluating your Prospective Partner, mindfulness training, navigating life transitions, couples therapy, divorce and separation, blended families, bereavement, acculturation issues, trauma, eating disorders, depression, anxiety disorders, test preparation and performance anxiety, social skills training, stress management, parenting, adolescent therapy, guided autobiography and chronic pain.
I am an Attachment Therapist. My therapeutic approach is collaborative, interactive and individualized. I work together with clients assisting them to reach personal fulfillment, healthy and rewarding relationships, and empowerment. We accomplish this by overcoming longstanding obstacles, such as, negative thoughts, behaviors or emotions. Emotional limitations and fears are explored and conquered through insight and mindfulness, leading to clarity of understanding your path for personal growth. Insight opens the path to conquer obstacles, the way for cognitive behavioral changes, helps you achieve balance, reach your full potential and live a healthier life filled with joy and a sense of freedom.
Jane Parrott
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90026
I work with depression, trauma, PTSD, chronic illness and pain, codependency/ people pleasing, relationships, youth, grief, major life transitions, new endeavors, gender & sexuality exploration, emotional/behavioral patterns, and end of life processing.
Welcome. You have started an important search. Finding the right therapist isn’t always easy, and I encourage you to listen to what feels right for you. My work starts with you and what you are looking to address. We will explore the contributing factors to what you want to work on and develop a deeper understanding of your psychological reality. First and foremost, I offer a safe and non-judgmental container for exploration. Nothing is too small or big for this work. My goal is to help you gain insights into your relational and habitual patterns in service of having more agency in your life and being able to feel free to be you.
I work with depression, trauma, PTSD, chronic illness and pain, codependency/ people pleasing, relationships, youth, grief, major life transitions, new endeavors, gender & sexuality exploration, emotional/behavioral patterns, and end of life processing.
Welcome. You have started an important search. Finding the right therapist isn’t always easy, and I encourage you to listen to what feels right for you. My work starts with you and what you are looking to address. We will explore the contributing factors to what you want to work on and develop a deeper understanding of your psychological reality. First and foremost, I offer a safe and non-judgmental container for exploration. Nothing is too small or big for this work. My goal is to help you gain insights into your relational and habitual patterns in service of having more agency in your life and being able to feel free to be you.
Shea Lowery
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, ACS
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90026 (Online Only)
I specialize in working with clients with complex trauma and dissociative disorders, particularly those with multiple marginalized identities (BIPOC, LGBTQ+, chronic pain/disability) involved in harmful systems (foster care, carceral system, military, and hospitalizations). My approach to the work is that our systems and our world are fundamentally inequitable, and therapy is a way to help us survive in the face of many sources of adversity. With therapy, we learn about ourselves and our patterns and develop compassion for our suffering and ways to care for ourselves in all areas of our lives.
I specialize in working with clients with complex trauma and dissociative disorders, particularly those with multiple marginalized identities (BIPOC, LGBTQ+, chronic pain/disability) involved in harmful systems (foster care, carceral system, military, and hospitalizations). My approach to the work is that our systems and our world are fundamentally inequitable, and therapy is a way to help us survive in the face of many sources of adversity. With therapy, we learn about ourselves and our patterns and develop compassion for our suffering and ways to care for ourselves in all areas of our lives.
Solange Zelman, MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90026 (Online Only)
I bring 50+years of earned wisdom and my commitment to helping you - no matter how big your pain is.
Therapy is about exploring, experimenting, discovering, and being vulnerable. In our therapy together you will learn to increase self-compassion and mindfulness, and your ability to sit with uncertainty and bear witness to uncomfortable feelings and body sensations. You will gain awareness of the role negative core beliefs and thoughts have upon mood and learn how to challenge those negative thought patterns. You will learn to set appropriate boundaries by asserting feelings, recognizing wants and needs, and identifying the role shame and guilt might play in causing unhealthy, harmful, stale, and inauthentic behaviors.
I bring 50+years of earned wisdom and my commitment to helping you - no matter how big your pain is.
Therapy is about exploring, experimenting, discovering, and being vulnerable. In our therapy together you will learn to increase self-compassion and mindfulness, and your ability to sit with uncertainty and bear witness to uncomfortable feelings and body sensations. You will gain awareness of the role negative core beliefs and thoughts have upon mood and learn how to challenge those negative thought patterns. You will learn to set appropriate boundaries by asserting feelings, recognizing wants and needs, and identifying the role shame and guilt might play in causing unhealthy, harmful, stale, and inauthentic behaviors.
Shaina Nicholson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90026 (Online Only)
My areas of interest include: life transitions, depression, anxiety, challenges with identity and self-esteem, chronic illness, coping with trauma & adverse experiences, relationships & intimacy, women's empowerment, cultural challenges, grief & loss, LGBTQIA+ issues and clinical supervision.
I am extremely passionate about empowering individuals and therapists/associates to heal and live their best, most authentic lives. I strongly believe that each and every individual, regardless of background, ability, or beliefs, should have a safe space where they can feel comfortable being their true self. I know that sitting across from someone with similar experiences can help to build trust and promote connection, and am therefore deeply committed to holding space for women and people of color. I prefer that interested parties visit my website to schedule a consultation or email me to inquire about my services.
My areas of interest include: life transitions, depression, anxiety, challenges with identity and self-esteem, chronic illness, coping with trauma & adverse experiences, relationships & intimacy, women's empowerment, cultural challenges, grief & loss, LGBTQIA+ issues and clinical supervision.
I am extremely passionate about empowering individuals and therapists/associates to heal and live their best, most authentic lives. I strongly believe that each and every individual, regardless of background, ability, or beliefs, should have a safe space where they can feel comfortable being their true self. I know that sitting across from someone with similar experiences can help to build trust and promote connection, and am therefore deeply committed to holding space for women and people of color. I prefer that interested parties visit my website to schedule a consultation or email me to inquire about my services.
Victoria Maria Gerdts
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ACSW, MPA
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90026 (Online Only)
Welcome! I provide support to individuals, couples, kink, and various polyamorous/ethically non-monogamous relational structures to guide them toward sexual wellness and health with an emphasis on communication, pleasure, and intimacy. I am also an avid advocate for combatting stigma in regard to STI/STDs, providing education on safe disclosures, and anxiety surrounding initial diagnoses. I've worked with folks with disabilities and chronic illness/pain, sex workers, survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, LGBTQIA+, reproductive and perinatal issues, and those struggling with cultural identity and religious trauma.
Welcome! I provide support to individuals, couples, kink, and various polyamorous/ethically non-monogamous relational structures to guide them toward sexual wellness and health with an emphasis on communication, pleasure, and intimacy. I am also an avid advocate for combatting stigma in regard to STI/STDs, providing education on safe disclosures, and anxiety surrounding initial diagnoses. I've worked with folks with disabilities and chronic illness/pain, sex workers, survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, LGBTQIA+, reproductive and perinatal issues, and those struggling with cultural identity and religious trauma.
Dr. Marina Costanzo
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90026 (Online Only)
Much of my background is in working with people who have experienced sexualized and/or interpersonal violence, are coping with health conditions (chronic pain, HIV, reproductive issues), have been incarcerated, are healthcare professionals (physicians, residents, nurses), are LGBTQ+, as well as couples (of all orientations and relationship structures).
Hi there, I'm Dr. Marina Costanzo. It can be intimidating to enter (or re-enter) therapy with someone new, and face areas of our lives that we’ve been feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, shameful, stressed, or fearful about. I have a warm and non-judgmental approach to therapy, and hope to facilitate compassion, engagement, and empowerment. I will collaborate with you to provide effective tools for coping in the present, opportunities to safely explore the past, and to build hope, satisfaction, and joy for your future. I value working with clients facing all kinds of difficulties, from everyday stressors to larger concerns.
Much of my background is in working with people who have experienced sexualized and/or interpersonal violence, are coping with health conditions (chronic pain, HIV, reproductive issues), have been incarcerated, are healthcare professionals (physicians, residents, nurses), are LGBTQ+, as well as couples (of all orientations and relationship structures).
Hi there, I'm Dr. Marina Costanzo. It can be intimidating to enter (or re-enter) therapy with someone new, and face areas of our lives that we’ve been feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, shameful, stressed, or fearful about. I have a warm and non-judgmental approach to therapy, and hope to facilitate compassion, engagement, and empowerment. I will collaborate with you to provide effective tools for coping in the present, opportunities to safely explore the past, and to build hope, satisfaction, and joy for your future. I value working with clients facing all kinds of difficulties, from everyday stressors to larger concerns.
Anne C Ruane
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Silver Lake, CA 90026
My clinical areas of interests include, but are not limited to: anxiety and depression, trauma/PTSD, relationship issues, substance abuse, parenting issues, stress and lifestyle management, grief and bereavement, phase of life transitions/identity issues, and the area of health psychology (effects of medical issues on mental health, pain/weight management, smoking cessation, etc.
My style of therapy is one that is both collaborative and supportive. I believe that all individuals have the capacity to make lasting changes in their lives. I help the individual tap into those abilities by challenging the conscious and unconscious barriers that can impede growth and change. Using psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral techniques, I provide a safe, nurturing environment where individuals can explore their challenges and unearth their full potential.
My clinical areas of interests include, but are not limited to: anxiety and depression, trauma/PTSD, relationship issues, substance abuse, parenting issues, stress and lifestyle management, grief and bereavement, phase of life transitions/identity issues, and the area of health psychology (effects of medical issues on mental health, pain/weight management, smoking cessation, etc.
My style of therapy is one that is both collaborative and supportive. I believe that all individuals have the capacity to make lasting changes in their lives. I help the individual tap into those abilities by challenging the conscious and unconscious barriers that can impede growth and change. Using psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral techniques, I provide a safe, nurturing environment where individuals can explore their challenges and unearth their full potential.
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Souna Mohseni
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Silver Lake, CA 90026
Hello, my name is Souna Mohseni, LCSW 116044. I will help you understand yourself better and understand the life's rules. If you know the rules you will win/heal. You may be experiencing real pain in your life, but the beliefs, thoughts, and feelings you have about your pain can add to your suffering. I'd like to help you understand where these beliefs come from so that they can change the way you react to situations and develop a more positive and adaptive belief, and lifestyle. With increased insight and awareness, you may find that you're able to have more meaningful and satisfying relationships and enjoy life.
Hello, my name is Souna Mohseni, LCSW 116044. I will help you understand yourself better and understand the life's rules. If you know the rules you will win/heal. You may be experiencing real pain in your life, but the beliefs, thoughts, and feelings you have about your pain can add to your suffering. I'd like to help you understand where these beliefs come from so that they can change the way you react to situations and develop a more positive and adaptive belief, and lifestyle. With increased insight and awareness, you may find that you're able to have more meaningful and satisfying relationships and enjoy life.
Dani Reisbaum
Associate Clinical Social Worker, MSW, ASW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Silver Lake, CA 90026 (Online Only)
I offer an open, non-judgemental space where you can speak honestly about your thoughts and experiences while working towards your personal goals. As a queer, trauma-informed sex therapist, I enjoy working together to deconstruct the social scripts, pressures and ‘shoulds’ that often get in the way of our growth, healing and liberation. Some areas that I am especially passionate about working with are anxiety, self-esteem, life transitions, gender identity, sexuality, relationship dynamics, existential questioning, sexual trauma and chronic pain.
I offer an open, non-judgemental space where you can speak honestly about your thoughts and experiences while working towards your personal goals. As a queer, trauma-informed sex therapist, I enjoy working together to deconstruct the social scripts, pressures and ‘shoulds’ that often get in the way of our growth, healing and liberation. Some areas that I am especially passionate about working with are anxiety, self-esteem, life transitions, gender identity, sexuality, relationship dynamics, existential questioning, sexual trauma and chronic pain.
Rebecca Yeretzian-Santana
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, ATR
Verified Verified
Silver Lake, CA 90026 (Online Only)
Whether you're processing trauma, acute and chronic illness, or end-of life, I'm here for you.
What is this all for, anyway? Navigating the challenges of life and death can be inevitable and isolating, often accompanied by a whirlwind of feelings that may seem impossible to understand. I provide a safe and supportive space for finding moments of peace amidst the turbulence of the unique emotional complexities you're facing. Together, we will find the right approach that will lead you to meaning, empowerment, and resilience in the face of your profound human experience.
Whether you're processing trauma, acute and chronic illness, or end-of life, I'm here for you.
What is this all for, anyway? Navigating the challenges of life and death can be inevitable and isolating, often accompanied by a whirlwind of feelings that may seem impossible to understand. I provide a safe and supportive space for finding moments of peace amidst the turbulence of the unique emotional complexities you're facing. Together, we will find the right approach that will lead you to meaning, empowerment, and resilience in the face of your profound human experience.
Alex Kropf
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90026
My passion lies in supporting those of all ages and identity backgrounds who are interested in self exploration and discovery. I practice from a trauma informed, sex-positive, queer affirming, feminist, spiritual and social justice-oriented standpoint. Understanding how the “personal is political” and how psychological challenges are rooted in systemic oppression is central to my work. My experience in sexual/reproductive healthcare and working as a birth and postpartum doula catalyzed my interest in supporting those undergoing vulnerability regarding their sexuality, pain, pleasure, health, gender identity and life transitions.
My passion lies in supporting those of all ages and identity backgrounds who are interested in self exploration and discovery. I practice from a trauma informed, sex-positive, queer affirming, feminist, spiritual and social justice-oriented standpoint. Understanding how the “personal is political” and how psychological challenges are rooted in systemic oppression is central to my work. My experience in sexual/reproductive healthcare and working as a birth and postpartum doula catalyzed my interest in supporting those undergoing vulnerability regarding their sexuality, pain, pleasure, health, gender identity and life transitions.
Search and Create Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90026 (Online Only)
My mission is to empower you to achieve your most fulfilling life. I provide client-centered & trauma-informed services to adults, adolescents, couples, families & teams. If you are struggling with sadness, worry, anger, intrusive thoughts, loneliness, chronic pain, career or work/life balance issues, or family or relational challenges, I can provide support. Our work together will be collaborative & will focus on achieving your individual goals. You will develop further awareness of your barriers & strengths, & learn & rehearse new skills toward increasing satisfaction, success, & connection with yourself and others.
My mission is to empower you to achieve your most fulfilling life. I provide client-centered & trauma-informed services to adults, adolescents, couples, families & teams. If you are struggling with sadness, worry, anger, intrusive thoughts, loneliness, chronic pain, career or work/life balance issues, or family or relational challenges, I can provide support. Our work together will be collaborative & will focus on achieving your individual goals. You will develop further awareness of your barriers & strengths, & learn & rehearse new skills toward increasing satisfaction, success, & connection with yourself and others.
Channie Amato
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Channie Amato is a licensed therapist practicing for over 13 years, provides a holistic, individualistic, collaborative approach to build a sense of self, better one's relationships with themselves, others, and increase healthy coping strategies i.e. breath work, mindfulness, to best support client's overall health and wellbeing. Working with older adolescents to older adults, Channie works with client's experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, challenges in relationships, healing from narcissist abuse, codependency, self-esteem/ self-confidence, relationship with self, grief, bereavement, trauma, PTSD, pain.
Channie Amato is a licensed therapist practicing for over 13 years, provides a holistic, individualistic, collaborative approach to build a sense of self, better one's relationships with themselves, others, and increase healthy coping strategies i.e. breath work, mindfulness, to best support client's overall health and wellbeing. Working with older adolescents to older adults, Channie works with client's experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, challenges in relationships, healing from narcissist abuse, codependency, self-esteem/ self-confidence, relationship with self, grief, bereavement, trauma, PTSD, pain.
Sam Sawyer Silverman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90026
My goal as a therapist is to empower you to be your own best advocate. I want to help you identify your feelings, needs, wants, and resources- creating a space where all of you is welcome, seen, and respected. While I always attempt to approach therapy through an inclusive, intersectional lens, I am also open to critical feedback. I want to make space for you. I want to help you reconnect with your authentic self to best support your own growth and healing. See more on my website: www.samsilvermantherapy.com. I offer Zoom (or other virtual) sessions and park sessions in the echo park area.
My goal as a therapist is to empower you to be your own best advocate. I want to help you identify your feelings, needs, wants, and resources- creating a space where all of you is welcome, seen, and respected. While I always attempt to approach therapy through an inclusive, intersectional lens, I am also open to critical feedback. I want to make space for you. I want to help you reconnect with your authentic self to best support your own growth and healing. See more on my website: www.samsilvermantherapy.com. I offer Zoom (or other virtual) sessions and park sessions in the echo park area.
Dr. Sadie Mohler
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Our past experiences can shape how we feel and act in the present. What was once an adaptive strategy to survive can now leave us stuck and miserable. We might feel like even though we “know better” we continue to engage in the same patterns. I can help you develop insight about how your past shapes your present and how to interrupt destructive patterns to feel more at ease, authentic, and agentic. In addition to helping folks get to the root of their suffering, I also help people build the capacity to turn towards struggles with compassion. I believe that as we tend to our wounds, profound healing can occur.
Our past experiences can shape how we feel and act in the present. What was once an adaptive strategy to survive can now leave us stuck and miserable. We might feel like even though we “know better” we continue to engage in the same patterns. I can help you develop insight about how your past shapes your present and how to interrupt destructive patterns to feel more at ease, authentic, and agentic. In addition to helping folks get to the root of their suffering, I also help people build the capacity to turn towards struggles with compassion. I believe that as we tend to our wounds, profound healing can occur.
Sophie Wasson
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90026 (Online Only)
I create a safe space for patients to become curious about their thoughts and feelings to help find relief from any kind of psychological distress. I believe that as we develop clarity about our internal experiences, a newfound awareness emerges, which allows us to let go of negative patterns and to live life more fully. My approach is exploratory, collaborative, playful and pragmatic. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is of utmost importance; I treat each patient with respect, compassion, and genuineness,
I create a safe space for patients to become curious about their thoughts and feelings to help find relief from any kind of psychological distress. I believe that as we develop clarity about our internal experiences, a newfound awareness emerges, which allows us to let go of negative patterns and to live life more fully. My approach is exploratory, collaborative, playful and pragmatic. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is of utmost importance; I treat each patient with respect, compassion, and genuineness,
See more therapy options for 90026
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.