Chronic Pain Therapists in North Oakland, Oakland, CA
Bayla Travis, Psy.D. - Pain Management Specialist
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
North Oakland, Oakland, CA 94611 (Online Only)
Using interventions like mindfulness, relaxation, behavior modification, thought substitution and education about the science of pain, I can help you decrease your symptoms and better care for yourself when symptoms do arise.
I work with individuals who have achieved success in many areas of their lives, yet struggle with chronic health issues that cause great levels of stress. For over a decade, I have helped people who have health challenges like headaches, back and neck pain, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s Disease. Often, these uncomfortable physical sensations lead to anxiety. And then the anxiety leads to an increase in physical symptoms. Which then leads to even greater levels of anxiety. I can help you interrupt this cycle, leading to you enjoying increased quality of life both personally and professionally.
Using interventions like mindfulness, relaxation, behavior modification, thought substitution and education about the science of pain, I can help you decrease your symptoms and better care for yourself when symptoms do arise.
I work with individuals who have achieved success in many areas of their lives, yet struggle with chronic health issues that cause great levels of stress. For over a decade, I have helped people who have health challenges like headaches, back and neck pain, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s Disease. Often, these uncomfortable physical sensations lead to anxiety. And then the anxiety leads to an increase in physical symptoms. Which then leads to even greater levels of anxiety. I can help you interrupt this cycle, leading to you enjoying increased quality of life both personally and professionally.
Naomi Edelson
Psychologist, MA, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
North Oakland, Oakland, CA 94618
I bring expertise in research-backed treatments including CBT, CBTi, ACT, and Pain Reprocessing Therapy, and am currently the site director for the Stanford based KP Empower study.
I am a clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety problems like stress, worry or OCD as well as health problems such as illness or chronic pain. If you are coping with any of these conditions, I can help you. Anxiety and pain can leave you feeling stuck, and overwhelmed, especially when you feel pressure to perform or make life decisions. I have a strong background in evidence-based treatments and focus on practical, results-oriented treatments that have been proven effective. No matter what challenges you are facing, we can work together to reduce uncomfortable feelings and help you live a happier and more fulfilled life.
I bring expertise in research-backed treatments including CBT, CBTi, ACT, and Pain Reprocessing Therapy, and am currently the site director for the Stanford based KP Empower study.
I am a clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety problems like stress, worry or OCD as well as health problems such as illness or chronic pain. If you are coping with any of these conditions, I can help you. Anxiety and pain can leave you feeling stuck, and overwhelmed, especially when you feel pressure to perform or make life decisions. I have a strong background in evidence-based treatments and focus on practical, results-oriented treatments that have been proven effective. No matter what challenges you are facing, we can work together to reduce uncomfortable feelings and help you live a happier and more fulfilled life.
Karin K. Vandervoort
Psychologist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North Oakland, Oakland, CA 94618
My services are built on years of compassionate & successful treatment outcomes: decreased passive and invasive modalities to treat injury/illness; recovered partnerships; reconciliation of loss, limitation, and trauma; greater flexibility and freedom; decreased internal "sibling rivalry"; & greater enjoyment of what you already have and who you already are.
Without meaning and the chance to therapeutically practice new insights and behaviors, we may suffer unnecessarily during times of high stress, trauma, or in daily life. Feelings may become an overwhelming flood of dread, sorrow or numbness; thinking becomes confused, panicky, and self-critical; joy, spontaneity and self-trust may feel lost. Together we can make good use of your strengths, symptoms and external challenges. Through exploring and deepening our understanding and trust in your own inner world, dignity and liveliness may be restored even under the most challenging or enduring of circumstances, illnesses or problems.
My services are built on years of compassionate & successful treatment outcomes: decreased passive and invasive modalities to treat injury/illness; recovered partnerships; reconciliation of loss, limitation, and trauma; greater flexibility and freedom; decreased internal "sibling rivalry"; & greater enjoyment of what you already have and who you already are.
Without meaning and the chance to therapeutically practice new insights and behaviors, we may suffer unnecessarily during times of high stress, trauma, or in daily life. Feelings may become an overwhelming flood of dread, sorrow or numbness; thinking becomes confused, panicky, and self-critical; joy, spontaneity and self-trust may feel lost. Together we can make good use of your strengths, symptoms and external challenges. Through exploring and deepening our understanding and trust in your own inner world, dignity and liveliness may be restored even under the most challenging or enduring of circumstances, illnesses or problems.
Suzie Rudloff
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
North Oakland, Oakland, CA 94618
People come to therapy with unique needs, concerns, and life circumstances. Through the process of self-inquiry, I help clients gain insight and develop effective coping skills to move through a challenge with greater ease and understanding. My therapeutic style is warm, compassionate and curious about one's experience. I use an attachment based, person-centered approach that offers individuals and couples clarity around repetitive patterns that cause pain, conflict, and limit growth.
People come to therapy with unique needs, concerns, and life circumstances. Through the process of self-inquiry, I help clients gain insight and develop effective coping skills to move through a challenge with greater ease and understanding. My therapeutic style is warm, compassionate and curious about one's experience. I use an attachment based, person-centered approach that offers individuals and couples clarity around repetitive patterns that cause pain, conflict, and limit growth.
Pauline Wakeham
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SEP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North Oakland, Oakland, CA 94618
I help people to heal that pain.
Are you having trouble getting over a past shock or trauma?
Are you frequently in overwhelm/collapse?
Are you constantly bracing against danger, ready to fight or run away?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, I can help.
I specialize in working with people who have experienced being overwhelmed by events and experiences that have shaken their very foundations.
I take time to assess your personal stress/trauma history and provide guidance and support to assist you in your recovery.
I also help couples create sustained improvement in their relationship, creating more effective communication and fulfilling relationships.
I help people to heal that pain.
Are you having trouble getting over a past shock or trauma?
Are you frequently in overwhelm/collapse?
Are you constantly bracing against danger, ready to fight or run away?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, I can help.
I specialize in working with people who have experienced being overwhelmed by events and experiences that have shaken their very foundations.
I take time to assess your personal stress/trauma history and provide guidance and support to assist you in your recovery.
I also help couples create sustained improvement in their relationship, creating more effective communication and fulfilling relationships.
Alissa Blackman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North Oakland, Oakland, CA 94611
When difficulties are too much to handle or the next level of growth seems just out of reach, you may find yourself living with pain & stress. Some stress in life helps people grow, but chronic stress has a negative effect on your mind, body, emotions & spirit. You may find yourself using old mental, physical & emotional coping tools to survive, yet feel unable to make real change. Your ally in holistic healing, I offer a supportive, warm presence so you can explore what's difficult, hone your strengths, & gain simple yet powerful mind/body tools.
When difficulties are too much to handle or the next level of growth seems just out of reach, you may find yourself living with pain & stress. Some stress in life helps people grow, but chronic stress has a negative effect on your mind, body, emotions & spirit. You may find yourself using old mental, physical & emotional coping tools to survive, yet feel unable to make real change. Your ally in holistic healing, I offer a supportive, warm presence so you can explore what's difficult, hone your strengths, & gain simple yet powerful mind/body tools.
Zonya Johnson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
North Oakland, Oakland, CA 94618
My Areas of Interest:
relationship and intimacy,
effective communication,
depression, self esteem, loss,
eating disorders, sexual abuse, trauma
managing life crises/transitions
leadership skills, life coaching
ethnocultural issues, multicultural families, health and illness concerns,
career family balance,
stress related to infertility/reproductive technology, getting "unstuck," finding one's passion,
blockages to creativity.
I have worked as a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist for over 25 years. I work with individuals and couples with a broad range of psychological and relationship problems. I very much enjoy the sociocultural diversity of the Bay Area and my psychotherapy practice reflects this diversity.
Helping people maximize their individual potential is a never-ending source of satisfaction. I have special interests in relationship issues, women's issues, cultural concerns, and health-related problems. I also enjoy helping people find a balance between the demands of work, self, spirit and family.
My Areas of Interest:
relationship and intimacy,
effective communication,
depression, self esteem, loss,
eating disorders, sexual abuse, trauma
managing life crises/transitions
leadership skills, life coaching
ethnocultural issues, multicultural families, health and illness concerns,
career family balance,
stress related to infertility/reproductive technology, getting "unstuck," finding one's passion,
blockages to creativity.
I have worked as a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist for over 25 years. I work with individuals and couples with a broad range of psychological and relationship problems. I very much enjoy the sociocultural diversity of the Bay Area and my psychotherapy practice reflects this diversity.
Helping people maximize their individual potential is a never-ending source of satisfaction. I have special interests in relationship issues, women's issues, cultural concerns, and health-related problems. I also enjoy helping people find a balance between the demands of work, self, spirit and family.
Annie Brashem
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North Oakland, Oakland, CA 94618
Coping with illness, injury, disability, or medical trauma is one of life’s most difficult challenges. It forever affects how we view ourselves, our bodies, our relationships, and how our lives were “supposed” to go. These experiences are also impacted by everything else we have been through in our lives. Each of us will inevitably experience being a care-giver or a care-recipient, and specialized therapeutic support can help you navigate the specific difficulties that illness or any health issues present. At any age, stage, or severity of illness or injury, cultivating resilience is possible. You aren't alone.
Coping with illness, injury, disability, or medical trauma is one of life’s most difficult challenges. It forever affects how we view ourselves, our bodies, our relationships, and how our lives were “supposed” to go. These experiences are also impacted by everything else we have been through in our lives. Each of us will inevitably experience being a care-giver or a care-recipient, and specialized therapeutic support can help you navigate the specific difficulties that illness or any health issues present. At any age, stage, or severity of illness or injury, cultivating resilience is possible. You aren't alone.
Cathy Berman
Marriage & Family Therapist, RNP, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North Oakland, Oakland, CA 94618
Are you going through a major change such as empty nest, relationship struggles, parenting, fertility challenges, balancing home and work life, loss of a loved one or job or dealing with illness? Has your comfort zone been pulled out from under you? These changes can feel like a wave knocked you down. You have come to the right place if you want compassionate, yet straightforward support. Working together, we will focus on your goals, find solutions and help to get you feeling on track, healthy and equipped with new coping tools.
Are you going through a major change such as empty nest, relationship struggles, parenting, fertility challenges, balancing home and work life, loss of a loved one or job or dealing with illness? Has your comfort zone been pulled out from under you? These changes can feel like a wave knocked you down. You have come to the right place if you want compassionate, yet straightforward support. Working together, we will focus on your goals, find solutions and help to get you feeling on track, healthy and equipped with new coping tools.
Bryan Newman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
North Oakland, Oakland, CA 94611
Waitlist for new clients
As our work together brings light to those places of pain and confusion, new ways of approaching old problems will become apparent, and presenting symptoms --such as depressive thinking, anxiety or rage-- can subside as emotional and psychological wounds that you may have felt unbearable begin to heal.
My work with you begins from my deep respect for the self-awareness and courage it takes to seek support. From our first session together, I aim to create an optimally safe and trusting relationship, a safe harbor in what may be tumultuous life seas. Gently but actively, I will help guide you through the places inside where you feel stuck, afraid, or are simply in too much pain to examine. In our sessions, I won't just sit back silently; my approach to therapy is warm, interactive, experiential and engaged.
As our work together brings light to those places of pain and confusion, new ways of approaching old problems will become apparent, and presenting symptoms --such as depressive thinking, anxiety or rage-- can subside as emotional and psychological wounds that you may have felt unbearable begin to heal.
My work with you begins from my deep respect for the self-awareness and courage it takes to seek support. From our first session together, I aim to create an optimally safe and trusting relationship, a safe harbor in what may be tumultuous life seas. Gently but actively, I will help guide you through the places inside where you feel stuck, afraid, or are simply in too much pain to examine. In our sessions, I won't just sit back silently; my approach to therapy is warm, interactive, experiential and engaged.
Ab (Abigail) Krumbein
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Verified Verified
North Oakland, Oakland, CA 94609 (Online Only)
We all deserve to feel safe and connected. Sometimes, overwhelming things happen that prevent us from feeling safe and settled in the world. In therapy, we support the strengths that have helped you survive and grow your capacity to move towards the life you long for. Whatever you are experiencing, be that anxiety, depression, or the pain of trauma or oppression, together we will collaborate to tend to what hurts and to nurture the vitality that exists inside you.
We all deserve to feel safe and connected. Sometimes, overwhelming things happen that prevent us from feeling safe and settled in the world. In therapy, we support the strengths that have helped you survive and grow your capacity to move towards the life you long for. Whatever you are experiencing, be that anxiety, depression, or the pain of trauma or oppression, together we will collaborate to tend to what hurts and to nurture the vitality that exists inside you.
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Noah Oderberg
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North Oakland, Oakland, CA 94618
Are you struggling with depression, low self-confidence, or anxiety? Are you having difficulties in your relationships or at work? Are you finding it hard to cope with a loss, life transition, or illness? I have brought warmth, knowledge, and compassion to my work with individuals & couples for over 30 years as a Psychologist. My approach to psychotherapy is to create a safe environment through listening and empathy that will enable you to talk about patterns in your life that are causing you distress. My goal is to help you achieve greater life satisfaction, healthier relationships & new sources of self worth.
Are you struggling with depression, low self-confidence, or anxiety? Are you having difficulties in your relationships or at work? Are you finding it hard to cope with a loss, life transition, or illness? I have brought warmth, knowledge, and compassion to my work with individuals & couples for over 30 years as a Psychologist. My approach to psychotherapy is to create a safe environment through listening and empathy that will enable you to talk about patterns in your life that are causing you distress. My goal is to help you achieve greater life satisfaction, healthier relationships & new sources of self worth.
Lindsay Evans
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North Oakland, Oakland, CA 94609 (Online Only)
I work with adults who are seeking help for depression, anxiety, relationship issues, stress management, life transitions, and issues at the intersection of physical and emotional health, such as insomnia and chronic pain.
Many of the people I work with come to therapy because they feel stuck or overwhelmed, are seeking relief from anxiety or depression, need support as they adjust to a new life circumstance, or want to develop a better understanding of themselves. During therapy, we will explore unhelpful patterns by looking at the relationship between your thoughts, behaviors and emotions and the ways in which these things are interfering or impacting your quality of life. I can offer tools and concepts that may be helpful for coping with difficult emotions, improving relationships, promoting self-acceptance, and regaining balance in your life.
I work with adults who are seeking help for depression, anxiety, relationship issues, stress management, life transitions, and issues at the intersection of physical and emotional health, such as insomnia and chronic pain.
Many of the people I work with come to therapy because they feel stuck or overwhelmed, are seeking relief from anxiety or depression, need support as they adjust to a new life circumstance, or want to develop a better understanding of themselves. During therapy, we will explore unhelpful patterns by looking at the relationship between your thoughts, behaviors and emotions and the ways in which these things are interfering or impacting your quality of life. I can offer tools and concepts that may be helpful for coping with difficult emotions, improving relationships, promoting self-acceptance, and regaining balance in your life.
Tim Henry
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North Oakland, Oakland, CA 94609
I have 16 years of experience helping clients with relationship issues, depression, anxiety, life transitions, divorce, boundary issues, parental challenges, grief, trauma, chronic pain, & Bipolar Disorder.
Who is driving you crazy? Your partner, your boss, your teacher, your mother? Are you feeling overwhelmed, trapped, unsatisfied? Would you like to be more assertive, establish stronger boundaries & have more satisfying relationships? Would you like to remove obstacles that are preventing you from achieving your dreams? I want to help you develop life-long patterns to sustain a richer, more gratifying life. I specialize in working with adults going through transitions relating to work, school & relationships. I love working with intelligent, creative, motivated & insightful clients.
I have 16 years of experience helping clients with relationship issues, depression, anxiety, life transitions, divorce, boundary issues, parental challenges, grief, trauma, chronic pain, & Bipolar Disorder.
Who is driving you crazy? Your partner, your boss, your teacher, your mother? Are you feeling overwhelmed, trapped, unsatisfied? Would you like to be more assertive, establish stronger boundaries & have more satisfying relationships? Would you like to remove obstacles that are preventing you from achieving your dreams? I want to help you develop life-long patterns to sustain a richer, more gratifying life. I specialize in working with adults going through transitions relating to work, school & relationships. I love working with intelligent, creative, motivated & insightful clients.
Dr. Jacquie Josephson- Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
North Oakland, Oakland, CA 94609 (Online Only)
Do you feel stuck, like you are getting in your own way? Feelings hopeless and isolated? Life presents all kinds of challenges which we often try to manage on our own and creates frustrations. This frustration creates barriers that can leave you feeling distant from others and even a stranger to yourself. What is worse is often we don’t even know why we are struggling. I am dedicated to helping you with the difficult and painful experiences by facilitating understanding of yourself and the issues that cause pain.
Do you feel stuck, like you are getting in your own way? Feelings hopeless and isolated? Life presents all kinds of challenges which we often try to manage on our own and creates frustrations. This frustration creates barriers that can leave you feeling distant from others and even a stranger to yourself. What is worse is often we don’t even know why we are struggling. I am dedicated to helping you with the difficult and painful experiences by facilitating understanding of yourself and the issues that cause pain.
Dr. Manisha Sudindranath
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
North Oakland, Oakland, CA 94618
Some of us experience extremely challenging, even terrible things in life, or we are not able to get over the pain or losses we have experienced in the past. I have studied and trained in the treatment of traumatic disturbances for over a decade and am passionate about helping people resolve symptoms that include: reliving or avoiding memories, negative moods and thoughts, and sometimes "dissociation" (feeling detached from oneself and others). I offer an effective psychotherapy method known as EMDR for addressing such symptoms, along with a compassionate, culturally sensitive approach to issues.
Some of us experience extremely challenging, even terrible things in life, or we are not able to get over the pain or losses we have experienced in the past. I have studied and trained in the treatment of traumatic disturbances for over a decade and am passionate about helping people resolve symptoms that include: reliving or avoiding memories, negative moods and thoughts, and sometimes "dissociation" (feeling detached from oneself and others). I offer an effective psychotherapy method known as EMDR for addressing such symptoms, along with a compassionate, culturally sensitive approach to issues.
Dr. Helge Osterhold
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
North Oakland, Oakland, CA 94618
I'm an integrative psychotherapist working with individuals and couples. My approach is engaged and caring, providing a safe and supportive environment, where you can reflect and develop new ways of handling challenges you are facing. The focus of my practice is twofold: relationship issues and life transitions (e.g. themes like change in relationship, career changes, relocation, pregnancy, child birth and parenting, facing illness, trauma and loss as well as seeking more meaning and fulfillment in life). I have a particular expertise in working with people who immigrated to the US or have diverse cultural backgrounds.
I'm an integrative psychotherapist working with individuals and couples. My approach is engaged and caring, providing a safe and supportive environment, where you can reflect and develop new ways of handling challenges you are facing. The focus of my practice is twofold: relationship issues and life transitions (e.g. themes like change in relationship, career changes, relocation, pregnancy, child birth and parenting, facing illness, trauma and loss as well as seeking more meaning and fulfillment in life). I have a particular expertise in working with people who immigrated to the US or have diverse cultural backgrounds.
Corinna Press
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
North Oakland, Oakland, CA 94609
I provide psychotherapy to those with a range of concerns such as depression, anxiety, living with acute and/or chronic illness, LGBTQ considerations, etc.
It takes courage and strength to come to therapy. I aim to create a safe environment. My style is warm, compassionate, and interactive. In my practice, I work individually with adolescents and adults, as well as with teens and adult children and their families. I have experience working with clients from across many socioeconomic, ethnic, cultural, racial, sexual orientation, gender, and religious backgrounds. I offer care to people who are trying to understand both their personal experiences as well as their responses to life's everyday complexities and stresses. A unique part of my practice includes a background in art.
I provide psychotherapy to those with a range of concerns such as depression, anxiety, living with acute and/or chronic illness, LGBTQ considerations, etc.
It takes courage and strength to come to therapy. I aim to create a safe environment. My style is warm, compassionate, and interactive. In my practice, I work individually with adolescents and adults, as well as with teens and adult children and their families. I have experience working with clients from across many socioeconomic, ethnic, cultural, racial, sexual orientation, gender, and religious backgrounds. I offer care to people who are trying to understand both their personal experiences as well as their responses to life's everyday complexities and stresses. A unique part of my practice includes a background in art.
Ella Ofori
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MPH
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North Oakland, Oakland, CA 94609 (Online Only)
I work from a core belief that everyone has within themselves what they need for healing. I also believe that working in community helps to bring out and recall collective knowledge and understanding of what health, illness, and recovery are. I work collaboratively with you in supporting your process of understanding and integrating your life experiences, using a relational, strength-based, culturally attuned, community-centered process. *Please review my website for more information and faster response.*
I work from a core belief that everyone has within themselves what they need for healing. I also believe that working in community helps to bring out and recall collective knowledge and understanding of what health, illness, and recovery are. I work collaboratively with you in supporting your process of understanding and integrating your life experiences, using a relational, strength-based, culturally attuned, community-centered process. *Please review my website for more information and faster response.*
Laine Demetria
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North Oakland, Oakland, CA 94609
Couples, parents of children with chronic medical conditions as well as adult survivors of childhood abuse and illness.
Do you feel trapped by your past and anxious about your future, unable to live in the present? This malaise of modern living is often a sign of past trauma. I can help you uncover and release the experiences that keep you from living a full and zestful life. My primary focus is women and parents, particularly those with a history of trauma. We’ll explore the feelings that arise in your body, and notice their links to your thoughts and behaviors. I’ll empower you to choose a more positive narrative, to look at your life through a different lens.
Couples, parents of children with chronic medical conditions as well as adult survivors of childhood abuse and illness.
Do you feel trapped by your past and anxious about your future, unable to live in the present? This malaise of modern living is often a sign of past trauma. I can help you uncover and release the experiences that keep you from living a full and zestful life. My primary focus is women and parents, particularly those with a history of trauma. We’ll explore the feelings that arise in your body, and notice their links to your thoughts and behaviors. I’ll empower you to choose a more positive narrative, to look at your life through a different lens.
See more therapy options for North Oakland, Oakland
Nearby Chronic Pain Therapists Searches for North Oakland, Oakland
- Bushrod
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- Mountain View Cemetery
- Piedmont Ave
- Piedmont Avenue
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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.