Chronic Pain Therapists in Pasadena, CA

Photo of Clara Aparicio - Clara I. Aparicio, PsyD, PsyD, Psychologist
Clara I. Aparicio, PsyD
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91101
I specialize in treating depression and anxiety disorders, trauma, chronic pain management, impostor syndrome, life transitions, life and career coaching, and relationship issues.
I am a bilingual, Spanish-speaking, clinical psychologist. My clinical work has focused on providing holistic mental health care, taking into account cultural, family dynamics, spiritual, social-economic, and medical factors that contribute to mental health conditions. Life's journey was never meant to be traveled alone. Our experiences, life's highs and lows, are best lived in communion with others.
I specialize in treating depression and anxiety disorders, trauma, chronic pain management, impostor syndrome, life transitions, life and career coaching, and relationship issues.
I am a bilingual, Spanish-speaking, clinical psychologist. My clinical work has focused on providing holistic mental health care, taking into account cultural, family dynamics, spiritual, social-economic, and medical factors that contribute to mental health conditions. Life's journey was never meant to be traveled alone. Our experiences, life's highs and lows, are best lived in communion with others.
(626) 587-3917 View (626) 587-3917
Photo of Mariclare Dasigenis, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Mariclare Dasigenis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91102
as well as other modalities to treat neural circuit pain and its causes.
As your therapist, I am committed to offering a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental partnership where we can join to understand what is causing your current suffering. If you are looking for a safe and collaborative space to achieve your goals and move forward, I can help. I specialize in the treatment of chronic pain and anxiety in adults and young adults. I am a licensed psychotherapist in California, Nevada, and Arizona. I also offer coaching services nationally and internationally.
as well as other modalities to treat neural circuit pain and its causes.
As your therapist, I am committed to offering a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental partnership where we can join to understand what is causing your current suffering. If you are looking for a safe and collaborative space to achieve your goals and move forward, I can help. I specialize in the treatment of chronic pain and anxiety in adults and young adults. I am a licensed psychotherapist in California, Nevada, and Arizona. I also offer coaching services nationally and internationally.
(626) 624-4961 View (626) 624-4961
Photo of Carol Fred, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Carol Fred
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91101
I continue to see people diagnosed with cancer and other serious illness.
I have had over 25 years of experience helping people deal with anxiety, depression and traumatic experiences. Creating a safe, trusting relationship is the basis of productive therapy and healing. I am an empathetic listener who uses a variety of approaches to help people reach their goals.
I continue to see people diagnosed with cancer and other serious illness.
I have had over 25 years of experience helping people deal with anxiety, depression and traumatic experiences. Creating a safe, trusting relationship is the basis of productive therapy and healing. I am an empathetic listener who uses a variety of approaches to help people reach their goals.
(310) 341-7209 View (310) 341-7209
Photo of Anna Ayeroff, MA, AMFT, APCC
Anna Ayeroff
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91101  (Online Only)
Together we can explore what is possible and what you can make possible, when pain isn’t running the show! My body holds its own stories of chronic pain which informs why and how I do this work, and my practice is built on my alignment with reproductive, disability, and racial justice movements, and rooted in my life as an artist.
It's not all in your head! In a culture that marginalizes and dismisses people’s pain, many of us are left needing to feel heard. I specialize in work with individuals and couples navigating pelvic and sexual pain for this reason. Here, your stories will be listened to, your experiences validated, and your pain believed. Whether you’re navigating chronic pelvic pain caused by a condition like endometriosis, or you’re a couple navigating illness, infertility, or painful sex, I’m here to offer you support. This pain is not just a physical experience, it’s emotional and relational.
Together we can explore what is possible and what you can make possible, when pain isn’t running the show! My body holds its own stories of chronic pain which informs why and how I do this work, and my practice is built on my alignment with reproductive, disability, and racial justice movements, and rooted in my life as an artist.
It's not all in your head! In a culture that marginalizes and dismisses people’s pain, many of us are left needing to feel heard. I specialize in work with individuals and couples navigating pelvic and sexual pain for this reason. Here, your stories will be listened to, your experiences validated, and your pain believed. Whether you’re navigating chronic pelvic pain caused by a condition like endometriosis, or you’re a couple navigating illness, infertility, or painful sex, I’m here to offer you support. This pain is not just a physical experience, it’s emotional and relational.
(323) 417-9837 View (323) 417-9837
Photo of Elizabeth Shouse, PsyD, Psychologist
Elizabeth Shouse
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91101  (Online Only)
We all have a better life in mind for ourselves. But when we face big problems and significant pain and stress, it’s hard to imagine a fulfilling life beyond that. That can lead to hopelessness. But the fact is no one needs to do this alone. I believe that every person deserves to live an incredible story and I'm here to help. I know how scary it can be to tackle the big problems in life. For that reason, I offer a warm and safe space to treat depression, anxiety, panic, and phobias using my specialization in health psychology and chronic pain conditions.
We all have a better life in mind for ourselves. But when we face big problems and significant pain and stress, it’s hard to imagine a fulfilling life beyond that. That can lead to hopelessness. But the fact is no one needs to do this alone. I believe that every person deserves to live an incredible story and I'm here to help. I know how scary it can be to tackle the big problems in life. For that reason, I offer a warm and safe space to treat depression, anxiety, panic, and phobias using my specialization in health psychology and chronic pain conditions.
(626) 773-8852 View (626) 773-8852
Photo of Kate Truitt, PhD, MBA, MA, Psychologist
Kate Truitt
Psychologist, PhD, MBA, MA
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91101
We specialize in PTSD, Developmental Trauma/C-PTSD, OCD, Panic, Phobias, Depression, Addiction, Medical Trauma, Chronic Pain & Illness, and more.
Hello and welcome to the next evolution of psychotherapy. The future of health and wellness is in your hands. At Dr. Kate Truitt & Associates our goal to walk with you through healing the darker and more painful moments of life while building long-term and sustainable change. We focus on healing the past, creating the present, and building the future. Through incorporating brain science and body-based healing modalities, we focus on whole person healing and we don't stop there. It is our goal to help you design and create your most fulfilled life through providing services for full mind and body healing.
We specialize in PTSD, Developmental Trauma/C-PTSD, OCD, Panic, Phobias, Depression, Addiction, Medical Trauma, Chronic Pain & Illness, and more.
Hello and welcome to the next evolution of psychotherapy. The future of health and wellness is in your hands. At Dr. Kate Truitt & Associates our goal to walk with you through healing the darker and more painful moments of life while building long-term and sustainable change. We focus on healing the past, creating the present, and building the future. Through incorporating brain science and body-based healing modalities, we focus on whole person healing and we don't stop there. It is our goal to help you design and create your most fulfilled life through providing services for full mind and body healing.
(323) 629-4353 View (323) 629-4353
Photo of Ben Esch, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Ben Esch
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91101
Chronic pain. Depression. Anxiety. Failing relationships. Trauma. If you are experiencing any of these conditions, you know exactly how devastating they can be for your life, your relationships, and your happiness. If you recognize yourself in any of those words, I want you to know that you're not alone in these struggles…and talking to a therapist can help.
Chronic pain. Depression. Anxiety. Failing relationships. Trauma. If you are experiencing any of these conditions, you know exactly how devastating they can be for your life, your relationships, and your happiness. If you recognize yourself in any of those words, I want you to know that you're not alone in these struggles…and talking to a therapist can help.
(626) 784-7286 View (626) 784-7286
Photo of Giselle Gomez, PsyD
Giselle Gomez
Registered Psychological Associate, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91101
I specialize in evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to address various concerns, such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, and chronic pain.
I strive to provide a warm, supportive, and safe environment so you feel comfortable being your most authentic self. I work with people from diverse backgrounds and ensure we make space to incorporate your values and identities into your treatment goals. I pride myself on providing the most effective treatments for your presenting concerns. Whether it be symptom relief, behavior change, learning healthy communication and positive coping skills, processing grief, or improving your overall quality of life, we can work together to create a personalized plan in line with what you hope to gain from treatment.
I specialize in evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to address various concerns, such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, and chronic pain.
I strive to provide a warm, supportive, and safe environment so you feel comfortable being your most authentic self. I work with people from diverse backgrounds and ensure we make space to incorporate your values and identities into your treatment goals. I pride myself on providing the most effective treatments for your presenting concerns. Whether it be symptom relief, behavior change, learning healthy communication and positive coping skills, processing grief, or improving your overall quality of life, we can work together to create a personalized plan in line with what you hope to gain from treatment.
(626) 631-6347 View (626) 631-6347
Photo of Amy Pearson Dahla - Amy Dahla, LPC, LLC, LPC, NCC, CADCIII, Licensed Professional Counselor
Amy Dahla, LPC, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, CADCIII
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91125  (Online Only)
I provide counseling services to adults of all ages who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, chronic pain, interpersonal difficulties, as well as workplace issues. I am trained to work with victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. My therapeutic approach involves open-minded and caring collaboration with my clients to help transform adversity into empowerment. I provide both brief and long-term therapy.
I provide counseling services to adults of all ages who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, chronic pain, interpersonal difficulties, as well as workplace issues. I am trained to work with victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. My therapeutic approach involves open-minded and caring collaboration with my clients to help transform adversity into empowerment. I provide both brief and long-term therapy.
(541) 207-1467 View (541) 207-1467
Photo of Tina Bradley Trujillo, PhD, Psychologist
Tina Bradley Trujillo
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91105  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I have found the use of hypnosis to be especially beneficial to help reduce stress/anxiety, reinforce positive coping skills, manage pain, enhance performance, and facilitate the grieving process.
I believe that, at the unconscious level, each of us has a deep understanding of what our unique purpose is (i.e. a true sense of Self). However, through conditioning, life circumstances, cultural/societal expectations, and many other variables, there has grown a great disconnect between the way we are and who we truly want to be. In a safe, supportive and collaborative environment, I will help you navigate through this process of deeper self-understanding and reconnection in order to live a healthier, happier and more fulfilling life.
I have found the use of hypnosis to be especially beneficial to help reduce stress/anxiety, reinforce positive coping skills, manage pain, enhance performance, and facilitate the grieving process.
I believe that, at the unconscious level, each of us has a deep understanding of what our unique purpose is (i.e. a true sense of Self). However, through conditioning, life circumstances, cultural/societal expectations, and many other variables, there has grown a great disconnect between the way we are and who we truly want to be. In a safe, supportive and collaborative environment, I will help you navigate through this process of deeper self-understanding and reconnection in order to live a healthier, happier and more fulfilling life.
(323) 446-2856 View (323) 446-2856
Photo of Blair Lord, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Blair Lord
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91105
Do you feel like you have been holding the pain of stress and trauma in your body for years? Do you want to feel more empowered to understand your own nervous system and move into more regulated states of healing? 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.
Do you feel like you have been holding the pain of stress and trauma in your body for years? Do you want to feel more empowered to understand your own nervous system and move into more regulated states of healing? 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.
(213) 223-8121 View (213) 223-8121
Photo of David Talavera, PhD, Psychologist
David Talavera
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91107
I'm an expert in treating chronic pain.
Hi, I’m Dr. David Talavera! I'm a licensed clinical psychologist who works with adults seeking growth, connection, and resilience. Whether you’re facing burnout, stress, anxiety, communication issues, comparisons challenges, grief, depression, or trauma, I am here to guide you through it with warmth and compassion. My approach to therapy is all about you. I take a client-centered approach, working with you to develop a deeper understanding of life's struggles and finding ways to overcome and grow stronger. Together, we’ll develop strategies to cope with hardships, promote healing, and ultimately empower you to be your own therapist.
I'm an expert in treating chronic pain.
Hi, I’m Dr. David Talavera! I'm a licensed clinical psychologist who works with adults seeking growth, connection, and resilience. Whether you’re facing burnout, stress, anxiety, communication issues, comparisons challenges, grief, depression, or trauma, I am here to guide you through it with warmth and compassion. My approach to therapy is all about you. I take a client-centered approach, working with you to develop a deeper understanding of life's struggles and finding ways to overcome and grow stronger. Together, we’ll develop strategies to cope with hardships, promote healing, and ultimately empower you to be your own therapist.
(805) 323-9492 View (805) 323-9492
Photo of Silva Depanian, MA, LMFT, CAMC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Silva Depanian
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CAMC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91106
Does it seem like distance has been growing between you and your loved ones? Are you feeling the impact of your anxiety, anger, or chronic pain on your every day life? Often, we keep thinking about what troubles us without making any progress towards what we can actually do. Figuring out what to do next can be a stressful and overwhelming process. No matter where you are in life right now, I'm here to walk with you through your journey and help you overcome the obstacles that are holding you back. I am dedicated to fostering a safe environment and providing opportunities to achieve a better quality of life.
Does it seem like distance has been growing between you and your loved ones? Are you feeling the impact of your anxiety, anger, or chronic pain on your every day life? Often, we keep thinking about what troubles us without making any progress towards what we can actually do. Figuring out what to do next can be a stressful and overwhelming process. No matter where you are in life right now, I'm here to walk with you through your journey and help you overcome the obstacles that are holding you back. I am dedicated to fostering a safe environment and providing opportunities to achieve a better quality of life.
(818) 423-5911 View (818) 423-5911
Photo of Cherylynne Berger, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cherylynne Berger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91101
I have expertise in working with individuals and families struggling with chronic illness, eating disorders, grief, anxiety, depression, adolescent concerns, parenting, relationship & marital difficulties, and family cultural or generational conflicts.
Every person has their own unique process of healing and growth. Psychotherapy is a valuable pathway toward finding balance and wholeness in your life. As your therapist, I approach my work with profound respect for your individual nature, values, and beliefs. Psychotherapy is essentially a collaborative process in which we work together to explore the difficulties you're facing and find solutions that will work for you. Real possibilities for meaningful change can emerge when the essence of your 'self' is genuinely understood. My goal is to support your journey as you move towards a more fulfilling and authentic life.
I have expertise in working with individuals and families struggling with chronic illness, eating disorders, grief, anxiety, depression, adolescent concerns, parenting, relationship & marital difficulties, and family cultural or generational conflicts.
Every person has their own unique process of healing and growth. Psychotherapy is a valuable pathway toward finding balance and wholeness in your life. As your therapist, I approach my work with profound respect for your individual nature, values, and beliefs. Psychotherapy is essentially a collaborative process in which we work together to explore the difficulties you're facing and find solutions that will work for you. Real possibilities for meaningful change can emerge when the essence of your 'self' is genuinely understood. My goal is to support your journey as you move towards a more fulfilling and authentic life.
(626) 415-8787 View (626) 415-8787
Photo of Feridey N. Carr, PhD, MS, Psychologist
Feridey N. Carr
Psychologist, PhD, MS
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91105  (Online Only)
My style of treatment is collaborative and goal-oriented. With a compassionate, supportive, and individualized approach, I will help you to help reduce your distress and symptoms and build your coping skills. As a Cognitive Behavioral therapist, I offer evidence-based treatments that are monitored and evaluated throughout the course of treatment. My primary focus and expertise applies cognitive-behavioral treatments to the following: Depression * Anxiety * Insomnia * Stress Management * Chronic headaches and migraines * Coping with chronic health and pain conditions * Smoking Cessation * Weight Management
My style of treatment is collaborative and goal-oriented. With a compassionate, supportive, and individualized approach, I will help you to help reduce your distress and symptoms and build your coping skills. As a Cognitive Behavioral therapist, I offer evidence-based treatments that are monitored and evaluated throughout the course of treatment. My primary focus and expertise applies cognitive-behavioral treatments to the following: Depression * Anxiety * Insomnia * Stress Management * Chronic headaches and migraines * Coping with chronic health and pain conditions * Smoking Cessation * Weight Management
(424) 347-6473 View (424) 347-6473
Photo of Jennifer Michelle Seifert, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Jennifer Michelle Seifert
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91106
By creating a safe and brave space from which to work, I collaborate with my clients using solution focused concepts, EMDR, mindfulness, and healing through creativity in order to support them through anxiety, depression, chronic illness and PTSD and into post traumatic growth.
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate who believes in the power of healing through creativity. I am trained in EMDR which is an incredible modality to help clients navigate through negative cognitions, depression caused by chronic illness and past trauma. My mission is to connect with clients, collaborate with them in order to instill a sense of worth, create more joy, and work through the emotional stressors and traumas of the past.
By creating a safe and brave space from which to work, I collaborate with my clients using solution focused concepts, EMDR, mindfulness, and healing through creativity in order to support them through anxiety, depression, chronic illness and PTSD and into post traumatic growth.
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate who believes in the power of healing through creativity. I am trained in EMDR which is an incredible modality to help clients navigate through negative cognitions, depression caused by chronic illness and past trauma. My mission is to connect with clients, collaborate with them in order to instill a sense of worth, create more joy, and work through the emotional stressors and traumas of the past.
(626) 726-3597 View (626) 726-3597
Photo of Daniel Fenton, PhD, Psychologist
Daniel Fenton
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91107
He is skilled at interpreting quantitative and qualitative data, as well as the influence of medical illness and psychological symptoms.
Currently licensed in California (In-Person & Virtual) and Nevada (Virtual Only). Dr. Daniel Fenton is a Neuropsychologist and Psychotherapist who works with individuals across the lifespan. He provides neurocognitive and psychological evaluation, in addition to psychotherapy. His specialty is the interaction between medical illness and psychological symptoms/conditions such as, depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance abuse. He is passionate about working with individuals experiencing chronic and acute medical conditions, marital and relational conflict, career stress, as well as challenging life transitions.
He is skilled at interpreting quantitative and qualitative data, as well as the influence of medical illness and psychological symptoms.
Currently licensed in California (In-Person & Virtual) and Nevada (Virtual Only). Dr. Daniel Fenton is a Neuropsychologist and Psychotherapist who works with individuals across the lifespan. He provides neurocognitive and psychological evaluation, in addition to psychotherapy. His specialty is the interaction between medical illness and psychological symptoms/conditions such as, depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance abuse. He is passionate about working with individuals experiencing chronic and acute medical conditions, marital and relational conflict, career stress, as well as challenging life transitions.
(626) 723-3934 View (626) 723-3934
Photo of Duane Alleman, PhD, Psychologist
Duane Alleman
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91105
When you're hurting emotionally - sad, anxious, overstressed, or experiencing pain or loss in a relationship - you want help from someone who is competent, kind, and trustworthy. It is my commitment to provide a safe and supportive place for you to freely share your struggles, challenges, needs, and desires. I work actively and collaboratively to help you develop and use your strengths and resources to successfully face the important problems in your life. My ultimate goal through this process is to support you in discovering new levels of emotional freedom that allow you to live well and love well.
When you're hurting emotionally - sad, anxious, overstressed, or experiencing pain or loss in a relationship - you want help from someone who is competent, kind, and trustworthy. It is my commitment to provide a safe and supportive place for you to freely share your struggles, challenges, needs, and desires. I work actively and collaboratively to help you develop and use your strengths and resources to successfully face the important problems in your life. My ultimate goal through this process is to support you in discovering new levels of emotional freedom that allow you to live well and love well.
(626) 817-2068 x11 View (626) 817-2068 x11
Photo of Elke Rechberger, Psychologist
Elke Rechberger
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91101
Sometimes challenges occur by events we cannot control: accidents, illness, unexpected death, being laid off, or traumatic experiences.
In everyone's life, some heartache will happen. Some days, the things we do to cope with stress no longer work as well as they once did; other days, it may feel like everything is falling apart. No matter what your struggle is, we will work together to understand the source of your problems and develop practical strategies to reach your goals. In your first session, we will begin to answer the question, "What would help look like right now?" and help you cultivate and develop tools you may not even know you had within your reach.
Sometimes challenges occur by events we cannot control: accidents, illness, unexpected death, being laid off, or traumatic experiences.
In everyone's life, some heartache will happen. Some days, the things we do to cope with stress no longer work as well as they once did; other days, it may feel like everything is falling apart. No matter what your struggle is, we will work together to understand the source of your problems and develop practical strategies to reach your goals. In your first session, we will begin to answer the question, "What would help look like right now?" and help you cultivate and develop tools you may not even know you had within your reach.
(626) 325-8775 View (626) 325-8775
Photo of Mark Christopher Yates, PhD, Psychologist
Mark Christopher Yates
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91101
When it is overwhelming to be faced with life's many challenges, having an experienced and compassionate ally on your side can help you get through the tough times and also begin a process of growth and discovery. Seeking psychotherapy is a courageous step to create meaningful and lasting change. Dealing with the end of a relationship or the loss of a loved one can leave you feeling paralyzed; Uncertainty about how to face into the fears about career, school, and relationships can leave you feeling stuck; Occasionally one may just wake up feeling depressed, anxious or in physical pain.
When it is overwhelming to be faced with life's many challenges, having an experienced and compassionate ally on your side can help you get through the tough times and also begin a process of growth and discovery. Seeking psychotherapy is a courageous step to create meaningful and lasting change. Dealing with the end of a relationship or the loss of a loved one can leave you feeling paralyzed; Uncertainty about how to face into the fears about career, school, and relationships can leave you feeling stuck; Occasionally one may just wake up feeling depressed, anxious or in physical pain.
(626) 354-1562 View (626) 354-1562
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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.