Chronic Pain Therapists in 90212

Photo of Wendy S. Schmelzer, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Wendy S. Schmelzer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
My practice also includes end of life psychotherapy & psychosocial support and therapy for those living with serious or chronic illness.
Late life is often a dynamic time and one of transition. For many older adults, it is fraught with illness, loss and emotional and physical challenge. But it can also be a time of enormous potential. With fewer obligations, long time personal goals can finally be realized and difficult family relationships repaired and healed. Evidence suggests that it's possible to make change at any stage of life. Together through the collaborative process of psychotherapy, we will work towards your goals using an integrated approach that includes psychodynamic, cognitive, behavioral, and solution focused strategies.
My practice also includes end of life psychotherapy & psychosocial support and therapy for those living with serious or chronic illness.
Late life is often a dynamic time and one of transition. For many older adults, it is fraught with illness, loss and emotional and physical challenge. But it can also be a time of enormous potential. With fewer obligations, long time personal goals can finally be realized and difficult family relationships repaired and healed. Evidence suggests that it's possible to make change at any stage of life. Together through the collaborative process of psychotherapy, we will work towards your goals using an integrated approach that includes psychodynamic, cognitive, behavioral, and solution focused strategies.
(310) 945-2905 View (310) 945-2905
Photo of Lisa Waldman - Lisa Waldman, LCSW, MPH, LCSW, MPH, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lisa Waldman, LCSW, MPH
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPH
Verified Verified
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
My approach is to help you identify your strengths, target your goals, support you in overcoming blocks so that you can change on the deepest level and experience relief from physical and emotional pain.
Seeking help is a sign of self-awareness & readiness for change. Perhaps you're feeling out control with emotional pain, behavior, or relationships. You may be dealing with chronic health issues involving physical pain & psychological symptoms. As a therapist, health educator, pain specialist for 30 + yrs, I offer compassion & collaboration to help you overcome unhealthy patterns, depression, anxiety, somatic ( pain) symptoms, poor self-image, or grief in a safe and nonjudgmental space. Together we will explore the root causes of symptoms, help you identify counterproductive patterns and develop healthy new healthy coping strategies.
My approach is to help you identify your strengths, target your goals, support you in overcoming blocks so that you can change on the deepest level and experience relief from physical and emotional pain.
Seeking help is a sign of self-awareness & readiness for change. Perhaps you're feeling out control with emotional pain, behavior, or relationships. You may be dealing with chronic health issues involving physical pain & psychological symptoms. As a therapist, health educator, pain specialist for 30 + yrs, I offer compassion & collaboration to help you overcome unhealthy patterns, depression, anxiety, somatic ( pain) symptoms, poor self-image, or grief in a safe and nonjudgmental space. Together we will explore the root causes of symptoms, help you identify counterproductive patterns and develop healthy new healthy coping strategies.
(424) 888-7826 View (424) 888-7826
Photo of Jessica Dawn Russell, CHT, CCht, NBC-HWC, BA psy, Coach, Health, CBIT
Jessica Dawn Russell
CHT, CCht, NBC-HWC, BA psy, Coach, Health, CBIT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Living and watching emotional pain turn to mental or physical change is also scary.
I am the founder of both The Hypnotherapy Centers and The HTC Therapy Group. My clients are primarily adults and seniors, yet I work with teens. I have very comfortable and safe offices in Encino, Beverly Hills, & West Los Angeles. I also work remote. I have strong experience working with anxiety, depression, complex circumstances &mental health disorders, including medical, pain and health issues involving nervous, autoimmune, and specific uncommon illness management, addiction, &smoking. I offer strong interactive rapport. My client base involves professionals, entertainment & sports as well as clients in need of creative hours.
Living and watching emotional pain turn to mental or physical change is also scary.
I am the founder of both The Hypnotherapy Centers and The HTC Therapy Group. My clients are primarily adults and seniors, yet I work with teens. I have very comfortable and safe offices in Encino, Beverly Hills, & West Los Angeles. I also work remote. I have strong experience working with anxiety, depression, complex circumstances &mental health disorders, including medical, pain and health issues involving nervous, autoimmune, and specific uncommon illness management, addiction, &smoking. I offer strong interactive rapport. My client base involves professionals, entertainment & sports as well as clients in need of creative hours.
(424) 364-2061 View (424) 364-2061
Photo of Giovanna Carbajal Chronic Pain And Anxiety, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Giovanna Carbajal Chronic Pain And Anxiety
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Beverly Hills, CA 90212  (Online Only)
Since overcoming my challenges with pain, I can connect with others.
Welcome! I’m glad you are here. The act of looking into therapy is an indication that you are curious about yourself and embarking upon a profound journey of self-discovery. I received my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California (USC). I am a licensed clinical social worker whose work is dedicated to supporting individuals with anxiety, depression, and chronic pain by integrating a mind-and-body approach. Moreover, I am the Associate Director at the Pain Psychology Center in Beverly Hills, CA. I specialize in helping those who suffer from chronic pain.
Since overcoming my challenges with pain, I can connect with others.
Welcome! I’m glad you are here. The act of looking into therapy is an indication that you are curious about yourself and embarking upon a profound journey of self-discovery. I received my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California (USC). I am a licensed clinical social worker whose work is dedicated to supporting individuals with anxiety, depression, and chronic pain by integrating a mind-and-body approach. Moreover, I am the Associate Director at the Pain Psychology Center in Beverly Hills, CA. I specialize in helping those who suffer from chronic pain.
(626) 648-5076 View (626) 648-5076
Photo of Giselle Gomez, PsyD
Giselle Gomez
Registered Psychological Associate, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
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 Maxine Herman, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Maxine Herman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Beverly Hills, CA 90212  (Online Only)
Our world's been shaken up in ways we've never imagined. We're understandably anxious, trying to cope. Jobs, family, illness. How do we hold it together? Are you looking for someone to talk to who can walk through this labyrinth with you? I specialize in trauma, perhaps I can help. You may be having problems with your partner, kids or parents-- most significantly with yourself. If your pain is manifesting as panic attacks or addictions, if there's grief or you're in parent/child conflicts at any age, therapy may help. I work with individuals and couples to enhance communication, creativity and a core sense of self.
Our world's been shaken up in ways we've never imagined. We're understandably anxious, trying to cope. Jobs, family, illness. How do we hold it together? Are you looking for someone to talk to who can walk through this labyrinth with you? I specialize in trauma, perhaps I can help. You may be having problems with your partner, kids or parents-- most significantly with yourself. If your pain is manifesting as panic attacks or addictions, if there's grief or you're in parent/child conflicts at any age, therapy may help. I work with individuals and couples to enhance communication, creativity and a core sense of self.
(310) 499-9530 View (310) 499-9530
Photo of Merilee Hornung, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Merilee Hornung
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Relationships are one of the most meaningful and rewarding elements of our lives. Whether it’s a relationship with a spouse, partner, friends, a parent or child, a relationship to work or money, or the relationship you have with yourself-- relationships affect us every minute of every day. But, the ability to cultivate them into healthy and loving creations is not innate. Most of us have experienced the pain that comes when relationships are toxic and unfulfilled. This pain comes in many forms: anxiety, sadness, guilt or shame, low self-esteem, loneliness, financial problems, addiction, etc. But, it doesn’t have to be that way.
Relationships are one of the most meaningful and rewarding elements of our lives. Whether it’s a relationship with a spouse, partner, friends, a parent or child, a relationship to work or money, or the relationship you have with yourself-- relationships affect us every minute of every day. But, the ability to cultivate them into healthy and loving creations is not innate. Most of us have experienced the pain that comes when relationships are toxic and unfulfilled. This pain comes in many forms: anxiety, sadness, guilt or shame, low self-esteem, loneliness, financial problems, addiction, etc. But, it doesn’t have to be that way.
(310) 736-4879 View (310) 736-4879
Photo of Dr. Mona Khaled, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Mona Khaled
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
I have years of experience working with trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and difficult life transitions. Whether you are looking to heal from pain from the past or trying to find a way to move forward in your life, you don’t have to go through it alone. I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental relationship where individuals feel validated and empowered to overcome life’s challenges and lead a more fulfilling life. My approach is person-centered and one of collaborative self-exploration where I see myself as a guide to help you get where you want to be.
I have years of experience working with trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and difficult life transitions. Whether you are looking to heal from pain from the past or trying to find a way to move forward in your life, you don’t have to go through it alone. I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental relationship where individuals feel validated and empowered to overcome life’s challenges and lead a more fulfilling life. My approach is person-centered and one of collaborative self-exploration where I see myself as a guide to help you get where you want to be.
(310) 496-8473 View (310) 496-8473
Photo of David McKnight, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
David McKnight
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Beverly Hills, CA 90212  (Online Only)
VIDEO, Saturday and Evening Sessions available- Having anxiety, depression, relationship, family or addiction (alcohol, drugs, phone, sex/love addiction, codependency) issues? Work/career issues, ADHD, chronic pain and/or health issues? I can help. It is extremely valuable to have a truly experienced and effective therapist to work with now more than ever. I have been doing counseling professionally for over 20 years and have seen my clients consistently make progress dealing with whatever challenges they have been facing. I offer support, compassion, valuable experience and a healthy relationship where a person can heal and grow.
VIDEO, Saturday and Evening Sessions available- Having anxiety, depression, relationship, family or addiction (alcohol, drugs, phone, sex/love addiction, codependency) issues? Work/career issues, ADHD, chronic pain and/or health issues? I can help. It is extremely valuable to have a truly experienced and effective therapist to work with now more than ever. I have been doing counseling professionally for over 20 years and have seen my clients consistently make progress dealing with whatever challenges they have been facing. I offer support, compassion, valuable experience and a healthy relationship where a person can heal and grow.
(562) 444-1358 View (562) 444-1358
Photo of Susan Treusch, Marriage & Family Therapist
Susan Treusch
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
I received my B.A. from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. I completed my Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Phillips Graduate Institute in Los Angeles, CA. My clinical internship was completed at the Maple Counseling Center and at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. I am a licensed and highly respected marriage and family therapist specializing in the treatment of health, wellness and stress management. My expertise includes depression and anxiety, relationship issues, eating disorders, and chronic illness and pain.
I received my B.A. from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. I completed my Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Phillips Graduate Institute in Los Angeles, CA. My clinical internship was completed at the Maple Counseling Center and at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. I am a licensed and highly respected marriage and family therapist specializing in the treatment of health, wellness and stress management. My expertise includes depression and anxiety, relationship issues, eating disorders, and chronic illness and pain.
(310) 289-7405 View (310) 289-7405
Photo of Julia Turetskaya, PsyD, Psychologist
Julia Turetskaya
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Beverly Hills, CA 90212  (Online Only)
Welcome to my practice! The decision to seek psychotherapy is not always easy, so I want to praise you for taking this first important step! In our work together, we will focus on increasing your awareness of how learned thoughts, emotions and behaviors can create psychological pain and even negative physical symptoms. We will develop your ability to manage these obstacles in order to live a more happy and fulfilling life. Stress, emotional pain, and physical discomfort do not have to get in your way of having healthy relationships, giving your best performance at work, or achieving your goals!
Welcome to my practice! The decision to seek psychotherapy is not always easy, so I want to praise you for taking this first important step! In our work together, we will focus on increasing your awareness of how learned thoughts, emotions and behaviors can create psychological pain and even negative physical symptoms. We will develop your ability to manage these obstacles in order to live a more happy and fulfilling life. Stress, emotional pain, and physical discomfort do not have to get in your way of having healthy relationships, giving your best performance at work, or achieving your goals!
(424) 367-0495 View (424) 367-0495
Photo of Natalie Finegood Goldberg, MA, MFT, CST-S, Marriage & Family Therapist
Natalie Finegood Goldberg
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, CST-S
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Sexual dysfunctions, addictions, depression, and anxiety can be the source of so much pain.
As a Certified Sex Therapist, I help clients when "sex isn't working." I'm passionate about working with clients who are having trouble experiencing arousal, desire, and sexual pleasure. When sex isn't working due to ED, PE, low desire, sexual pain, or tensions between partners, my specialized training allows me to offer a variety of tools and solutions to improve your sexual experience. I believe that my role as a therapist is to help clients rid themselves of shame and guilt, get in touch with pleasure and joy, and experience more fulfilling relationships.
Sexual dysfunctions, addictions, depression, and anxiety can be the source of so much pain.
As a Certified Sex Therapist, I help clients when "sex isn't working." I'm passionate about working with clients who are having trouble experiencing arousal, desire, and sexual pleasure. When sex isn't working due to ED, PE, low desire, sexual pain, or tensions between partners, my specialized training allows me to offer a variety of tools and solutions to improve your sexual experience. I believe that my role as a therapist is to help clients rid themselves of shame and guilt, get in touch with pleasure and joy, and experience more fulfilling relationships.
(424) 888-7848 View (424) 888-7848
Photo of Dr. Shadi Souferian, PsyD, Psychologist
Dr. Shadi Souferian
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
I have advanced training in internal family systems, psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based treatment, EMDR, perinatal mental health, grief counseling, chronic pain and illness, couples therapy, parenting, and trauma recovery.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist and certified Life Coach, providing therapy and coaching to individuals and couples. I believe that prioritizing our mental well-being is essential for leading a happy and fulfilling life. I utilize integrative and evidence-based treatments to empower clients to overcome life’s most difficult challenges and reach their highest potential. My approach is personalized, non-judgmental and compassionate. If you are feeling overwhelmed and stuck in a dark place, or simply want to take your life to the next level, let me help take you on an illuminated path toward lasting joy, inner peace, and freedom.
I have advanced training in internal family systems, psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based treatment, EMDR, perinatal mental health, grief counseling, chronic pain and illness, couples therapy, parenting, and trauma recovery.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist and certified Life Coach, providing therapy and coaching to individuals and couples. I believe that prioritizing our mental well-being is essential for leading a happy and fulfilling life. I utilize integrative and evidence-based treatments to empower clients to overcome life’s most difficult challenges and reach their highest potential. My approach is personalized, non-judgmental and compassionate. If you are feeling overwhelmed and stuck in a dark place, or simply want to take your life to the next level, let me help take you on an illuminated path toward lasting joy, inner peace, and freedom.
(310) 340-0071 View (310) 340-0071
Photo of Denise Gretchen-Doorly, PhD, Psychologist
Denise Gretchen-Doorly
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
My practice helps people minimize the impact of their illness, get the most from their medical treatment, and manage disruptions to their personal and professional lives. Treatment focuses taking a proactive approach to health including learning goal-setting and problem-solving skills and effectively communicating with treatment providers.
My practice helps people minimize the impact of their illness, get the most from their medical treatment, and manage disruptions to their personal and professional lives. Treatment focuses taking a proactive approach to health including learning goal-setting and problem-solving skills and effectively communicating with treatment providers.
(310) 776-6150 View (310) 776-6150
Photo of Bret Hofstein, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Bret Hofstein
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
When you're depressed, anxious or struggling in a difficult relationship being able to move through the world in a meaningful, authentic way can feel almost impossible. Different personas that we adopt for certain situations feel exhausting over time. Soul enrichment becomes the hero's call. I offer a safe environment to allow you to express yourself without judgment. I will help you with the emotional pain that many family members and friends are unable to do. Through empathy, understanding and genuine compassion for your struggle, I will work with you as you fulfill that need for a better, happier, more meaningful life.
When you're depressed, anxious or struggling in a difficult relationship being able to move through the world in a meaningful, authentic way can feel almost impossible. Different personas that we adopt for certain situations feel exhausting over time. Soul enrichment becomes the hero's call. I offer a safe environment to allow you to express yourself without judgment. I will help you with the emotional pain that many family members and friends are unable to do. Through empathy, understanding and genuine compassion for your struggle, I will work with you as you fulfill that need for a better, happier, more meaningful life.
(424) 570-3232 View (424) 570-3232
Photo of Pina Murcia, MA, LMFT, RYT 200, Marriage & Family Therapist
Pina Murcia
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, RYT 200
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Healing is the capacity to navigate pain with gentle awareness.
What I know more than anything else is that you are the expert of yourself and you have access to an unlimited source of wisdom within you. I am here to hold the lantern as you explore and (re)discover the resources that live within. Are you constantly overthinking, overanalyzing, anxious, or worried? Are you having a difficult time managing the many challenges that have come over the last few years? Do you find yourself falling back into the same patterns repeatedly, even after resolving to change? Do you want to change aspects of your life, but feel stuck and unsure how to get there? You are in the right place.
Healing is the capacity to navigate pain with gentle awareness.
What I know more than anything else is that you are the expert of yourself and you have access to an unlimited source of wisdom within you. I am here to hold the lantern as you explore and (re)discover the resources that live within. Are you constantly overthinking, overanalyzing, anxious, or worried? Are you having a difficult time managing the many challenges that have come over the last few years? Do you find yourself falling back into the same patterns repeatedly, even after resolving to change? Do you want to change aspects of your life, but feel stuck and unsure how to get there? You are in the right place.
(310) 361-6886 View (310) 361-6886
Photo of Rashel Keshmiri, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rashel Keshmiri
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Thank you for considering therapy with me. I am looking forward in meeting you. You will find me to be flexible and sensitive. I enjoy helping individuals in achieving personal growth; in a caring & safe environment. Whether you are suffering from depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, grief/loss, sexual dysfunction, we can work together to resolve your issue and minimize your suffering. Your natural state of being is a gift and is what I work with in psychotherapy to bring out your hidden potentials to surface.
Thank you for considering therapy with me. I am looking forward in meeting you. You will find me to be flexible and sensitive. I enjoy helping individuals in achieving personal growth; in a caring & safe environment. Whether you are suffering from depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, grief/loss, sexual dysfunction, we can work together to resolve your issue and minimize your suffering. Your natural state of being is a gift and is what I work with in psychotherapy to bring out your hidden potentials to surface.
(310) 494-7019 View (310) 494-7019
Photo of Francine Duran, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Francine Duran
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
I’ve learned that the richest experience in life is realizing and understanding one's emotional self. Once we gain this knowledge, we can begin to realize and understand our self-experience and how much the emotional self and the rational self, play-out in our daily lives, and the importance of balancing our emotional and rational selves. My interest is to help you understand not only the present symptoms and issues you may be experiencing, but also to promote the idea of a more meaningful life. I provide a safe non-judgmental environment to explore YOU in the here and now.
I’ve learned that the richest experience in life is realizing and understanding one's emotional self. Once we gain this knowledge, we can begin to realize and understand our self-experience and how much the emotional self and the rational self, play-out in our daily lives, and the importance of balancing our emotional and rational selves. My interest is to help you understand not only the present symptoms and issues you may be experiencing, but also to promote the idea of a more meaningful life. I provide a safe non-judgmental environment to explore YOU in the here and now.
(310) 362-5872 View (310) 362-5872
Photo of Tiffany D Sani - Tiffany D. Sani, Psy.D., PsyD, Psychologist
Tiffany D. Sani, Psy.D.
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
It can feel so overwhelming or challenging to reach out for support, or even to trust that support can help. I have been in practice for over 18 years and my approach is collaborative and intuitive. I aim to support the whole-person, which emphasizes compassion, insight, self awareness and empowerment to help individuals live more gratifying lives. I aim to assist my clients in past and present challenges in order to help them integrate and live more functional lives, while fostering the opportunity to live to their own fullest potential.
It can feel so overwhelming or challenging to reach out for support, or even to trust that support can help. I have been in practice for over 18 years and my approach is collaborative and intuitive. I aim to support the whole-person, which emphasizes compassion, insight, self awareness and empowerment to help individuals live more gratifying lives. I aim to assist my clients in past and present challenges in order to help them integrate and live more functional lives, while fostering the opportunity to live to their own fullest potential.
(310) 861-9161 View (310) 861-9161
Photo of Afrouz Shaye - A. Shaye, Ph.D., MA, PhD, Psychologist
A. Shaye, Ph.D.
Psychologist, MA, PhD
Verified Verified
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Do you feel anxious? Overwhelmed? Sad? Are you struggling with a relationship issue or work stress? Dr. Shaye works in a therapy model to ensure that you see your feelings and situations change quickly, as you gain insight into your past and present to create a better future. Dr. Shaye provides a type of therapy that quickly promotes healthy relationships, decreases anxiety, and soothes depression. The office is beautiful and private to ensure client's are comfortable.
Do you feel anxious? Overwhelmed? Sad? Are you struggling with a relationship issue or work stress? Dr. Shaye works in a therapy model to ensure that you see your feelings and situations change quickly, as you gain insight into your past and present to create a better future. Dr. Shaye provides a type of therapy that quickly promotes healthy relationships, decreases anxiety, and soothes depression. The office is beautiful and private to ensure client's are comfortable.
(310) 736-2810 View (310) 736-2810
1
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.