Photo of Loren Eliot Pedersen, PhD, Psychologist
Loren Eliot Pedersen
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
I am a clinical psychologist and Jungian psychoanalyst with 40 years of experience in Jungian psychoanalysis and psychotherapy, psychosomatic medicine, chronic pain management, and stress management.
I enjoy working with clients of all ages and gender to help them learn to cope with their unique psychological, emotional, and physical problems. I am trained in clinical psychology and psychoanalysis as well as in psychosomatics so I am able to treat a wide spectrum of disorders. I tailor my approach to the specific needs of the client rather than trying to make the client fit into a particular theoretical model or to work in a predetermined treatment modality.
I am a clinical psychologist and Jungian psychoanalyst with 40 years of experience in Jungian psychoanalysis and psychotherapy, psychosomatic medicine, chronic pain management, and stress management.
I enjoy working with clients of all ages and gender to help them learn to cope with their unique psychological, emotional, and physical problems. I am trained in clinical psychology and psychoanalysis as well as in psychosomatics so I am able to treat a wide spectrum of disorders. I tailor my approach to the specific needs of the client rather than trying to make the client fit into a particular theoretical model or to work in a predetermined treatment modality.
(510) 588-7201 View (510) 588-7201
Photo of Lisa Wright, PhD, Psychologist
Lisa Wright
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
I specialize in the treatment of insomnia, coping with illness, and stress/anxiety.
Are you suffering from sleepless nights and unable to shut off your mind from stress and negative thoughts? Has stress been affecting your health and well-being? Have you felt stuck in terms of your ability to move toward your goals or have the life or career that you want? No matter what challenges you are facing, such as stress, illness, trauma, life transition, relationship issues, or loss, I can help you make the necessary changes to move toward what is most important to you in your life.
I specialize in the treatment of insomnia, coping with illness, and stress/anxiety.
Are you suffering from sleepless nights and unable to shut off your mind from stress and negative thoughts? Has stress been affecting your health and well-being? Have you felt stuck in terms of your ability to move toward your goals or have the life or career that you want? No matter what challenges you are facing, such as stress, illness, trauma, life transition, relationship issues, or loss, I can help you make the necessary changes to move toward what is most important to you in your life.
(925) 270-1528 View (925) 270-1528
Photo of Ann Steiner, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ann Steiner
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I have been a pioneer in leading and teaching about group therapy for the medically ill, run 2 groups, specialize in helping individuals derailed by isolation or chronic physical illness, am a noted national and international speaker.
It has been my good fortune to work with adult clients who want to make changes in how they view themselves, and deepen their relationships with others. I love leading therapy groups, the ideal antidote for isolation. I am only accepting new potential group members.
I have been a pioneer in leading and teaching about group therapy for the medically ill, run 2 groups, specialize in helping individuals derailed by isolation or chronic physical illness, am a noted national and international speaker.
It has been my good fortune to work with adult clients who want to make changes in how they view themselves, and deepen their relationships with others. I love leading therapy groups, the ideal antidote for isolation. I am only accepting new potential group members.
(925) 231-9087 View (925) 231-9087
Photo of Renee Zaloumis, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Renee Zaloumis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
I would be privileged to stand by you on your journey with a serious medical condition and/or mental health challenges. It takes courage and vulnerability to seek out therapy and having a supportive person can be life changing. You may be faced with cancer, a chronic condition, a terminal illness, grief, anxiety and depression. I believe one's physical health can play a role in their mental health and vice versa. I'm here to listen to your symptoms, help you weigh treatment options, review considerations with medications, discuss doctor visits and teach you skills to improve your state of mind.
I would be privileged to stand by you on your journey with a serious medical condition and/or mental health challenges. It takes courage and vulnerability to seek out therapy and having a supportive person can be life changing. You may be faced with cancer, a chronic condition, a terminal illness, grief, anxiety and depression. I believe one's physical health can play a role in their mental health and vice versa. I'm here to listen to your symptoms, help you weigh treatment options, review considerations with medications, discuss doctor visits and teach you skills to improve your state of mind.
(925) 267-6356 View (925) 267-6356
Photo of Anna Shorenstein, PsyD, Psychologist
Anna Shorenstein
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
I will help you connect to a deeper sense of authenticity, creativity and spontaneity when life responsibilities weigh you down and your usual coping skills are not working well. I use a warm and collaborative therapeutic approach that focuses on your strengths and values. If you are struggling with low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, relationship, work or school challenges, a major life transition, physical limitations, chronic illness, spiritual questions, or feeling stuck in some aspect of your life, please contact me. Together we can help you lower stress and feel greater clarity in what you want.
I will help you connect to a deeper sense of authenticity, creativity and spontaneity when life responsibilities weigh you down and your usual coping skills are not working well. I use a warm and collaborative therapeutic approach that focuses on your strengths and values. If you are struggling with low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, relationship, work or school challenges, a major life transition, physical limitations, chronic illness, spiritual questions, or feeling stuck in some aspect of your life, please contact me. Together we can help you lower stress and feel greater clarity in what you want.
(925) 241-5529 View (925) 241-5529
Photo of Chelsea Campton, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Chelsea Campton
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
We could all use someone in our corner. I believe a collaborative, nurturing therapeutic relationship can transform pain into healing. I am a marriage and family therapist supporting individual adolescents (16+), adults, and couples. Together we can address day to day anxieties and any unhealthy patterns that impede overall wellbeing. I empower clients to navigate whatever they are facing, from depression, anxiety, sexuality, self-esteem issues, trauma, grief/loss, and life transitions.
We could all use someone in our corner. I believe a collaborative, nurturing therapeutic relationship can transform pain into healing. I am a marriage and family therapist supporting individual adolescents (16+), adults, and couples. Together we can address day to day anxieties and any unhealthy patterns that impede overall wellbeing. I empower clients to navigate whatever they are facing, from depression, anxiety, sexuality, self-esteem issues, trauma, grief/loss, and life transitions.
(925) 633-5649 View (925) 633-5649
Photo of Stacy Taylor, LMFT, SEP, Marriage & Family Therapist
Stacy Taylor
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, SEP
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Symptoms may include unresolved pain, impulse control, sleeplessness, memory loss, anxiety, depression, worthlessness, and difficulty connecting to others.
Therapy is a partnership. Together, we work gently with the body, mind, and emotional experience to reduce and heal troubling symptoms. I invite into our sessions the parts of us that facilitates perceiving, thinking, sensing, feeling, remembering, imagining, expressing, connecting, and relating. I support clients to become more aware of different aspects of themselves - those aspects that support and contribute to their well-being, and those that constrain or stagnate their potential. Together, we work towards mind-body integration for renewed purpose and well-being. I offer a free 20 minute consultation.
Symptoms may include unresolved pain, impulse control, sleeplessness, memory loss, anxiety, depression, worthlessness, and difficulty connecting to others.
Therapy is a partnership. Together, we work gently with the body, mind, and emotional experience to reduce and heal troubling symptoms. I invite into our sessions the parts of us that facilitates perceiving, thinking, sensing, feeling, remembering, imagining, expressing, connecting, and relating. I support clients to become more aware of different aspects of themselves - those aspects that support and contribute to their well-being, and those that constrain or stagnate their potential. Together, we work towards mind-body integration for renewed purpose and well-being. I offer a free 20 minute consultation.
(925) 290-6352 View (925) 290-6352
Photo of Caitlin Cotter, LICSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Caitlin Cotter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Pain and suffering in life is often caused by feeling stuck. With over ten years of experience, I love helping people get unstuck! I can bring skillful support to help yield the change you seek. I believe that everyone has the keys to unlocking themselves from within. However, that doesn’t mean you are on your own. A collaborative, therapeutic relationship can cultivate, restore and strengthen the connection to your own inner wisdom, bringing freedom and greater ease into your life.
Pain and suffering in life is often caused by feeling stuck. With over ten years of experience, I love helping people get unstuck! I can bring skillful support to help yield the change you seek. I believe that everyone has the keys to unlocking themselves from within. However, that doesn’t mean you are on your own. A collaborative, therapeutic relationship can cultivate, restore and strengthen the connection to your own inner wisdom, bringing freedom and greater ease into your life.
(510) 405-7437 View (510) 405-7437
Photo of Peter Oppermann, PhD, Psychologist
Peter Oppermann
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
My main goal is to facilitate your passage through major life transitions from leaving home, marriage, divorce as well as illness and grief.
Feeling restless or easily distracted? Lacking energy, motivation, focus, or direction in life? Spinning your wheels in your career or relationships? Prone to pleasing others at all costs, yet feeling unhappy and misunderstood? Always too busy to stop and smell the flowers? I'd like to help you become more empowered, confident, and satisfied through facing and letting go of your fears, irritating beliefs, guilt, and suffering, so you can learn to communicate more effectively and have healthy relationships. For more than twenty-five years I have provided time-limited and in-depth psychotherapy to individuals, couples and groups.
My main goal is to facilitate your passage through major life transitions from leaving home, marriage, divorce as well as illness and grief.
Feeling restless or easily distracted? Lacking energy, motivation, focus, or direction in life? Spinning your wheels in your career or relationships? Prone to pleasing others at all costs, yet feeling unhappy and misunderstood? Always too busy to stop and smell the flowers? I'd like to help you become more empowered, confident, and satisfied through facing and letting go of your fears, irritating beliefs, guilt, and suffering, so you can learn to communicate more effectively and have healthy relationships. For more than twenty-five years I have provided time-limited and in-depth psychotherapy to individuals, couples and groups.
(925) 365-6955 View (925) 365-6955
Photo of Gina Vance, CMHT, CCHT, RBT, CLC
Gina Vance
CMHT, CCHT, RBT, CLC
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
If you've been journeying into self discovery and growth and are ready for a gentle quantum leap into your unique power, beauty and ability to express and collaborate with your multi-dimensional self, consider the potential rewards of learning to quickly and easily journey into your mind and body to explore, encounter and understand ways you can heal the pain of your despair and serve your highest purpose in fulfilling ways. Our work together will honor all aspects of you and all experiences you have endured and survived, as you successfully close completed chapters and author new satisfying successes.
If you've been journeying into self discovery and growth and are ready for a gentle quantum leap into your unique power, beauty and ability to express and collaborate with your multi-dimensional self, consider the potential rewards of learning to quickly and easily journey into your mind and body to explore, encounter and understand ways you can heal the pain of your despair and serve your highest purpose in fulfilling ways. Our work together will honor all aspects of you and all experiences you have endured and survived, as you successfully close completed chapters and author new satisfying successes.
(415) 275-4221 View (415) 275-4221
Photo of Margaret A. Struchen, PhD, Psychologist
Margaret A. Struchen
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
My goal is to support individuals whose lives have been altered by a significant illness or injury.
My practice, the Center for Rehabilitation Psychology and Neuropsychology, PC, focuses on providing clients with the skills needed to reach their personal goals. With over 20 years of practice, across multiple settings, I have worked to address the needs of adults and adolescents with neurological disorders, disability, and chronic medical conditions. Prior to entering private practice, I served as Director of Rehabilitation Psychology/Neuropsychology at TIRR Memorial Hermann in Houston, and I have engaged in extensive clinical research centered on evaluating outcomes and interventions for those affected by acquired brain injury.
My goal is to support individuals whose lives have been altered by a significant illness or injury.
My practice, the Center for Rehabilitation Psychology and Neuropsychology, PC, focuses on providing clients with the skills needed to reach their personal goals. With over 20 years of practice, across multiple settings, I have worked to address the needs of adults and adolescents with neurological disorders, disability, and chronic medical conditions. Prior to entering private practice, I served as Director of Rehabilitation Psychology/Neuropsychology at TIRR Memorial Hermann in Houston, and I have engaged in extensive clinical research centered on evaluating outcomes and interventions for those affected by acquired brain injury.
(925) 319-6628 View (925) 319-6628
Photo of Katie Sharpe, MA, LMFT, Somatic, Marriage & Family Therapist
Katie Sharpe
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, Somatic
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Be gentle, you are doing the best you can. If you could snap your fingers and stop the anxious thoughts and worries you would, right? I understand the fear of being trapped in your negative experiences and how helpless that can feel without loving support. The truth is life is as challenging as it is remarkable and respecting how trauma, stress, neglect, or illness are showing up in your body and experience is paramount to healing. Trauma can show up as patterns of protection that keep us stuck in feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, hopelessness, and fear. And keep us from enjoying secure and loving relationships with others.
Be gentle, you are doing the best you can. If you could snap your fingers and stop the anxious thoughts and worries you would, right? I understand the fear of being trapped in your negative experiences and how helpless that can feel without loving support. The truth is life is as challenging as it is remarkable and respecting how trauma, stress, neglect, or illness are showing up in your body and experience is paramount to healing. Trauma can show up as patterns of protection that keep us stuck in feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, hopelessness, and fear. And keep us from enjoying secure and loving relationships with others.
(925) 239-4926 View (925) 239-4926
Photo of Danielle Nicole Harris, MS, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Danielle Nicole Harris
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Therapy can help you optimize your life. The clients I work with begin therapy when they notice they are overwhelmed, overworked, worried about the future, and living with the pain of the past. It is exhausting carrying the weight of a less than ideal childhood, dealing with anxiety and depression, feeling unsure of yourself, and trying to create a life that feels right. It’s easy to feel lost and stuck. Therapy is an excellent way to get a handle on life and learn how to prioritize yourself in a world that teaches you to put yourself last, but doesn’t pick you up when you’ve given everything you have to give.
Therapy can help you optimize your life. The clients I work with begin therapy when they notice they are overwhelmed, overworked, worried about the future, and living with the pain of the past. It is exhausting carrying the weight of a less than ideal childhood, dealing with anxiety and depression, feeling unsure of yourself, and trying to create a life that feels right. It’s easy to feel lost and stuck. Therapy is an excellent way to get a handle on life and learn how to prioritize yourself in a world that teaches you to put yourself last, but doesn’t pick you up when you’ve given everything you have to give.
(916) 884-2762 View (916) 884-2762
Photo of Gabriele Goodman, PhD, Psychologist
Gabriele Goodman
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
These are my core competencies: * Sports Psychology *Coaching for Peak Performance *Acceptance and Commitment Therapy *Cognitive Behavioral Therapy *Internal Family Systems * Mindfulness, Biofeedback, and Stress/ Pain Management *EMDR, EFT, and Hypnosis * Mindfulness-based Self-Compassion* Intensive Short-term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISDP) .
I am a psychologist for sport, health, and life. I have spent 15 years studying, writing, teaching, and coaching people on how to perform at their best. I have worked with world-class performers from the arenas of sports, business, healthcare, and the United States Army. I have special expertise in Performance Psychology and train clients on how to strengthen the mental and emotional skills that underlie human performance excellence and sustainable resilience. I am a subject matter expert in the field of self-regulation techniques that promote optimism, resilience, alertness, and composure in high-pressure situations.
These are my core competencies: * Sports Psychology *Coaching for Peak Performance *Acceptance and Commitment Therapy *Cognitive Behavioral Therapy *Internal Family Systems * Mindfulness, Biofeedback, and Stress/ Pain Management *EMDR, EFT, and Hypnosis * Mindfulness-based Self-Compassion* Intensive Short-term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISDP) .
I am a psychologist for sport, health, and life. I have spent 15 years studying, writing, teaching, and coaching people on how to perform at their best. I have worked with world-class performers from the arenas of sports, business, healthcare, and the United States Army. I have special expertise in Performance Psychology and train clients on how to strengthen the mental and emotional skills that underlie human performance excellence and sustainable resilience. I am a subject matter expert in the field of self-regulation techniques that promote optimism, resilience, alertness, and composure in high-pressure situations.
(510) 662-0036 View (510) 662-0036
Photo of Courtney Quattrini, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Courtney Quattrini
Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
At the center of the human experience lie the stories we tell about ourselves and those we tell about others. Stories have the power to move us in remarkable ways. They teach us about life and love and show us how joy and pain coexist. They remind us of the resiliency we possess to overcome suffering. They can help us keep our faith, or they can evoke fear. Stories may leave our minds but overstay their welcome in our bodies. Sometimes, detaching from the stories that no longer serve us feels impossible, as they often keep us somehow safe.
At the center of the human experience lie the stories we tell about ourselves and those we tell about others. Stories have the power to move us in remarkable ways. They teach us about life and love and show us how joy and pain coexist. They remind us of the resiliency we possess to overcome suffering. They can help us keep our faith, or they can evoke fear. Stories may leave our minds but overstay their welcome in our bodies. Sometimes, detaching from the stories that no longer serve us feels impossible, as they often keep us somehow safe.
(510) 256-7865 View (510) 256-7865
Photo of Dwan Kathleen Brennan, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dwan Kathleen Brennan
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Many times the reaction I get when people find out what I do is "Isn't that depressing?" Actually, it's the opposite: challenging, yet inspiring and very fulfilling. I love helping people move from pain and frustration to hope and new ways of living that work better. I work alongside you, to help you find your solutions, your strength, to make positive change happen in your life.
Many times the reaction I get when people find out what I do is "Isn't that depressing?" Actually, it's the opposite: challenging, yet inspiring and very fulfilling. I love helping people move from pain and frustration to hope and new ways of living that work better. I work alongside you, to help you find your solutions, your strength, to make positive change happen in your life.
(925) 336-3073 View (925) 336-3073
Photo of Athena Panzar, PsyD, Psychologist
Athena Panzar
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596  (Online Only)
I am a licensed psychologist providing compassionate evidenced-based psychotherapy to adults in the Bay Area. I specialize in helping people with difficulties like depression, anxiety, work stress, relationship problems, life transitions including pregnancy and parenthood, health problems and pain conditions. Through my work I aim to help people improve their well-being, self-fulfillment, health and relationships. I enjoy my work as a therapist immensely and feel honored to be given the opportunity to work with people during some of the more challenging times of their lives.
I am a licensed psychologist providing compassionate evidenced-based psychotherapy to adults in the Bay Area. I specialize in helping people with difficulties like depression, anxiety, work stress, relationship problems, life transitions including pregnancy and parenthood, health problems and pain conditions. Through my work I aim to help people improve their well-being, self-fulfillment, health and relationships. I enjoy my work as a therapist immensely and feel honored to be given the opportunity to work with people during some of the more challenging times of their lives.
(925) 568-8951 View (925) 568-8951
Photo of Sora Yoon, MFT, ATR, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sora Yoon
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, ATR
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
And learn to live an abundant & vibrant life! Allow yourself to feel, express, external the pain & invite joy & liveliness back into your life.
Are you seeking to dive deeper into finding awareness & meaning in life? I work with both children & adults in the areas of developmental trauma, PTSD, child-parent relationship issues & disordered eating issues. I have a background working in both patient & outpatient settings. I bring ability to work with more complicated If you are looking to find someone to help process these difficulties through holistic healing please give a call to see if we are a good fit.
And learn to live an abundant & vibrant life! Allow yourself to feel, express, external the pain & invite joy & liveliness back into your life.
Are you seeking to dive deeper into finding awareness & meaning in life? I work with both children & adults in the areas of developmental trauma, PTSD, child-parent relationship issues & disordered eating issues. I have a background working in both patient & outpatient settings. I bring ability to work with more complicated If you are looking to find someone to help process these difficulties through holistic healing please give a call to see if we are a good fit.
(925) 297-4815 View (925) 297-4815
Photo of Judy Brennan, AMFT, MA, MBA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Judy Brennan
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, MA, MBA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
It is my goal to create a safe, supportive, and empathetic space to help you and your loved ones find healing and move from a place of struggle and pain to one of hope and positive change.
I specialize in working with children, families, adults, and couples, through a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, OCD, relationship problems, transitions, trauma, ADHD, PTSD, childhood, and other life challenges. I have found that people benefit from different therapeutic modalities and methods to achieve their goals. Some of the modalities I find helpful in addition to Somatic Psychotherapy include EMDR, IFS, Mindfulness, Play, and Art Therapy.
It is my goal to create a safe, supportive, and empathetic space to help you and your loved ones find healing and move from a place of struggle and pain to one of hope and positive change.
I specialize in working with children, families, adults, and couples, through a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, OCD, relationship problems, transitions, trauma, ADHD, PTSD, childhood, and other life challenges. I have found that people benefit from different therapeutic modalities and methods to achieve their goals. Some of the modalities I find helpful in addition to Somatic Psychotherapy include EMDR, IFS, Mindfulness, Play, and Art Therapy.
(925) 275-5178 View (925) 275-5178
Photo of James Chavers, PsyD, Psychologist
James Chavers
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Hello, my name is James Chavers. Thank you for taking the time to read my counselor profile. I am a clinical psychologist licensed and living in California. I earned my master' and doctorate in clinical psychology at Antioch University Santa Barbara. I have worked and trained in locked settings (jails and prisons), community health clinics, and colleges and universities for nine years. I have worked with older adults living with HIV, addiction, and life course diseases, inmates of all genders preparing to transition out of locked settings, and students from 18 to over 50 navigating the difficulties of college life.
Hello, my name is James Chavers. Thank you for taking the time to read my counselor profile. I am a clinical psychologist licensed and living in California. I earned my master' and doctorate in clinical psychology at Antioch University Santa Barbara. I have worked and trained in locked settings (jails and prisons), community health clinics, and colleges and universities for nine years. I have worked with older adults living with HIV, addiction, and life course diseases, inmates of all genders preparing to transition out of locked settings, and students from 18 to over 50 navigating the difficulties of college life.
(707) 306-8410 View (707) 306-8410
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.