Therapists in Los Angeles, CA
Jane Parrott
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90032
I work with depression, trauma, PTSD, chronic illness and pain, codependency/ people pleasing, relationships, youth, grief, major life transitions, new endeavors, gender & sexuality exploration, emotional/behavioral patterns, and end of life processing.
Welcome. You have started an important search. Finding the right therapist isn’t always easy, and I encourage you to listen to what feels right for you. My work starts with you and what you are looking to address. We will explore the contributing factors to what you want to work on and develop a deeper understanding of your psychological reality. First and foremost, I offer a safe and non-judgmental container for exploration. Nothing is too small or big for this work. My goal is to help you gain insights into your relational and habitual patterns in service of having more agency in your life and being able to feel free to be you.
I work with depression, trauma, PTSD, chronic illness and pain, codependency/ people pleasing, relationships, youth, grief, major life transitions, new endeavors, gender & sexuality exploration, emotional/behavioral patterns, and end of life processing.
Welcome. You have started an important search. Finding the right therapist isn’t always easy, and I encourage you to listen to what feels right for you. My work starts with you and what you are looking to address. We will explore the contributing factors to what you want to work on and develop a deeper understanding of your psychological reality. First and foremost, I offer a safe and non-judgmental container for exploration. Nothing is too small or big for this work. My goal is to help you gain insights into your relational and habitual patterns in service of having more agency in your life and being able to feel free to be you.
Brandon Gescheidle
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90064 (Online Only)
I identify as a gay, cisgender man and enjoy working with the chronic pain and queer communities.
I do this work because I genuinely love it. I am very honest and direct with clients and encourage openness from each of us. Therapy is an opportunity to slow down, get reacquainted with ourselves, and engage in vulnerability and playfulness that is too often not accessed. I offer a supportive, completely non-judgmental space where everything and anything is on the table (trust me, as therapists, we’ve heard it all). Trust and comfortability take time, and I respect clients’ pace and readiness to travel in difficult directions. I also promise to (compassionately) hold you accountable to promote growth and healing.
I identify as a gay, cisgender man and enjoy working with the chronic pain and queer communities.
I do this work because I genuinely love it. I am very honest and direct with clients and encourage openness from each of us. Therapy is an opportunity to slow down, get reacquainted with ourselves, and engage in vulnerability and playfulness that is too often not accessed. I offer a supportive, completely non-judgmental space where everything and anything is on the table (trust me, as therapists, we’ve heard it all). Trust and comfortability take time, and I respect clients’ pace and readiness to travel in difficult directions. I also promise to (compassionately) hold you accountable to promote growth and healing.
Molly Garber Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90041
I combine Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), motivational interviewing, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), and Solution-Focused Therapy to target feelings of dread, abandonment, isolation, anxiety, chronic pain, and the many other symptoms that may come up for you on a daily basis.
“Regardless of how long ago something happened, and regardless of how long symptoms have been there, it doesn’t need to be permanent.” - Getting Past Your Past (Shapiro, 2012) Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, interpersonal issues or other daily symptoms that leave you feeling discontent, there is a solution. By utilizing a client-centered approach, I meet you where you are from session-to-session in order to provide an environment focused on comfort, trust, and understanding. I see healing as a sine wave, with ups-and-downs but always on an upward trajectory. Together we will walk through your healing.
I combine Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), motivational interviewing, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), and Solution-Focused Therapy to target feelings of dread, abandonment, isolation, anxiety, chronic pain, and the many other symptoms that may come up for you on a daily basis.
“Regardless of how long ago something happened, and regardless of how long symptoms have been there, it doesn’t need to be permanent.” - Getting Past Your Past (Shapiro, 2012) Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, interpersonal issues or other daily symptoms that leave you feeling discontent, there is a solution. By utilizing a client-centered approach, I meet you where you are from session-to-session in order to provide an environment focused on comfort, trust, and understanding. I see healing as a sine wave, with ups-and-downs but always on an upward trajectory. Together we will walk through your healing.
Daniel Gaines
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90029
Having experienced chronic pain, OCD, anxiety and depression, I enjoy working with people who also have these conditions and are looking for guidance and support from someone who better understands what they are going through. I know how hard and isolating it can be to cope with pain or a mental illness. My aim is create a safe space where you can share your feelings and hardships without fear of judgment while I use evidence-based treatments to help you develop the skills needed to treat these concerns. Note: I now do in-person hiking sessions in Los Feliz (as featured in the LA Times) as well as on the basketball court!
Having experienced chronic pain, OCD, anxiety and depression, I enjoy working with people who also have these conditions and are looking for guidance and support from someone who better understands what they are going through. I know how hard and isolating it can be to cope with pain or a mental illness. My aim is create a safe space where you can share your feelings and hardships without fear of judgment while I use evidence-based treatments to help you develop the skills needed to treat these concerns. Note: I now do in-person hiking sessions in Los Feliz (as featured in the LA Times) as well as on the basketball court!
Sarah Brock Chavez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90039
I identify as a queer, femme, Chicana therapist. I provide Psychotherapy that is Intersectional and Trauma-informed treatment. Combining techniques of traditional Psychodynamic Therapy as well as Somatic Therapy together we investigate your past and what is happening currently in your body (physical pain, ailments, sensations) in relation to environmental triggers (systemic racism, queer & trans-phobia, sexism, micro-aggressions), as well as attachment styles that inform your core beliefs to get you to a place of a fully developed and embodied sense of self and well being.
I identify as a queer, femme, Chicana therapist. I provide Psychotherapy that is Intersectional and Trauma-informed treatment. Combining techniques of traditional Psychodynamic Therapy as well as Somatic Therapy together we investigate your past and what is happening currently in your body (physical pain, ailments, sensations) in relation to environmental triggers (systemic racism, queer & trans-phobia, sexism, micro-aggressions), as well as attachment styles that inform your core beliefs to get you to a place of a fully developed and embodied sense of self and well being.
Casey Taslitz Birnbaum Certified Emdr Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Hi, I am Casey! I would love to help you lead a more connected, meaningful and fulfilled life. I know looking for a therapist can be overwhelming and exhausting during a time where you may be feeling like you need additional support. While working with clients, I provide warmth and containment as they learn to heal from trauma, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, phase of life issues or whatever may bring them into my office.
Hi, I am Casey! I would love to help you lead a more connected, meaningful and fulfilled life. I know looking for a therapist can be overwhelming and exhausting during a time where you may be feeling like you need additional support. While working with clients, I provide warmth and containment as they learn to heal from trauma, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, phase of life issues or whatever may bring them into my office.
Kimberly Crickette
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Are you living with an invisible illness? Have you felt invalidated by your medical providers? Do you suffer from low energy, difficulty concentrating, or do you have an overall sense of poor health? Are you fed up with not being able to live life the way you would like? At re+active therapy and wellness, we understand the impact of living with invisible and/or chronic illnesses, and believe in the power of teamwork and a holistic approach to wellness.
Are you living with an invisible illness? Have you felt invalidated by your medical providers? Do you suffer from low energy, difficulty concentrating, or do you have an overall sense of poor health? Are you fed up with not being able to live life the way you would like? At re+active therapy and wellness, we understand the impact of living with invisible and/or chronic illnesses, and believe in the power of teamwork and a holistic approach to wellness.
Dr. Doug Polster
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90034
I specialize in treatment of anxiety, with a focus on high performers (athletes, executives, entrepreneurs) as well as individuals with chronic pain (e.
My clients come to me for practical, tangible guidance and support on how to overcome the challenges they face. I use an evidenced based approach, combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, that helps clients regain control of their lives, reduce unhelpful racing thoughts, and develop resiliency and confidence. Unlike traditional "talk therapy," where much your time is spent discussing vague concepts, my approach is to create realistic, attainable solutions and help you identify the roadmap to achieve them. About half of my practice involves working with teens/young adults and half with adults.
I specialize in treatment of anxiety, with a focus on high performers (athletes, executives, entrepreneurs) as well as individuals with chronic pain (e.
My clients come to me for practical, tangible guidance and support on how to overcome the challenges they face. I use an evidenced based approach, combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, that helps clients regain control of their lives, reduce unhelpful racing thoughts, and develop resiliency and confidence. Unlike traditional "talk therapy," where much your time is spent discussing vague concepts, my approach is to create realistic, attainable solutions and help you identify the roadmap to achieve them. About half of my practice involves working with teens/young adults and half with adults.
Katya Kosarenko
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90025 (Online Only)
It takes a certain person to look for support, and I commend you on taking this first step. Life is challenging, and there are times when no matter how hard we try, things just don’t change. We often find ourselves spinning out of control feeling overwhelmed, scared, sad and tired… beyond tired, feeling alone, stuck and in pain, dealing with distressing thoughts, feelings and body symptoms. And the list goes on.
It takes a certain person to look for support, and I commend you on taking this first step. Life is challenging, and there are times when no matter how hard we try, things just don’t change. We often find ourselves spinning out of control feeling overwhelmed, scared, sad and tired… beyond tired, feeling alone, stuck and in pain, dealing with distressing thoughts, feelings and body symptoms. And the list goes on.
Dr. Lori Sanderson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPH, PhD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90045 (Online Only)
I have a lot of experience working w/those who have chronic illness, chronic pain, obesity, and body image issues and how these affects mental health.
Hello there, I'm Dr. Lori Sanderson. I enjoy looking at your thoughts and how they are contributing to your stress level, anxiety level, or overall feelings of sadness. How you think contributes to how you behave. How you behave also contributes to how you feel. I will meet you where you are but will also help you to develop a stronger and healthier version of you. We will do this together by helping you to get to the root of your struggles and giving you the tools to get through it. You deserve somewhere that you can share what is on your mind without fear of being judged negatively. You deserve a better life and a healthier you.
I have a lot of experience working w/those who have chronic illness, chronic pain, obesity, and body image issues and how these affects mental health.
Hello there, I'm Dr. Lori Sanderson. I enjoy looking at your thoughts and how they are contributing to your stress level, anxiety level, or overall feelings of sadness. How you think contributes to how you behave. How you behave also contributes to how you feel. I will meet you where you are but will also help you to develop a stronger and healthier version of you. We will do this together by helping you to get to the root of your struggles and giving you the tools to get through it. You deserve somewhere that you can share what is on your mind without fear of being judged negatively. You deserve a better life and a healthier you.
Dr. Dina Karvounides
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90049 (Online Only)
I am a clinical psychologist who is passionate about my work in supporting youth, young adults and their families to address life’s challenges. Over the past 16 years, I have worked with diverse patients who are coping with anxiety, depression, adjustment to chronic illness-particularly chronic pain conditions, challenges related to gender and sexual identity, as well as difficulties faced with peer and family relationships.
I am a clinical psychologist who is passionate about my work in supporting youth, young adults and their families to address life’s challenges. Over the past 16 years, I have worked with diverse patients who are coping with anxiety, depression, adjustment to chronic illness-particularly chronic pain conditions, challenges related to gender and sexual identity, as well as difficulties faced with peer and family relationships.
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Daniel G. Lyman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90027 (Online Only)
Daniel G Lyman, LCSW is a licensed psychotherapist and mental health coach specializing in anxiety, depression, chronic pain, sex & sexuality, and LGBTQ related issues. Daniel is the Executive Director of the Mind Body Therapy Center, headquartered in Portland, OR, but offering therapy and coaching world wide. With thousands of hours experience, Daniel's training and experience can help you reach your goals, including reducing anxiety, overcoming depression, eliminating chronic pain, and much more. He has led workshops and trainings in local colleges as well as guest lectured at the USC Graduate School of Social Work.
Daniel G Lyman, LCSW is a licensed psychotherapist and mental health coach specializing in anxiety, depression, chronic pain, sex & sexuality, and LGBTQ related issues. Daniel is the Executive Director of the Mind Body Therapy Center, headquartered in Portland, OR, but offering therapy and coaching world wide. With thousands of hours experience, Daniel's training and experience can help you reach your goals, including reducing anxiety, overcoming depression, eliminating chronic pain, and much more. He has led workshops and trainings in local colleges as well as guest lectured at the USC Graduate School of Social Work.
Diana Taylor
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90026
I offer a range of therapy options: Finding and Evaluating your Prospective Partner, mindfulness training, navigating life transitions, couples therapy, divorce and separation, blended families, bereavement, acculturation issues, trauma, eating disorders, depression, anxiety disorders, test preparation and performance anxiety, social skills training, stress management, parenting, adolescent therapy, guided autobiography and chronic pain.
I am an Attachment Therapist. My therapeutic approach is collaborative, interactive and individualized. I work together with clients assisting them to reach personal fulfillment, healthy and rewarding relationships, and empowerment. We accomplish this by overcoming longstanding obstacles, such as, negative thoughts, behaviors or emotions. Emotional limitations and fears are explored and conquered through insight and mindfulness, leading to clarity of understanding your path for personal growth. Insight opens the path to conquer obstacles, the way for cognitive behavioral changes, helps you achieve balance, reach your full potential and live a healthier life filled with joy and a sense of freedom.
I offer a range of therapy options: Finding and Evaluating your Prospective Partner, mindfulness training, navigating life transitions, couples therapy, divorce and separation, blended families, bereavement, acculturation issues, trauma, eating disorders, depression, anxiety disorders, test preparation and performance anxiety, social skills training, stress management, parenting, adolescent therapy, guided autobiography and chronic pain.
I am an Attachment Therapist. My therapeutic approach is collaborative, interactive and individualized. I work together with clients assisting them to reach personal fulfillment, healthy and rewarding relationships, and empowerment. We accomplish this by overcoming longstanding obstacles, such as, negative thoughts, behaviors or emotions. Emotional limitations and fears are explored and conquered through insight and mindfulness, leading to clarity of understanding your path for personal growth. Insight opens the path to conquer obstacles, the way for cognitive behavioral changes, helps you achieve balance, reach your full potential and live a healthier life filled with joy and a sense of freedom.
Melany Cohen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, CHT, JD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Some of my specialty areas include chronic pain, substance abuse, anxiety, body-focused repetitive behaviors (skin picking, hair pulling) and performance anxiety.
Are you feeling stuck or unhappy in some area of your life? Perhaps you have tried talk therapy but it hasn't helped. I offer an alternative solution for people who are interested in achieving deeper level change. I use a combination of psychotherapy and hypnosis to help my clients break free from their symptoms so they can live fuller, richer lives.
Some of my specialty areas include chronic pain, substance abuse, anxiety, body-focused repetitive behaviors (skin picking, hair pulling) and performance anxiety.
Are you feeling stuck or unhappy in some area of your life? Perhaps you have tried talk therapy but it hasn't helped. I offer an alternative solution for people who are interested in achieving deeper level change. I use a combination of psychotherapy and hypnosis to help my clients break free from their symptoms so they can live fuller, richer lives.
David E Bresler
Psychologist, PhD, LAC, DiplAc, NCCAOM, AAPM
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90025 (Online Only)
My practice focuses on helping individuals, couples, and families who are suffering from emotional or physical pain or the aftereffects of trauma. We help them resolve the traumatic experience, as well as its consequences (e.g. physical pain, stress, disability, depression, anxiety, insomnia, medication dependence, isolation, etc.) Although many of our patients have not responded well to prior therapies, we've had outstanding success in helping them move from feeling a severe loss to finding a new and positive beginning. We love to work with people who are ready to change and eager to learn how to do it.
My practice focuses on helping individuals, couples, and families who are suffering from emotional or physical pain or the aftereffects of trauma. We help them resolve the traumatic experience, as well as its consequences (e.g. physical pain, stress, disability, depression, anxiety, insomnia, medication dependence, isolation, etc.) Although many of our patients have not responded well to prior therapies, we've had outstanding success in helping them move from feeling a severe loss to finding a new and positive beginning. We love to work with people who are ready to change and eager to learn how to do it.
Jessica Dawn Russell
CHT, CCht, NBC-HWC, BA psy, Coach, Health, CBIT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90048
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.
Colette Glosman Kleiman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90077
If you have been silently suffering, I will sit with you and your pain.
Many of us struggle with the core belief of "I'm not enough" or "I’m not good enough". This negative core belief plays out in romance, relationships, work and affects the simplest ways we carry ourselves throughout the day. Through therapy, we reconsider the old, worn-out, negative ways of thinking and feeling about ourselves and embrace a new truth. A truth (both authentic and strength-based) that gives us permission to see ourselves as whole beings who are inherently “Enough”. I work with people who are hurting and who need to show themselves more: kindness, compassion, trust, understanding, respect, belief, acceptance and love.
If you have been silently suffering, I will sit with you and your pain.
Many of us struggle with the core belief of "I'm not enough" or "I’m not good enough". This negative core belief plays out in romance, relationships, work and affects the simplest ways we carry ourselves throughout the day. Through therapy, we reconsider the old, worn-out, negative ways of thinking and feeling about ourselves and embrace a new truth. A truth (both authentic and strength-based) that gives us permission to see ourselves as whole beings who are inherently “Enough”. I work with people who are hurting and who need to show themselves more: kindness, compassion, trust, understanding, respect, belief, acceptance and love.
Kimberly Gibson
Counselor, LPCC, ATR
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90066
My specialities include: anxiety, mood disorders, thought disorders, ADHD, maternal mental health, chronic pain & illnesses.
Currently have daytime availability- Are you tired and stressed out from just how hard this past year has been? Do you find yourself getting hooked by negative thoughts? Or caught in an unhelpful pattern? Through a kind, creative and collaborative process, we can work together to challenge negative thoughts, make space for all feelings and identify behaviors or patterns that are keeping you stuck. We can work together to make positive changes. I enjoy working with middle schoolers, teens and adults and have over 20 years of clinical experience. I would be happy to help you or your loved one meet their goals.
My specialities include: anxiety, mood disorders, thought disorders, ADHD, maternal mental health, chronic pain & illnesses.
Currently have daytime availability- Are you tired and stressed out from just how hard this past year has been? Do you find yourself getting hooked by negative thoughts? Or caught in an unhelpful pattern? Through a kind, creative and collaborative process, we can work together to challenge negative thoughts, make space for all feelings and identify behaviors or patterns that are keeping you stuck. We can work together to make positive changes. I enjoy working with middle schoolers, teens and adults and have over 20 years of clinical experience. I would be happy to help you or your loved one meet their goals.
Dani Reisbaum
Associate Clinical Social Worker, MSW, ASW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90046 (Online Only)
I offer an open, non-judgemental space where you can speak honestly about your thoughts and experiences while working towards your personal goals. As a queer, trauma-informed sex therapist, I enjoy working together to deconstruct the social scripts, pressures and ‘shoulds’ that often get in the way of our growth, healing and liberation. Some areas that I am especially passionate about working with are anxiety, self-esteem, life transitions, gender identity, sexuality, relationship dynamics, existential questioning, sexual trauma and chronic pain.
I offer an open, non-judgemental space where you can speak honestly about your thoughts and experiences while working towards your personal goals. As a queer, trauma-informed sex therapist, I enjoy working together to deconstruct the social scripts, pressures and ‘shoulds’ that often get in the way of our growth, healing and liberation. Some areas that I am especially passionate about working with are anxiety, self-esteem, life transitions, gender identity, sexuality, relationship dynamics, existential questioning, sexual trauma and chronic pain.
Stephanie Colantonio
MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90025
I am a board certified medical doctor in Los Angeles offering integrative care to young adults and adolescents, with a focus on reproductive health. We work together as a team to examine the root cause of illness. This means learning who you are as a whole person - body, spirit, and mind. I combine conventional medicine with a focus on nutrition, mind-body medicine, and herbalism. Prescriptions are used as appropriate, but not as bandaids to mask problems. We are excited to announce that we are now offering ketamine assisted psychotherapy to patients who are interested, as part of a holistic approach to medicine.
I am a board certified medical doctor in Los Angeles offering integrative care to young adults and adolescents, with a focus on reproductive health. We work together as a team to examine the root cause of illness. This means learning who you are as a whole person - body, spirit, and mind. I combine conventional medicine with a focus on nutrition, mind-body medicine, and herbalism. Prescriptions are used as appropriate, but not as bandaids to mask problems. We are excited to announce that we are now offering ketamine assisted psychotherapy to patients who are interested, as part of a holistic approach to medicine.
See more therapy options for Los Angeles
Nearby Chronic Pain Therapists Searches for Los Angeles
- Beverly Hills
- Century City
- Culver City
- Eagle Rock
- Glendale
- Highland Park
- Hollywood
- Huntington Park
- Inglewood
- Playa Vista
- Silver Lake
- West Hollywood
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.