Chronic Pain Therapists in San Jose, CA

Photo of Dr. Amber M Sepsey, Psychologist in San Jose, CA
Dr. Amber M Sepsey
Psychologist, PhD, LP, 200 RYT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95125
Dr. Sepsey is a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of Meraki Psychological Services. She serves children, teens, parents, and emerging adults in Michigan and California. Dr. Sepsey offers therapeutic intervention, neurodevelopmental evaluation, and school advocacy services. She has acquired advanced training at leading institutions including Stanford University and Children’s Hospital of Michigan, where she has gained clinical specialization in working with pediatric chronic pain and illness, as well as supporting individuals across the lifespan to navigate depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, and autism.
Dr. Sepsey is a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of Meraki Psychological Services. She serves children, teens, parents, and emerging adults in Michigan and California. Dr. Sepsey offers therapeutic intervention, neurodevelopmental evaluation, and school advocacy services. She has acquired advanced training at leading institutions including Stanford University and Children’s Hospital of Michigan, where she has gained clinical specialization in working with pediatric chronic pain and illness, as well as supporting individuals across the lifespan to navigate depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, and autism.
(248) 385-3330 View (248) 385-3330
Photo of Hypnotherapy & Reiki @ Natural Health Center in San Jose, CA
Hypnotherapy & Reiki @ Natural Health Center
BS, CCHT, Reiki
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95130
Seeking solutions that bring balance and calm in your life? I offer guided mind body healing therapies such as Hypnotherapy and EFT, that empower you to find solutions for the following issues: PAIN, INSOMNIA, GRIEF, WEIGHT, ANXIETY, STRESS, TRAUMA, HABITS, CRAVINGS, RELATIONSHIPS, or PAST LIVES. Hypnotherapy can be effective in building a bridge between the conscious mind and subconscious mind in order to explore the source and solutions of emotional, mental, and physical issues. This expanded state of consciousness allows for genuine realizations and the motivation to implement lasting transformations.
Seeking solutions that bring balance and calm in your life? I offer guided mind body healing therapies such as Hypnotherapy and EFT, that empower you to find solutions for the following issues: PAIN, INSOMNIA, GRIEF, WEIGHT, ANXIETY, STRESS, TRAUMA, HABITS, CRAVINGS, RELATIONSHIPS, or PAST LIVES. Hypnotherapy can be effective in building a bridge between the conscious mind and subconscious mind in order to explore the source and solutions of emotional, mental, and physical issues. This expanded state of consciousness allows for genuine realizations and the motivation to implement lasting transformations.
(408) 707-3142 View (408) 707-3142
Photo of Erika Smith, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in San Jose, CA
Erika Smith
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95125
With over 17 years as a Licensed Clinical Counselor (LPCC), I work with clients to manage anxiety, depression, trauma, and chronic pain. I utilize strategies from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) to help clients process their experiences and learn new skills to move forward. For fellow therapists, I offer therapeutic consultation to help you continue your work in the helping profession with less risk of burnout and compassion fatigue. I'd love to talk more with you about working together!
With over 17 years as a Licensed Clinical Counselor (LPCC), I work with clients to manage anxiety, depression, trauma, and chronic pain. I utilize strategies from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) to help clients process their experiences and learn new skills to move forward. For fellow therapists, I offer therapeutic consultation to help you continue your work in the helping profession with less risk of burnout and compassion fatigue. I'd love to talk more with you about working together!
(408) 359-1773 View (408) 359-1773
Photo of Dr. Aleksandra (Sasha) Soykin, Psychologist in San Jose, CA
Dr. Aleksandra (Sasha) Soykin
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95117
Waitlist for new clients
I offer psychotherapy to adults (from college age to older adults) struggling with a variety of problems, including chronic pain, medical conditions, trauma, anxiety, grief, life transitions, and work/relationship difficulties.
I strongly believe that lasting change occurs in a safe and collaborative environment, and I know that making the decision to reach out to a psychologist and embark on a path towards change can be extremely difficult. I trust in the importance of finding a clinician who will be the right match for you, so please feel free to explore both my profile and website in order to find out more about me and the services that I offer. Please note: I offer virtual services to those residing in CA and OR, and I do NOT accept insurance at this time.
I offer psychotherapy to adults (from college age to older adults) struggling with a variety of problems, including chronic pain, medical conditions, trauma, anxiety, grief, life transitions, and work/relationship difficulties.
I strongly believe that lasting change occurs in a safe and collaborative environment, and I know that making the decision to reach out to a psychologist and embark on a path towards change can be extremely difficult. I trust in the importance of finding a clinician who will be the right match for you, so please feel free to explore both my profile and website in order to find out more about me and the services that I offer. Please note: I offer virtual services to those residing in CA and OR, and I do NOT accept insurance at this time.
(408) 556-9974 View (408) 556-9974
Photo of Genevive Julien, Psychologist in San Jose, CA
Genevive Julien
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95134  (Online Only)
Dr. Genevive Julien, PsyD is a health psychologist of 11 years, integrating mindfulness, humanistic psychology with evidence-based practices to guide clients towards transformative change. Dr. Julien uses a biopsychosocial- spiritual model that optimizes the whole person approach. She draws from her rich background of growing up in Maui, HI coupled with her diverse professional experience of teaching mindfulness-based curriculums to communities of at-risk youth, indigenous peoples, correctional facilities also specializing in chronic pain.
Dr. Genevive Julien, PsyD is a health psychologist of 11 years, integrating mindfulness, humanistic psychology with evidence-based practices to guide clients towards transformative change. Dr. Julien uses a biopsychosocial- spiritual model that optimizes the whole person approach. She draws from her rich background of growing up in Maui, HI coupled with her diverse professional experience of teaching mindfulness-based curriculums to communities of at-risk youth, indigenous peoples, correctional facilities also specializing in chronic pain.
(408) 528-2371 View (408) 528-2371
Photo of Douglas Drucker, Psychologist in San Jose, CA
Douglas Drucker
Psychologist, PhD, QME
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95124
I work with adults in a private practice setting specializing in pain managagement and health psychology. I offer biofeedback, EMDR, treatment for mood disorders and PTSD. I am on staff at El Camino Hospital and accept insurance and Medicare. I am a qualified medical evaluator and provide forensic evaluations for surgical screenings and for legal settings.
I work with adults in a private practice setting specializing in pain managagement and health psychology. I offer biofeedback, EMDR, treatment for mood disorders and PTSD. I am on staff at El Camino Hospital and accept insurance and Medicare. I am a qualified medical evaluator and provide forensic evaluations for surgical screenings and for legal settings.
(408) 215-9454 View (408) 215-9454
Photo of Diana Nguy, Pre-Licensed Professional in San Jose, CA
Diana Nguy
Pre-Licensed Professional, OTR/L, MFTT
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95126
You don’t have to suffer alone. Sitting with difficult emotions, pain, and discomfort can be challenging. Allow the parts of you that have been rejected, repressed, hidden, or forgotten to surface. Allow these parts of you to be seen, to be heard, to be held, to be loved.
You don’t have to suffer alone. Sitting with difficult emotions, pain, and discomfort can be challenging. Allow the parts of you that have been rejected, repressed, hidden, or forgotten to surface. Allow these parts of you to be seen, to be heard, to be held, to be loved.
(650) 487-3461 View (650) 487-3461
Photo of Kate Sutton, Psychologist in San Jose, CA
Kate Sutton
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95120
I provide a safe and welcoming space to discuss anything from sexual/relationship issues postpartum, to gender dysphoria, making good sex great, erectile problems, pain during sex, kink, or disturbing sexual interests.
Let’s talk about sex and relationships! I am here to help you feel comfortable working through the hard stuff, and sex and relationship issues can be some of the hardest stuff for people to talk about. Together, we’ll create a comfortable, judgment-free space to explore your wants and needs, improve communication with others in your life, and promote intimate, meaningful, and healthy (sexual) relationships. My aim is to help you, and any potentially involved partner(s), to reach your full personal, relationship, and sexual potential in order to lead your happiest and most fulfilling life.
I provide a safe and welcoming space to discuss anything from sexual/relationship issues postpartum, to gender dysphoria, making good sex great, erectile problems, pain during sex, kink, or disturbing sexual interests.
Let’s talk about sex and relationships! I am here to help you feel comfortable working through the hard stuff, and sex and relationship issues can be some of the hardest stuff for people to talk about. Together, we’ll create a comfortable, judgment-free space to explore your wants and needs, improve communication with others in your life, and promote intimate, meaningful, and healthy (sexual) relationships. My aim is to help you, and any potentially involved partner(s), to reach your full personal, relationship, and sexual potential in order to lead your happiest and most fulfilling life.
(833) 922-1505 View (833) 922-1505
Photo of Robin Beresford, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Jose, CA
Robin Beresford
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, PA
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95126
Waitlist for new clients
Fear and pain can keep us from the fullness of life, while anger, resentment, loneliness, and jealousy can keep us from experiencing healthy relationships.
I provide an environment of safety and acceptance, where new understandings and confidence can develop and flourish. Recognizing that our feelings and previous experiences affect such issues as intimacy, the challenge of illness, coping with stress, life's transitions, loss, and sense of purpose, my approach to psychotherapy integrates concepts of treating the mind and body. I work with individuals and couples to facilitate change toward increased contentment and vitality, and have particular expertise in helping clients cope with the experience of chronic or acute medical conditions.
Fear and pain can keep us from the fullness of life, while anger, resentment, loneliness, and jealousy can keep us from experiencing healthy relationships.
I provide an environment of safety and acceptance, where new understandings and confidence can develop and flourish. Recognizing that our feelings and previous experiences affect such issues as intimacy, the challenge of illness, coping with stress, life's transitions, loss, and sense of purpose, my approach to psychotherapy integrates concepts of treating the mind and body. I work with individuals and couples to facilitate change toward increased contentment and vitality, and have particular expertise in helping clients cope with the experience of chronic or acute medical conditions.
(408) 759-5498 View (408) 759-5498
Photo of Alisa Flakes, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Jose, CA
Alisa Flakes
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95111
I believe in the power of collective healing, and I would love to help you navigate through your pain and equip you with tools to make your recovery possible.
Hello, my name is Alisa Flakes and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I work with individuals ages 13+, couples, and families in a variety of areas including addiction, anger management, anxiety, behavioral issues, coping skills, cultural stress, depression, relationship issues, family conflict, grief, and trauma & PTSD, amongst others. My approach is strength-based, solution focused and utilizes several modalities such as ACT, CBT, DBT, Family Systems, Gottman Method, Gestalt, and more.
I believe in the power of collective healing, and I would love to help you navigate through your pain and equip you with tools to make your recovery possible.
Hello, my name is Alisa Flakes and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I work with individuals ages 13+, couples, and families in a variety of areas including addiction, anger management, anxiety, behavioral issues, coping skills, cultural stress, depression, relationship issues, family conflict, grief, and trauma & PTSD, amongst others. My approach is strength-based, solution focused and utilizes several modalities such as ACT, CBT, DBT, Family Systems, Gottman Method, Gestalt, and more.
(408) 539-8691 View (408) 539-8691
Photo of Denise Henderson, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Jose, CA
Denise Henderson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95126
I have been working with survivors of trauma for 20 years, Trauma steals our life away and causes us to relive the pain of the past and fear the future. I want to walk with you through the pain to a place of freedom and choice. It takes courage to face our pain, the journey is often long and may feel hopeless. I invite you to try and trust one more time and see if we can find that place of peace and healing. You deserve the chance for something different, something for you.
I have been working with survivors of trauma for 20 years, Trauma steals our life away and causes us to relive the pain of the past and fear the future. I want to walk with you through the pain to a place of freedom and choice. It takes courage to face our pain, the journey is often long and may feel hopeless. I invite you to try and trust one more time and see if we can find that place of peace and healing. You deserve the chance for something different, something for you.
(408) 351-7736 View (408) 351-7736
Photo of Sanctuary Counseling & Psychotherapy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Jose, CA
Sanctuary Counseling & Psychotherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CCM
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95124  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Depression, anxiety, trauma, chronic illness, addictions and emotional challenges can disrupt our lives and everything we hold dear. I will work with you to develop a plan and set reachable goals to improve your quality of life.
Depression, anxiety, trauma, chronic illness, addictions and emotional challenges can disrupt our lives and everything we hold dear. I will work with you to develop a plan and set reachable goals to improve your quality of life.
(669) 273-1905 View (669) 273-1905
Photo of Margaret A Bailey, Psychologist in San Jose, CA
Margaret A Bailey
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95128
My areas of specialty are in working with relationships (marital, family), stress, work stress, unemployment, depression, anxiety, alcohol abuse, chronic illness, eating disorders, and treatment post-hospitalization.
I provide a supportive environment where clients feel comfortable in talking about the discomfort they are experiencing. Together we explore those difficulties and seek to help you find relief. For those who want deeper work, and to make significant changes in their lives, I have been trained to provide more intensive, longer term therapy. I began my practice and continued training post graduate school for 30 years. For more information about my practice please see my website at: pegbailey.com.
My areas of specialty are in working with relationships (marital, family), stress, work stress, unemployment, depression, anxiety, alcohol abuse, chronic illness, eating disorders, and treatment post-hospitalization.
I provide a supportive environment where clients feel comfortable in talking about the discomfort they are experiencing. Together we explore those difficulties and seek to help you find relief. For those who want deeper work, and to make significant changes in their lives, I have been trained to provide more intensive, longer term therapy. I began my practice and continued training post graduate school for 30 years. For more information about my practice please see my website at: pegbailey.com.
(408) 358-4090 View (408) 358-4090
Photo of Angela Li: Brainspotting Anxiety Trauma Therapist, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Jose, CA
Angela Li: Brainspotting Anxiety Trauma Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95124
I work with trauma/PTSD, anxiety, psychosomatic issues, chronic pain, medical injuries/anxiety, GAD, phobias, panic, social anxiety, OCD, life transitions, boundaries, inter-generational cultural problems, and depression.
Are trauma, anxiety and insecurity controlling your life, preventing you from pursuing your dreams and living life to the fullest? Do you relive the past as if it were happening right now? Your head knows better, but it fails to convince your heart otherwise. As horrible as those experiences were in the past, they continue to zap away your joy and confidence today. You might even avoid situations that trigger the feelings. Are there any lost part of you that you'd like to return to? Do others believe in your competence more than you believe in yourself? What would it be like if life was driven by passion and joy, not fear or shame?
I work with trauma/PTSD, anxiety, psychosomatic issues, chronic pain, medical injuries/anxiety, GAD, phobias, panic, social anxiety, OCD, life transitions, boundaries, inter-generational cultural problems, and depression.
Are trauma, anxiety and insecurity controlling your life, preventing you from pursuing your dreams and living life to the fullest? Do you relive the past as if it were happening right now? Your head knows better, but it fails to convince your heart otherwise. As horrible as those experiences were in the past, they continue to zap away your joy and confidence today. You might even avoid situations that trigger the feelings. Are there any lost part of you that you'd like to return to? Do others believe in your competence more than you believe in yourself? What would it be like if life was driven by passion and joy, not fear or shame?
(669) 232-8177 View (669) 232-8177
Photo of Sarah Parnow, Psychologist in San Jose, CA
Sarah Parnow
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95150  (Online Only)
I specialize in working with adults facing medical diagnosis, chronic illness, and life change.
Does life feel unrecognizable right now? Maybe you are facing a new reality, one you did not expect to be facing now, or possibly ever. You heard what the doctors said, but it still doesn’t feel real, like tomorrow when you wake up you’ll realize this was all just a very bad dream. It feels terrifying, uncomfortable, and exhausting, and you are having a hard time focusing your attention on anything else. You may find your thoughts rapidly cycling between endless “what if” and “how did I get here?” spirals. You are definitely not alone in feeling this way.
I specialize in working with adults facing medical diagnosis, chronic illness, and life change.
Does life feel unrecognizable right now? Maybe you are facing a new reality, one you did not expect to be facing now, or possibly ever. You heard what the doctors said, but it still doesn’t feel real, like tomorrow when you wake up you’ll realize this was all just a very bad dream. It feels terrifying, uncomfortable, and exhausting, and you are having a hard time focusing your attention on anything else. You may find your thoughts rapidly cycling between endless “what if” and “how did I get here?” spirals. You are definitely not alone in feeling this way.
(408) 868-2663 View (408) 868-2663
Photo of Ataraxy, Mental Health and Wellness, Psychologist in San Jose, CA
Ataraxy, Mental Health and Wellness
Psychologist, PsyD, LMFT, IC&RC, CADC-II
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95128  (Online Only)
Are you in denial about getting support because you feel you can manage, but deep inside you know the help and support could benefit you so much? If you are feeling depressed, anxious, having negative, and racing thoughts, and you are dealing with emotional pains because of trauma, addiction, relationship issues, and interpersonal challenges, the pain does not go away. You are struggling with obsessive thoughts, and impulse control because of fear and feeling misunderstood because of the mental health struggles. We are here to support you, work with us, we listen, empower, and transform. Start today to take control of your life.
Are you in denial about getting support because you feel you can manage, but deep inside you know the help and support could benefit you so much? If you are feeling depressed, anxious, having negative, and racing thoughts, and you are dealing with emotional pains because of trauma, addiction, relationship issues, and interpersonal challenges, the pain does not go away. You are struggling with obsessive thoughts, and impulse control because of fear and feeling misunderstood because of the mental health struggles. We are here to support you, work with us, we listen, empower, and transform. Start today to take control of your life.
(408) 762-3289 View (408) 762-3289
Photo of Sobia Saleem Psychotherapist, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Jose, CA
Sobia Saleem Psychotherapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95134  (Online Only)
Although I don't know you yet, I do know some of your pain quite well.
Accepting New Clients! Are you a trans, non-binary, or poly person looking for a therapist who understands and reflects your identity? Are you a newly diagnosed neurodivergent or neuroqueer adult? Are you chronically ill and tired of educating your therapists about your medical conditions? If so, you're in the right place! I want to give you the care you deserve. I want to work with you on the unique challenges you might be facing, like navigating your transitioning experience, exploring sexual dynamics with partner(s), dealing with a new diagnosis, and needing an HRT or surgery letter. Therapy should cater to you and your needs.
Although I don't know you yet, I do know some of your pain quite well.
Accepting New Clients! Are you a trans, non-binary, or poly person looking for a therapist who understands and reflects your identity? Are you a newly diagnosed neurodivergent or neuroqueer adult? Are you chronically ill and tired of educating your therapists about your medical conditions? If so, you're in the right place! I want to give you the care you deserve. I want to work with you on the unique challenges you might be facing, like navigating your transitioning experience, exploring sexual dynamics with partner(s), dealing with a new diagnosis, and needing an HRT or surgery letter. Therapy should cater to you and your needs.
(657) 286-7337 View (657) 286-7337
Photo of Jennifer C Cohen, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Jose, CA
Jennifer C Cohen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MACL, LMFT, C-IAYT, RYT 500
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95138  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in working with chronic pain, chronic medical, and spirituality.
My general frame work is that you cannot separate the body from the mind nor can you separate a person from their life time of experiences, therefore working with all of these systems is a highly effective way to improve happiness, decrease anxiety and stress, and increase coping skills to manage life with more ease and improved relationships. Now offering emergency Intensive Couples Counseling! I work well with individuals and couples who are seeking to learn more holistic ways to address their emotional and relational challenges whether they be family of origin issues, trauma, chronic illness, anxiety, or depression.
I specialize in working with chronic pain, chronic medical, and spirituality.
My general frame work is that you cannot separate the body from the mind nor can you separate a person from their life time of experiences, therefore working with all of these systems is a highly effective way to improve happiness, decrease anxiety and stress, and increase coping skills to manage life with more ease and improved relationships. Now offering emergency Intensive Couples Counseling! I work well with individuals and couples who are seeking to learn more holistic ways to address their emotional and relational challenges whether they be family of origin issues, trauma, chronic illness, anxiety, or depression.
(562) 454-0709 View (562) 454-0709
Photo of Akshay Naresh, Psychologist in San Jose, CA
Akshay Naresh
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95128  (Online Only)
Dr. Akshay Naresh is a clinical psychologist and has worked with patients across the lifespan in various contexts including community mental health clinics, hospitals, and educational facilities (secondary, community colleges, & universities). He has experience working with a wide range of mental health concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, body image issues, eating disorders, relationship issues, gender and sexual identity, and multi-cultural issues. He uses an integrative approach to create a space for meaningful life changes by helping patients develop self-compassion, self-acceptance, and self-awareness.
Dr. Akshay Naresh is a clinical psychologist and has worked with patients across the lifespan in various contexts including community mental health clinics, hospitals, and educational facilities (secondary, community colleges, & universities). He has experience working with a wide range of mental health concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, body image issues, eating disorders, relationship issues, gender and sexual identity, and multi-cultural issues. He uses an integrative approach to create a space for meaningful life changes by helping patients develop self-compassion, self-acceptance, and self-awareness.
(341) 444-3852 View (341) 444-3852
Photo of Robyn Greene, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Jose, CA
Robyn Greene
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95123
I help people deal with acute and chronic illness, as well as chronic pain.
Hi! I'm Robyn and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, currently working with clients statewide via Telehealth. I have over 30 years of experience using mindfulness and meditation practices, stress management, sleep management, and cognitive behavioral psychology. I work together with you to help you feel better and get what you want.
I help people deal with acute and chronic illness, as well as chronic pain.
Hi! I'm Robyn and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, currently working with clients statewide via Telehealth. I have over 30 years of experience using mindfulness and meditation practices, stress management, sleep management, and cognitive behavioral psychology. I work together with you to help you feel better and get what you want.
(619) 848-1225 View (619) 848-1225
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.