Photo of Kristen Wedge, MA, LPC, LCPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kristen Wedge
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21201
Waitlist for new clients
As a disabled person, I have lived experience to help patients with congenital and acquired disabilities and pain.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, I provide psychotherapy to adult clients from a person-centered perspective. Utilizing a person-centered and trauma-informed approach to therapy, I believe that therapy is built on the foundation of trust and rapport between the patient and the therapist. I respect and affirm you as an autonomous and capable person. I specialize in working with patients with eating disorders (from a non-diet and Health At Every Size approach), LGBTQ+ patients, and patients with cancer, disabilities and chronic pain.
As a disabled person, I have lived experience to help patients with congenital and acquired disabilities and pain.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, I provide psychotherapy to adult clients from a person-centered perspective. Utilizing a person-centered and trauma-informed approach to therapy, I believe that therapy is built on the foundation of trust and rapport between the patient and the therapist. I respect and affirm you as an autonomous and capable person. I specialize in working with patients with eating disorders (from a non-diet and Health At Every Size approach), LGBTQ+ patients, and patients with cancer, disabilities and chronic pain.
(404) 476-6124 View (404) 476-6124
Photo of Abbey Becker, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Abbey Becker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21286
Waitlist for new clients
Feeling burned out, overwhelmed, or just not like yourself? Maybe you're questioning your purpose or choices. Perhaps you're having a tough time meeting everyone's needs—including your own—or struggling to define them in the first place. These are the kinds of spaces and ideas that I thrive in helping clients explore. In my practice, I most enjoy working with young adult and adult clients experiencing life transitions, grief and loss, relationship struggles, anxiety, depression, chronic and acute illness, and caregiver stress, particularly those caring for a parent.
Feeling burned out, overwhelmed, or just not like yourself? Maybe you're questioning your purpose or choices. Perhaps you're having a tough time meeting everyone's needs—including your own—or struggling to define them in the first place. These are the kinds of spaces and ideas that I thrive in helping clients explore. In my practice, I most enjoy working with young adult and adult clients experiencing life transitions, grief and loss, relationship struggles, anxiety, depression, chronic and acute illness, and caregiver stress, particularly those caring for a parent.
(443) 565-4795 View (443) 565-4795
Photo of Chana Simmonds, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Chana Simmonds
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21217
My office is a nurturing and safe setting in which you will be able to express your pain, your needs and be understood.
My ideal client (individual, couple) wants to move past or resolve issues that cause them to feel disappointed and unhappy. They want to have relationships, including sexual experiences , in which they feel connected, intimate and alive.
My office is a nurturing and safe setting in which you will be able to express your pain, your needs and be understood.
My ideal client (individual, couple) wants to move past or resolve issues that cause them to feel disappointed and unhappy. They want to have relationships, including sexual experiences , in which they feel connected, intimate and alive.
(551) 226-5601 View (551) 226-5601
Photo of Chelsea Fox, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Chelsea Fox
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21214
You are not alone in this! I have been there, as a mom with an adult child coping with autoimmune illness, and years of social work with older adults and their caregivers.
Caring for others while trying to care for yourself can be one of the toughest challenges. If you are caring for a parent, spouse, child, or other loved one with medical conditions and complex needs, you may feel isolated, exhausted, overwhelmed, and unappreciated. You may even have your own health issues to manage on top of it all. Finding time for yourself is essential, but often seems impossible. Others may have unrealistic expectations and judgments they put on you. Endless medical appointments and things to remember can leave you feeling depleted at the end of the day.
You are not alone in this! I have been there, as a mom with an adult child coping with autoimmune illness, and years of social work with older adults and their caregivers.
Caring for others while trying to care for yourself can be one of the toughest challenges. If you are caring for a parent, spouse, child, or other loved one with medical conditions and complex needs, you may feel isolated, exhausted, overwhelmed, and unappreciated. You may even have your own health issues to manage on top of it all. Finding time for yourself is essential, but often seems impossible. Others may have unrealistic expectations and judgments they put on you. Endless medical appointments and things to remember can leave you feeling depleted at the end of the day.
(850) 783-1231 View (850) 783-1231
Photo of Amy Lovelace - Amy Lovelace, LPC-S, LCPC, LMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Amy Lovelace
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, LCPC, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21225  (Online Only)
A caring therapeutic relationship can help maximize your potential, enhance your communication skills, and make it easier to work through areas of personal pain.
Thank you for considering working with me on your therapeutic journey. My goal for our sessions is to create a warm, secure atmosphere in order to nurture the strengths that you already possess. I use an integrative therapeutic approach based on building self-esteem and courage to help clients gain insight into negative thoughts and challenging emotional/behavioral patterns that often get us sidetracked.
A caring therapeutic relationship can help maximize your potential, enhance your communication skills, and make it easier to work through areas of personal pain.
Thank you for considering working with me on your therapeutic journey. My goal for our sessions is to create a warm, secure atmosphere in order to nurture the strengths that you already possess. I use an integrative therapeutic approach based on building self-esteem and courage to help clients gain insight into negative thoughts and challenging emotional/behavioral patterns that often get us sidetracked.
(443) 233-1648 View (443) 233-1648
Photo of Lea McCauley, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lea McCauley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21210  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in cognitive and behavioral approaches, training in substance use disorders, trauma, chronic pain, sleep disorders, and mindfulness.
I believe mental health care should be viewed just like physical health care, something we all need but in different ways at different times – sometimes an emergency needing acute care or maybe specific ailment, other times you just need a check-up and to check in.
I specialize in cognitive and behavioral approaches, training in substance use disorders, trauma, chronic pain, sleep disorders, and mindfulness.
I believe mental health care should be viewed just like physical health care, something we all need but in different ways at different times – sometimes an emergency needing acute care or maybe specific ailment, other times you just need a check-up and to check in.
(443) 341-0163 View (443) 341-0163
Photo of Patti Friedman, PsyD, MS, Psychologist
Patti Friedman
Psychologist, PsyD, MS
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21208
I specialize in depression, anxiety disorders, bariatric evaluations, stress management ,medically related pain, diabetes, obesity, & cardiac rehab.
The success my clients experience is a direct result of our strong and supportive working alliance where confidentiality is protected, and I am a facilitator. I help my clients find answers for themselves and support them in reaching their goals. Years of clinical hypnotherapy training, and the success my clients achieve in applying relaxation training at work and in their personal lives, has been truly gratifying. I enjoy teaching patients Clinical Hypnotherapy, and the vast benefits to my clients. It is a joy to watch clients overcome phobias, pain disorders, anxiety, and stop habits, regaining self-confidence and empowerment .
I specialize in depression, anxiety disorders, bariatric evaluations, stress management ,medically related pain, diabetes, obesity, & cardiac rehab.
The success my clients experience is a direct result of our strong and supportive working alliance where confidentiality is protected, and I am a facilitator. I help my clients find answers for themselves and support them in reaching their goals. Years of clinical hypnotherapy training, and the success my clients achieve in applying relaxation training at work and in their personal lives, has been truly gratifying. I enjoy teaching patients Clinical Hypnotherapy, and the vast benefits to my clients. It is a joy to watch clients overcome phobias, pain disorders, anxiety, and stop habits, regaining self-confidence and empowerment .
(410) 657-8622 View (410) 657-8622
Photo of Kate Gerwin, MS, LCPC
Kate Gerwin
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MS, LCPC
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21211
Whether it is a codependent relationship, healing from trauma, a major illness, the loss of a loved one or you're not quite sure what "it" is yet, I can support you in gaining a deeper sense of wholeness and well-being. My starting point for all of my work is simple: you matter. Your story matters, your experience matters, your desire to heal, grow, and thrive matters. In all of our lives there are times where we need help making sense of our stories and experiences and I am here to journey with you in that process. I look forward to connecting with you!
Whether it is a codependent relationship, healing from trauma, a major illness, the loss of a loved one or you're not quite sure what "it" is yet, I can support you in gaining a deeper sense of wholeness and well-being. My starting point for all of my work is simple: you matter. Your story matters, your experience matters, your desire to heal, grow, and thrive matters. In all of our lives there are times where we need help making sense of our stories and experiences and I am here to journey with you in that process. I look forward to connecting with you!
(703) 991-2421 View (703) 991-2421
Photo of Lula Moultrie Heatley - Tru Integrity Wellness and Counseling Center, LCSWC, MSW, MRC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tru Integrity Wellness and Counseling Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSWC, MSW, MRC
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21239
My ideal client will seek assistance in transitioning from current and past negative experiences that may be impacting your ability to move on without the pains and uncontrollable symptoms of emotional distress. Is mental illness preventing you from enjoying healthy living and causing self defeating thoughts and patterns of poor mental health functioning. ? Call now , help is available. You don’t have to face life alone.
My ideal client will seek assistance in transitioning from current and past negative experiences that may be impacting your ability to move on without the pains and uncontrollable symptoms of emotional distress. Is mental illness preventing you from enjoying healthy living and causing self defeating thoughts and patterns of poor mental health functioning. ? Call now , help is available. You don’t have to face life alone.
(410) 498-6597 View (410) 498-6597
Photo of Shaina Edelson, PhD, Psychologist
Shaina Edelson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21209
I have worked in multiple settings such as medical centers and outpatient clinics and have experience treating a wide variety of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety/panic, phobias, post-traumatic stress, relationship difficulties, and more. A health psychologist by training, I am passionate about working with adults who are struggling with co-occurring medical and mental health symptoms (e.g., insomnia, coping with medical diagnoses & surgery, chronic pain, organ transplant, etc.). I am dedicated to working with healthcare providers, who are currently facing unprecedented struggles due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
I have worked in multiple settings such as medical centers and outpatient clinics and have experience treating a wide variety of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety/panic, phobias, post-traumatic stress, relationship difficulties, and more. A health psychologist by training, I am passionate about working with adults who are struggling with co-occurring medical and mental health symptoms (e.g., insomnia, coping with medical diagnoses & surgery, chronic pain, organ transplant, etc.). I am dedicated to working with healthcare providers, who are currently facing unprecedented struggles due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
(410) 807-8824 View (410) 807-8824
Photo of Chelsea Moreau, LCPC, NCC, Counselor
Chelsea Moreau
Counselor, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21214  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I have 11 years of experience in working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, complex trauma and PTSD, mood disorders, ADHD, PMDD, perinatal mental health and women’s health, chronic illness, toxic/dysfunctional relationships, grief and loss, boundaries, assertiveness skills, life transitions, and stress management.
I believe that each person is the expert of their own experience. Through a person-centered lens of compassion and resilience-focused approaches, we will build insight to gain a better understanding of your past and present experiences and how these impact your relationships, behaviors, beliefs, and quality of life.
I have 11 years of experience in working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, complex trauma and PTSD, mood disorders, ADHD, PMDD, perinatal mental health and women’s health, chronic illness, toxic/dysfunctional relationships, grief and loss, boundaries, assertiveness skills, life transitions, and stress management.
I believe that each person is the expert of their own experience. Through a person-centered lens of compassion and resilience-focused approaches, we will build insight to gain a better understanding of your past and present experiences and how these impact your relationships, behaviors, beliefs, and quality of life.
(410) 346-9400 View (410) 346-9400
Photo of Michelle McWhirter, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Michelle McWhirter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21213  (Online Only)
My specialties include chronic/serious illness, cancer, grief, trauma, caregiver concerns, compassion fatigue, anxiety, depression, and relationship struggles.
Hello and welcome to my profile! I am truly grateful for the opportunity to support you on your healing journey. With over a decade of experience, I specialize in guiding individuals through grief, illness, trauma, and caregiving concerns. My approach integrates CBT, mindfulness, and EMDR to help you find peace and healing. Your well-being is my top priority, and I am dedicated to empowering you to overcome challenges and discover a profound sense of wellness.
My specialties include chronic/serious illness, cancer, grief, trauma, caregiver concerns, compassion fatigue, anxiety, depression, and relationship struggles.
Hello and welcome to my profile! I am truly grateful for the opportunity to support you on your healing journey. With over a decade of experience, I specialize in guiding individuals through grief, illness, trauma, and caregiving concerns. My approach integrates CBT, mindfulness, and EMDR to help you find peace and healing. Your well-being is my top priority, and I am dedicated to empowering you to overcome challenges and discover a profound sense of wellness.
(443) 267-9939 View (443) 267-9939
Photo of Vanessa Pikler, PhD, Psychologist
Vanessa Pikler
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21209
Does your medical illness create anxiety depression, fear or anger? If this is the case for you, please contact me.
Are you struggling with depression or anxiety? Do you defeat yourself with self-critical thinking? Does stress get in the way of accomplishing your goals in life? If you answered yes to any of these questions, please contact me. I can help you develop more self-compassion in order to tackle your problems. You'll feel understood, heard, respected, hopeful, and more confident in your ability to cope. I also work with people with medical illnesses and have special expertise in Health Psychology, such as coping with cancer diagnoses/treatments, caregiver stress, stress management and other mind/body issues.
Does your medical illness create anxiety depression, fear or anger? If this is the case for you, please contact me.
Are you struggling with depression or anxiety? Do you defeat yourself with self-critical thinking? Does stress get in the way of accomplishing your goals in life? If you answered yes to any of these questions, please contact me. I can help you develop more self-compassion in order to tackle your problems. You'll feel understood, heard, respected, hopeful, and more confident in your ability to cope. I also work with people with medical illnesses and have special expertise in Health Psychology, such as coping with cancer diagnoses/treatments, caregiver stress, stress management and other mind/body issues.
(410) 970-6500 View (410) 970-6500
Photo of Julia Rasnake, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Julia Rasnake
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21209  (Online Only)
You don’t have to get through this alone! Imagine being able to leave behind the cycle of pain, stress, and anxiety, and feel confident you can handle anything life can throw at you.
Painful experiences impact us throughout our lives, harming our sense of self and changing our life paths. You may be dealing with scary thoughts, gut-wrenching emotions, intrusive memories, and perhaps panic, guilt or shame. The loss, trauma, and abuse that can occur in our relationships, families and experiences impacts our bodies and our minds. You deserve to heal, and step into a future where you feel resilient, empowered, peaceful and accepted as you are.
You don’t have to get through this alone! Imagine being able to leave behind the cycle of pain, stress, and anxiety, and feel confident you can handle anything life can throw at you.
Painful experiences impact us throughout our lives, harming our sense of self and changing our life paths. You may be dealing with scary thoughts, gut-wrenching emotions, intrusive memories, and perhaps panic, guilt or shame. The loss, trauma, and abuse that can occur in our relationships, families and experiences impacts our bodies and our minds. You deserve to heal, and step into a future where you feel resilient, empowered, peaceful and accepted as you are.
(443) 888-2533 View (443) 888-2533
Photo of Abena Adoko Sando, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Abena Adoko Sando
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21229
Issues; Anger Management, Behavioral Issues Child or Adolescent Chronic Pain Codependency Coping Skills Dual Diagnosis Family Conflict, Addictions, Life Transitions Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD), ADHD, ODD.
I have been providing mental health services for children, adolescents, and adults with various mental health needs for over 12 years. I foster an environment that is sensitive to clients'/parents' needs. Clients are encouraged to openly express thoughts/feelings so that we can focus on setting goals, identifying feelings and patterns, developing healthy/positive attitudes and behaviors, and problem solving. I would be honored to work with you/your child/family to move away from distress and towards wellness and increased satisfaction and happiness!
Issues; Anger Management, Behavioral Issues Child or Adolescent Chronic Pain Codependency Coping Skills Dual Diagnosis Family Conflict, Addictions, Life Transitions Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD), ADHD, ODD.
I have been providing mental health services for children, adolescents, and adults with various mental health needs for over 12 years. I foster an environment that is sensitive to clients'/parents' needs. Clients are encouraged to openly express thoughts/feelings so that we can focus on setting goals, identifying feelings and patterns, developing healthy/positive attitudes and behaviors, and problem solving. I would be honored to work with you/your child/family to move away from distress and towards wellness and increased satisfaction and happiness!
(443) 233-0628 View (443) 233-0628
Photo of Lori Aviva Saltman - Lori Aviva Saltman, LCSW-C, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lori Aviva Saltman, LCSW-C
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21215  (Online Only)
I will accompany you on your journey, from pain to perseverance.
I know you. You are a unique and talented person. You were born with your own skill set and strengths to get through life's challenges. But then something happened. Something that was out of your control. Maybe you lost a loved one, maybe you wound up in a situation that left you stuck in a dark place with no way out or maybe your tendency to worry left you emotionally paralyzed. You feel stuck. You step out into the bright sunny world but only see darkness. How do I know you, you ask? Because we are all like that. We all struggle emotionally at some point in our lives. It is perfectly normal.
I will accompany you on your journey, from pain to perseverance.
I know you. You are a unique and talented person. You were born with your own skill set and strengths to get through life's challenges. But then something happened. Something that was out of your control. Maybe you lost a loved one, maybe you wound up in a situation that left you stuck in a dark place with no way out or maybe your tendency to worry left you emotionally paralyzed. You feel stuck. You step out into the bright sunny world but only see darkness. How do I know you, you ask? Because we are all like that. We all struggle emotionally at some point in our lives. It is perfectly normal.
(410) 777-5697 View (410) 777-5697
Photo of Jill Bers, MSW, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jill Bers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21209
You are here because you are feeling unhappy, angry, worried, anxious, panicked, or full of self-doubt. Or you are a couple in need of direction and guidance to work through conflicts. I have found that fear is often the unrealized dynamic that gets in the way of fulfillment and happiness in many areas of life. Are you experiencing a recent transition, stressor or crisis that has brought about pain or confusion, or maybe you are struggling with a longstanding challenge? Therapy is a means to uncovering existing strengths, and to gaining insights and new skills to help overcome the fears that often accompany these challenges.
You are here because you are feeling unhappy, angry, worried, anxious, panicked, or full of self-doubt. Or you are a couple in need of direction and guidance to work through conflicts. I have found that fear is often the unrealized dynamic that gets in the way of fulfillment and happiness in many areas of life. Are you experiencing a recent transition, stressor or crisis that has brought about pain or confusion, or maybe you are struggling with a longstanding challenge? Therapy is a means to uncovering existing strengths, and to gaining insights and new skills to help overcome the fears that often accompany these challenges.
(443) 892-7049 View (443) 892-7049
Photo of Courtney Corcoran, LGPC, NCC, MS, Counselor
Courtney Corcoran
Counselor, LGPC, NCC, MS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21230  (Online Only)
I love working with both individuals & couples- mostly millennials & genZers, adults (18-60), teens (15+). My ideal client is curious to dig deep, wants to raise self-awareness, and is ready to sift through the pieces of life's puzzle together. I enjoy helping fellow artists/creatives, neurodivergent folks, & LGBTQIA+ folks. I specialize in issues related to low self-esteem, perfectionism, adulting, burnout, imposter syndrome, communication issues, relationships, boundary setting, gender identity and exploration, women's issues, chronic illness, invisible disabilities, ADHD and HSPs.
I love working with both individuals & couples- mostly millennials & genZers, adults (18-60), teens (15+). My ideal client is curious to dig deep, wants to raise self-awareness, and is ready to sift through the pieces of life's puzzle together. I enjoy helping fellow artists/creatives, neurodivergent folks, & LGBTQIA+ folks. I specialize in issues related to low self-esteem, perfectionism, adulting, burnout, imposter syndrome, communication issues, relationships, boundary setting, gender identity and exploration, women's issues, chronic illness, invisible disabilities, ADHD and HSPs.
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Photo of Eric Millman, LCPC
Eric Millman
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21208  (Online Only)
I help people find creativity, courage, bravery, embrace pain and sadness, and find greater meaning and joy.
Effective 9/18/24 - I have immediate openings and I am in-network with several insurance companies... Are you looking for an experienced therapist that accepts insurances, offers evening hours, and returns phone call right away? I have over 15 years of experience helping individuals that are struggling in relationships, having difficulty with life adjustments, or bottling their feelings and acting out through addiction.
I help people find creativity, courage, bravery, embrace pain and sadness, and find greater meaning and joy.
Effective 9/18/24 - I have immediate openings and I am in-network with several insurance companies... Are you looking for an experienced therapist that accepts insurances, offers evening hours, and returns phone call right away? I have over 15 years of experience helping individuals that are struggling in relationships, having difficulty with life adjustments, or bottling their feelings and acting out through addiction.
(410) 698-6921 View (410) 698-6921
Photo of Sharon Calvano - Stone Soup Counseling, LLC, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Stone Soup Counseling, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21210
** WE ARE ACCEPTING NEW APPOINTMENTS** Therapy is great way to begin looking at your patterns, past behaviors, and current situation in order to make that change. We can help you look into what you are experiencing, understand why it is happening, and figure out how to make changes for a deeper and more satisfying life. ​Many clients we see deal with depression, anxiety, bipolar illness, relationship issues, trauma, life transitions, lack of meaning, or other life issues. Whether you are experiencing any of these issues or just feel a general need for a change, call us and see if therapy is right for you.
** WE ARE ACCEPTING NEW APPOINTMENTS** Therapy is great way to begin looking at your patterns, past behaviors, and current situation in order to make that change. We can help you look into what you are experiencing, understand why it is happening, and figure out how to make changes for a deeper and more satisfying life. ​Many clients we see deal with depression, anxiety, bipolar illness, relationship issues, trauma, life transitions, lack of meaning, or other life issues. Whether you are experiencing any of these issues or just feel a general need for a change, call us and see if therapy is right for you.
(443) 376-7878 View (443) 376-7878
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.