Photo of Jeffrey T. Wentzel, PhD, Psychologist
Jeffrey T. Wentzel
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10011
My specific areas of expertise include relationship problems, identity issues, anxiety, depression, and a range of psychophysiologic conditions-- chronic pain, GI issues, and hypertension--that can often benefit from improved self-awareness, more flexible and effective ways of coping with stress, and increased security and stability in one's relationships.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist and have worked extensively with individual adults, adolescents, and couples in New York City for more than 20 years. I work collaboratively with each of my clients to strike the right balance between providing relief in the short-term from the types of symptoms and difficult circumstances that may have led to an interest in psychotherapy, while also attempting to facilitate an ongoing process that promotes greater self-awareness and an increased sense of self-confidence in defining and achieving a more productive and satisfying life.
My specific areas of expertise include relationship problems, identity issues, anxiety, depression, and a range of psychophysiologic conditions-- chronic pain, GI issues, and hypertension--that can often benefit from improved self-awareness, more flexible and effective ways of coping with stress, and increased security and stability in one's relationships.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist and have worked extensively with individual adults, adolescents, and couples in New York City for more than 20 years. I work collaboratively with each of my clients to strike the right balance between providing relief in the short-term from the types of symptoms and difficult circumstances that may have led to an interest in psychotherapy, while also attempting to facilitate an ongoing process that promotes greater self-awareness and an increased sense of self-confidence in defining and achieving a more productive and satisfying life.
(646) 553-4203 View (646) 553-4203
Photo of David Yellen, LMSW, IFS, Level 2, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
David Yellen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, IFS, Level 2
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11215
I create a warm, friendly, and welcoming environment where we can explore what’s happening in your life now to collaborate on what might be possible for you in the future. Then, we will partner to understand what burdens you’ve taken on from your past—burdens that may have limited your belief systems or distorted your experience—to blaze new pathways towards your release from pain and entry into freedom and joy. I specialize in working with clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. However, my approach is not a one size fits all formula. I tailor my work to the individual and their specific needs.
I create a warm, friendly, and welcoming environment where we can explore what’s happening in your life now to collaborate on what might be possible for you in the future. Then, we will partner to understand what burdens you’ve taken on from your past—burdens that may have limited your belief systems or distorted your experience—to blaze new pathways towards your release from pain and entry into freedom and joy. I specialize in working with clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. However, my approach is not a one size fits all formula. I tailor my work to the individual and their specific needs.
(917) 523-7780 View (917) 523-7780
Photo of Viola Quintero, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Viola Quintero
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
East Islip, NY 11730
I am a social worker with many years of professional experience in diverse settings. I believe that gives me a unique perspective on how people can face life's challenges and make positive changes in their lives; challenges such as serious illness, depression, anxiety, divorce, grief, loneliness, trauma, relationship conflicts, or other emotional or behavioral concerns. I bring this perspective into my practice.
I am a social worker with many years of professional experience in diverse settings. I believe that gives me a unique perspective on how people can face life's challenges and make positive changes in their lives; challenges such as serious illness, depression, anxiety, divorce, grief, loneliness, trauma, relationship conflicts, or other emotional or behavioral concerns. I bring this perspective into my practice.
(631) 860-6858 View (631) 860-6858
Photo of Avi Klein, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Avi Klein
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
New York, NY 10003
Are you living the life you want? Is your relationship a source of pain for you? Are you arguing more, trusting less, or finding yourself not looking forward to spending time together? Maybe your relationship feels stuck, like you're just replaying the same disagreement over and over again. Do you not like the person you are when you're in a relationship or wonder why you keep repeating patterns in the type of person you date? Human beings are wired for connection, yet somehow the people we are closest with also seem to cause us the most pain.
Are you living the life you want? Is your relationship a source of pain for you? Are you arguing more, trusting less, or finding yourself not looking forward to spending time together? Maybe your relationship feels stuck, like you're just replaying the same disagreement over and over again. Do you not like the person you are when you're in a relationship or wonder why you keep repeating patterns in the type of person you date? Human beings are wired for connection, yet somehow the people we are closest with also seem to cause us the most pain.
(646) 759-9686 View (646) 759-9686
Photo of Roksana Badruddoja, PhD
Roksana Badruddoja
PhD
Verified Verified
Yorktown Heights, NY 10598  (Online Only)
Badruddoja facilitates: Addiction; anxiety, fear, guilt, depression, hopelessness, and self-esteem; marital/interpersonal relationships; finances; family crime; sexual abuse/other abuse; cognitive blocks; childhood trauma; illness; ADHD; relationship with food; land disputes/legal issues; parenting challenges; menstrual and reproductive issues.
Thank you for reaching out to Dr. Roksana Badruddoja. Family Constellation Therapy is a systemic psychospiritual therapeutic model that reveals the hidden intergenerational dynamics in a family/relationship/situation and the therapeutic approach works towards balancing/neutralizing/healing the system. Dr. Badruddoja has developed a distinctive interfaith/intercultural trauma liberation method—using family and national systems; phenomenology; existentialism; epigenetics and neuroplasticity; emotions; somatics; inner/outer childs; and genotraumagrams—known as Intergenerational Family Trauma Liberation Constellation or IF-TLC.
Badruddoja facilitates: Addiction; anxiety, fear, guilt, depression, hopelessness, and self-esteem; marital/interpersonal relationships; finances; family crime; sexual abuse/other abuse; cognitive blocks; childhood trauma; illness; ADHD; relationship with food; land disputes/legal issues; parenting challenges; menstrual and reproductive issues.
Thank you for reaching out to Dr. Roksana Badruddoja. Family Constellation Therapy is a systemic psychospiritual therapeutic model that reveals the hidden intergenerational dynamics in a family/relationship/situation and the therapeutic approach works towards balancing/neutralizing/healing the system. Dr. Badruddoja has developed a distinctive interfaith/intercultural trauma liberation method—using family and national systems; phenomenology; existentialism; epigenetics and neuroplasticity; emotions; somatics; inner/outer childs; and genotraumagrams—known as Intergenerational Family Trauma Liberation Constellation or IF-TLC.
(929) 335-7274 View (929) 335-7274
Photo of Rachel Harlich, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rachel Harlich
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11201  (Online Only)
I work with expansive individuals and couples who are tired of being pathologized or having to educate their providers. I specialize in working with all kinds of people on the margins: LGBTQIA+ folks, polyamory/non-monogamy and kink/BDSM-involved clients, sex workers, neurodivergent folks, fat people, and folks impacted by disability, chronic illness and pain, as well as complex trauma and attachment wounding survivors. It's possible to build safety, presence, pleasure, and joy within yourself and your partnerships. Our sessions together will feature warmth, humor, learning, and empathy.
I work with expansive individuals and couples who are tired of being pathologized or having to educate their providers. I specialize in working with all kinds of people on the margins: LGBTQIA+ folks, polyamory/non-monogamy and kink/BDSM-involved clients, sex workers, neurodivergent folks, fat people, and folks impacted by disability, chronic illness and pain, as well as complex trauma and attachment wounding survivors. It's possible to build safety, presence, pleasure, and joy within yourself and your partnerships. Our sessions together will feature warmth, humor, learning, and empathy.
(929) 295-7758 View (929) 295-7758
Photo of Nina Duryea, LMHCA
Nina Duryea
LMHCA
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10001  (Online Only)
I'm a nonbinary, queer psychotherapist and sex therapist in NYC taking clients virtually. I work with individuals and couples looking to overcome life's many transitions and challenges in order to reach for fulfilling lives. This may include identifying needs, communication skills, boundary setting, building a somatic toolbox, moving through feelings of shame and grief, or exploring one's identity. I specialize in serving the queer community, entertainers, sex workers, non-monogamous and kink oriented individuals and couples, the neurodiverse, and those living with chronic pain and illness (EDS competent).
I'm a nonbinary, queer psychotherapist and sex therapist in NYC taking clients virtually. I work with individuals and couples looking to overcome life's many transitions and challenges in order to reach for fulfilling lives. This may include identifying needs, communication skills, boundary setting, building a somatic toolbox, moving through feelings of shame and grief, or exploring one's identity. I specialize in serving the queer community, entertainers, sex workers, non-monogamous and kink oriented individuals and couples, the neurodiverse, and those living with chronic pain and illness (EDS competent).
View
Photo of Fred Casale, PhD, LCSW-R, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Fred Casale
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10024
Therapy is about healing and self growth. It is about making decisions and achieving life goals. It is about bettering relationships and building meaningful ties. It's about working through, and living without the pain of loss, depression and anxiety. In an atmosphere of safety, trust and non-judgement, I will help you navigate those difficulties which foster anxiety, depression and confusion, recognizing the often, central role of trauma in such challenges. I will assist in the process of gaining insight, while making decisions which breed personal and professional success. I will help in cultivating and improving relationships.
Therapy is about healing and self growth. It is about making decisions and achieving life goals. It is about bettering relationships and building meaningful ties. It's about working through, and living without the pain of loss, depression and anxiety. In an atmosphere of safety, trust and non-judgement, I will help you navigate those difficulties which foster anxiety, depression and confusion, recognizing the often, central role of trauma in such challenges. I will assist in the process of gaining insight, while making decisions which breed personal and professional success. I will help in cultivating and improving relationships.
(646) 783-4762 View (646) 783-4762
Photo of Anne Heller, MHC
Anne Heller
MHC
Verified Verified
13 Endorsed
New York, NY 10011
Are you living the life you want? Stuck or unsatisfied in your relationships? Tired and depleted? Maybe you have friends, but find yourself wondering who you would really call in the middle of the night. Or your romantic relationship feels stuck, like you are repeating the same pattern over and over. We all know that deeper connection and intimacy are necessary for a more satisfying life, yet we feel that we are not getting what we need or want. Or maybe your pain is related to your job. You are working hard but not getting the recognition you crave. For many of us, we feel depleted or anxious and don't fully understand why.
Are you living the life you want? Stuck or unsatisfied in your relationships? Tired and depleted? Maybe you have friends, but find yourself wondering who you would really call in the middle of the night. Or your romantic relationship feels stuck, like you are repeating the same pattern over and over. We all know that deeper connection and intimacy are necessary for a more satisfying life, yet we feel that we are not getting what we need or want. Or maybe your pain is related to your job. You are working hard but not getting the recognition you crave. For many of us, we feel depleted or anxious and don't fully understand why.
(646) 916-5491 View (646) 916-5491
Photo of Gina Campanella, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Gina Campanella
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
New York, NY 10007
Together we can identify your defenses - the ways you keep yourself safe and the pain away but also keep you stuck and take away your sense of well-being.
When you lose the ability to connect with others or your connections are unfulfilling, you may choose to settle for just getting by. You may put on a happy face because it seems easier while pushing more painful emotions aside. Maybe you fear if you show your true self you will lose control or worse, be seen as unlovable. You feel stuck - perhaps struggling to even identify what is causing you pain. I get it. Facing fear, shame, self-doubt or past injuries can be overwhelming and the prospect of change daunting, especially when you think you have to do it by yourself.
Together we can identify your defenses - the ways you keep yourself safe and the pain away but also keep you stuck and take away your sense of well-being.
When you lose the ability to connect with others or your connections are unfulfilling, you may choose to settle for just getting by. You may put on a happy face because it seems easier while pushing more painful emotions aside. Maybe you fear if you show your true self you will lose control or worse, be seen as unlovable. You feel stuck - perhaps struggling to even identify what is causing you pain. I get it. Facing fear, shame, self-doubt or past injuries can be overwhelming and the prospect of change daunting, especially when you think you have to do it by yourself.
(646) 881-4996 View (646) 881-4996
Photo of Randi Solomon-Nathan, LCSW, R, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Randi Solomon-Nathan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, R
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10022  (Online Only)
I have a specialization in helping individuals, families and couples live more successfully with chronic illness and adjust to various stressors. I also have extensive experience treating relationship and family conflicts, challenges of different life stages, depression, anxiety, bereavement, conflicts associated with substance abuse and self-defeating behaviors including when people habitually undermine themselves or find themselves drawn to situations where they will be disappointed, fail or be mistreated. My goal is to help you feel comfortable with the therapeutic process so you can freely discover new alternatives and choices.
I have a specialization in helping individuals, families and couples live more successfully with chronic illness and adjust to various stressors. I also have extensive experience treating relationship and family conflicts, challenges of different life stages, depression, anxiety, bereavement, conflicts associated with substance abuse and self-defeating behaviors including when people habitually undermine themselves or find themselves drawn to situations where they will be disappointed, fail or be mistreated. My goal is to help you feel comfortable with the therapeutic process so you can freely discover new alternatives and choices.
(646) 506-3480 View (646) 506-3480
Photo of Dr. Barbara Hanna, DCFT, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dr. Barbara Hanna
Marriage & Family Therapist, DCFT, LMFT
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10003  (Online Only)
As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I am trained to think systemically and work with individuals, couples and families. My expertise, however, is working with couples and parents. Over the years, I have helped many couples overcome their relationship issues, including: communication issues, infidelity, sexual issues, etc. I have also worked with many families, helping parents overcome issues with their children, both young children and adults. I have also extensively explored issues related to working with couples where one partner is experiencing chronic pain.
As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I am trained to think systemically and work with individuals, couples and families. My expertise, however, is working with couples and parents. Over the years, I have helped many couples overcome their relationship issues, including: communication issues, infidelity, sexual issues, etc. I have also worked with many families, helping parents overcome issues with their children, both young children and adults. I have also extensively explored issues related to working with couples where one partner is experiencing chronic pain.
(862) 500-3697 View (862) 500-3697
Photo of Tamar Gold, LCSW-R, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tamar Gold
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10001  (Online Only)
I practice Reiki an energy healing modality, great for stress and pain.
If you feel frustrated that you haven't been able to make the changes you want in your life call to schedule a session today! I have over 20 years of experience in helping people to change the things that cause pain and suffering in their lives. Often we repeat patterns of thought and behavior and need to connect more deeply to what our underlying issues truly are, when clients gain more awareness and connection to their deeper selves they are able to make different and better choices and change their lives.
I practice Reiki an energy healing modality, great for stress and pain.
If you feel frustrated that you haven't been able to make the changes you want in your life call to schedule a session today! I have over 20 years of experience in helping people to change the things that cause pain and suffering in their lives. Often we repeat patterns of thought and behavior and need to connect more deeply to what our underlying issues truly are, when clients gain more awareness and connection to their deeper selves they are able to make different and better choices and change their lives.
(347) 429-7310 View (347) 429-7310
Photo of Sari Eckler Cooper - Sari Cooper, Center for Love and Sex, CST, LCSW-R, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sari Cooper, Center for Love and Sex
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, CST, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10024
I'm the Director of Center for Love and Sex, a practice specializing in sex therapy for individuals and couples. We are highly experienced to work sensitively with clients around issues including: low sexual desire, ED, PE, pelvic pain, and sexless marriages. We are kink, non-monogamy & poly aware. We get that sexuality can be challenging for people to discuss, even with doctors. Our CLS therapists have specialized post-graduate sex therapy training in addition to years of general practice experience, We are highly attuned to clients' embarrassment and at times shame. Clients are also treated for Depression, Anxiety Compulsive Sex.
I'm the Director of Center for Love and Sex, a practice specializing in sex therapy for individuals and couples. We are highly experienced to work sensitively with clients around issues including: low sexual desire, ED, PE, pelvic pain, and sexless marriages. We are kink, non-monogamy & poly aware. We get that sexuality can be challenging for people to discuss, even with doctors. Our CLS therapists have specialized post-graduate sex therapy training in addition to years of general practice experience, We are highly attuned to clients' embarrassment and at times shame. Clients are also treated for Depression, Anxiety Compulsive Sex.
(646) 600-8036 View (646) 600-8036
Photo of Lili E Feldman, LCSW-R, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lili E Feldman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11218
The most important part of therapy is the relationship between the therapist and client. I pride myself in building strong, caring therapeutic alliances. I have expertise in treating anxiety, depression, chronic illness, phobias, and PTSD. Nobody likes to admit that they need help, but sometimes it can be a life transforming opportunity.
The most important part of therapy is the relationship between the therapist and client. I pride myself in building strong, caring therapeutic alliances. I have expertise in treating anxiety, depression, chronic illness, phobias, and PTSD. Nobody likes to admit that they need help, but sometimes it can be a life transforming opportunity.
(646) 798-2271 View (646) 798-2271
Photo of Stephanie Mathelier, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Stephanie Mathelier
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chester, NY 10918  (Online Only)
I will work collaboratively with you to help you accept that you are more than your pain or your trauma.
Relationships are essential to our survival and growth, they have the potential to be incredibly transformative and expansive or a source of seemingly never-ending grief and trauma. Sometimes we are able to use the pain to learn to do different or to protect ourselves or our loved ones. Other times, this pain can seem to be so profound that it seems to become a block, an obstacle, in the way of you and your ability to be the person you want to be versus the person you are perceived to be.
I will work collaboratively with you to help you accept that you are more than your pain or your trauma.
Relationships are essential to our survival and growth, they have the potential to be incredibly transformative and expansive or a source of seemingly never-ending grief and trauma. Sometimes we are able to use the pain to learn to do different or to protect ourselves or our loved ones. Other times, this pain can seem to be so profound that it seems to become a block, an obstacle, in the way of you and your ability to be the person you want to be versus the person you are perceived to be.
(914) 594-5759 View (914) 594-5759
Photo of Tina Kahn, LMHC, LMFT, Counselor
Tina Kahn
Counselor, LMHC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11230
My areas of expertise are: self-esteem work, depression, anxiety, stress, pain management, couples communication and relationship issues.
I am a NYS Licensed Mental Health Counselor and NYS Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 25+ years of experience working with individuals, couples, and groups. I use guided imagery, and techniques for developing hopefulness. I also use more traditional insight modes of treatment. I also work through Headway which enables many clients to obtain insurance coverage. Please see my profile at headway.co/providers/tina-kahn for more information.
My areas of expertise are: self-esteem work, depression, anxiety, stress, pain management, couples communication and relationship issues.
I am a NYS Licensed Mental Health Counselor and NYS Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 25+ years of experience working with individuals, couples, and groups. I use guided imagery, and techniques for developing hopefulness. I also use more traditional insight modes of treatment. I also work through Headway which enables many clients to obtain insurance coverage. Please see my profile at headway.co/providers/tina-kahn for more information.
(718) 569-8327 View (718) 569-8327
Photo of Lisa E Haberman, JD, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lisa E Haberman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, JD, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10038
I also do hypnotherapy, which has been particularly successful for clients with a desire to stop smoking, mitigate or eliminate pain, improve sleep, decrease stress and anxiety, etc.
I provide supportive, psychodynamic, interactive therapy to individuals and couples. In the process of deeply exploring underlying reasons for pain and undesired behavior, I also focus on client's strengths, some of which are often undiscovered. I tailor the treatment to the client's needs and use an eclectic approach. I prefer to work with clients who are motivated and curious. My treatment approach is not limited to talk therapy. My specialites include: EMDR, which is particularly helpful to clients who are stuck in an unwanted pattern of behavior and/or who have experienced trauma.
I also do hypnotherapy, which has been particularly successful for clients with a desire to stop smoking, mitigate or eliminate pain, improve sleep, decrease stress and anxiety, etc.
I provide supportive, psychodynamic, interactive therapy to individuals and couples. In the process of deeply exploring underlying reasons for pain and undesired behavior, I also focus on client's strengths, some of which are often undiscovered. I tailor the treatment to the client's needs and use an eclectic approach. I prefer to work with clients who are motivated and curious. My treatment approach is not limited to talk therapy. My specialites include: EMDR, which is particularly helpful to clients who are stuck in an unwanted pattern of behavior and/or who have experienced trauma.
(917) 710-6618 View (917) 710-6618
Photo of Beth Wish, PhD, Psychologist
Beth Wish
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Nyack, NY 10960
I work with individuals and couples aged 16 and older who struggle with depression, anxiety, relationship problems, trauma, medical issues, chronic pain, and more.
I provide a warm and supportive environment for you to feel safe, accepted, and nurtured. I view myself as an emotional guide. My intent is to follow your unique experience of thoughts, sensations, and feelings; help you deepen your understanding of yourself; and, support your inner wisdom as it leads you toward healing.
I work with individuals and couples aged 16 and older who struggle with depression, anxiety, relationship problems, trauma, medical issues, chronic pain, and more.
I provide a warm and supportive environment for you to feel safe, accepted, and nurtured. I view myself as an emotional guide. My intent is to follow your unique experience of thoughts, sensations, and feelings; help you deepen your understanding of yourself; and, support your inner wisdom as it leads you toward healing.
(845) 262-6220 View (845) 262-6220
Photo of Zerach Wieder, MA, LPCC
Zerach Wieder
MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
New York, NY 10023  (Online Only)
Together, we'll work to address the core wounding that keeps you stuck in pain and suffering, finding creative adjustments to help unravel what's holding you back from living a more authentic, healthier life.
No matter the reason for considering it, therapy is like a doorway to exploring our shadows; the scariest, most vulnerable, sometimes even hope-filled parts of ourselves. So maybe you're feeling unsettled in your relationships, or you and your partner are trying to understand your patterns and find new ways of relating. You might be feeling stuck in shame or struggling with self confidence, or you just want to address some unresolved issues. Rather than fumbling to shine a light in the darkness, therapy shows us how to see.
Together, we'll work to address the core wounding that keeps you stuck in pain and suffering, finding creative adjustments to help unravel what's holding you back from living a more authentic, healthier life.
No matter the reason for considering it, therapy is like a doorway to exploring our shadows; the scariest, most vulnerable, sometimes even hope-filled parts of ourselves. So maybe you're feeling unsettled in your relationships, or you and your partner are trying to understand your patterns and find new ways of relating. You might be feeling stuck in shame or struggling with self confidence, or you just want to address some unresolved issues. Rather than fumbling to shine a light in the darkness, therapy shows us how to see.
(475) 290-6064 View (475) 290-6064
1
Chronic Pain Therapists

How does chronic pain therapy work?

Engaging with a psychotherapist to help treat chronic pain does not mean that one’s pain is all in their head. Therapy for chronic-pain patients has been shown to benefit both the mind and the body, targeting physical symptoms and increasing daily functioning. In other words, for many, addressing their emotional health through therapy affects their physical health. A therapist can help a client challenge unhelpful thoughts about pain and develop new ways to respond to it, such as distraction or calming breathing techniques. Studies have found that therapy can be as effective as surgery for certain cases of chronic pain and many doctors recommend trying psychotherapy in advance of considering invasive surgery.

What are the most effective treatment options for chronic pain?

Stress, anxiety, depression, catastrophizing, ruminating, lack of activity, and social withdrawal all make chronic pain worse. Addressing these issues, research shows, can help people gain control over their pain symptoms. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, and mindfulness-based stress reduction, along with greater pain-management education, have been found to help people reduce fear and disability.

Are there new treatments for chronic pain?

Many cases of chronic pain, particularly those involving back pain, remain medically unexplained. But there is evidence that changes in the brain or nervous system are caused by previous physical ailments such as tissue damage; in such cases, the brain may continue to send out pain signals despite the physical cause having healed. To aid patients under these circumstances, a recently developed treatment known as pain reprocessing therapy (PRT) is designed to help the brain “unlearn” this response. A PRT practitioner helps individuals to reduce the “threat value” of their ongoing pain signals until they can reappraise them as less threatening and fear-inducing. They also help an individual to develop new emotional regulation skills.

How long does therapy for chronic pain take?

There is no set timeline for recovery from chronic pain, especially as there may be a range of physical and psychological causes for any individual’s discomfort, but most patients should expect to see a therapist for a number of weeks or months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions. Studies of pain reprocessing therapy found that many individuals’ experience of pain lessened in eight sessions over four weeks.