Chronic Pain Therapists in Fayetteville, NY

Photo of Douglas Goldschmidt, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Fayetteville, NY
Douglas Goldschmidt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSWR, PhD
Verified Verified
Fayetteville, NY 13066
My work focuses on anxiety, trauma, medical issues, pain, and introducing spirituality into practice.
I believe that therapy can develop non-judgmental awareness of what is in the present, of thoughts and feelings that are based on conditioned reactions from the past, and of the ability to then cultivate the inner freedom that allows each client to move into a future grounded in experience and directed at a positive and compassionate understanding of self and others. Developing the ability to be aware is a practice that each client learns and practices according to their presenting needs, interests, and learning styles. There is no ideal client, there is only the commitment to practice awareness and find freedom from the past.
My work focuses on anxiety, trauma, medical issues, pain, and introducing spirituality into practice.
I believe that therapy can develop non-judgmental awareness of what is in the present, of thoughts and feelings that are based on conditioned reactions from the past, and of the ability to then cultivate the inner freedom that allows each client to move into a future grounded in experience and directed at a positive and compassionate understanding of self and others. Developing the ability to be aware is a practice that each client learns and practices according to their presenting needs, interests, and learning styles. There is no ideal client, there is only the commitment to practice awareness and find freedom from the past.
(315) 805-4194 View (315) 805-4194
Photo of Susan Hartman Brenizer, Marriage & Family Therapist in Fayetteville, NY
Susan Hartman Brenizer
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, NY
Verified Verified
Fayetteville, NY 13066
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Clinical Fellow, AAMFT with 40+ years experience. Special expertise in working with couples, and individual adults. Training in psychodynamic therapy, systems' and behavioral therapy. Extensive expertise: couples therapy, depression, grief, loss, trauma, abuse and affair recovery, and divorce recovery. Columnist for "Syracuse Post Standard" newspaper "Shrink Rap", 2007- 2014. Featured in PBS Documentary entitled "Pain Runs Deep: Relationship Violence". Interview on NPR, WCNY, and "Brides" Magazine, 2023 and 2024. Recently inducted into Marquis "Who's Who in America", March 2024.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Clinical Fellow, AAMFT with 40+ years experience. Special expertise in working with couples, and individual adults. Training in psychodynamic therapy, systems' and behavioral therapy. Extensive expertise: couples therapy, depression, grief, loss, trauma, abuse and affair recovery, and divorce recovery. Columnist for "Syracuse Post Standard" newspaper "Shrink Rap", 2007- 2014. Featured in PBS Documentary entitled "Pain Runs Deep: Relationship Violence". Interview on NPR, WCNY, and "Brides" Magazine, 2023 and 2024. Recently inducted into Marquis "Who's Who in America", March 2024.
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Photo of Frances Meléndez, Psychologist in Fayetteville, NY
Frances Meléndez
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Fayetteville, NY 13066
I come with a diverse clinical background, my clinical interest includes but are not limited to disparities in mental health services, depression and women, substance abuse, trauma, psychogenic seizures (PNES), empowerment and self-advocacy, HIV/AIDS, Stigma as it is related to being diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and mental illness and the impact of racial trauma.
Clearly you have taken the first step into your wellbeing. As a psychologist, I will respect your narrative working alongside you to explore the barriers keeping you stuck. I commit to be with as you explore and challenge concerns, barriers, deepening your self-awareness so that you may live your authentic life. I received my PhD in Clinical Psychology from the Graduate School of The City University of New York. I am a licensed clinical psychologist in the State of New York.
I come with a diverse clinical background, my clinical interest includes but are not limited to disparities in mental health services, depression and women, substance abuse, trauma, psychogenic seizures (PNES), empowerment and self-advocacy, HIV/AIDS, Stigma as it is related to being diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and mental illness and the impact of racial trauma.
Clearly you have taken the first step into your wellbeing. As a psychologist, I will respect your narrative working alongside you to explore the barriers keeping you stuck. I commit to be with as you explore and challenge concerns, barriers, deepening your self-awareness so that you may live your authentic life. I received my PhD in Clinical Psychology from the Graduate School of The City University of New York. I am a licensed clinical psychologist in the State of New York.
(585) 378-5758 View (585) 378-5758
Photo of Shannon O'Toole, Counselor in Fayetteville, NY
Shannon O'Toole
Counselor, LMHC, MS, NCC
Verified Verified
Fayetteville, NY 13066
Together with my clients, we examine the sources of their pain and figure out ways to think about and approach them differently that will allow them to heal and thrive.
Life often presents us with a myriad of challenges, and no one has to figure it all out alone. My role as a counselor is to help you find strategies to navigate the difficulties that prevent you from feeling and doing your best. I work primarily with adolescents, teens, and young adults experiencing a wide array of struggles. These include, but are not limited to, anxiety, OCD, depression, ADHD, family issues, health-related issues, and behavioral issues both at home and at school. Additionally, I work with adults with intergenerational trauma and family of origin concerns and how these affect their life as adults.
Together with my clients, we examine the sources of their pain and figure out ways to think about and approach them differently that will allow them to heal and thrive.
Life often presents us with a myriad of challenges, and no one has to figure it all out alone. My role as a counselor is to help you find strategies to navigate the difficulties that prevent you from feeling and doing your best. I work primarily with adolescents, teens, and young adults experiencing a wide array of struggles. These include, but are not limited to, anxiety, OCD, depression, ADHD, family issues, health-related issues, and behavioral issues both at home and at school. Additionally, I work with adults with intergenerational trauma and family of origin concerns and how these affect their life as adults.
(315) 365-5978 View (315) 365-5978
Photo of Laura Hruska, Psychologist in Fayetteville, NY
Laura Hruska
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fayetteville, NY 13066  (Online Only)
I am an experienced licensed psychologist with specialty training in treating and assessing a wide range of difficulties including those related to mood, anxiety, stress & trauma, maternal mental health, life transitions, chronic pain, and insomnia.
Accepting new patients for telehealth. I start with a psychological assessment to better understand symptoms and build a treatment plan with each client to align their goals and needs with the best psychotherapy practices. Specialty areas include: anxiety, depression, trauma, physical health problems, pain, sleep difficulties, and stress management. I generally work with evidence-based treatments, such as CBT, as research supports the use of time-limited (not forever) psychotherapies with a focus on behavioral coping skills, education, and processing emotions and thoughts more effectively. -Please visit my WEBSITE: reillypsych.com
I am an experienced licensed psychologist with specialty training in treating and assessing a wide range of difficulties including those related to mood, anxiety, stress & trauma, maternal mental health, life transitions, chronic pain, and insomnia.
Accepting new patients for telehealth. I start with a psychological assessment to better understand symptoms and build a treatment plan with each client to align their goals and needs with the best psychotherapy practices. Specialty areas include: anxiety, depression, trauma, physical health problems, pain, sleep difficulties, and stress management. I generally work with evidence-based treatments, such as CBT, as research supports the use of time-limited (not forever) psychotherapies with a focus on behavioral coping skills, education, and processing emotions and thoughts more effectively. -Please visit my WEBSITE: reillypsych.com
(315) 509-3057 View (315) 509-3057
Photo of Aaron Max Klein, Counselor in Fayetteville, NY
Aaron Max Klein
Counselor, LMHC, CASACMC, SEP™
Verified Verified
Fayetteville, NY 13066  (Online Only)
Does no one gets how anxious, frustrated or checked out you feel? It's so hard to be misunderstood. Trauma, family pressure, relationship issues; these things can have you stuck in a cycle of unhappiness. These experiences may even have you anxious, depressed and seeking relief through using substances. You’ve tried everything you can to address issues on your own. You want someone to actually help you. Despite it being hard, you're willing to ask for help. I want you to know that you can feel more connected, whole, energized and fulfilled. I am dedicated to helping you, using somatic therapy to link the mind, body and spirit.
Does no one gets how anxious, frustrated or checked out you feel? It's so hard to be misunderstood. Trauma, family pressure, relationship issues; these things can have you stuck in a cycle of unhappiness. These experiences may even have you anxious, depressed and seeking relief through using substances. You’ve tried everything you can to address issues on your own. You want someone to actually help you. Despite it being hard, you're willing to ask for help. I want you to know that you can feel more connected, whole, energized and fulfilled. I am dedicated to helping you, using somatic therapy to link the mind, body and spirit.
(315) 784-4129 View (315) 784-4129
Restoration Psychiatry
MD, MRCPSYC, MSc, FACL, ACSM
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Fayetteville, NY 13066  (Online Only)
We offer non-invasive Trans-Cranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), a state of the art treatment for depression, anxiety and OCD. We will work with your insurance company to get you authorized. You only need to focus on your restoration. At Upstate Professional Center (UPC), we proudly supports a rich collection of counselors and healers that includes psychiatrists, nurse practitioner, social workers, therapists, acupuncturist, physiologist, and massage therapist.
We offer non-invasive Trans-Cranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), a state of the art treatment for depression, anxiety and OCD. We will work with your insurance company to get you authorized. You only need to focus on your restoration. At Upstate Professional Center (UPC), we proudly supports a rich collection of counselors and healers that includes psychiatrists, nurse practitioner, social workers, therapists, acupuncturist, physiologist, and massage therapist.
(315) 544-3621 View (315) 544-3621
Photo of Ruth A Larson, Counselor in Fayetteville, NY
Ruth A Larson
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Fayetteville, NY 13066  (Online Only)
Do you struggle feeling authentic? Sometimes it feels like we are wearing a mask in hopes of being accepted by the people in our lives. How much of your time do you spend masking? Do you worry that even a therapist may not understand you and your concerns? I want you to know that I am open, welcoming, affirming, Body Positive, Sex Positive, Polyamorous/Ethical Non-Monogamy Positive, and Kink/BDSM Positive! I believe in radical acceptance. I am a Queer, cisgender Woman and would like to help you take off your mask, embrace your true identity, and live life to the fullest! Life can be so much better!
Do you struggle feeling authentic? Sometimes it feels like we are wearing a mask in hopes of being accepted by the people in our lives. How much of your time do you spend masking? Do you worry that even a therapist may not understand you and your concerns? I want you to know that I am open, welcoming, affirming, Body Positive, Sex Positive, Polyamorous/Ethical Non-Monogamy Positive, and Kink/BDSM Positive! I believe in radical acceptance. I am a Queer, cisgender Woman and would like to help you take off your mask, embrace your true identity, and live life to the fullest! Life can be so much better!
(315) 859-6749 View (315) 859-6749
Photo of Nicole McDonald, Counselor in Fayetteville, NY
Nicole McDonald
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Fayetteville, NY 13066  (Online Only)
Taking new patients! I am pleased you found my private teletherapy website. Reaching out takes courage and I look forward to hearing from you so we can begin our journey together. I have years of experience working with adolescents, adults and couples.
Taking new patients! I am pleased you found my private teletherapy website. Reaching out takes courage and I look forward to hearing from you so we can begin our journey together. I have years of experience working with adolescents, adults and couples.
(315) 896-3443 View (315) 896-3443
Photo of Jim Feinberg LCSW-r CH.t, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Fayetteville, NY
Jim Feinberg LCSW-r CH.t
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R, CHT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Fayetteville, NY 13066
Are you feeling down? Living with HIV/AIDS? Are you facing challenges as an LBGT person? Are you struggling with substances? Are you grieving the loss of a loved one? Sense of self? Are you and your intimate partner having difficulties in your relationship? Are people telling you you are not the same person they know? I have 23 years of experience in working with Gay and Lesbian issues, people with HIV/AIDS, Grief/Loss, Substance Abuse, Mental Health issues, Depression, Anxiety, Individual and Couples therapy. I work in conjunction with you , to be forthcoming, find your strengths and maximize the benefits of therapy.
Are you feeling down? Living with HIV/AIDS? Are you facing challenges as an LBGT person? Are you struggling with substances? Are you grieving the loss of a loved one? Sense of self? Are you and your intimate partner having difficulties in your relationship? Are people telling you you are not the same person they know? I have 23 years of experience in working with Gay and Lesbian issues, people with HIV/AIDS, Grief/Loss, Substance Abuse, Mental Health issues, Depression, Anxiety, Individual and Couples therapy. I work in conjunction with you , to be forthcoming, find your strengths and maximize the benefits of therapy.
(718) 412-8126 View (718) 412-8126
Photo of Tracy Carmody, Counselor in Fayetteville, NY
Tracy Carmody
Counselor, MS, LMHC, NCC, CASAC-M
Verified Verified
16 Endorsed
Fayetteville, NY 13066
Accepting New Clients April 2024 in person! Partnering with individuals to address addiction and/or behavioral health concerns. Experienced in helping individuals with a wide range of issues including: OCD, bipolar, depression, anxiety, major life transitions, trauma, maternal health, grief, relationship stress, addictive behavior, & addiction in the family. Assessing level of impairment from behavioral health, substance abuse, postpartum, or co-occurring disorder. Encouraging a self defined path to recovery through a variety of approaches. Intervention and consultation services available.
Accepting New Clients April 2024 in person! Partnering with individuals to address addiction and/or behavioral health concerns. Experienced in helping individuals with a wide range of issues including: OCD, bipolar, depression, anxiety, major life transitions, trauma, maternal health, grief, relationship stress, addictive behavior, & addiction in the family. Assessing level of impairment from behavioral health, substance abuse, postpartum, or co-occurring disorder. Encouraging a self defined path to recovery through a variety of approaches. Intervention and consultation services available.
(315) 557-6059 View (315) 557-6059
Photo of Maryann Piazza Transform To Awaken, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Fayetteville, NY
Maryann Piazza Transform To Awaken
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fayetteville, NY 13066  (Online Only)
I am committed to supporting individuals to awaken to their highest potential. If you have experienced trauma, ptsd, or have ongoing negative self talk that gets in the way of your best life I can help support you to achieve long term success. I help people to clear old patterns and make lasting changes in their lives. We all want to create a life that we feel we are in control and have peace in our lives. Please join me in creating that best life balance. www.transformtoawaken.com
I am committed to supporting individuals to awaken to their highest potential. If you have experienced trauma, ptsd, or have ongoing negative self talk that gets in the way of your best life I can help support you to achieve long term success. I help people to clear old patterns and make lasting changes in their lives. We all want to create a life that we feel we are in control and have peace in our lives. Please join me in creating that best life balance. www.transformtoawaken.com
(315) 333-7045 View (315) 333-7045

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Maria Manna, Counselor in Fayetteville, NY
Maria Manna
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Syracuse, NY 13202
My areas of focus include working with the LGBTQIA+ communities, chronic pain/illness, mood/anxiety disorders, grief and relationship dynamics.
I’ve been a Licensed Mental Health Counselor for 20 years, working the last 10+ years in private practice in Ithaca, NY. While I have an office on N. Tioga Street in downtown Ithaca, the majority of my meetings happen online. I take a collaborative approach to this work and draw on my experience and education to provide an individualized approach to therapy. I work with people who are managing acute or chronic physical illness, pain and the often complicated diagnostic process.
My areas of focus include working with the LGBTQIA+ communities, chronic pain/illness, mood/anxiety disorders, grief and relationship dynamics.
I’ve been a Licensed Mental Health Counselor for 20 years, working the last 10+ years in private practice in Ithaca, NY. While I have an office on N. Tioga Street in downtown Ithaca, the majority of my meetings happen online. I take a collaborative approach to this work and draw on my experience and education to provide an individualized approach to therapy. I work with people who are managing acute or chronic physical illness, pain and the often complicated diagnostic process.
(607) 246-8636 View (607) 246-8636
Photo of Terri St. George, Counselor in Fayetteville, NY
Terri St. George
Counselor, MA, LMHC, CST
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Syracuse, NY 13201
Your sexual health matters! It would be my pleasure to help you overcome: male performance problems; low or mismatched sexual desire; infidelity; ageing; illness; orgasm difficulties; sexual identity; sexual & pelvic pain; out of control sexual behaviors or problems w/ pornography; sexual trauma, negotiating kinks; alternative lifestyles/families; & more.
A skilled therapist can help you work through difficulties you may not have been able to overcome on your own. Life is hard; and the very real challenges, setbacks, & obstacles we experience a long the way can stand in the way of happiness. But, I believe that a strong & loving connection to yourself & others can buffer the stress in life. This is where I can help: I am a generalist therapist w/specialties in Sex Therapy, Couples/Marital Therapy, Maternal/Reproductive Mental Health (specializing in perinatal loss & grief), and breast & GYN cancer recovery.
Your sexual health matters! It would be my pleasure to help you overcome: male performance problems; low or mismatched sexual desire; infidelity; ageing; illness; orgasm difficulties; sexual identity; sexual & pelvic pain; out of control sexual behaviors or problems w/ pornography; sexual trauma, negotiating kinks; alternative lifestyles/families; & more.
A skilled therapist can help you work through difficulties you may not have been able to overcome on your own. Life is hard; and the very real challenges, setbacks, & obstacles we experience a long the way can stand in the way of happiness. But, I believe that a strong & loving connection to yourself & others can buffer the stress in life. This is where I can help: I am a generalist therapist w/specialties in Sex Therapy, Couples/Marital Therapy, Maternal/Reproductive Mental Health (specializing in perinatal loss & grief), and breast & GYN cancer recovery.
(518) 930-5551 View (518) 930-5551
Photo of Barbara Hanna, Marriage & Family Therapist in Fayetteville, NY
Barbara Hanna
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Syracuse, NY 13201  (Online Only)
As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I am trained to think systemically and work with individuals, couples and families. I have worked with a wide range of presenting problems, such as: depression and anxiety, stress related to life transitions (such as marriage, pregnancy, graduation, switching careers, etc), relationship & family issues, issues related to parenting and children, trauma, chronic pain, and more.
As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I am trained to think systemically and work with individuals, couples and families. I have worked with a wide range of presenting problems, such as: depression and anxiety, stress related to life transitions (such as marriage, pregnancy, graduation, switching careers, etc), relationship & family issues, issues related to parenting and children, trauma, chronic pain, and more.
(332) 264-1716 View (332) 264-1716
Photo of Bridget O'Shea Bernstein, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Fayetteville, NY
Bridget O'Shea Bernstein
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Not Verified Not Verified
Syracuse, NY 13203  (Online Only)
I specialize in working with attachment/developmental trauma, sexual abuse, addiction, and chronic illness.
I am committed to creating a soft, genuine, relational space for my clients to get to know their inner systems. I have a graduate degree in Social Work, and I am trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS). I have been engaged with the IFS model for over nine years, and it is the primary model I use for psychotherapeutic work. I have assisted as a staff member on three Level 1 IFS trainings, helping other therapists and practitioners learn the model.
I specialize in working with attachment/developmental trauma, sexual abuse, addiction, and chronic illness.
I am committed to creating a soft, genuine, relational space for my clients to get to know their inner systems. I have a graduate degree in Social Work, and I am trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS). I have been engaged with the IFS model for over nine years, and it is the primary model I use for psychotherapeutic work. I have assisted as a staff member on three Level 1 IFS trainings, helping other therapists and practitioners learn the model.
(929) 419-4486 View (929) 419-4486
Photo of Adriana Rodriguez-Baptiste, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Fayetteville, NY
Adriana Rodriguez-Baptiste
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Manlius, NY 13104  (Online Only)
Perhaps you are looking for a fulfilling life, but you’re struggling with feeling broken or incomplete because you aren't a mother. Maybe you’re bogged down with the weight of society's pressure to have children. You crave purpose and connection with others, but maybe you struggle to express your pain. You are tired of receiving unsolicited advice and questions about your reproductive system. This leaves you wondering: Is there life beyond motherhood?
Perhaps you are looking for a fulfilling life, but you’re struggling with feeling broken or incomplete because you aren't a mother. Maybe you’re bogged down with the weight of society's pressure to have children. You crave purpose and connection with others, but maybe you struggle to express your pain. You are tired of receiving unsolicited advice and questions about your reproductive system. This leaves you wondering: Is there life beyond motherhood?
(315) 562-0017 View (315) 562-0017
Photo of Judith S Huober, Pre-Licensed Professional in Fayetteville, NY
Judith S Huober
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, MS, LP-MHC
Verified Verified
Syracuse, NY 13214  (Online Only)
Are you looking to heal? To change? To accept challenges and cope with grace? Become more well balanced, enjoy life and relationships more, flourish in your chosen path? I welcome individuals and families coping with issues of aging such as chronic/progressive illness, pain, and cognitive changes; as well as those with trauma, ambiguous loss and disenfranchised grief; stress, depression and anxiety. I will be a witness, a listener, a partner and a guide as you use self-awareness, self-compassion, wisdom and intentionality to learn and cope with the practical and emotional tasks and challenges of your life with heart, mind and soul.
Are you looking to heal? To change? To accept challenges and cope with grace? Become more well balanced, enjoy life and relationships more, flourish in your chosen path? I welcome individuals and families coping with issues of aging such as chronic/progressive illness, pain, and cognitive changes; as well as those with trauma, ambiguous loss and disenfranchised grief; stress, depression and anxiety. I will be a witness, a listener, a partner and a guide as you use self-awareness, self-compassion, wisdom and intentionality to learn and cope with the practical and emotional tasks and challenges of your life with heart, mind and soul.
(315) 284-8647 View (315) 284-8647
Photo of Serenity Psychotherapy PLLC. Group Practice, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Fayetteville, NY
Serenity Psychotherapy PLLC. Group Practice
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Syracuse, NY 13206  (Online Only)
Getting to the root of your pain, learning to deal with it, building upon your strengths then learning to act versus react to people and events is the goal of our approach. We have a long history of working with diverse populations, who have developed varied problems: Mental Health, Substance Abuse, Marital, Parenting, Occupational, grief and more Our approach is to work with your strengths; help you to develop new views and skills and then organize them into a plan that works in obtaining your goals.
Getting to the root of your pain, learning to deal with it, building upon your strengths then learning to act versus react to people and events is the goal of our approach. We have a long history of working with diverse populations, who have developed varied problems: Mental Health, Substance Abuse, Marital, Parenting, Occupational, grief and more Our approach is to work with your strengths; help you to develop new views and skills and then organize them into a plan that works in obtaining your goals.
(315) 277-6917 View (315) 277-6917
Photo of Sarah McGuire-Mendoza, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Fayetteville, NY
Sarah McGuire-Mendoza
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
East Syracuse, NY 13057  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
4/2024: Waitlist only at this time. Hi, hello, and welcome! I’m glad you’re here, taking the first big step towards making change in your life. I know it can be intimidating, but therapy doesn’t have to be overwhelming. I’m here to help you get where you want to be in life, and that is something we can do together. My specialties are anxiety, panic, stress management, and chronic or new medical conditions, including pain. If you'd like to schedule a free consultation or learn more about me please check out my website for more information!
4/2024: Waitlist only at this time. Hi, hello, and welcome! I’m glad you’re here, taking the first big step towards making change in your life. I know it can be intimidating, but therapy doesn’t have to be overwhelming. I’m here to help you get where you want to be in life, and that is something we can do together. My specialties are anxiety, panic, stress management, and chronic or new medical conditions, including pain. If you'd like to schedule a free consultation or learn more about me please check out my website for more information!
(585) 440-9081 View (585) 440-9081

See more therapy options for Fayetteville

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.