Chronic Pain Counselling in West End, London
![Photo of Dawn Hill, MUKCP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45299967-87e0-4642-94ed-8ed5820c8355/3/320x400.jpeg)
My experience includes a wide range of issues to include anxiety, bereavement, pain & stress to support ages from adolescence to elderly years in a variety of healthcare, NHS, public, private, corporate & educational settings.
Hello I'm Dawn, are you recognising something is not right with yourself or somebody you care about? Maybe you're struggling to manage in these difficult times or have been struggling for a long time now? - It's time to seek help by reaching out. I offer a safe relational style of engagement to listen and help identify and deal with what is upsetting your well-being & full life.
My experience includes a wide range of issues to include anxiety, bereavement, pain & stress to support ages from adolescence to elderly years in a variety of healthcare, NHS, public, private, corporate & educational settings.
Hello I'm Dawn, are you recognising something is not right with yourself or somebody you care about? Maybe you're struggling to manage in these difficult times or have been struggling for a long time now? - It's time to seek help by reaching out. I offer a safe relational style of engagement to listen and help identify and deal with what is upsetting your well-being & full life.
![Photo of Kelly Dickson - Dr Kelly Dickson, PhD, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46c2f602-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have experience working with people struggling with a range of issues, including relationships difficulties, career concerns, stress, anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief, narcissism, trauma, chronic pain and LGBTQ issues.
The evidence suggests that finding a therapist you feel able to talk to and understood by is key to a successful therapeutic experience. I am a down-to-earth, intelligent and non-judgmental integrative psychotherapist working with a range of issues. Ideally, therapy is a collaborative partnership and my style is active and empowering. I see you as the 'expert' in your life and myself as the 'expert' on therapeutic interventions. Together we focus on utilising your strengths and fostering insight and awareness in a safe and confidential environment. I love my work and look forward to helping you improve your mental health and wellbeing
I have experience working with people struggling with a range of issues, including relationships difficulties, career concerns, stress, anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief, narcissism, trauma, chronic pain and LGBTQ issues.
The evidence suggests that finding a therapist you feel able to talk to and understood by is key to a successful therapeutic experience. I am a down-to-earth, intelligent and non-judgmental integrative psychotherapist working with a range of issues. Ideally, therapy is a collaborative partnership and my style is active and empowering. I see you as the 'expert' in your life and myself as the 'expert' on therapeutic interventions. Together we focus on utilising your strengths and fostering insight and awareness in a safe and confidential environment. I love my work and look forward to helping you improve your mental health and wellbeing
![Photo of Mariana Pascu, BACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0de03666-08f5-46e7-ba04-1e2c2dddbde5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hello, and welcome to my profile. You may be at a crossroads in life, struggling with anxiety/stress or depression. You may be looking to change something, find clarity, or find relief from the pain. Or you may simply want to be and feel heard. I am a fully qualified psychodynamic therapist (PGDip University of Oxford) and psychologist (BSc), with 17 years experience of working with people. I have enormous respect for those who dare to seek help. This takes courage, but it will also likely be the most rewarding work you will ever do. And you do not have to do it alone.
Hello, and welcome to my profile. You may be at a crossroads in life, struggling with anxiety/stress or depression. You may be looking to change something, find clarity, or find relief from the pain. Or you may simply want to be and feel heard. I am a fully qualified psychodynamic therapist (PGDip University of Oxford) and psychologist (BSc), with 17 years experience of working with people. I have enormous respect for those who dare to seek help. This takes courage, but it will also likely be the most rewarding work you will ever do. And you do not have to do it alone.
![Photo of Lee Valls - The London Practice, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3210a01d-7b5b-4f0c-b819-2d5779f7c012/2/320x400.jpeg)
The London Practice
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
West End, London WC2H
We have experience with a wide variety of issues, including: Relationship, Family issues, Stress, Anxiety, Depression, HIV, Sexuality, Life threatening illness, Addiction, Bereavement, Loss of meaning and purpose, Identity issues, Low self-esteem, Relationship issues, Sexual abuse, Suicidal thoughts and Employment issues.
We believe that everyone is unique and therefore is dealt with in a way that best caters to his or her individual needs. We work with you by exploring your world to see how you engage with your life and the people around you. Along the journey, we will explore your past, look at your present and see how you perceive the future. We will help you become more aware of your values, beliefs and limitations and help you connect and improve your relationship with yourself. This process may be challenging, yet extremely rewarding as we access the changes you want to make towards living the life that you want to live.
We have experience with a wide variety of issues, including: Relationship, Family issues, Stress, Anxiety, Depression, HIV, Sexuality, Life threatening illness, Addiction, Bereavement, Loss of meaning and purpose, Identity issues, Low self-esteem, Relationship issues, Sexual abuse, Suicidal thoughts and Employment issues.
We believe that everyone is unique and therefore is dealt with in a way that best caters to his or her individual needs. We work with you by exploring your world to see how you engage with your life and the people around you. Along the journey, we will explore your past, look at your present and see how you perceive the future. We will help you become more aware of your values, beliefs and limitations and help you connect and improve your relationship with yourself. This process may be challenging, yet extremely rewarding as we access the changes you want to make towards living the life that you want to live.
![Photo of Dr Claudia Chisari, PhD, CPsychol, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c4792ba0-ca0c-4aa6-b0e0-756b4f451878/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Chartered Psychologist and Psychotherapist with 10 years experience of supporting people with chronic/persistent pain, particularly pelvic pain conditions like Vulvodynia, Vaginismus, Endometriosis, UTIs. I have a PhD in Vulvodynia at King's College London, and a specialism in developing treatments in Pelvic pain through my practise, Bloume Health. I also support couples and partners of those who experience these issues, individually and/or together.
I am a Chartered Psychologist and Psychotherapist with 10 years experience of supporting people with chronic/persistent pain, particularly pelvic pain conditions like Vulvodynia, Vaginismus, Endometriosis, UTIs. I have a PhD in Vulvodynia at King's College London, and a specialism in developing treatments in Pelvic pain through my practise, Bloume Health. I also support couples and partners of those who experience these issues, individually and/or together.
![Photo of Victoria Walford, GMBPsS, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a9fa6a6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Hello! I healed myself from Complex PTSD, to include flashbacks, anxiety, pain, sadness, anger, unwanted thoughts, sleepless nights and overwhelming feelings. I will teach you the tools to overcome your challenges via pocketstressbuster.com. What bothers you now? What do you want to achieve? This is your starting point. Your life experience shapes your behaviour and personality. Unwanted thoughts, feelings and habits are a product of your brain trying to help you, but by now that help is out of date. Learn how EMDR can 're-set yourself’ and strengthen your nervous system to build resilience for future happiness and success.
Hello! I healed myself from Complex PTSD, to include flashbacks, anxiety, pain, sadness, anger, unwanted thoughts, sleepless nights and overwhelming feelings. I will teach you the tools to overcome your challenges via pocketstressbuster.com. What bothers you now? What do you want to achieve? This is your starting point. Your life experience shapes your behaviour and personality. Unwanted thoughts, feelings and habits are a product of your brain trying to help you, but by now that help is out of date. Learn how EMDR can 're-set yourself’ and strengthen your nervous system to build resilience for future happiness and success.
![Photo of Dr Anna Flo Arcas, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/00814174-d497-486f-b09b-f71f22c035f7/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr Anna Flo Arcas
Psychologist, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West End, London WC2H
Throughout my experience I have witnessed human strength and the difficulties and struggles clients undergo while dealing with pain and life-changing experiences.
I am a Chartered Counselling Psychologist based in London, with experience in a wide variety of settings, including the NHS, third sector, and private organisations. My areas of expertise are trauma, mood, and affective and relational difficulties, and I have worked in specialist services in these areas for nearly 10 years. I work from an integrative perspective, and thus adapt my work to the experiences and needs of each client. I have a special interest in critical approaches to mental health; linguistically sensitive services; and working with different forms of expression, including through the body, with objects, music, or art.
Throughout my experience I have witnessed human strength and the difficulties and struggles clients undergo while dealing with pain and life-changing experiences.
I am a Chartered Counselling Psychologist based in London, with experience in a wide variety of settings, including the NHS, third sector, and private organisations. My areas of expertise are trauma, mood, and affective and relational difficulties, and I have worked in specialist services in these areas for nearly 10 years. I work from an integrative perspective, and thus adapt my work to the experiences and needs of each client. I have a special interest in critical approaches to mental health; linguistically sensitive services; and working with different forms of expression, including through the body, with objects, music, or art.
![Photo of Dr Louise Roper, HCPC - Health Psych., Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8db9d944-da84-4f59-bc41-e11b702a1c95/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr Louise Roper
Psychologist, HCPC - Health Psych.
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West End, London WC1A (Online Only)
I can help by supporting clients to manage chronic illness and the changes that go with chronic illness (E.
I am a Principal Health Psychologist (part time) in the NHS who supports people with chronic illness, including Long Covid. I also support people with issues with their sleep, people with chronic fatigue & those with pain. I would like to help you get back to the life you want to live and support you to live well despite what is going on for you at this point in time. I also work with health professionals who are experiencing burnout or other difficult issues either at work or in their home life.
I can help by supporting clients to manage chronic illness and the changes that go with chronic illness (E.
I am a Principal Health Psychologist (part time) in the NHS who supports people with chronic illness, including Long Covid. I also support people with issues with their sleep, people with chronic fatigue & those with pain. I would like to help you get back to the life you want to live and support you to live well despite what is going on for you at this point in time. I also work with health professionals who are experiencing burnout or other difficult issues either at work or in their home life.
![Photo of Dr Jinnie Ooi, CPsychol, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/37844b89-7d7c-4b73-b4c6-abbd0e6f3ce1/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have experience working in the NHS supporting children, families and adults living with a range of physical health conditions including: chronic pain and/or fatigue, cancer, diabetes, cardiac conditions, and neurological conditions (stroke, dementia, epilepsy).
I am a Chartered Clinical Psychologist specialising in physical health conditions. If you are finding aspects of life challenging due to living with a health condition or you are supporting a loved one living with a health condition, I may be able to support you. Starting therapy can feel rather daunting. This is why I offer a warm and compassionate approach in working with your difficulties together. I offer brief and targeted therapy focused on developing coping skills to enable you to live a meaningful life alongside the health condition. I can also support you with your wellbeing if you do not live with a health condition.
I have experience working in the NHS supporting children, families and adults living with a range of physical health conditions including: chronic pain and/or fatigue, cancer, diabetes, cardiac conditions, and neurological conditions (stroke, dementia, epilepsy).
I am a Chartered Clinical Psychologist specialising in physical health conditions. If you are finding aspects of life challenging due to living with a health condition or you are supporting a loved one living with a health condition, I may be able to support you. Starting therapy can feel rather daunting. This is why I offer a warm and compassionate approach in working with your difficulties together. I offer brief and targeted therapy focused on developing coping skills to enable you to live a meaningful life alongside the health condition. I can also support you with your wellbeing if you do not live with a health condition.
![Photo of Oliver Hutson, MA, MUKCP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dee6b8db-f10f-4499-bded-4b6686a6b294/2/320x400.jpeg)
Much of our pain and wounding has arisen within relationship.
Core Process is an integrative therapy that engages with all forms of suffering. It works with body and mind, meeting how and where we are in each moment. By listening to our inner sense, we begin to see where we are stuck. This can empower us to make new choices about how we are living, to reside more often in our truth. This in turn brings us closer with the creation of meaning in our lives and connects us with a greater sense of our authenticity and freedom.
Much of our pain and wounding has arisen within relationship.
Core Process is an integrative therapy that engages with all forms of suffering. It works with body and mind, meeting how and where we are in each moment. By listening to our inner sense, we begin to see where we are stuck. This can empower us to make new choices about how we are living, to reside more often in our truth. This in turn brings us closer with the creation of meaning in our lives and connects us with a greater sense of our authenticity and freedom.
![Photo of Steven Coen, PhD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8cc1669d-baa6-4e2c-bd20-b71494ad73e9/3/320x400.jpeg)
Steven Coen
Psychologist, PhD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
West End, London WC1H (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Dr. Coen is a qualified and experienced Clinical Psychologist (DClinPsy) and Chartered Psychologist (CPsychol) providing evidence based support to people who are experiencing emotional and psychological difficulties. He has a wealth of experience in helping individuals overcome mental health challenges in order to reconnect with their values and areas of life that are important to them such as work, family and friends and getting back in touch with activities that bring enjoyment and pleasure. He takes a collaborative, flexible approach to therapy; providing a safe, calm environment in which to explore problems together.
Dr. Coen is a qualified and experienced Clinical Psychologist (DClinPsy) and Chartered Psychologist (CPsychol) providing evidence based support to people who are experiencing emotional and psychological difficulties. He has a wealth of experience in helping individuals overcome mental health challenges in order to reconnect with their values and areas of life that are important to them such as work, family and friends and getting back in touch with activities that bring enjoyment and pleasure. He takes a collaborative, flexible approach to therapy; providing a safe, calm environment in which to explore problems together.
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I specialise in assisting clients who are navigating the complexities of emotional dysregulation due to chronic stress, traumatic life events, anxiety, depression and neurodiversity. ( ADHD and ASC)
I specialise in assisting clients who are navigating the complexities of emotional dysregulation due to chronic stress, traumatic life events, anxiety, depression and neurodiversity. ( ADHD and ASC)
![Photo of Elena Tatiana Kantartzis, DCounsPsych, CPsychol, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/31ada4e1-e021-457c-a1aa-7fb69e000edd/3/320x400.jpeg)
Elena Tatiana Kantartzis
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, CPsychol
Verified Verified
West End, London WC2H (Online Only)
Being human, it is only natural we are continuously faced with life's numerous challenges. Painful emotions, such as fear, sadness, grief, frustration, anger and many more show up in response to life's challenges and we have all been 'well-trained' to go for 'fixing' or 'controlling' these responses in the quickest way possible. Ironically, it is this urge to control such painful internal experiences, that often creates and in fact exacerbates our struggles! I am here to help you gain new skills to manage difficult internal experiences in a more helpful manner so you can start living your life more fully.
Being human, it is only natural we are continuously faced with life's numerous challenges. Painful emotions, such as fear, sadness, grief, frustration, anger and many more show up in response to life's challenges and we have all been 'well-trained' to go for 'fixing' or 'controlling' these responses in the quickest way possible. Ironically, it is this urge to control such painful internal experiences, that often creates and in fact exacerbates our struggles! I am here to help you gain new skills to manage difficult internal experiences in a more helpful manner so you can start living your life more fully.
![Photo of Dr Heather Sequeira Ph.d Ocd Trauma, PhD, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c6472dea-eb2e-49b5-a773-5fab248f538d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr Heather Sequeira Ph.d Ocd Trauma
Psychologist, PhD, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
West End, London WC2H
I am a consultant psychologist and work specifically with people who have OCD or Trauma. In 25 years of specialist practice, I have helped 1000+ people get their lives back. It's not your fault if previous therapy hasn't yet yielded the desired results. Often, this is due to a lack of therapist expertise. I tailor therapy to exactly what is needed for YOUR issues. Therefore, your time & monetary investment is often less with me than with other non-specialist psychologists. I see only a small number of clients at any one time so that I can offer you the highest level of service.
I am a consultant psychologist and work specifically with people who have OCD or Trauma. In 25 years of specialist practice, I have helped 1000+ people get their lives back. It's not your fault if previous therapy hasn't yet yielded the desired results. Often, this is due to a lack of therapist expertise. I tailor therapy to exactly what is needed for YOUR issues. Therefore, your time & monetary investment is often less with me than with other non-specialist psychologists. I see only a small number of clients at any one time so that I can offer you the highest level of service.
![Photo of Lisa Ind, DCounsPsych, MUKCP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ad60291-1f6c-4cb7-b27f-dd24d6ff73d2/2/320x400.png)
Moving towards a more fulfilling and authentic life can be challenging, especially when you feel stuck in your past or unable to change habits and patterns of behaviour. Maybe you are struggling to set boundaries or recognise your own needs. Perhaps you are in physical discomfort, feel depressed or have a sense of being lost in life. Our work together will explore the beliefs and stories we have created about ourselves over time, that can hold us back. No matter how confused or overwhelmed you may feel, my aim is to support you on your journey to a healthier, happier life.
Moving towards a more fulfilling and authentic life can be challenging, especially when you feel stuck in your past or unable to change habits and patterns of behaviour. Maybe you are struggling to set boundaries or recognise your own needs. Perhaps you are in physical discomfort, feel depressed or have a sense of being lost in life. Our work together will explore the beliefs and stories we have created about ourselves over time, that can hold us back. No matter how confused or overwhelmed you may feel, my aim is to support you on your journey to a healthier, happier life.
![Photo of Nabeela Hussain - Simply Psychotherapy Ltd., MSc, MBABCP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d479ee97-247c-48cd-9afc-d671a030270b/1/320x400.png)
Simply Psychotherapy Ltd.
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
West End, London WC2H (Online Only)
At Simply Psychotherapy, our passion is helping individuals like you overcome your mental health difficulties and achieve lasting progress and wellbeing. We offer evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) to address a wide range of mental health conditions. If you are struggling with depression, excessive worrying, stress, low self-esteem, health anxiety, social anxiety, OCD, PTSD, panic attacks, body dysmorphia, binge eating, bulimia, or phobias. Through therapy we can give you effective strategies to break free from the grip of these conditions.
At Simply Psychotherapy, our passion is helping individuals like you overcome your mental health difficulties and achieve lasting progress and wellbeing. We offer evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) to address a wide range of mental health conditions. If you are struggling with depression, excessive worrying, stress, low self-esteem, health anxiety, social anxiety, OCD, PTSD, panic attacks, body dysmorphia, binge eating, bulimia, or phobias. Through therapy we can give you effective strategies to break free from the grip of these conditions.
![Photo of Emma Penketh, MA, BPC, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f16f7108-7407-482f-a90b-640ebe316248/1/320x400.jpeg)
Many people experience emotional difficulties at some point in their lives, triggered by a particular event, or as a result of deeper unidentified issues. Talking to a psychodynamic therapist, in a safe and confidential environment, provides a unique opportunity to identify the themes and patterns of thought and behaviour that can generate emotional distress,. This can involve talking through past experiences and understanding how they impact you today. The relationship with the therapist is important, as it provides an opportunity to examine ways of thinking and relating in the here and now as well as developmental factors.
Many people experience emotional difficulties at some point in their lives, triggered by a particular event, or as a result of deeper unidentified issues. Talking to a psychodynamic therapist, in a safe and confidential environment, provides a unique opportunity to identify the themes and patterns of thought and behaviour that can generate emotional distress,. This can involve talking through past experiences and understanding how they impact you today. The relationship with the therapist is important, as it provides an opportunity to examine ways of thinking and relating in the here and now as well as developmental factors.
Dr. Annique Clopon is a Chartered Psychologist, has doctoral training in specialist methods of therapy, advancing in Cogntive Behavioural Therapy, (CBT) whilst adopting a person centred approach. Dr. Annique Clopon is further trained in Schema therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focused Therapy. She has doctoral training and in specialist methods of therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with (EDMR), Schema therapy training experience. Dr. Annique Clopon's practice is based around positive psychological principles to support people to be the best they can be.
Dr. Annique Clopon is a Chartered Psychologist, has doctoral training in specialist methods of therapy, advancing in Cogntive Behavioural Therapy, (CBT) whilst adopting a person centred approach. Dr. Annique Clopon is further trained in Schema therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focused Therapy. She has doctoral training and in specialist methods of therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with (EDMR), Schema therapy training experience. Dr. Annique Clopon's practice is based around positive psychological principles to support people to be the best they can be.
![Photo of Daisy Beckham, MSc, UKCP Trainee, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f2a991bc-a5cf-49de-bb74-343854244a26/2/320x400.jpeg)
Choosing a therapist can be daunting. There are so many types of therapy out there. It can help to know a little about the way your therapist works. My view is that we all have the potential to lead fulfilling lives but we sometimes get stuck along the way. My task is to work alongside you, creating a warm, supportive and non-judgemental environment for us to figure out what isn’t working for you and support you to find more creative ways to face what life throws your way. You might have a specific goal we work towards or you might not know exactly what you need but feel you need someone to speak to. That's fine.
Choosing a therapist can be daunting. There are so many types of therapy out there. It can help to know a little about the way your therapist works. My view is that we all have the potential to lead fulfilling lives but we sometimes get stuck along the way. My task is to work alongside you, creating a warm, supportive and non-judgemental environment for us to figure out what isn’t working for you and support you to find more creative ways to face what life throws your way. You might have a specific goal we work towards or you might not know exactly what you need but feel you need someone to speak to. That's fine.
![Photo of Killian Grogan, MBACP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/469ca341-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hello, I'm a fully trained counselling psychotherapist and I offer private individual therapy on an ongoing or short-term basis. I am trained in the psychodynamic method and CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) and use an integration of these ideas to best help you. It can be difficult to find a space to reflect and I offer a secure, non-judgemental, confidential environment, where together we can find that space for you. I am very patient and understand that taking that first step towards counselling, and beginning to make changes can be very difficult and I'll do my very best to support you.
Hello, I'm a fully trained counselling psychotherapist and I offer private individual therapy on an ongoing or short-term basis. I am trained in the psychodynamic method and CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) and use an integration of these ideas to best help you. It can be difficult to find a space to reflect and I offer a secure, non-judgemental, confidential environment, where together we can find that space for you. I am very patient and understand that taking that first step towards counselling, and beginning to make changes can be very difficult and I'll do my very best to support you.
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Chronic Pain Counsellors
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, catastrophising, 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 behavioural 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.