Chronic Pain Therapists in Anaheim Hills, CA
![Photo of Melissa Milne Percy, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f81038e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Melissa Milne Percy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Anaheim Hills, CA 92807 (Online Only)
Brene′ Brown facilitator, and I have lived experience working with hospital and medical professionals, and those living with chronic illness and in the helping professions.
Are you feeling lonely, hurt, or hopeless in your relationship? Do you and your partner live like roommates? Are you having the same fights over and over? Or are you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed by your physical and emotional challenges and changes? Are you uncertain or scared about what the future holds? I can help you restore health and peace in your relationships, your work, and your sense of self.
Brene′ Brown facilitator, and I have lived experience working with hospital and medical professionals, and those living with chronic illness and in the helping professions.
Are you feeling lonely, hurt, or hopeless in your relationship? Do you and your partner live like roommates? Are you having the same fights over and over? Or are you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed by your physical and emotional challenges and changes? Are you uncertain or scared about what the future holds? I can help you restore health and peace in your relationships, your work, and your sense of self.
![Photo of Natalie K Schmitz, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44d10c55-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I enjoy working with teens (15 and up), adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I have extensive experience with mental illness, addiction, parenting, marital difficulties, and LGBTQ issues. Most of the time, people have tried a variety of solutions before coming to me for help. Together, we can explore your concerns, your goals, your strengths, and the obstacles that are keeping you stuck or holding you back. In most cases, long-term therapy is not necessary. My goal is to help you heal and grow to the point that you no longer need therapy as quickly as possible.
I enjoy working with teens (15 and up), adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I have extensive experience with mental illness, addiction, parenting, marital difficulties, and LGBTQ issues. Most of the time, people have tried a variety of solutions before coming to me for help. Together, we can explore your concerns, your goals, your strengths, and the obstacles that are keeping you stuck or holding you back. In most cases, long-term therapy is not necessary. My goal is to help you heal and grow to the point that you no longer need therapy as quickly as possible.
![Photo of Roger Scott Wenger, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d6b3aed-d345-4dbd-a8d8-bdc481c4c96d/1/320x400.jpeg)
People come to the crossroads of seeking mental health treatment for many different reasons and with many different paths. I would like to meet you on that path and help you through it. I have over 30 years experience in counseling and therapy with 20 years working in addictions, dual diagnosis, inpatient mental health with persistent mental illness and outpatient with individuals and couples for both the Veterans Administration and as adjunct faculty at Loma Linda University Department of Psychiatry. I also do psychological assessment for diagnosis clarification and treatment planning. Visit our website www.drscottwenger.com.
People come to the crossroads of seeking mental health treatment for many different reasons and with many different paths. I would like to meet you on that path and help you through it. I have over 30 years experience in counseling and therapy with 20 years working in addictions, dual diagnosis, inpatient mental health with persistent mental illness and outpatient with individuals and couples for both the Veterans Administration and as adjunct faculty at Loma Linda University Department of Psychiatry. I also do psychological assessment for diagnosis clarification and treatment planning. Visit our website www.drscottwenger.com.
![Photo of Jessica Lucett, ABA, MS, PsyD, Psychological Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f5cf693c-9fc7-4759-a297-731bb0a56d5b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica Lucett
Psychological Associate, ABA, MS, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Anaheim Hills, CA 92807
NOW Accepting IN-Person/Virtual Appointments. The decision to enter into therapy is very personal. My goal is to help you resolve obstacles in your life that are creating additional pain. I work with adults and adolescents in an individual and group counseling setting. This allows me to provide guidance for clients to resolve pain from difficult events and will come out with stronger coping strategies and self-care. We can't change our past experiences or current diagnostics, but we can work together to better understand and work with the challenges in your life.
NOW Accepting IN-Person/Virtual Appointments. The decision to enter into therapy is very personal. My goal is to help you resolve obstacles in your life that are creating additional pain. I work with adults and adolescents in an individual and group counseling setting. This allows me to provide guidance for clients to resolve pain from difficult events and will come out with stronger coping strategies and self-care. We can't change our past experiences or current diagnostics, but we can work together to better understand and work with the challenges in your life.
![Photo of Carolyn L Verity, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fcfc6762-830c-42a1-824d-25a376e7fa92/1/320x400.jpeg)
Carolyn Verity has over 30 years of experience in counseling and received her MA in Marriage, Family & Child Counseling from Pepperdine University. She has advanced training in anxiety and EMDR used in trauma recovery, and sexual betrayal. Carolyn Verity offers Christian-based counseling and a safe place to grow, learn, and heal together. She has been married for 55 years and enjoys time with her adult children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.She has a no-nonsense approach with care and compassion. She takes Eatna, Cigna ,and Blue Shield Insurance.
Carolyn Verity has over 30 years of experience in counseling and received her MA in Marriage, Family & Child Counseling from Pepperdine University. She has advanced training in anxiety and EMDR used in trauma recovery, and sexual betrayal. Carolyn Verity offers Christian-based counseling and a safe place to grow, learn, and heal together. She has been married for 55 years and enjoys time with her adult children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.She has a no-nonsense approach with care and compassion. She takes Eatna, Cigna ,and Blue Shield Insurance.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Raymond LoCascio, CHT](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40b84b73-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
With your physicians referral; *Pre and Post Surgery Hypnotherapy generally reduces stress, while lowering anesthesia and pain medication requirements, reducing discomfort.
As a clinical Hypnotherapist I see clients in my private practice office in Corona, California. I am here to help you learn to relax, change unwanted habits, build self esteem and achieve your goals enabling you to enjoy and experience life without unnecessary challenges. Some common issues that can be treated with hypnosis include: *Weight Management*Self Control*Smoking Cessation*Stress Management and Relaxation Techniques *Improving Sleep Habits *Focus/Drifting Attention *Goals and Motivation *Sports Success Patterns *Fitness Motivation *Students Test Anxiety and *Fear of Flying.
With your physicians referral; *Pre and Post Surgery Hypnotherapy generally reduces stress, while lowering anesthesia and pain medication requirements, reducing discomfort.
As a clinical Hypnotherapist I see clients in my private practice office in Corona, California. I am here to help you learn to relax, change unwanted habits, build self esteem and achieve your goals enabling you to enjoy and experience life without unnecessary challenges. Some common issues that can be treated with hypnosis include: *Weight Management*Self Control*Smoking Cessation*Stress Management and Relaxation Techniques *Improving Sleep Habits *Focus/Drifting Attention *Goals and Motivation *Sports Success Patterns *Fitness Motivation *Students Test Anxiety and *Fear of Flying.
![Photo of Robert D. Simpson, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cb3d4d6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Although I see most of my clients individually, my wife, Joyce, and I often work together providing individuals and couples with the uniqueness of dual perspectives and complementary approaches. I treat co-occurring problems such as relational (communication issues), trauma, anxiety, & depression. Addiction, in all its forms, including gambling, are targets of mine. I am considered a specialist in Family Recovery/Resiliency. We work closely with practitioners in integrative medicine for pain & addiction management In addition, I have been honored as a DOD Military Family LIfe Consultant & Critical Incident Stress Responder
Although I see most of my clients individually, my wife, Joyce, and I often work together providing individuals and couples with the uniqueness of dual perspectives and complementary approaches. I treat co-occurring problems such as relational (communication issues), trauma, anxiety, & depression. Addiction, in all its forms, including gambling, are targets of mine. I am considered a specialist in Family Recovery/Resiliency. We work closely with practitioners in integrative medicine for pain & addiction management In addition, I have been honored as a DOD Military Family LIfe Consultant & Critical Incident Stress Responder
![Photo of David Pincus, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c0f7417-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
In addition to training in the most effective behavioral approaches to anxiety (including panic and OCD) and symptoms of depression, I have specialty training in child, family, and marital therapy and also in guided imagery for pain management.
I am an Tenured Professor of Clinical Psychology at Chapman University (for my academic background, click here or paste in browser: https://www.chapman.edu/our-faculty/david-pincus). Of my various pursuits, psychotherapy is what I enjoy doing most. I been practicing therapy since 1992, and have benefited from the best possible training along the way. I am confident in knowing what makes therapy effective, but also in the uniqueness of each person's situation. My style is down-to-earth and practical. My job is basically to help you get you where you want to be in life in the simplest way that we can find.
In addition to training in the most effective behavioral approaches to anxiety (including panic and OCD) and symptoms of depression, I have specialty training in child, family, and marital therapy and also in guided imagery for pain management.
I am an Tenured Professor of Clinical Psychology at Chapman University (for my academic background, click here or paste in browser: https://www.chapman.edu/our-faculty/david-pincus). Of my various pursuits, psychotherapy is what I enjoy doing most. I been practicing therapy since 1992, and have benefited from the best possible training along the way. I am confident in knowing what makes therapy effective, but also in the uniqueness of each person's situation. My style is down-to-earth and practical. My job is basically to help you get you where you want to be in life in the simplest way that we can find.
![Photo of Sarah E. Reed, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3db30a21-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Sarah E. Reed
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Yorba Linda, CA 92885
My specialities include working with different forms of trauma such as sexual and emotional abuse, chronic Illness examples including Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, abandonment and neglect, depression and anxiety, suicide, attachment issues, grief & loss, and life transition.
I believe therapy is often the safe place to land. Struggling daily with past or present issues can often require incredible perseverance. Therapy may be helpful. I provide a warm, empathetic environment for you to begin to share, and a continued sense of safety. We will work together to uncover a better understanding of the struggles that brought you to therapy. I believe you have the ability to find what is needed to gain the growth and strength necessary to maintain a more connected sense of self.
My specialities include working with different forms of trauma such as sexual and emotional abuse, chronic Illness examples including Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, abandonment and neglect, depression and anxiety, suicide, attachment issues, grief & loss, and life transition.
I believe therapy is often the safe place to land. Struggling daily with past or present issues can often require incredible perseverance. Therapy may be helpful. I provide a warm, empathetic environment for you to begin to share, and a continued sense of safety. We will work together to uncover a better understanding of the struggles that brought you to therapy. I believe you have the ability to find what is needed to gain the growth and strength necessary to maintain a more connected sense of self.
![Photo of Susan Hurst, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fbb32ff8-3372-4ca4-91ce-956a7f7242bd/2/320x400.jpeg)
I see emotional pain as an opportunity to grow and become more aware of your own potential as a full functioning person.
I am interested in working with individuals couples and families who are facing changes in relationships. The first signs of depression and/or anxiety may be the need to work through unresolved issues. I have a special interest in the process of working through our personal "meaning in life" and how we recreate and grow with conflict and the resolution of conflict.
I see emotional pain as an opportunity to grow and become more aware of your own potential as a full functioning person.
I am interested in working with individuals couples and families who are facing changes in relationships. The first signs of depression and/or anxiety may be the need to work through unresolved issues. I have a special interest in the process of working through our personal "meaning in life" and how we recreate and grow with conflict and the resolution of conflict.
![Photo of Kristen Johnson, MS, APCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bf9381e5-33f2-499a-bb32-978f90df3de4/3/320x400.jpeg)
Kristen Johnson
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, MS, APCC
Verified Verified
Yorba Linda, CA 92686
I work through a trauma-informed lens treating first responders and military, individuals in crisis, C-PTSD, and PTSD, as well as specializing in pain management and grief groups and parent and couples intensives.
Life throws us curves that even our best efforts can't resolve. Trauma affects each of us in different ways and forces us all to cope the best way we know how, often reaching out for coping skills that can often hurt us, and support systems are unable to help heal struggles when we need guidance most. You and I will work together to uncover core issues keeping you "stuck" and teach you to utilize mind/body connected coping strategies providing you with skills to live the life you deserve.
I work through a trauma-informed lens treating first responders and military, individuals in crisis, C-PTSD, and PTSD, as well as specializing in pain management and grief groups and parent and couples intensives.
Life throws us curves that even our best efforts can't resolve. Trauma affects each of us in different ways and forces us all to cope the best way we know how, often reaching out for coping skills that can often hurt us, and support systems are unable to help heal struggles when we need guidance most. You and I will work together to uncover core issues keeping you "stuck" and teach you to utilize mind/body connected coping strategies providing you with skills to live the life you deserve.
![Photo of Melissa Fisher Goldman, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/530580d9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Some examples of life transitions: grief and loss, challenges growing a family, death and dying, anxiety/ depression, starting a family, self esteem/self worth, dating/marriage, divorce, new job/new home, graduating, retirement, empty-nest, menopause, illness, identity/sexual orientation issues, addiction/recovery (including eating disorders), aging & anything unique to you that causes change.
You can have an amazing life; the life you've always wanted. As an expert in counseling surrounding death and dying, I have discovered that the issues encountered due to grief and loss are the same with all life transitions. This is even true for those transitions that are positives in our lives. This concept is what drives my approach to assisting you through life's transitions with ease and comfort. This will give you the opportunity to create a life of peace, love and joy. I look forward to being a part of your journey
Some examples of life transitions: grief and loss, challenges growing a family, death and dying, anxiety/ depression, starting a family, self esteem/self worth, dating/marriage, divorce, new job/new home, graduating, retirement, empty-nest, menopause, illness, identity/sexual orientation issues, addiction/recovery (including eating disorders), aging & anything unique to you that causes change.
You can have an amazing life; the life you've always wanted. As an expert in counseling surrounding death and dying, I have discovered that the issues encountered due to grief and loss are the same with all life transitions. This is even true for those transitions that are positives in our lives. This concept is what drives my approach to assisting you through life's transitions with ease and comfort. This will give you the opportunity to create a life of peace, love and joy. I look forward to being a part of your journey
![Photo of James Rubins, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0b46fa12-ee16-4e55-a034-e2d40c6f6058/2/320x400.jpeg)
In our first session, I'll learn about what is bothering you and what you have tried to do to relieve the pain or suffering you are currently experiencing.
Hello, I'm James Rubins, a licensed therapist in California with over 40 years of experience counseling individuals, adolescents, and families. I have wide experience in hospitals, community mental health clinics, and private practice office settings. I've helped people with anxiety, depression, anger management, and more, and have decades of experience supporting people in recovery from alcohol and or drug abuse. I was trained in psychodynamic therapy but now find short-term Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is more effective for client needs.
In our first session, I'll learn about what is bothering you and what you have tried to do to relieve the pain or suffering you are currently experiencing.
Hello, I'm James Rubins, a licensed therapist in California with over 40 years of experience counseling individuals, adolescents, and families. I have wide experience in hospitals, community mental health clinics, and private practice office settings. I've helped people with anxiety, depression, anger management, and more, and have decades of experience supporting people in recovery from alcohol and or drug abuse. I was trained in psychodynamic therapy but now find short-term Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is more effective for client needs.
![Photo of Todd Cospewicz, LPCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fa2cc3d1-4e4a-4a0a-b262-1a369aea4f4a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Todd has extensive experience working with Depression, Anxiety, ADHD/ADD, Mood Disorders, Chronic Pain and Disability, Grief, Loss and other Adjustments and Life Transitions,.
Todd Cospewicz is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the State of California, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the State of Nevada, and a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Colorado He received his Master of Science in Counseling from California State University, Los Angeles with a concentration in Mental Health Counseling and a Minor in Rehabilitation Counseling. He believes in the unique experiences that shape who we are through life experiences that develop core beliefs.
Todd has extensive experience working with Depression, Anxiety, ADHD/ADD, Mood Disorders, Chronic Pain and Disability, Grief, Loss and other Adjustments and Life Transitions,.
Todd Cospewicz is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the State of California, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the State of Nevada, and a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Colorado He received his Master of Science in Counseling from California State University, Los Angeles with a concentration in Mental Health Counseling and a Minor in Rehabilitation Counseling. He believes in the unique experiences that shape who we are through life experiences that develop core beliefs.
![Photo of Jacqueline Mack-Harris - The Bridge Marriage & Family Therapy , LMFT, PsyD, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bde5c2fd-e78b-40f2-bbaf-407520feaeec/3/320x400.jpeg)
The Bridge Marriage & Family Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Orange, CA 92861
I am a United States Air Force veteran. I have a strong desire to help couples, families, and adult individuals find hope and healing as they work through anxiety, depression, illness related struggles, attachment issues, ADD/ADHD and challenges associated with military life. I am also interested in working with pastor's wives and other women in ministry who struggle with relationships, spiritual growth and finding balance.
I am a United States Air Force veteran. I have a strong desire to help couples, families, and adult individuals find hope and healing as they work through anxiety, depression, illness related struggles, attachment issues, ADD/ADHD and challenges associated with military life. I am also interested in working with pastor's wives and other women in ministry who struggle with relationships, spiritual growth and finding balance.
![Photo of Niccola Rosza, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/20d97120-810f-4d7c-8d18-d78b9e34e59f/1/320x400.jpeg)
I utilize a holistic and integrative approach that offers a safe, supportive setting, using dream analysis, mindfulness, art therapy, journaling, meditation and other creative ways leading to an authentic and more rewarding life. From my studies under Rev. Kawakami, deputy head priest of Shunkoin Temple in Kyoto in Mindfulness and Zen Meditation, I have developed this therapeutic approach that treats, balances, and nourishes the mind, body, emotions, and soul. I use a variety of therapeutic perspectives and techniques including Psychodynamic, Cognitive-Behavioral, Jungian, and Mindfulness-based interventions.
I utilize a holistic and integrative approach that offers a safe, supportive setting, using dream analysis, mindfulness, art therapy, journaling, meditation and other creative ways leading to an authentic and more rewarding life. From my studies under Rev. Kawakami, deputy head priest of Shunkoin Temple in Kyoto in Mindfulness and Zen Meditation, I have developed this therapeutic approach that treats, balances, and nourishes the mind, body, emotions, and soul. I use a variety of therapeutic perspectives and techniques including Psychodynamic, Cognitive-Behavioral, Jungian, and Mindfulness-based interventions.
![Photo of Stephanie Trecha, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/76298e9d-b8f5-4cdb-ba3d-d673343bbd5b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Stephanie Trecha
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Orange, CA 92665 (Online Only)
Are you longing for a deeper sense of self and struggling to identify or voice your own needs? Are you falling back into old patterns of thinking and behaving that derail your relationships, your life goals, or trigger diminished feelings of self-worth? Are you struggling to connect intimately with your partner and can't find the words to talk it about it without shame, anger or conflict? Are you struggling to feel connected to people in your life, feeling isolated, or overly anxious? Has Trauma or past experiences been the building blocks of unhelpful core beliefs you wish to change? Let's talk and explore your needs and goals.
Are you longing for a deeper sense of self and struggling to identify or voice your own needs? Are you falling back into old patterns of thinking and behaving that derail your relationships, your life goals, or trigger diminished feelings of self-worth? Are you struggling to connect intimately with your partner and can't find the words to talk it about it without shame, anger or conflict? Are you struggling to feel connected to people in your life, feeling isolated, or overly anxious? Has Trauma or past experiences been the building blocks of unhelpful core beliefs you wish to change? Let's talk and explore your needs and goals.
![Photo of Joelle Kobliska, LCP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c0c91476-0ac4-4f98-826c-1fe14a2a2f01/2/320x400.jpeg)
Karen Joelle Kobliska, PSY34562. Dr. Joelle Kobliska is a licensed clinical psychologist, specializing in working with teens and the adult population. Dr. Kobliska has over 9 years of direct experience conducting psychotherapy, diagnosing, and psychological assessments. After earning a B.S. degree in Social Work from California State University, Sacramento, and an M.A. in Marriage and Family Counseling from Liberty University, she went on to obtain a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from California Southern University. She has been an active clinician in professional counseling settings.
Karen Joelle Kobliska, PSY34562. Dr. Joelle Kobliska is a licensed clinical psychologist, specializing in working with teens and the adult population. Dr. Kobliska has over 9 years of direct experience conducting psychotherapy, diagnosing, and psychological assessments. After earning a B.S. degree in Social Work from California State University, Sacramento, and an M.A. in Marriage and Family Counseling from Liberty University, she went on to obtain a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from California Southern University. She has been an active clinician in professional counseling settings.
![Photo of Desiree Botelho, LMFT, 136900, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cab82d35-532c-457e-a415-8eeeff01e81f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Desiree Botelho
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, 136900
Verified Verified
Orange, CA 92665 (Online Only)
We innately desire connection. It has been that way since we were children. We form attachment to our caregivers, which can contribute to patterns in our romantic relationships. When our needs aren't met in relationships, we may pull away or panic. Are you feeling anxious, worried, or overwhelmed in your partnership? If you are struggling to connect with your partner or processing a break up and wanting to explore your dating patterns, we may be a good fit. We will explore the roadblocks that are getting in the way of you having healthy relationships and focus on giving yourself the love you look for in others.
We innately desire connection. It has been that way since we were children. We form attachment to our caregivers, which can contribute to patterns in our romantic relationships. When our needs aren't met in relationships, we may pull away or panic. Are you feeling anxious, worried, or overwhelmed in your partnership? If you are struggling to connect with your partner or processing a break up and wanting to explore your dating patterns, we may be a good fit. We will explore the roadblocks that are getting in the way of you having healthy relationships and focus on giving yourself the love you look for in others.
![Photo of Judy Lynn Speak, RN, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/423a4819-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Soren Kierkegaard, the Danish philosopher, said "Be that self which one truly is" If we are to "be that self", we must embrace our own life. I believe that by giving people the tools to do this and learning how to use those tools is what therapy is about.
Soren Kierkegaard, the Danish philosopher, said "Be that self which one truly is" If we are to "be that self", we must embrace our own life. I believe that by giving people the tools to do this and learning how to use those tools is what therapy is about.
See more therapy options for Anaheim Hills
Nearby Chronic Pain Therapists Searches for Anaheim Hills
- Anaheim
- Brea
- Chino Hills
- Diamond Bar
- Fullerton
- Garden Grove
- La Habra
- Orange
- Placentia
- Santa Ana
- Tustin
- Yorba Linda
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.