Chronic Pain Therapists in Lawndale, CA

Photo of Rina Varughese, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rina Varughese
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Lawndale, CA 90260
Rina Varughese is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California who has been practicing since 2013. Rina has experience with pain management, anxiety, depression, trauma, LGBTQ population, and works from relational attachment. Outside of work, Rina enjoys guitar, ballroom, circuit training, and gun ranges.
Rina Varughese is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California who has been practicing since 2013. Rina has experience with pain management, anxiety, depression, trauma, LGBTQ population, and works from relational attachment. Outside of work, Rina enjoys guitar, ballroom, circuit training, and gun ranges.
(310) 356-0197 View (310) 356-0197
Photo of Alexandra Kofsky, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Alexandra Kofsky
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Lawndale, CA 90260
My name is Alexandra Kofsky, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I believe that human beings possess an innate ability to move toward happiness and health, but sometimes adversity, life transitions, and challenging life experiences can get in the way of leading productive and meaningful lives. My approach as a therapist aims to foster a reparative relationship through collaborative, warm, and interactive sessions. Through the use of several traditional and modern modalities, I work with teens, young adults, and adults, struggling with issues like stress, anxiety, depression, communication, parenting, grief, trauma.
My name is Alexandra Kofsky, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I believe that human beings possess an innate ability to move toward happiness and health, but sometimes adversity, life transitions, and challenging life experiences can get in the way of leading productive and meaningful lives. My approach as a therapist aims to foster a reparative relationship through collaborative, warm, and interactive sessions. Through the use of several traditional and modern modalities, I work with teens, young adults, and adults, struggling with issues like stress, anxiety, depression, communication, parenting, grief, trauma.
(424) 499-4830 View (424) 499-4830
Photo of Virginia Green, PhD, LMFT, MBA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Virginia Green
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, MBA
Verified Verified
Lawndale, CA 90260
Need to improve your relationship with your children right now without bribes or stress? Do you and your partner argue over parenting styles? I've helped families raise thousands of children. There is nothing I haven't seen. I work with YOU to give you easy, proven tools. You need to be focused on your career: your job has its own stress points. Wouldn't it be nice to come home to calm? I can help that happen. Today can be different. Start now with my free 5 step guide to Happy Parenting. Try one of the tools today.
Need to improve your relationship with your children right now without bribes or stress? Do you and your partner argue over parenting styles? I've helped families raise thousands of children. There is nothing I haven't seen. I work with YOU to give you easy, proven tools. You need to be focused on your career: your job has its own stress points. Wouldn't it be nice to come home to calm? I can help that happen. Today can be different. Start now with my free 5 step guide to Happy Parenting. Try one of the tools today.
(424) 581-0884 View (424) 581-0884
Photo of Stacey Armstrong, LPCC
Stacey Armstrong
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Lawndale, CA 90260
Hi there, I'm Stacey! Choosing a mental health provider is a delicate process. Your mental health is all about you, and you should have the opportunity to seek a mental health professional that suits your needs. Where you desire to go emotionally is what is most important to me as a clinician. Processing life transitions, couples seeking to strengthen their communication, processing a new medical diagnosis, and individuals seeking to process their thoughts and feelings that have become barriers to your best self is what I specialize in.
Hi there, I'm Stacey! Choosing a mental health provider is a delicate process. Your mental health is all about you, and you should have the opportunity to seek a mental health professional that suits your needs. Where you desire to go emotionally is what is most important to me as a clinician. Processing life transitions, couples seeking to strengthen their communication, processing a new medical diagnosis, and individuals seeking to process their thoughts and feelings that have become barriers to your best self is what I specialize in.
(310) 564-7494 View (310) 564-7494
Photo of Cheryl J Santiago-Venture, PsyD, SEP, Psychologist
Cheryl J Santiago-Venture
Psychologist, PsyD, SEP
Verified Verified
Lawndale, CA 90260
You are taking the first steps in creating change in your life. The pursuit of health, happiness, and healing are aspects that we all strive for, and that can be accelerated with additional support and insight oriented therapy. In addition to traditional approaches, such as psychodynamic approaches and cognitive behavioral interventions, I utilize mindfulness techniques, Somatic Experiencing, and EMDR. I have experience in treating a variety of condition, such as depression, anxiety, and trauma. Therapy can assist with stress and change of life issues, such as divorce, new parents, health issues, bereavement, or work/peer conflict.
You are taking the first steps in creating change in your life. The pursuit of health, happiness, and healing are aspects that we all strive for, and that can be accelerated with additional support and insight oriented therapy. In addition to traditional approaches, such as psychodynamic approaches and cognitive behavioral interventions, I utilize mindfulness techniques, Somatic Experiencing, and EMDR. I have experience in treating a variety of condition, such as depression, anxiety, and trauma. Therapy can assist with stress and change of life issues, such as divorce, new parents, health issues, bereavement, or work/peer conflict.
(310) 299-7410 View (310) 299-7410
Photo of Susette Abbas, LPCC
Susette Abbas
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Lawndale, CA 90260
Hi there, I'm Susette! I have been a therapist for the past 12 years and have worked with adolescents and adults, as well as children and families from diverse backgrounds. My focus has been primarily on depression, anxiety, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, life transitions, and pregnancy/postpartum concerns. y approach to therapy is an integration of the psychodynamic approach with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as mind/body and mindfulness techniques. This essentially means that we would be collaboratively exploring thoughts, beliefs, and personal narratives and adjusting narratives that are false or faulty.
Hi there, I'm Susette! I have been a therapist for the past 12 years and have worked with adolescents and adults, as well as children and families from diverse backgrounds. My focus has been primarily on depression, anxiety, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, life transitions, and pregnancy/postpartum concerns. y approach to therapy is an integration of the psychodynamic approach with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as mind/body and mindfulness techniques. This essentially means that we would be collaboratively exploring thoughts, beliefs, and personal narratives and adjusting narratives that are false or faulty.
(925) 247-3855 View (925) 247-3855

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Anne-Karin Nelson, PT, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Anne-Karin Nelson
Marriage & Family Therapist, PT, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Redondo Beach, CA 90278
I am an EMDR Clinician and have worked with clients with, for example, phobias (fear of public speaking), chronic pain, single episodic traumas (motor vehicle accident), traumas from childhood abuse.
Is stress, anxiety, depression, or overwhelm an issue? Sometimes life brings changes that are difficult to cope with; loss of a loved one, loss of health, loss of employment, trauma, divorce. I provide a safe and accepting environment in which we can process these changes together, finding your strengths and empowering you to meet these challenges.
I am an EMDR Clinician and have worked with clients with, for example, phobias (fear of public speaking), chronic pain, single episodic traumas (motor vehicle accident), traumas from childhood abuse.
Is stress, anxiety, depression, or overwhelm an issue? Sometimes life brings changes that are difficult to cope with; loss of a loved one, loss of health, loss of employment, trauma, divorce. I provide a safe and accepting environment in which we can process these changes together, finding your strengths and empowering you to meet these challenges.
(310) 220-0977 View (310) 220-0977
Photo of Daniel G. Lyman, LCSW, MPA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Daniel G. Lyman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Manhattan Beach, CA 90267  (Online Only)
Daniel G Lyman, LCSW is a licensed psychotherapist and mental health coach specializing in anxiety, depression, chronic pain, sex & sexuality, and LGBTQ related issues. Daniel is the Executive Director of the Mind Body Therapy Center, headquartered in Portland, OR, but offering therapy and coaching world wide. With thousands of hours experience, Daniel's training and experience can help you reach your goals, including reducing anxiety, overcoming depression, eliminating chronic pain, and much more. He has led workshops and trainings in local colleges as well as guest lectured at the USC Graduate School of Social Work.
Daniel G Lyman, LCSW is a licensed psychotherapist and mental health coach specializing in anxiety, depression, chronic pain, sex & sexuality, and LGBTQ related issues. Daniel is the Executive Director of the Mind Body Therapy Center, headquartered in Portland, OR, but offering therapy and coaching world wide. With thousands of hours experience, Daniel's training and experience can help you reach your goals, including reducing anxiety, overcoming depression, eliminating chronic pain, and much more. He has led workshops and trainings in local colleges as well as guest lectured at the USC Graduate School of Social Work.
(503) 300-2982 View (503) 300-2982
Photo of Jeremy Bartz, PhD, Psychologist
Jeremy Bartz
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
My goal is to get the bottom of your difficulties so that we can overcome them. Some of my specialty treatment areas include: Depression, Anxiety, OCD, Panic, Mind-Body Syndromes, Chronic Pain, Headaches, Insomnia, Relationship difficulties, Attachment Trauma, Personality Disorders, and Coaching for the Loved Ones of Substance Abusers. I have specialized postdoctoral training from Stanford Univerity. To learn more go to www.dynamictherapysouthbay.com
My goal is to get the bottom of your difficulties so that we can overcome them. Some of my specialty treatment areas include: Depression, Anxiety, OCD, Panic, Mind-Body Syndromes, Chronic Pain, Headaches, Insomnia, Relationship difficulties, Attachment Trauma, Personality Disorders, and Coaching for the Loved Ones of Substance Abusers. I have specialized postdoctoral training from Stanford Univerity. To learn more go to www.dynamictherapysouthbay.com
(310) 878-4217 View (310) 878-4217
Photo of Jamie Suard, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jamie Suard
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Feeling hurt, pain, angry, anxious, depressed, empty, stuck or unfulfilled? I help you heal and transition your thinking, feeling, behaving and believing with concrete tools where you become more confident, empowered, and utilize healthy communication and boundaries to get more of what you want.
First, you probably need to know this right now... that you were created to be loved! Next, in therapy, real growth and change is influenced significantly by what you feel and think about your therapist. You need to feel safe, understood, validated, cared for, and able to trust the competency and selflessness of your therapist. Please feel free to come for a free introductory meeting with me. With deep care, compassion, understanding, and respect, I help you transition from surviving to thriving in relationships and life. I specialize in broken relationships or those struggling with past trauma or abuse.
Feeling hurt, pain, angry, anxious, depressed, empty, stuck or unfulfilled? I help you heal and transition your thinking, feeling, behaving and believing with concrete tools where you become more confident, empowered, and utilize healthy communication and boundaries to get more of what you want.
First, you probably need to know this right now... that you were created to be loved! Next, in therapy, real growth and change is influenced significantly by what you feel and think about your therapist. You need to feel safe, understood, validated, cared for, and able to trust the competency and selflessness of your therapist. Please feel free to come for a free introductory meeting with me. With deep care, compassion, understanding, and respect, I help you transition from surviving to thriving in relationships and life. I specialize in broken relationships or those struggling with past trauma or abuse.
(310) 844-6543 View (310) 844-6543
Photo of Jayne Goldman - Jayne Goldman, Best Life Hypnotherapy, MBA, CHT
Jayne Goldman, Best Life Hypnotherapy
MBA, CHT
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
As a Certified Hypnotherapist, NLP Coach and Time Line Therapy Practitioner, I believe that everyone has the answers they are seeking inside of themselves. I gently guide my clients in their self-discovery journey to create permanent, positive shifts in thinking at the subconscious level. I uniquely offer a 4-hour Power Breakthrough Session, employing a combination of proven Hypnotherapy and NLP Coaching techniques that enable you to surface and release years of emotional pain in a secure and relaxing environment. I invite you to reach out to set up a complimentary 30-minute phone consultation to discuss your specific needs.
As a Certified Hypnotherapist, NLP Coach and Time Line Therapy Practitioner, I believe that everyone has the answers they are seeking inside of themselves. I gently guide my clients in their self-discovery journey to create permanent, positive shifts in thinking at the subconscious level. I uniquely offer a 4-hour Power Breakthrough Session, employing a combination of proven Hypnotherapy and NLP Coaching techniques that enable you to surface and release years of emotional pain in a secure and relaxing environment. I invite you to reach out to set up a complimentary 30-minute phone consultation to discuss your specific needs.
(310) 422-7828 View (310) 422-7828
Photo of Mark Hurrell, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Mark Hurrell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
I also have a credential in school psychology and work with parents of children or adolescents with ADHD, autism, behavior problems, learning disabilities, mental illness and other challenges to have a more harmonious home.
My successful client is interested in bettering themselves, is open to suggestions and is willing to work hard to improve their life. I would enjoy assisting you in bringing joy, adventure and romance back to your relationship. Are you stuck in a job where you feel unfulfilled? I can help you create a position, or market yourself to find satisfaction in your job. Is depression or anxiety hindering you from doing things you enjoy? You're likely to respond to my CBT based program to assist you in recognizing patterns that are holding you prisoner and keeping you from your dreams.
I also have a credential in school psychology and work with parents of children or adolescents with ADHD, autism, behavior problems, learning disabilities, mental illness and other challenges to have a more harmonious home.
My successful client is interested in bettering themselves, is open to suggestions and is willing to work hard to improve their life. I would enjoy assisting you in bringing joy, adventure and romance back to your relationship. Are you stuck in a job where you feel unfulfilled? I can help you create a position, or market yourself to find satisfaction in your job. Is depression or anxiety hindering you from doing things you enjoy? You're likely to respond to my CBT based program to assist you in recognizing patterns that are holding you prisoner and keeping you from your dreams.
(424) 258-5092 View (424) 258-5092
Photo of Dr. Angela Leniece Body, DSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Dr. Angela Leniece Body
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Comprehensive Support for Patients and Medical Professionals. Are you grappling with the overwhelming weight of a medical diagnosis, feeling utterly shaken? Do doubts consume you about your ability to navigate life's responsibilities – caring for loved ones, sustaining relationships, or maintaining your career? The restless nights contemplating an uncertain future can be unbearable. I understand your pain! I am passionate about helping individuals cope by providing supportive counseling, education, and adaptive coping tools. Give me a call! I would be honored to assist you on your journey to wellness.
Comprehensive Support for Patients and Medical Professionals. Are you grappling with the overwhelming weight of a medical diagnosis, feeling utterly shaken? Do doubts consume you about your ability to navigate life's responsibilities – caring for loved ones, sustaining relationships, or maintaining your career? The restless nights contemplating an uncertain future can be unbearable. I understand your pain! I am passionate about helping individuals cope by providing supportive counseling, education, and adaptive coping tools. Give me a call! I would be honored to assist you on your journey to wellness.
(424) 363-8395 View (424) 363-8395
Photo of Keri Anderson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Keri Anderson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Torrance, CA 90504  (Online Only)
Do you feel misunderstood, isolated, and distressed? Have you experienced trauma, discrimination, or have chronic illness and pain? These common experiences are frequently ignored, but I am here to support you. Often times, our life experiences contribute to how we react and relate in the world, which can be isolating and invalidating causing mental, physical, and emotional pain. Whether your issues present internally or externally, I am happy to work with you to unpack and restore your whole self that creates resilience, empowerment, and self-care to HEAL, GROW, & THRIVE together!
Do you feel misunderstood, isolated, and distressed? Have you experienced trauma, discrimination, or have chronic illness and pain? These common experiences are frequently ignored, but I am here to support you. Often times, our life experiences contribute to how we react and relate in the world, which can be isolating and invalidating causing mental, physical, and emotional pain. Whether your issues present internally or externally, I am happy to work with you to unpack and restore your whole self that creates resilience, empowerment, and self-care to HEAL, GROW, & THRIVE together!
(310) 943-1383 View (310) 943-1383
Photo of Raphael Ziegler The Neurobehavioral Healthcare Ctr, MS , PhD, Psychologist
Raphael Ziegler The Neurobehavioral Healthcare Ctr
Psychologist, MS , PhD
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
He also utilizes a cognitive-behavioral approach to treating couples issues, depression, anxiety, and adjustment to chronic illness and aging.
We are a group practice dedicated to providing comprehensive neuropsychological and psychological assessment and empirically validated treatment of mental health disorders for adults and older adults. We specialize in individuals suffering from a wide range of neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia, stroke, traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis, as well as concerns related to normal aging. We have a cognitive-behavioral approach in which we assist individuals in identifying maladaptive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, that contribute to emotional distress and suboptimal functioning.
He also utilizes a cognitive-behavioral approach to treating couples issues, depression, anxiety, and adjustment to chronic illness and aging.
We are a group practice dedicated to providing comprehensive neuropsychological and psychological assessment and empirically validated treatment of mental health disorders for adults and older adults. We specialize in individuals suffering from a wide range of neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia, stroke, traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis, as well as concerns related to normal aging. We have a cognitive-behavioral approach in which we assist individuals in identifying maladaptive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, that contribute to emotional distress and suboptimal functioning.
(310) 598-3545 View (310) 598-3545
Photo of Alexxis Nankervis, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Alexxis Nankervis
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Feeling weighed down by anxiety, depression, or life's twists and turns? Navigating life with a chronic illness or other layers of complexity? You don't have to do it alone! Let's work together to find ways to cope, thrive, and live fully despite these challenges. Whether you're a parent of a child struggling and trying to make sense of it all, or a teen or adult feeling overwhelmed, I'm here for you. Together, we'll untangle those knots, finding new ways to manage emotions, gain focus and control, boost self-esteem, and build healthier relationships.
Feeling weighed down by anxiety, depression, or life's twists and turns? Navigating life with a chronic illness or other layers of complexity? You don't have to do it alone! Let's work together to find ways to cope, thrive, and live fully despite these challenges. Whether you're a parent of a child struggling and trying to make sense of it all, or a teen or adult feeling overwhelmed, I'm here for you. Together, we'll untangle those knots, finding new ways to manage emotions, gain focus and control, boost self-esteem, and build healthier relationships.
(562) 501-4977 View (562) 501-4977
Photo of Lorraine Watkins, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lorraine Watkins
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Stuck? In pain? Contemplating a life change, or just had one thrust upon you? Let's explore your options and make things better. Call for a free consult. Day, evening, and weekend appointments available.
Stuck? In pain? Contemplating a life change, or just had one thrust upon you? Let's explore your options and make things better. Call for a free consult. Day, evening, and weekend appointments available.
(310) 773-5164 View (310) 773-5164
Photo of Tania S Dow, MA, LMFT, EMDR, Marriage & Family Therapist
Tania S Dow
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Redondo Beach, CA 90278  (Online Only)
Whether you are struggling with childhood trauma, physical pain, you a couple in distress, men's issues, adolescents, or mood disorders such as anxiety, depression, and anger, I will do my best to ensure you receive the best care possible.
I believe that every person is unique and has their own story. I feel honored that I have been selected to share their story and to be a part of their healing journey. With compassion, kindness, non-judgment, and support, I help my clients make sense of their major life events so they take the next steps in their lives. It is a great privilege to see my clients gain insight into their lives, manage their difficulties more effectively, make positive changes, increase awareness, and improve themselves. I look forward to meeting you and participating in your healing experience.
Whether you are struggling with childhood trauma, physical pain, you a couple in distress, men's issues, adolescents, or mood disorders such as anxiety, depression, and anger, I will do my best to ensure you receive the best care possible.
I believe that every person is unique and has their own story. I feel honored that I have been selected to share their story and to be a part of their healing journey. With compassion, kindness, non-judgment, and support, I help my clients make sense of their major life events so they take the next steps in their lives. It is a great privilege to see my clients gain insight into their lives, manage their difficulties more effectively, make positive changes, increase awareness, and improve themselves. I look forward to meeting you and participating in your healing experience.
(323) 458-5149 View (323) 458-5149
Photo of Sharon Feigenbaum, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sharon Feigenbaum
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
I have significant experience with adolescents, adults, couples and families in resolving emotional and relationship problems, such as depression, anxiety, chronic illness, grief and loss and trauma.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stressed or simply less happy? There is hope for resolution and you're here taking the first step. It's difficult to admit that we can't always come up with the solutions to feeling better by ourselves. I am here to help. My approach is to collaborate with you in improving your quality of life.Together we can find the solutions to the barriers of your happiness and gain a deeper understanding, create self-awareness, build self-esteem, regain confidence, and find your inner peace and self-empowerment.
I have significant experience with adolescents, adults, couples and families in resolving emotional and relationship problems, such as depression, anxiety, chronic illness, grief and loss and trauma.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stressed or simply less happy? There is hope for resolution and you're here taking the first step. It's difficult to admit that we can't always come up with the solutions to feeling better by ourselves. I am here to help. My approach is to collaborate with you in improving your quality of life.Together we can find the solutions to the barriers of your happiness and gain a deeper understanding, create self-awareness, build self-esteem, regain confidence, and find your inner peace and self-empowerment.
(310) 601-8097 View (310) 601-8097
Photo of Annie Nardella, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Annie Nardella
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Torrance, CA 90504
Currently accepting new clients for appointments next week! Annie Nardella is a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with over 11 years of therapeutic experience. She specializes in various areas of treatment, including ADHD, trauma, depression, and anxiety, as well as family and couple therapy. As a part of the Pacific Pain & Wellness Group, her mission is to create a personalized treatment plan that will help guide you on a path towards better living and emotional relief. Call us today to construct a treatment plan aligned with meeting your current goals towards resiliency and healing.
Currently accepting new clients for appointments next week! Annie Nardella is a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with over 11 years of therapeutic experience. She specializes in various areas of treatment, including ADHD, trauma, depression, and anxiety, as well as family and couple therapy. As a part of the Pacific Pain & Wellness Group, her mission is to create a personalized treatment plan that will help guide you on a path towards better living and emotional relief. Call us today to construct a treatment plan aligned with meeting your current goals towards resiliency and healing.
(310) 928-6059 View (310) 928-6059
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.