Chronic Pain Therapists in Long Beach, CA
![Photo of Vanessa Sedano, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e0f5390b-a0e0-4be7-9986-24f7ad4242ae/1/320x400.jpeg)
Vanessa Sedano
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Long Beach, CA 90807
I work with a wide range of communities and take an individualized approach to care. Young adults on a quest for clarity amidst life's uncertainties. Individuals gracefully bridging the gap between two cultures and embracing their diverse identities. Couples desiring to dismantle destructive patterns, foster healthy communication, and nurture a profound and lasting bond. Individuals courageously confronting chronic pain and illness, seeking solace and healing. Caregivers wanting to unlearn harmful parenting styles and step away from dynamics that don’t serve them.
I work with a wide range of communities and take an individualized approach to care. Young adults on a quest for clarity amidst life's uncertainties. Individuals gracefully bridging the gap between two cultures and embracing their diverse identities. Couples desiring to dismantle destructive patterns, foster healthy communication, and nurture a profound and lasting bond. Individuals courageously confronting chronic pain and illness, seeking solace and healing. Caregivers wanting to unlearn harmful parenting styles and step away from dynamics that don’t serve them.
![Photo of Stephanie Mason, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d8f98761-f37e-4f39-b91e-f9ba05e06526/2/320x400.jpeg)
Stephanie Mason
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90805 (Online Only)
I also hold an array of clinical expertise in dealing with chronic pain, depression, anxiety, stress management, LGBTQIA+ issues, low self-esteem, relationship issues, and much more.
New beginnings can often be disguised as painful endings. I work closely with those who have been through tragic events, suffered childhood abuse, those who have been victimized by others, as well as those who might feel like they have nowhere left to turn. My goal is to help you find your inner strength, and to courageously be free to display it and be proud. I am empathetic to my client’s needs, ambitious to provide support, and offer a nonjudgmental space for you to share and truly be heard.
I also hold an array of clinical expertise in dealing with chronic pain, depression, anxiety, stress management, LGBTQIA+ issues, low self-esteem, relationship issues, and much more.
New beginnings can often be disguised as painful endings. I work closely with those who have been through tragic events, suffered childhood abuse, those who have been victimized by others, as well as those who might feel like they have nowhere left to turn. My goal is to help you find your inner strength, and to courageously be free to display it and be proud. I am empathetic to my client’s needs, ambitious to provide support, and offer a nonjudgmental space for you to share and truly be heard.
![Photo of Carol Seixas, PsyD, LCSW, OTRL, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/41d5de4f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Carol Seixas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PsyD, LCSW, OTRL
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Long Beach, CA 90801
My specialty areas include working with mood disorders (depression, anxiety, bipolar illness), chronic pain, individual therapy and couples work.
Hello and welcome. I have over 40 years of experience working in the health field and have provided services in a wide range of mental health settings. The patient/client populations I have had the opportunity to help run the full gamut of mental health needs from the serious mentally ill to the person/family who have never needed to see a therapist until "now". I additionally provide support for the system/family new to mental health with education, skills and linking to resources.
My specialty areas include working with mood disorders (depression, anxiety, bipolar illness), chronic pain, individual therapy and couples work.
Hello and welcome. I have over 40 years of experience working in the health field and have provided services in a wide range of mental health settings. The patient/client populations I have had the opportunity to help run the full gamut of mental health needs from the serious mentally ill to the person/family who have never needed to see a therapist until "now". I additionally provide support for the system/family new to mental health with education, skills and linking to resources.
![Photo of Sarah Brock Chavez, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/24772978-3b7b-4b53-bca0-c2447869b999/3/320x400.jpeg)
Sarah Brock Chavez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90808 (Online Only)
I identify as a queer, femme, Chicana therapist. I provide Psychotherapy that is Intersectional and Trauma-informed treatment. Combining techniques of traditional Psychodynamic Therapy as well as Somatic Therapy together we investigate your past and what is happening currently in your body (physical pain, ailments, sensations) in relation to environmental triggers (systemic racism, queer & trans-phobia, sexism, micro-aggressions), as well as attachment styles that inform your core beliefs to get you to a place of a fully developed and embodied sense of self and well being.
I identify as a queer, femme, Chicana therapist. I provide Psychotherapy that is Intersectional and Trauma-informed treatment. Combining techniques of traditional Psychodynamic Therapy as well as Somatic Therapy together we investigate your past and what is happening currently in your body (physical pain, ailments, sensations) in relation to environmental triggers (systemic racism, queer & trans-phobia, sexism, micro-aggressions), as well as attachment styles that inform your core beliefs to get you to a place of a fully developed and embodied sense of self and well being.
![Photo of Teela Allen, LMFT, CMHIMP, RYT-200, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/af372a10-a882-4bfe-967b-f166b952f876/2/320x400.jpeg)
Teela Allen
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CMHIMP, RYT-200
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90802
Waitlist for new clients
How hard is it for you to create balance and focus in a world full of distractions, dishonesty, & dis-ease? And if what I call the "detrimental D's" as stated above contributes to how you act/think/feel, then who or what is really controlling your life & wellbeing? Let me guess: social media, unaddressed trauma, grief & loss, emotional dysregulation, unhealthy boundaries, passiveness, impulsivity, mood or eating disorders, chronic fatigue, aches/pain, anxiety, depression, digestive discomfort, pH imbalances, etc. Talk therapy alone may be unsuccessful or even unappealing, are you interested in exploring something more effective?
How hard is it for you to create balance and focus in a world full of distractions, dishonesty, & dis-ease? And if what I call the "detrimental D's" as stated above contributes to how you act/think/feel, then who or what is really controlling your life & wellbeing? Let me guess: social media, unaddressed trauma, grief & loss, emotional dysregulation, unhealthy boundaries, passiveness, impulsivity, mood or eating disorders, chronic fatigue, aches/pain, anxiety, depression, digestive discomfort, pH imbalances, etc. Talk therapy alone may be unsuccessful or even unappealing, are you interested in exploring something more effective?
![Photo of Jennifer C Cohen, MACL, LMFT, C-IAYT, RYT 500, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fc533485-bd68-47a1-8125-a4a45fd0092d/1/320x400.png)
Jennifer C Cohen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MACL, LMFT, C-IAYT, RYT 500
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Long Beach, CA 90802 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in working with chronic pain, chronic medical, and spirituality.
My general frame work is that you cannot separate the body from the mind nor can you separate a person from their life time of experiences, therefore working with all of these systems is a highly effective way to improve happiness, decrease anxiety and stress, and increase coping skills to manage life with more ease and improved relationships. Now offering emergency Intensive Couples Counseling! I work well with individuals and couples who are seeking to learn more holistic ways to address their emotional and relational challenges whether they be family of origin issues, trauma, chronic illness, anxiety, or depression.
I specialize in working with chronic pain, chronic medical, and spirituality.
My general frame work is that you cannot separate the body from the mind nor can you separate a person from their life time of experiences, therefore working with all of these systems is a highly effective way to improve happiness, decrease anxiety and stress, and increase coping skills to manage life with more ease and improved relationships. Now offering emergency Intensive Couples Counseling! I work well with individuals and couples who are seeking to learn more holistic ways to address their emotional and relational challenges whether they be family of origin issues, trauma, chronic illness, anxiety, or depression.
![Photo of Icinda Siqueira-Darwin, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49234749-8ec9-4913-9023-7d94ac418a1e/1/320x400.jpeg)
If you are near the Southern area of Los Angeles County, you may want to consider psychotherapy or counseling in Long Beach. I work evening hours, as well as day time, and have experience with most mental health needs. I work in Spanish, English, and Portuguese. I have extensive experience with problems in living using Evidence Based Therapy models and Mindfulness with substance abuse, depression, anxiety, as well as major mental illness including schizophrenia, , and other thought disorders. I work with family problems , including sexual dysfunction. Performing psychological assessments are offered when necessary to set new goals.
If you are near the Southern area of Los Angeles County, you may want to consider psychotherapy or counseling in Long Beach. I work evening hours, as well as day time, and have experience with most mental health needs. I work in Spanish, English, and Portuguese. I have extensive experience with problems in living using Evidence Based Therapy models and Mindfulness with substance abuse, depression, anxiety, as well as major mental illness including schizophrenia, , and other thought disorders. I work with family problems , including sexual dysfunction. Performing psychological assessments are offered when necessary to set new goals.
![Photo of Marvin S. Beitner, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b5699e1-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
I utilize hypnotherapy for weight control, smoking cessation, chronic pain, fears of flying and driving freeways, enhancement of sports performance, improved confidence and motivation and examination anxiety.
Years of private practice have taught me always to listen carefully to what my patient tells me because no two people, couples or families are the same. My experience in helping people with a wide range of problems has indicated that it is essential to tailor my method of psychological intervention to fit the particular problem, taking into consideration the circumstances and the individual characteristics of each person, couple or family. I view the process of psychotherapy of counseling as a cooperative effort between the therapist and patient.
I utilize hypnotherapy for weight control, smoking cessation, chronic pain, fears of flying and driving freeways, enhancement of sports performance, improved confidence and motivation and examination anxiety.
Years of private practice have taught me always to listen carefully to what my patient tells me because no two people, couples or families are the same. My experience in helping people with a wide range of problems has indicated that it is essential to tailor my method of psychological intervention to fit the particular problem, taking into consideration the circumstances and the individual characteristics of each person, couple or family. I view the process of psychotherapy of counseling as a cooperative effort between the therapist and patient.
![Photo of Susan Mosier, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9e8b306b-a7e7-4fe2-bf69-b81d4db06f4a/1/320x400.png)
I have worked with many humans to overcome challenges with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/loss, life transitions, family changes, serious medical conditions, chronic pain and end of life.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Professional Coach with 22 years of experience in mental and behavioral health. My specific training in Transpersonal Psychology combined with solution-focused methods brings a holistic approach to my work with each person. This means we will consider all aspects of your mind/body/spirit as we help you move toward feeling better.
I have worked with many humans to overcome challenges with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/loss, life transitions, family changes, serious medical conditions, chronic pain and end of life.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Professional Coach with 22 years of experience in mental and behavioral health. My specific training in Transpersonal Psychology combined with solution-focused methods brings a holistic approach to my work with each person. This means we will consider all aspects of your mind/body/spirit as we help you move toward feeling better.
![Photo of Susan Faitos, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8cfebb0d-9b99-4ee5-89b8-6025eb4d4cda/1/320x400.jpeg)
I'm Susan Faitos and I am a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) working with clients in California via telehealth. My primary focus is working with individuals seeking therapy for anxiety, depression, grief, women's issues, and chronic illness/pain challenges. I am also experienced in working with relationship/family issues and I am sex-positive, sexual orientation, and kink friendly. My style is well-suited for individual adults who are experiencing life transitions and/or challenges coping with their current situations.
I'm Susan Faitos and I am a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) working with clients in California via telehealth. My primary focus is working with individuals seeking therapy for anxiety, depression, grief, women's issues, and chronic illness/pain challenges. I am also experienced in working with relationship/family issues and I am sex-positive, sexual orientation, and kink friendly. My style is well-suited for individual adults who are experiencing life transitions and/or challenges coping with their current situations.
![Photo of Carol Bartels, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0e65c3ce-7b80-4abd-b11c-f4435c45a653/2/320x400.jpeg)
Is this the best it can be? You know you are not living your life to its fullest. You look around you at the state of the world and you see conflict, disasters, people being awful to each other and changes that happen so fast, no one can seem to keep up. It seems like you either have to shut down to the pain of the world, or you will drown in it. It’s so much easier in any given moment to lose yourself on your phone, or Netflix, or a drink or…. You can see that you’re checking out – and there’s a price to pay for that – but in the moment, you can’t muster anything better.
Is this the best it can be? You know you are not living your life to its fullest. You look around you at the state of the world and you see conflict, disasters, people being awful to each other and changes that happen so fast, no one can seem to keep up. It seems like you either have to shut down to the pain of the world, or you will drown in it. It’s so much easier in any given moment to lose yourself on your phone, or Netflix, or a drink or…. You can see that you’re checking out – and there’s a price to pay for that – but in the moment, you can’t muster anything better.
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![Photo of Owen Renert, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/61f54891-4954-4f05-b855-d4e1dea3f15d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Owen Renert
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Long Beach, CA 90803 (Online Only)
Hi there! I’m Owen (they/them)! I am LGBT, neurodivergent, chronically ill, and a dancer. I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who has spent my life finding meaning in the little things (like my guinea pigs). I believe with my whole heart that therapy is a way to embrace weirdness as the true reality of humanity. My clients are those who struggle with Intimacy, Multicultural Navigation, Relationships, Anxiety, OCD, Chronic Illness, and Phase of Life difficulties. Talk therapy isn't always enough so I incorporate lots of different kinds of therapy to meet your unique needs.
Hi there! I’m Owen (they/them)! I am LGBT, neurodivergent, chronically ill, and a dancer. I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who has spent my life finding meaning in the little things (like my guinea pigs). I believe with my whole heart that therapy is a way to embrace weirdness as the true reality of humanity. My clients are those who struggle with Intimacy, Multicultural Navigation, Relationships, Anxiety, OCD, Chronic Illness, and Phase of Life difficulties. Talk therapy isn't always enough so I incorporate lots of different kinds of therapy to meet your unique needs.
![Photo of Mark H Michaels, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4aec02a9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
In addition to my clinical practice experience, my expertise includes psychological assessment/testing, sleep problems, chronic pain, and family/couples.
Things can get better! My goal is to help folks who are struggling with the curves in the road life can throw at us. Even if you have tried other means of addressing problems, my approach is to use innovative, technologically advanced methods and techniques to conquer those common life challenges. Sleep problems, anxiety, and depression are common difficulties almost everyone experiences at some point in time. Helping you address these challenges in a direct, time-effective way is our highest purpose.
In addition to my clinical practice experience, my expertise includes psychological assessment/testing, sleep problems, chronic pain, and family/couples.
Things can get better! My goal is to help folks who are struggling with the curves in the road life can throw at us. Even if you have tried other means of addressing problems, my approach is to use innovative, technologically advanced methods and techniques to conquer those common life challenges. Sleep problems, anxiety, and depression are common difficulties almost everyone experiences at some point in time. Helping you address these challenges in a direct, time-effective way is our highest purpose.
![Photo of Frances Nedjat-Haiem, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/be92372f-d8ee-4647-91d6-6750f9392bc9/1/320x400.png)
Frances Nedjat-Haiem
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90806 (Online Only)
My name is Frances Nedjat-Haiem, PhD, LCSW. I am a licensed clinical social worker in California with over 18 years of experience working with individuals and families who have experienced trauma due to medical illness and difficulty coping. My expertise involves assisting clients with life transitions, especially with people experiencing loss, grief, and bereavement and difficulty managing to cope changes that accompany these issues.
My name is Frances Nedjat-Haiem, PhD, LCSW. I am a licensed clinical social worker in California with over 18 years of experience working with individuals and families who have experienced trauma due to medical illness and difficulty coping. My expertise involves assisting clients with life transitions, especially with people experiencing loss, grief, and bereavement and difficulty managing to cope changes that accompany these issues.
![Photo of Jessica Faith Achugbue, LMFT, PMH-C, EMDR, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/695911f7-cff2-4a71-8357-df7f7eb0b865/3/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica Faith Achugbue
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PMH-C, EMDR
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90804
Expecting, birthing, or parenting a baby brings the underlying "stuff" to the surface. You might be noticing tensed muscles, an aching head, an upset stomach, or racing thoughts about the most awful things that have happened or that possibly could happen. Maybe you feel exhausted and drained all day long but lie awake at night with your heart pounding, too anxious to fall asleep. Maybe you're yearning to bond with your little one but feeling like you're blocked by a wall. Too overwhelmed, too worried, too tangled up in the scary thoughts, and in too much pain to be present. But this chapter doesn't have to feel this way!
Expecting, birthing, or parenting a baby brings the underlying "stuff" to the surface. You might be noticing tensed muscles, an aching head, an upset stomach, or racing thoughts about the most awful things that have happened or that possibly could happen. Maybe you feel exhausted and drained all day long but lie awake at night with your heart pounding, too anxious to fall asleep. Maybe you're yearning to bond with your little one but feeling like you're blocked by a wall. Too overwhelmed, too worried, too tangled up in the scary thoughts, and in too much pain to be present. But this chapter doesn't have to feel this way!
![Photo of Lacey Dippolito, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2e181f83-6f33-4cf7-a170-ac43b4ab1342/2/320x400.jpeg)
I'll help you rewrite your trauma story with faith-integrated, evidence-based healing. As a therapist who's walked through the darkness of personal losses, I offer more than sympathy—I'll help guide you toward the light of resilience and renewed purpose. Whether you're a grieving parent, a young person battling inner demons, or someone trapped in cycle of addiction, I see your pain and I'm here to help you find your way back to yourself. In our sessions together, we'll create a safe haven where your experiences are validated and your strength to face them is supported.
I'll help you rewrite your trauma story with faith-integrated, evidence-based healing. As a therapist who's walked through the darkness of personal losses, I offer more than sympathy—I'll help guide you toward the light of resilience and renewed purpose. Whether you're a grieving parent, a young person battling inner demons, or someone trapped in cycle of addiction, I see your pain and I'm here to help you find your way back to yourself. In our sessions together, we'll create a safe haven where your experiences are validated and your strength to face them is supported.
![Photo of Kristy Coleman, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e0115ea-896d-4e37-ba90-fb0d9b3bde10/1/320x400.jpeg)
My work includes helping clients know a sense of peace within, and increasing understanding about their sense of discontent, anxiety, or depression. This can show up in various ways, such as in relationship problems, anxiety, or old emotional pain. My style is to provide a safe place with a trauma-informed view to exploring client concerns in their path toward a life with a greater sense of wellness. Together we develop more healthy coping skills, ways of understanding troubled parts of the self, and methods to create a life of well-being and joy.
My work includes helping clients know a sense of peace within, and increasing understanding about their sense of discontent, anxiety, or depression. This can show up in various ways, such as in relationship problems, anxiety, or old emotional pain. My style is to provide a safe place with a trauma-informed view to exploring client concerns in their path toward a life with a greater sense of wellness. Together we develop more healthy coping skills, ways of understanding troubled parts of the self, and methods to create a life of well-being and joy.
![Photo of Myles Marcotte, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0b5a2850-e56d-4e5c-996a-61f8c5b14a7a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Myles Marcotte
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90814 (Online Only)
I am a trans-identified therapist who is passionate about supporting LGBTQIA clients. I frequently work with late-diagnosed ADHD-ers, college students, chronic illness/disability, "late bloomers", relationship and family issues, body image (HAES-aligned), and mood disorders. I provide an affirming space for clients who are sex workers, kink practitioners, and consensually non-monogamous.
I am a trans-identified therapist who is passionate about supporting LGBTQIA clients. I frequently work with late-diagnosed ADHD-ers, college students, chronic illness/disability, "late bloomers", relationship and family issues, body image (HAES-aligned), and mood disorders. I provide an affirming space for clients who are sex workers, kink practitioners, and consensually non-monogamous.
![Photo of Kenneth M. Sabel, PsyD , SEP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50b1969a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I understand the importance of needing to feel understood and seen. When therapy is successful, we often will experience a greater sense of spaciousness inside ourselves, freedom from our own judgments, and are reminded that confronting our pain won’t destroy us. The goal is not a short-term fix but instead a long-term shift that brings forth feelings of empowerment, resiliency, and a confidence that our brains and our lives can change. As a consequence of shifting our relationship to ourselves and to our pain, the uncomfortable symptoms often associated with anxiety, trauma, and depression begin to dissolve and loosen their grip.
I understand the importance of needing to feel understood and seen. When therapy is successful, we often will experience a greater sense of spaciousness inside ourselves, freedom from our own judgments, and are reminded that confronting our pain won’t destroy us. The goal is not a short-term fix but instead a long-term shift that brings forth feelings of empowerment, resiliency, and a confidence that our brains and our lives can change. As a consequence of shifting our relationship to ourselves and to our pain, the uncomfortable symptoms often associated with anxiety, trauma, and depression begin to dissolve and loosen their grip.
![Photo of Chiara V. Cabiglio, AMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/93d47012-a879-4c27-8cb3-83e1f830b6b0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Chiara V. Cabiglio
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Long Beach, CA 90803 (Online Only)
Are you an adolescent who feels crippled by anxiety and depression? Or a couple who feels trapped in a cycle of distrust, blame, and feeling unheard, unseen, or misunderstood by your partner? Or maybe you are an adult living with chronic illness and trauma and feel hopeless that you’ll ever truly heal and live your life free of invisible disability? I’ve been where you are and know what it’s like to feel stuck, afraid, lost and alone. Seeking therapy is the beginning of you blooming into a lotus flower and rising from the ashes. You have the answers within you and the capacity to heal. I'm a transpersonal therapist here to walk
Are you an adolescent who feels crippled by anxiety and depression? Or a couple who feels trapped in a cycle of distrust, blame, and feeling unheard, unseen, or misunderstood by your partner? Or maybe you are an adult living with chronic illness and trauma and feel hopeless that you’ll ever truly heal and live your life free of invisible disability? I’ve been where you are and know what it’s like to feel stuck, afraid, lost and alone. Seeking therapy is the beginning of you blooming into a lotus flower and rising from the ashes. You have the answers within you and the capacity to heal. I'm a transpersonal therapist here to walk
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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.