Chronic Pain Therapists in Los Altos, CA

Photo of Dr. Aleksandra (Sasha) Soykin, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Aleksandra (Sasha) Soykin
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94024
Waitlist for new clients
I offer psychotherapy to adults (from college age to older adults) struggling with a variety of problems, including chronic pain, medical conditions, trauma, anxiety, grief, life transitions, and work/relationship difficulties.
I strongly believe that lasting change occurs in a safe and collaborative environment, and I know that making the decision to reach out to a psychologist and embark on a path towards change can be extremely difficult. I trust in the importance of finding a clinician who will be the right match for you, so please feel free to explore both my profile and website in order to find out more about me and the services that I offer. Please note: I offer virtual services to those residing in CA and OR, and I do NOT accept insurance at this time.
I offer psychotherapy to adults (from college age to older adults) struggling with a variety of problems, including chronic pain, medical conditions, trauma, anxiety, grief, life transitions, and work/relationship difficulties.
I strongly believe that lasting change occurs in a safe and collaborative environment, and I know that making the decision to reach out to a psychologist and embark on a path towards change can be extremely difficult. I trust in the importance of finding a clinician who will be the right match for you, so please feel free to explore both my profile and website in order to find out more about me and the services that I offer. Please note: I offer virtual services to those residing in CA and OR, and I do NOT accept insurance at this time.
(408) 556-9974 View (408) 556-9974
Photo of Dr. Heather Martarella, PsyD, Psychologist
Dr. Heather Martarella
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94024
My journey into specializing in chronic pain and insomnia began following a personal injury in 2012, which led to chronic pain.
Feeling Overwhelmed by Emotional Distress? You’re not alone, and seeking help is healthy. I specialize in helping individuals navigate the challenges that develop from chronic pain, illness, and sleep difficulties. With over 20 years of clinical experience, I understand the impact these conditions can have on your life - and I’m here to offer the information and support you need. I'm also a certified anxiety and trauma treatment provider.
My journey into specializing in chronic pain and insomnia began following a personal injury in 2012, which led to chronic pain.
Feeling Overwhelmed by Emotional Distress? You’re not alone, and seeking help is healthy. I specialize in helping individuals navigate the challenges that develop from chronic pain, illness, and sleep difficulties. With over 20 years of clinical experience, I understand the impact these conditions can have on your life - and I’m here to offer the information and support you need. I'm also a certified anxiety and trauma treatment provider.
(510) 892-3227 View (510) 892-3227
Photo of John McKellar, PhD, Psychologist
John McKellar
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94022
I am a licensed clinical psychologist practicing in Los Altos, CA. I have over 20 years of experience providing psychological services to individuals and couples. My specializations include treatment of depression, anxiety, addiction, chronic pain, insomnia, stress management, trauma, and couples therapy. I work with adolescents, adults, and couples.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist practicing in Los Altos, CA. I have over 20 years of experience providing psychological services to individuals and couples. My specializations include treatment of depression, anxiety, addiction, chronic pain, insomnia, stress management, trauma, and couples therapy. I work with adolescents, adults, and couples.
(650) 265-4745 View (650) 265-4745
Photo of Susan Harden, PhD, Psychologist
Susan Harden
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94024
I am a cognitive behavioral psychologist and as such I utilize a goal oriented focus in working with problems that you may be experiencing. I also believe that understanding the meaning of experiences are essential to working through them. I have worked both with children and adults in my practice and have done a great deal of work with people experiencing anxiety, depression, and chronic illness.
I am a cognitive behavioral psychologist and as such I utilize a goal oriented focus in working with problems that you may be experiencing. I also believe that understanding the meaning of experiences are essential to working through them. I have worked both with children and adults in my practice and have done a great deal of work with people experiencing anxiety, depression, and chronic illness.
(310) 341-0907 View (310) 341-0907
Photo of Anna Alper, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Anna Alper
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94022  (Online Only)
I have extensive experience working in medical social work with patients who are battling cancer and helping with adjustment to illness, supporting caregivers, providing pre-bereavement & grief support.
I once heard this metaphor about the lotus flower: "The lotus flower grows deep in muddy waters, far away from the sun. In time the Lotus reaches the light and transforms into a beautiful flower." You may be faced with many challenges right now: stress, anxiety, a terminal diagnosis, or perhaps you are experiencing loss of a loved one. Like the lotus flower, it may seem that everything around you is dark and the light seems very distant. It is my passion to help get you through that muddy water and help you bloom into the beautiful lotus that I know you are.
I have extensive experience working in medical social work with patients who are battling cancer and helping with adjustment to illness, supporting caregivers, providing pre-bereavement & grief support.
I once heard this metaphor about the lotus flower: "The lotus flower grows deep in muddy waters, far away from the sun. In time the Lotus reaches the light and transforms into a beautiful flower." You may be faced with many challenges right now: stress, anxiety, a terminal diagnosis, or perhaps you are experiencing loss of a loved one. Like the lotus flower, it may seem that everything around you is dark and the light seems very distant. It is my passion to help get you through that muddy water and help you bloom into the beautiful lotus that I know you are.
(650) 590-8869 View (650) 590-8869
Photo of Renee Burgard, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Renee Burgard
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94022
Waitlist for new clients
I offer mindfulness-based psychotherapy, with a warm and non-judging approach, for people who are experiencing anxiety, panic, depression, post-traumatic stress, infertility, seizure disorders (including atypical seizures) and people with pain and other chronic medical conditions. Sessions involve mostly talking therapy, and may also include (depending on your needs and interests): breathing & body sensation awareness practices; emotional regulation & distress tolerance training; simple yoga & meditation; and compassion, acceptance, gratitude, and loving-kindness practices; and interactive guided imagery.
I offer mindfulness-based psychotherapy, with a warm and non-judging approach, for people who are experiencing anxiety, panic, depression, post-traumatic stress, infertility, seizure disorders (including atypical seizures) and people with pain and other chronic medical conditions. Sessions involve mostly talking therapy, and may also include (depending on your needs and interests): breathing & body sensation awareness practices; emotional regulation & distress tolerance training; simple yoga & meditation; and compassion, acceptance, gratitude, and loving-kindness practices; and interactive guided imagery.
(650) 603-0499 View (650) 603-0499
Photo of Carol Williams, PhD, Psychologist
Carol Williams
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94022
Not accepting new clients
Working with adults and teens, my experience is largely with mood and anxiety disorders, particularly Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. This includes work with people at all stages of recovery from substance abuse and with survivors of sexual abuse. In addition, I partner with physicians in helping people live well with chronic pain or chronic medical conditions. I also have expertise in family work - helping people to negotiate the challenges of divorce and remarriage, and enhancing the lives of intercultural and interracial families. My approach is grounded in mindfulness, cognitive behavioral, and attachment theories.
Working with adults and teens, my experience is largely with mood and anxiety disorders, particularly Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. This includes work with people at all stages of recovery from substance abuse and with survivors of sexual abuse. In addition, I partner with physicians in helping people live well with chronic pain or chronic medical conditions. I also have expertise in family work - helping people to negotiate the challenges of divorce and remarriage, and enhancing the lives of intercultural and interracial families. My approach is grounded in mindfulness, cognitive behavioral, and attachment theories.
(650) 924-9799 View (650) 924-9799
Photo of Margot Paul, PsyD, Psychologist
Margot Paul
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94022  (Online Only)
I have experience working with diverse adult populations struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, performance (sport, school, or work) difficulties, burnout, chronic pain, trauma, and/or substance use. My practice places a high value on patient compatibility, and I am committed to fostering a patient-centered, collaborative environment. Drawing upon evidence-based treatment modalities, my approach is deeply rooted in research to ensure optimal outcomes. I am also trained in using virtual reality as a tool to augment treatment and use this modality with clients when appropriate and desired.
I have experience working with diverse adult populations struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, performance (sport, school, or work) difficulties, burnout, chronic pain, trauma, and/or substance use. My practice places a high value on patient compatibility, and I am committed to fostering a patient-centered, collaborative environment. Drawing upon evidence-based treatment modalities, my approach is deeply rooted in research to ensure optimal outcomes. I am also trained in using virtual reality as a tool to augment treatment and use this modality with clients when appropriate and desired.
(650) 540-7164 View (650) 540-7164
Photo of Ximena M Zurita, PhD, Psychologist
Ximena M Zurita
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94024
Clients consult with me on issues, among others, related to: children's concerns and difficulties, teens' concerns, women's issues, men's issues, career concerns, acculturation, stress, anxiety, depression, self-defeating behaviors, marital discord, sexual difficulties, psychological issues related to physical illness, and life transitions.
Are you suffering or feeling stuck, overwhelmed, unhappy in one or more areas of your life? Do you wish you had a better relationship with those you love the most? Do you make the best decisions? Are you aware of your self-defeating behaviors? Have you ever experienced a traumatic event? Do you wish your life felt better? Is your physical health compromised? These are some of the concerns clients bring to the consulting room. Guided by supportive-expressive interventions; together, we'll examine the ways in which you suffer and create from this experience a more compassionate and psychologically healthier model of living.
Clients consult with me on issues, among others, related to: children's concerns and difficulties, teens' concerns, women's issues, men's issues, career concerns, acculturation, stress, anxiety, depression, self-defeating behaviors, marital discord, sexual difficulties, psychological issues related to physical illness, and life transitions.
Are you suffering or feeling stuck, overwhelmed, unhappy in one or more areas of your life? Do you wish you had a better relationship with those you love the most? Do you make the best decisions? Are you aware of your self-defeating behaviors? Have you ever experienced a traumatic event? Do you wish your life felt better? Is your physical health compromised? These are some of the concerns clients bring to the consulting room. Guided by supportive-expressive interventions; together, we'll examine the ways in which you suffer and create from this experience a more compassionate and psychologically healthier model of living.
(650) 797-0469 View (650) 797-0469
Photo of Janet Barkin Jacobi, MA, JD, Marriage & Family Therapist
Janet Barkin Jacobi
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, JD
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94024
I primarily see individual adult clients. I take a collaborative approach and provide the support, patience and compassion necessary to promote change and growth. I feel fortunate to work in private practice and at a local hospital. I see a diverse population of clients and have exposure to a wide variety of issues and diagnoses: anxiety, depression, ADHD, domestic violence/trauma, work stress, parenting, relationship problems, grief/loss, chronic illness/pain, assertiveness/self-esteem, gender incongruence, caregiver stress and life transitions (going to college, having a baby, getting married/divorced, moving, changing jobs).
I primarily see individual adult clients. I take a collaborative approach and provide the support, patience and compassion necessary to promote change and growth. I feel fortunate to work in private practice and at a local hospital. I see a diverse population of clients and have exposure to a wide variety of issues and diagnoses: anxiety, depression, ADHD, domestic violence/trauma, work stress, parenting, relationship problems, grief/loss, chronic illness/pain, assertiveness/self-esteem, gender incongruence, caregiver stress and life transitions (going to college, having a baby, getting married/divorced, moving, changing jobs).
(408) 337-6829 View (408) 337-6829
Photo of Christopher Sato-Perry, MA, PsyD, Psychologist
Christopher Sato-Perry
Psychologist, MA, PsyD
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94022
For over 24 years, I've collaborated with people to resolve their psychological trauma, phobias, anxiety & stress as well as maximize responses to their medical diagnoses, treatments & conditions. This clinical focus stems from both a personal medical challenge since age 12 and research on treating women with breast cancer and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Yet Kaiser research (1998) finding 70% of primary care visits are driven by mental, emotional and relational issues highlights how mind and body are interwoven for each of us. This interplay provides leverage for preventive medicine, for responding to illness and for maximizing peak performance.
For over 24 years, I've collaborated with people to resolve their psychological trauma, phobias, anxiety & stress as well as maximize responses to their medical diagnoses, treatments & conditions. This clinical focus stems from both a personal medical challenge since age 12 and research on treating women with breast cancer and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Yet Kaiser research (1998) finding 70% of primary care visits are driven by mental, emotional and relational issues highlights how mind and body are interwoven for each of us. This interplay provides leverage for preventive medicine, for responding to illness and for maximizing peak performance.
(650) 440-7197 View (650) 440-7197
Photo of Catherine Crawford, MFT, ATR, Marriage & Family Therapist
Catherine Crawford
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, ATR
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94022
Children/teens: self-esteem, anxiety, depression, navigating relationships, gifted/empathic/HSP, divorce, chronic illness, teletherapy for college, art/play therapy.
I bring empathy, compassion and 30 years of experience to my holistic work with adults, children and teens. You are unique and my intent is to listen for your strengths and build on the positive as we gently remove blocks, trauma, thoughts, stressors and old relationship patterns that are holding you back. My style is warm and interactive and I incorporate my own intuition and creativity as I help people to make meaningful life changes.
Children/teens: self-esteem, anxiety, depression, navigating relationships, gifted/empathic/HSP, divorce, chronic illness, teletherapy for college, art/play therapy.
I bring empathy, compassion and 30 years of experience to my holistic work with adults, children and teens. You are unique and my intent is to listen for your strengths and build on the positive as we gently remove blocks, trauma, thoughts, stressors and old relationship patterns that are holding you back. My style is warm and interactive and I incorporate my own intuition and creativity as I help people to make meaningful life changes.
(650) 918-6909 View (650) 918-6909
Photo of Laura Goossens, MA, LMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Laura Goossens
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94024  (Online Only)
Hello! I’m Laura. I'm passionate about helping people improve their Present by addressing their Past. People describe my style as collaborative, warm, direct, goal-focused, patient, and thorough. I help clients in their work toward self-esteem, healthy relationships, grounded communication, stress management, improved mood, and access to services/resources. Communities I belong to and am experienced in serving: disabled/chronic illness, sex positive, kink/polyam/alternative lifestyle, genderqueer, fat positive, and neurodivergent folks. Happy to serve folks from other groups too of course! I offer a 30-minute free video intro call.
Hello! I’m Laura. I'm passionate about helping people improve their Present by addressing their Past. People describe my style as collaborative, warm, direct, goal-focused, patient, and thorough. I help clients in their work toward self-esteem, healthy relationships, grounded communication, stress management, improved mood, and access to services/resources. Communities I belong to and am experienced in serving: disabled/chronic illness, sex positive, kink/polyam/alternative lifestyle, genderqueer, fat positive, and neurodivergent folks. Happy to serve folks from other groups too of course! I offer a 30-minute free video intro call.
(510) 439-0243 View (510) 439-0243
Photo of Amy Elizabeth Greene, MA, LMHC, EMDR, Counselor
Amy Elizabeth Greene
Counselor, MA, LMHC, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94022
Here we go again, another day of feeling overwhelmed, on edge, tense in your stomach, aches & pains in your body with intrusive, racing thoughts that feel like they have hijacked your brain. Are you frustrated that you can't seem to reach your goals and dreams in career or relationships despite your best efforts & intentions, like something is blocking you? Feel like you don't fit in, "too sensitive or overly emotional"? Do you absorb the energy around you? Do you want to help others with their pain, yet you neglect your own problems? You are at war with an invisible enemy, tired of watching life go by while you are missing out.
Here we go again, another day of feeling overwhelmed, on edge, tense in your stomach, aches & pains in your body with intrusive, racing thoughts that feel like they have hijacked your brain. Are you frustrated that you can't seem to reach your goals and dreams in career or relationships despite your best efforts & intentions, like something is blocking you? Feel like you don't fit in, "too sensitive or overly emotional"? Do you absorb the energy around you? Do you want to help others with their pain, yet you neglect your own problems? You are at war with an invisible enemy, tired of watching life go by while you are missing out.
(786) 686-1062 View (786) 686-1062
Photo of Dr. Kayzim Suárez-Reyes, PhD, ASD-CS, ADHDCCS, Psychologist
Dr. Kayzim Suárez-Reyes
Psychologist, PhD, ASD-CS, ADHDCCS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94022  (Online Only)
I know the struggles of having attention difficulties, mood disorders, and chronic pain as a client.
You are so overwhelmed that you are "frozen" and can't stop procrastinating. Whenever you think you'll remember something, you don't. No one understands how hard it is for you to try and deal with your depression and your difficulties with organization. If people only knew all the traumatic stuff you've been through. It's definitely hard to explain to others what is going inside and it would be great if somewhere out there, there is someone who's lived it AND has professional knowledge on all this. I know what it's like to try and find someone that understands you, can guide you, and isn't judging. If this is you, I can help!
I know the struggles of having attention difficulties, mood disorders, and chronic pain as a client.
You are so overwhelmed that you are "frozen" and can't stop procrastinating. Whenever you think you'll remember something, you don't. No one understands how hard it is for you to try and deal with your depression and your difficulties with organization. If people only knew all the traumatic stuff you've been through. It's definitely hard to explain to others what is going inside and it would be great if somewhere out there, there is someone who's lived it AND has professional knowledge on all this. I know what it's like to try and find someone that understands you, can guide you, and isn't judging. If this is you, I can help!
View
Photo of Andrew Brown, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Andrew Brown
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94023
I continue to be thrilled by the capacity of humans to thrive in the face of even impossible challenges, and by feeling the spirit they draw upon to do so. Just as humbling is recognizing how much that ability can wither or grow from subtle but profound shifts of thought and emotion.
I continue to be thrilled by the capacity of humans to thrive in the face of even impossible challenges, and by feeling the spirit they draw upon to do so. Just as humbling is recognizing how much that ability can wither or grow from subtle but profound shifts of thought and emotion.
(650) 900-9899 View (650) 900-9899
Photo of Maria Porch, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Maria Porch
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94024
Are you struggling in your relationships with others, or with how you view yourself? Do you have problems at work, or are you grappling with a loss? Many times we may feel unhappy, or bland but are not clear about the causes and what we can do. Personal growth is a lifelong process, and at times, choosing to embark in a psychotherapeutic relationship can help. We all have the capacity to better understand ourselves and improve our lives. In our work together, you would begin to understand the relationship you have with yourself and how you navigate other relationships.
Are you struggling in your relationships with others, or with how you view yourself? Do you have problems at work, or are you grappling with a loss? Many times we may feel unhappy, or bland but are not clear about the causes and what we can do. Personal growth is a lifelong process, and at times, choosing to embark in a psychotherapeutic relationship can help. We all have the capacity to better understand ourselves and improve our lives. In our work together, you would begin to understand the relationship you have with yourself and how you navigate other relationships.
(408) 831-3959 View (408) 831-3959
Photo of Hagit Zeev, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Hagit Zeev
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94022
HEAL YOUR PARTS • FIND YOUR WHOLE • CONNECT TO YOUR TRUE SELF —— Through my 1-1 therapy (IFS), couples therapy, mindfulness groups, and workshops, I strive to bring you into the present moment. To a place where you can breathe, grow, and heal. —— My passion is helping women in Silicon Valley who want to meet themselves on a deeper level. Together, we'll dive into all the parts that make you the person you are. Then, we'll develop techniques to help you heal from past trauma, live in the present moment, and love yourself unconditionally.
HEAL YOUR PARTS • FIND YOUR WHOLE • CONNECT TO YOUR TRUE SELF —— Through my 1-1 therapy (IFS), couples therapy, mindfulness groups, and workshops, I strive to bring you into the present moment. To a place where you can breathe, grow, and heal. —— My passion is helping women in Silicon Valley who want to meet themselves on a deeper level. Together, we'll dive into all the parts that make you the person you are. Then, we'll develop techniques to help you heal from past trauma, live in the present moment, and love yourself unconditionally.
(650) 826-3092 View (650) 826-3092
Photo of Susan Zweig, LCSW, BCD, CEAP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Susan Zweig
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCD, CEAP
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94022
It has been my privilege to provide counseling and psychotherapy services to individuals and couples for over 20 years. I work with clients experiencing a wide variety of issues including anxiety, depression, life transitions, stress related to work, family, or relationships, parenting, grief and loss, addiction, and medical and aging concerns. I view therapy as an active partnership in which my clients and I work together to identify core concerns, solve problems, and reach goals. With guidance and support, my clients make the changes they desire to feel healthy and satisfied.
It has been my privilege to provide counseling and psychotherapy services to individuals and couples for over 20 years. I work with clients experiencing a wide variety of issues including anxiety, depression, life transitions, stress related to work, family, or relationships, parenting, grief and loss, addiction, and medical and aging concerns. I view therapy as an active partnership in which my clients and I work together to identify core concerns, solve problems, and reach goals. With guidance and support, my clients make the changes they desire to feel healthy and satisfied.
(650) 209-7914 View (650) 209-7914
Photo of Cely M Queiroz, PAC, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cely M Queiroz
Marriage & Family Therapist, PAC, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94024
Life sometimes presents us with challenges, and therapy is an opportunity to evaluate what is working, what needs change, and how to redirect our energy . As a licensed therapist, I am here to support you through our therapeutic relationship. I provide a safe, non judgmental and unconditional environment to explore. Together, we gain insight into troubling issues on cognitive, emotional and experiential levels. I can partner with you helping you move from contemplation to action. I can collaborate with you individually, as a couple, as parents, or as a family. View more at my site celytherapy.com
Life sometimes presents us with challenges, and therapy is an opportunity to evaluate what is working, what needs change, and how to redirect our energy . As a licensed therapist, I am here to support you through our therapeutic relationship. I provide a safe, non judgmental and unconditional environment to explore. Together, we gain insight into troubling issues on cognitive, emotional and experiential levels. I can partner with you helping you move from contemplation to action. I can collaborate with you individually, as a couple, as parents, or as a family. View more at my site celytherapy.com
(650) 651-5390 View (650) 651-5390
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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.