Chronic Pain Therapists in Newport Beach, CA

Photo of Suzan Aldimassi, LMFT, MS, CMS, CHT, NLP, Marriage & Family Therapist
Suzan Aldimassi
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MS, CMS, CHT, NLP
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
I help clients with chronic pain regain their health.
Do you end up going from one doctor to another searching for an answer to your physical complaints? Has your doctor told you that there is no explanation for your symptoms? Has your doctor told you that there is “nothing wrong with you” or “it’s all in your head”? Life is filled with challenges. Stress can be inevitable as we encounter these challenges. Mental, emotional, and physical stress can lead to muscle tension and aliments.
I help clients with chronic pain regain their health.
Do you end up going from one doctor to another searching for an answer to your physical complaints? Has your doctor told you that there is no explanation for your symptoms? Has your doctor told you that there is “nothing wrong with you” or “it’s all in your head”? Life is filled with challenges. Stress can be inevitable as we encounter these challenges. Mental, emotional, and physical stress can lead to muscle tension and aliments.
(949) 674-3761 View (949) 674-3761
Photo of Lital Koropitzer, PsyD, Psychologist
Lital Koropitzer
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Are you striving to overcome persistent discomfort and reclaim your life? Whether it's physical challenges or emotional roadblocks, I offer tailored strategies to improve your daily experience and cultivate resilience. Do feelings of stress, anxiety, or self-doubt hold you back from reaching your full potential? Learn to manage difficult emotions, cultivate a healthier mindset, and achieve success on your terms. Are you living with chronic pain? Learn to understand your pain, reduce its impact on your life, and uncover your inner strength.
Are you striving to overcome persistent discomfort and reclaim your life? Whether it's physical challenges or emotional roadblocks, I offer tailored strategies to improve your daily experience and cultivate resilience. Do feelings of stress, anxiety, or self-doubt hold you back from reaching your full potential? Learn to manage difficult emotions, cultivate a healthier mindset, and achieve success on your terms. Are you living with chronic pain? Learn to understand your pain, reduce its impact on your life, and uncover your inner strength.
(650) 881-3853 View (650) 881-3853
Photo of Gayl Hartell, PhD, Psychologist
Gayl Hartell
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92663
Waitlist for new clients
I am on the staff of Hoag Hospital at the Hoag Neuroscience Institute working in a unique setting of neurologists, neurosurgeons and pain specialists.
I received my Ph.D from USC and have been in practice in Newport Beach for over 30 years. I was a professor of psychology for 8 years. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety disorders and marital and family issues. For further information about me, you can read my article on dependent children online in the OC Register. Just put Hartell in the search section.
I am on the staff of Hoag Hospital at the Hoag Neuroscience Institute working in a unique setting of neurologists, neurosurgeons and pain specialists.
I received my Ph.D from USC and have been in practice in Newport Beach for over 30 years. I was a professor of psychology for 8 years. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety disorders and marital and family issues. For further information about me, you can read my article on dependent children online in the OC Register. Just put Hartell in the search section.
(949) 505-9746 View (949) 505-9746
Photo of Martin A Perez, PhD, Psychologist
Martin A Perez
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
He has extensive experience treating illness-related distress.
If you are seeking my services because you or a loved is dealing with a challenging medical diagnosis psychological consultation can be an important and effective addition to a medical treatment plan. I approach each case from a cognitive-behavioral framework and I am goal-oriented in my approach to your therapy. You will find I am empathic, sensitive to your needs and genuinely concerned with your outcome. My aim is to provide you with the highest quality scientifically-driven psychological care. I am ready to listen, and give you the tools you need to deal with the challenges ahead.
He has extensive experience treating illness-related distress.
If you are seeking my services because you or a loved is dealing with a challenging medical diagnosis psychological consultation can be an important and effective addition to a medical treatment plan. I approach each case from a cognitive-behavioral framework and I am goal-oriented in my approach to your therapy. You will find I am empathic, sensitive to your needs and genuinely concerned with your outcome. My aim is to provide you with the highest quality scientifically-driven psychological care. I am ready to listen, and give you the tools you need to deal with the challenges ahead.
(949) 407-5457 View (949) 407-5457
Photo of Tacha Kasper, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Tacha Kasper
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Stop Suffering and learn to move beyond the pain/ illness and into a fulfilled life.
If you or a loved one has Chronic Pain / Illness, Cancer OR Trauma, I would like to be part of your Healing Team and help you combat the Emotional Impact, such as: anxiety, depression, grief, relationship problems, intimacy, self-esteem, isolation, work/financial strain, caretaker strain & family tension, and more. If you are TIRED of pretending to be 'FINE' when you're really in terrible pain? Or you want to PUNCH the next person who says, "At least you look good"?
Stop Suffering and learn to move beyond the pain/ illness and into a fulfilled life.
If you or a loved one has Chronic Pain / Illness, Cancer OR Trauma, I would like to be part of your Healing Team and help you combat the Emotional Impact, such as: anxiety, depression, grief, relationship problems, intimacy, self-esteem, isolation, work/financial strain, caretaker strain & family tension, and more. If you are TIRED of pretending to be 'FINE' when you're really in terrible pain? Or you want to PUNCH the next person who says, "At least you look good"?
(949) 656-4542 View (949) 656-4542
Photo of Jennifer Martin, PsyD, Psychologist
Jennifer Martin
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660  (Online Only)
I personally understand the psychological difficulties associated with having a chronic illness and pain.
Are you suffering from a chronic illness or chronic pain? Are you having difficulty coping with your pain or illness? Maybe your chronic illness or chronic pain has kept you from living life to the fullest. Maybe you are not enjoying things like you used to. If this sounds like you, take the first step toward getting your life back! Learn the steps to take toward acceptance and learn new strategies to cope with your new life. Chronic illness and chronic pain do not have to define who you are!
I personally understand the psychological difficulties associated with having a chronic illness and pain.
Are you suffering from a chronic illness or chronic pain? Are you having difficulty coping with your pain or illness? Maybe your chronic illness or chronic pain has kept you from living life to the fullest. Maybe you are not enjoying things like you used to. If this sounds like you, take the first step toward getting your life back! Learn the steps to take toward acceptance and learn new strategies to cope with your new life. Chronic illness and chronic pain do not have to define who you are!
(949) 565-2166 View (949) 565-2166
Photo of Alexandra M. Chiara, PhD, Psychologist
Alexandra M. Chiara
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
I have expertise helping individuals and couples struggling with relationship issues, anxiety and depression, eating disorders, and the psychological aspects of physical illness.
Are you ready to be happier and healthier? I consider it a privilege to guide others in their pursuit of a better life and strive to provide competent and compassionate care in a comfortable setting. Everybody has individual strengths that can be harnessed when trying to deal with difficult and distressing periods in life. Together we'll identify these strengths, clarify your priorities and work on strategies to make life more manageable and meaningful. With my professional assistance, you can recover from past disappointments, cope better with challenging situations and seek out more positive experiences and relationships.
I have expertise helping individuals and couples struggling with relationship issues, anxiety and depression, eating disorders, and the psychological aspects of physical illness.
Are you ready to be happier and healthier? I consider it a privilege to guide others in their pursuit of a better life and strive to provide competent and compassionate care in a comfortable setting. Everybody has individual strengths that can be harnessed when trying to deal with difficult and distressing periods in life. Together we'll identify these strengths, clarify your priorities and work on strategies to make life more manageable and meaningful. With my professional assistance, you can recover from past disappointments, cope better with challenging situations and seek out more positive experiences and relationships.
(949) 274-7003 View (949) 274-7003
Photo of Shavvonne Walls - Newport Beach Trauma Therapy, Marriage & Family Therapist
Newport Beach Trauma Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Welcome! We are a team of psychotherapist who are united in our commitment to providing the highest-quality mental health care available to adults, adolescents, couples & families. We help high-functioning professionals, anxious overachievers, survivors of abuse, complex trauma, PTSD, anger issues, chronic pain, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, phobias, low self worth and addictions are usually the result of unresolved trauma. Even the slightest incidents can be traumatizing, impacting us from the inside out and hijacking our ability to cope. The good news is, you can’t change your past, but you don’t have to live there.
Welcome! We are a team of psychotherapist who are united in our commitment to providing the highest-quality mental health care available to adults, adolescents, couples & families. We help high-functioning professionals, anxious overachievers, survivors of abuse, complex trauma, PTSD, anger issues, chronic pain, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, phobias, low self worth and addictions are usually the result of unresolved trauma. Even the slightest incidents can be traumatizing, impacting us from the inside out and hijacking our ability to cope. The good news is, you can’t change your past, but you don’t have to live there.
(949) 334-5840 View (949) 334-5840
Photo of Lara Barbir, PsyD, Psychologist
Lara Barbir
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Waitlist for new clients
The people in your life see this strong and positive side of you, but on the inside you're feeling lost, confused, isolated, and like you don't know how much longer you can keep up this façade before the suffering starts to leak out and you lose complete control. Most clients with whom I work are struggling with depression, anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain and disability, general stress, and/or trauma/PTSD, problems which often come to the forefront following recent relational, work, and life stressors. I'm here to help you find your truth and commit to the meaningful journey of reaching your most empowered and authentic self.
The people in your life see this strong and positive side of you, but on the inside you're feeling lost, confused, isolated, and like you don't know how much longer you can keep up this façade before the suffering starts to leak out and you lose complete control. Most clients with whom I work are struggling with depression, anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain and disability, general stress, and/or trauma/PTSD, problems which often come to the forefront following recent relational, work, and life stressors. I'm here to help you find your truth and commit to the meaningful journey of reaching your most empowered and authentic self.
(949) 208-7334 View (949) 208-7334
Photo of Dr. Lesley Davis, PsyD, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dr. Lesley Davis
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, MFT
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660  (Online Only)
Expressive Art Therapy is an efficacious non-verbal way I get to the root of pain.
I'm here to be your deep healing guide, transforming trauma & anxiety into peace & serenity. We will get to the underlying cause of your deep seated pain and transform your limiting beliefs that keep you stuck in unfulfilling life situations & relationships. You can have the life of your dreams. I've been helping people for 18 years find meaning, purpose, hope and fulfillment. Deep transformation is attainable! I specialize in using scientifically proven techniques to help transform your life into what you've always longed for.
Expressive Art Therapy is an efficacious non-verbal way I get to the root of pain.
I'm here to be your deep healing guide, transforming trauma & anxiety into peace & serenity. We will get to the underlying cause of your deep seated pain and transform your limiting beliefs that keep you stuck in unfulfilling life situations & relationships. You can have the life of your dreams. I've been helping people for 18 years find meaning, purpose, hope and fulfillment. Deep transformation is attainable! I specialize in using scientifically proven techniques to help transform your life into what you've always longed for.
(949) 829-3903 View (949) 829-3903
Photo of Sahar Sara Teimoori, PsyD, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sahar Sara Teimoori
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PsyD, LCSW
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
The ideal client is someone who comes to therapy with a willingness to work on his/her issues. I am experienced in child, adolescent, family and individual. It is possible that you've been to therapists and counselors in the past, and you've been disappointed by the lack of concern and care. It is my firm belief that no one deserves to endure the pain of psychological affliction, especially when real help is available. I do everything within my means to ensure my clients' success, and if you happen to be struggling, I want to extend the same help to you.
The ideal client is someone who comes to therapy with a willingness to work on his/her issues. I am experienced in child, adolescent, family and individual. It is possible that you've been to therapists and counselors in the past, and you've been disappointed by the lack of concern and care. It is my firm belief that no one deserves to endure the pain of psychological affliction, especially when real help is available. I do everything within my means to ensure my clients' success, and if you happen to be struggling, I want to extend the same help to you.
(949) 485-4198 View (949) 485-4198
Photo of Shahrzad Jalali ( Dr. Jalali Associates), PsyD, Psychologist
Shahrzad Jalali ( Dr. Jalali Associates)
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Emotional pain can often be debilitating; however because it is not as tangible as physical pain it is often suppressed or dismissed. Whether it presents itself in the form of anxiety, depression, grief, or relationship issues, emotional pain may be managed by applying the proper means of treatment. Understanding and identifying the patterns of the experienced symptoms can serve as the first step to emotional relief. In doing so, I use top-down techniques as: Jungian analysis and dream interpretation as well as bottom-up techniques such as: EMDR, brain spotting, and somatic experiencing.
Emotional pain can often be debilitating; however because it is not as tangible as physical pain it is often suppressed or dismissed. Whether it presents itself in the form of anxiety, depression, grief, or relationship issues, emotional pain may be managed by applying the proper means of treatment. Understanding and identifying the patterns of the experienced symptoms can serve as the first step to emotional relief. In doing so, I use top-down techniques as: Jungian analysis and dream interpretation as well as bottom-up techniques such as: EMDR, brain spotting, and somatic experiencing.
(310) 692-7649 View (310) 692-7649
Photo of Denise Bonner, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Denise Bonner
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92663
These patterns of thinking become habit forming are mostly subconscious, but end up controlling us and causing pain and suffering.
Welcome my name is Denise Bonner, I am licensed therapist, working with individuals and couples for over 20 years. My purpose and intention is to create a safe and supportive environment for my clients within a framework of non judgement and complete acceptance. This enables my clients to feel safe and comfortable to reveal their innermost thoughts and feelings.
These patterns of thinking become habit forming are mostly subconscious, but end up controlling us and causing pain and suffering.
Welcome my name is Denise Bonner, I am licensed therapist, working with individuals and couples for over 20 years. My purpose and intention is to create a safe and supportive environment for my clients within a framework of non judgement and complete acceptance. This enables my clients to feel safe and comfortable to reveal their innermost thoughts and feelings.
(949) 682-3581 View (949) 682-3581
Photo of Carol Eddy, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Carol Eddy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
I also have experience working with clients dealing with chronic illness and Cancer.
Are you struggling to recover from a painful loss? Feeling down, stressed, or overwhelmed? Maybe you find yourself lying awake worrying about your relationship, family, money, or life in general. Being strong all the time can be exhausting. We are all just doing the best we can every day, and it's easy to feel alone. Therapy can be a great place to slow down, to think carefully about your life, and get support. Maybe you just need someone to talk to, who will listen, without judgment. With over 20 years of experience I can also give constructive feedback, and help you find new approaches to old problems.
I also have experience working with clients dealing with chronic illness and Cancer.
Are you struggling to recover from a painful loss? Feeling down, stressed, or overwhelmed? Maybe you find yourself lying awake worrying about your relationship, family, money, or life in general. Being strong all the time can be exhausting. We are all just doing the best we can every day, and it's easy to feel alone. Therapy can be a great place to slow down, to think carefully about your life, and get support. Maybe you just need someone to talk to, who will listen, without judgment. With over 20 years of experience I can also give constructive feedback, and help you find new approaches to old problems.
(949) 799-1353 View (949) 799-1353
Photo of Dr. Aidin Tajbakhsh, PhD, BCB, BCN, Psychologist
Dr. Aidin Tajbakhsh
Psychologist, PhD, BCB, BCN
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Dr. Tajbakhsh (Dr. T) provides holistic psychotherapy to patients who look for non-pharmaceutical treatment towards recovery, mental wellness, and optimal performance. For almost a decade, Dr. T has served diverse populations, ranging from patients of all ages with mild to severe mental health conditions, young adults with substance use problems, to college students going through life transitions. Currently, Dr. T provides assessment and guidance to adults and youngsters who struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism, chronic pain, personality disorders, and substance abuse.
Dr. Tajbakhsh (Dr. T) provides holistic psychotherapy to patients who look for non-pharmaceutical treatment towards recovery, mental wellness, and optimal performance. For almost a decade, Dr. T has served diverse populations, ranging from patients of all ages with mild to severe mental health conditions, young adults with substance use problems, to college students going through life transitions. Currently, Dr. T provides assessment and guidance to adults and youngsters who struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism, chronic pain, personality disorders, and substance abuse.
(949) 353-5987 View (949) 353-5987
Photo of Victoria Wallace Schlicht, MA, LMFT, SEP, Marriage & Family Therapist
Victoria Wallace Schlicht
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, SEP
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660  (Online Only)
I offer depth-oriented, time-tested approaches for reducing anxiety, emotional, and sometimes, even physical pain.
Struggling with stress? Anxious? Are you fraying a bit at the edges? There's a lot to deal with while managing your your day-to-day life, let alone our chaotic, uncertain world. It feels intense, because it IS intense. It’s hard to function when your nervous system is tipping into fight, flight, and survival mode. Pain from the past can re-emerge. You may feel isolated, lonely, or inexplicably sad. I specialize in holistic, body-oriented approaches to anxiety, healing, and relationships that can deliver the tools you need most to help resolve old wounds, current stressors, and create more of the good you want in life.
I offer depth-oriented, time-tested approaches for reducing anxiety, emotional, and sometimes, even physical pain.
Struggling with stress? Anxious? Are you fraying a bit at the edges? There's a lot to deal with while managing your your day-to-day life, let alone our chaotic, uncertain world. It feels intense, because it IS intense. It’s hard to function when your nervous system is tipping into fight, flight, and survival mode. Pain from the past can re-emerge. You may feel isolated, lonely, or inexplicably sad. I specialize in holistic, body-oriented approaches to anxiety, healing, and relationships that can deliver the tools you need most to help resolve old wounds, current stressors, and create more of the good you want in life.
(949) 216-8402 View (949) 216-8402
Photo of Saba Montazerian, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Saba Montazerian
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
As an experienced Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), in Newport Beach, CA with over 10+ years of diverse background in outpatient, crisis counseling, and Therapeutic-Day Treatment, I am passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life's challenges and create meaningful change. My passion is to work with young adult women in various stages of life facing Life transition issues, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, grief, school & work burnout, and conflicts within relationships.
As an experienced Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), in Newport Beach, CA with over 10+ years of diverse background in outpatient, crisis counseling, and Therapeutic-Day Treatment, I am passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life's challenges and create meaningful change. My passion is to work with young adult women in various stages of life facing Life transition issues, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, grief, school & work burnout, and conflicts within relationships.
(949) 575-8401 View (949) 575-8401
Photo of Sheri Keffer, PhD, MFT, MAT, CCPS, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sheri Keffer
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT, MAT, CCPS
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
'When the pain of remaining the same is greater than the pain of change.
Dr. Sheri Keffer is a Marriage and Family Therapist, TV and nationally syndicated radio Co-Host, speaker, author and relationship expert who will help you to identify the underlying causes that may be keeping you from all that you are meant to be. Why stay stuck when you can move forward? "Whether anxiety, depression, past traumas or failed relationships are effecting your life, I am dedicated to helping you discover new ways of challenging old patterns of thoughts and behaviors. I look forward to your call and working together with you!"
'When the pain of remaining the same is greater than the pain of change.
Dr. Sheri Keffer is a Marriage and Family Therapist, TV and nationally syndicated radio Co-Host, speaker, author and relationship expert who will help you to identify the underlying causes that may be keeping you from all that you are meant to be. Why stay stuck when you can move forward? "Whether anxiety, depression, past traumas or failed relationships are effecting your life, I am dedicated to helping you discover new ways of challenging old patterns of thoughts and behaviors. I look forward to your call and working together with you!"
(949) 647-5521 View (949) 647-5521
Photo of Roya Haghighat - Roya Haghighat. M.S., LMFT, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Roya Haghighat. M.S., LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660  (Online Only)
As a Direct Neurofeedback provider, I can help with many disorders such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, chronic pain, insomnia, stroke related symptoms, traumatic brain injury,.
My passion is to help individuals and families gain insight to their problems, to unleash their potentials and to reach their ultimate goals in life. I am very well versed in cognitive behavioral therapy as I find it to be the most effective approach for depression, anxiety, and many other disorders. I have devoted my practice to assist individuals and families build healthier and meaningful lives. One of my strengths is to facilitate personal empowerment and building a positive self-esteem.
As a Direct Neurofeedback provider, I can help with many disorders such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, chronic pain, insomnia, stroke related symptoms, traumatic brain injury,.
My passion is to help individuals and families gain insight to their problems, to unleash their potentials and to reach their ultimate goals in life. I am very well versed in cognitive behavioral therapy as I find it to be the most effective approach for depression, anxiety, and many other disorders. I have devoted my practice to assist individuals and families build healthier and meaningful lives. One of my strengths is to facilitate personal empowerment and building a positive self-esteem.
(949) 326-7036 View (949) 326-7036
Photo of Odile Nicolette, MA, LMFT, CEAP, Marriage & Family Therapist
Odile Nicolette
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CEAP
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660  (Online Only)
I’ll be your ally in working through your loss–including illness or the death of a loved one.
Men and women of all ages, cultures, and phases of life experience the challenges of anxiety, stress, depression, grief, loss, anger, or the affects of trauma. I’m here to provide the compassionate, caring, empowering therapeutic support you need during these challenging times. I’ve worked successfully in several professions pursing education and self-growth work, lived on several continents, and welcome diversity of all kinds. I specialize in helping people navigate difficult transitions, particularly at quarter-, mid-, or elder-life changes. These include relationship/family issues, divorce/separation, school/work/career choices.
I’ll be your ally in working through your loss–including illness or the death of a loved one.
Men and women of all ages, cultures, and phases of life experience the challenges of anxiety, stress, depression, grief, loss, anger, or the affects of trauma. I’m here to provide the compassionate, caring, empowering therapeutic support you need during these challenging times. I’ve worked successfully in several professions pursing education and self-growth work, lived on several continents, and welcome diversity of all kinds. I specialize in helping people navigate difficult transitions, particularly at quarter-, mid-, or elder-life changes. These include relationship/family issues, divorce/separation, school/work/career choices.
(714) 643-8756 View (714) 643-8756
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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.