Chronic Pain Therapists in Palo Alto, CA
![Photo of Zeina Halim, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/01355226-b79b-44ac-b1cb-083901129f10/1/320x400.jpeg)
Did you once love your work but now you are exhausted and not enjoying your life? Are you struggling to find balance between your demanding job and your relationships or family? Have you seen countless doctors and therapists but still suffer with chronic pain? Have you lost the passion and connection that brought you and your partner together and you don’t know how to get it back?
Did you once love your work but now you are exhausted and not enjoying your life? Are you struggling to find balance between your demanding job and your relationships or family? Have you seen countless doctors and therapists but still suffer with chronic pain? Have you lost the passion and connection that brought you and your partner together and you don’t know how to get it back?
![Photo of Lital Koropitzer, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/17ff2d52-e1d2-4129-a9ec-ff8a0a18095f/2/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Uta Maeda, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40b62f01-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
The impact of chronic pain often goes far beyond the body, and may leave you feeling depressed, anxious, angry, and isolated. As a pain psychologist, I can help you build effective coping tools to take back control over your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and physical symptoms so that you can live a meaningful life that is not defined by your pain. I emphasize a collaborative, solution-focused approach to therapy, and will work with you to create a treatment plan that takes into account the unique biological, psychological, and social factors that make you who you are.
The impact of chronic pain often goes far beyond the body, and may leave you feeling depressed, anxious, angry, and isolated. As a pain psychologist, I can help you build effective coping tools to take back control over your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and physical symptoms so that you can live a meaningful life that is not defined by your pain. I emphasize a collaborative, solution-focused approach to therapy, and will work with you to create a treatment plan that takes into account the unique biological, psychological, and social factors that make you who you are.
![Photo of Harsha Vaishnav - Hypnotherapy & Reiki @ Natural Health Center, BS, CCHT, Reiki](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f199748-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hypnotherapy & Reiki @ Natural Health Center
BS, CCHT, Reiki
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Seeking solutions that bring balance and calm in your life? I offer guided mind body healing therapies such as Hypnotherapy and EFT, that empower you to find solutions for the following issues: PAIN, INSOMNIA, GRIEF, WEIGHT, ANXIETY, STRESS, TRAUMA, HABITS, CRAVINGS, RELATIONSHIPS, or PAST LIVES. Hypnotherapy can be effective in building a bridge between the conscious mind and subconscious mind in order to explore the source and solutions of emotional, mental, and physical issues. This expanded state of consciousness allows for genuine realizations and the motivation to implement lasting transformations.
Seeking solutions that bring balance and calm in your life? I offer guided mind body healing therapies such as Hypnotherapy and EFT, that empower you to find solutions for the following issues: PAIN, INSOMNIA, GRIEF, WEIGHT, ANXIETY, STRESS, TRAUMA, HABITS, CRAVINGS, RELATIONSHIPS, or PAST LIVES. Hypnotherapy can be effective in building a bridge between the conscious mind and subconscious mind in order to explore the source and solutions of emotional, mental, and physical issues. This expanded state of consciousness allows for genuine realizations and the motivation to implement lasting transformations.
![Photo of Ami I. Student, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6b1f1805-d421-4c20-9275-b39e1e3ce3fe/1/320x400.jpeg)
Although I consider myself a lifelong learner, my name can often throw people. While my last name is "Student," I am actually a licensed, seasoned clinician with extensive training and experience in the field of psychology. I help clients confront a wide range of challenges, such as depression, anxiety, and traumatic stress. I also have expertise in assisting individuals struggling with their physical health, including chronic pain, medical illness, and sleep/insomnia.
Although I consider myself a lifelong learner, my name can often throw people. While my last name is "Student," I am actually a licensed, seasoned clinician with extensive training and experience in the field of psychology. I help clients confront a wide range of challenges, such as depression, anxiety, and traumatic stress. I also have expertise in assisting individuals struggling with their physical health, including chronic pain, medical illness, and sleep/insomnia.
![Photo of Maud Cavayé, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45e8cf85-a8a1-4e0b-bc57-a475acd4b64d/3/320x400.jpeg)
In addition, I offer services for people facing cancer and other chronic illness, or currently receiving palliative care.
“I have lost someone and whenever I think of them, I am overwhelmed with sadness, anxiety, or anger.” “I don’t want to forget them.” “The day they die, time stopped and since then I have felt that I am stuck.” “I don’t deserve to be happy now that they are gone.” If those statements sound familiar, know that you are not alone and that grief therapy can help.
In addition, I offer services for people facing cancer and other chronic illness, or currently receiving palliative care.
“I have lost someone and whenever I think of them, I am overwhelmed with sadness, anxiety, or anger.” “I don’t want to forget them.” “The day they die, time stopped and since then I have felt that I am stuck.” “I don’t deserve to be happy now that they are gone.” If those statements sound familiar, know that you are not alone and that grief therapy can help.
![Photo of Morgan Bartholomew, MA, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ee324d4-48af-46ee-aac6-5390622b653c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Therapy is a deeply personal and challenging process. As a therapist, I aim to create a space where individuals moving through difficult periods of their lives can explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and learn new ways of relating to them. I strive to be a non-judgmental, compassionate, and empathetic partner in your healing journey. I specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ folks, individuals dealing with trauma, mood disorders, anxiety, chronic pain, and challenging life transitions.
Therapy is a deeply personal and challenging process. As a therapist, I aim to create a space where individuals moving through difficult periods of their lives can explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and learn new ways of relating to them. I strive to be a non-judgmental, compassionate, and empathetic partner in your healing journey. I specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ folks, individuals dealing with trauma, mood disorders, anxiety, chronic pain, and challenging life transitions.
![Photo of Dr. Erica Suzanne Pool - Peninsula Behavioral Health, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/119cd281-0c04-4f1b-8cee-fa128934196c/2/320x400.jpeg)
I strive to bring my genuine self to each session, and a sense of compassionate humor towards the pain and beauty of the human condition.
Working together, we will co-create markers of success on the path towards your therapeutic goals, anchoring our work both in the evidence base and the stories and realities of each of our lived experiences. I am trained in modern trauma-informed and culturally-affirming behavioral therapies, including ACT, CBT, DBT, MBSR, and schema-based work.
I strive to bring my genuine self to each session, and a sense of compassionate humor towards the pain and beauty of the human condition.
Working together, we will co-create markers of success on the path towards your therapeutic goals, anchoring our work both in the evidence base and the stories and realities of each of our lived experiences. I am trained in modern trauma-informed and culturally-affirming behavioral therapies, including ACT, CBT, DBT, MBSR, and schema-based work.
![Photo of Dr. Lianne Salcido, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ffa11fe7-16c6-43a3-b68a-c2c2ffbe6327/1/320x400.jpeg)
I believe that the mind and body are interconnected. We often experience emotional pain when our bodies are struggling with illness or medical problems. As a therapist with specialized training in health psychology and behavioral medicine, my work emphasizes this mind-body connection. My primary areas of expertise focus on the treatment of insomnia, coping with illness, sexual health, chronic pain, and stress management in adults. Additionally, I help individuals cope with psychological concerns, such as anxiety, depression, adjustment to life transitions, and relationship difficulties.
I believe that the mind and body are interconnected. We often experience emotional pain when our bodies are struggling with illness or medical problems. As a therapist with specialized training in health psychology and behavioral medicine, my work emphasizes this mind-body connection. My primary areas of expertise focus on the treatment of insomnia, coping with illness, sexual health, chronic pain, and stress management in adults. Additionally, I help individuals cope with psychological concerns, such as anxiety, depression, adjustment to life transitions, and relationship difficulties.
![Photo of Dr. Arianna Gerry, PhD, MPH, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1cdb90b5-8696-4f8b-b395-8870c7d67b48/3/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in helping individuals cope and transcend some of life's most difficult stressors that often cause anxiety and depression. I work with clients who are caregivers, as well as those dealing with loss and grief. I work with clients facing chronic and terminal illness to find meaning and purpose in their lives. I specialize in working with clients suffering with pain, sleep problems, and experiencing insomnia. I also specialize in health behavior change, whether your goals are to improve your physical health via diet, exercise, and adaptive thinking, I will help motivate you to take action and ascend!
I specialize in helping individuals cope and transcend some of life's most difficult stressors that often cause anxiety and depression. I work with clients who are caregivers, as well as those dealing with loss and grief. I work with clients facing chronic and terminal illness to find meaning and purpose in their lives. I specialize in working with clients suffering with pain, sleep problems, and experiencing insomnia. I also specialize in health behavior change, whether your goals are to improve your physical health via diet, exercise, and adaptive thinking, I will help motivate you to take action and ascend!
![Photo of Christopher Sato-Perry, MA, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a6cd24d2-1153-4af1-8b09-7306bb1895f2/1/320x400.jpeg)
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.
15 Second Videos
Sobia Saleem Psychotherapist
Sanctuary Counseling & Psychotherapy
Angela Li: Brainspotting Anxiety Trauma Therapist
Jenni Moore
Amanda Martino
Brandee Sosa
Jyoti Nadhani
Marlina Rose Selva
Hagit Zeev
Paris Williams
Megan Hankins-Maldonado
Heather L. Damon
'Mind Your Stories & Live Well'
Shuchang Kang
Jaclyn Kelly Long
![Photo of Renee Burgard, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ba255ba-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
Renee Burgard
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94301
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.
![Photo of Carol Williams, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/25d290af-f88c-4e8e-8c30-de77e16d151c/2/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Zoe Gillispie, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d1de155-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I have specialized experience helping individuals with chronic pain and headaches.
Hello and Welcome! I am a licensed psychologist in private practice in Redwood City, CA. I have been practicing as a therapist for children, couples, adults, and families since 2002. As a therapist, my goal is to help you focus on your unique strengths in a warm, interactive, and collaborative setting. I can help children and adults, individuals or couples, and/or families address parenting concerns, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and medical problems.
I have specialized experience helping individuals with chronic pain and headaches.
Hello and Welcome! I am a licensed psychologist in private practice in Redwood City, CA. I have been practicing as a therapist for children, couples, adults, and families since 2002. As a therapist, my goal is to help you focus on your unique strengths in a warm, interactive, and collaborative setting. I can help children and adults, individuals or couples, and/or families address parenting concerns, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and medical problems.
![Photo of Susan Light, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c0e8e23-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/6/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in working with people dealing with anxiety, depression, loss and grief, parenting issues, stress management, relationship issues, postpartum issues, chronic illness and pain, Tourette Syndrome and OCD.
For over 25 years I have worked with children, teens, parents, individual adults and couples facing a wide variety of issues and concerns. As I listen carefully to my clients and their challenges and goals, I choose the therapeutic modalities that best suit each individual and their needs. I focus on personal strengths as well as struggles. People have described me as active, engaged, perceptive and caring. It is a privilege to accompany and assist people in the important process of discovery, healing, change and growth.
I specialize in working with people dealing with anxiety, depression, loss and grief, parenting issues, stress management, relationship issues, postpartum issues, chronic illness and pain, Tourette Syndrome and OCD.
For over 25 years I have worked with children, teens, parents, individual adults and couples facing a wide variety of issues and concerns. As I listen carefully to my clients and their challenges and goals, I choose the therapeutic modalities that best suit each individual and their needs. I focus on personal strengths as well as struggles. People have described me as active, engaged, perceptive and caring. It is a privilege to accompany and assist people in the important process of discovery, healing, change and growth.
![Photo of Raya Smail, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bfc3385-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Psychosomatic issues and chronic pain.
If you have made your way to this page, you are probably struggling with a "relationship problem"--either with someone else, or with yourself. This is likely causing you significant emotional pain. Your predicament may have been triggered by a recent event, such as loss or trauma, or may have lingered and festered for years. Your symptoms may vary--you may experience persistent discontent, loneliness, emptiness...; have difficulty finding or sustaining a relationship, or have a spouse who wants you to get "fixed".You may be battling addiction or a destructive behavior that is thwarting your life, but impossible to give up, despite endless attempts.
Psychosomatic issues and chronic pain.
If you have made your way to this page, you are probably struggling with a "relationship problem"--either with someone else, or with yourself. This is likely causing you significant emotional pain. Your predicament may have been triggered by a recent event, such as loss or trauma, or may have lingered and festered for years. Your symptoms may vary--you may experience persistent discontent, loneliness, emptiness...; have difficulty finding or sustaining a relationship, or have a spouse who wants you to get "fixed".You may be battling addiction or a destructive behavior that is thwarting your life, but impossible to give up, despite endless attempts.
![Photo of Carol Jaron, MS, MFT, CHT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b553c19-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
You can clear patterns at a deeper level that create problems in your relationships, or learn to lessen pain and worry from loss,body image issues, addiction, trauma, ADD and more.
Your mind and body make a powerful, interwoven pair. Is your body expressing what the thoughts are repressing? Easing and gently lifting your sense of heaviness from anxiety, depression, grief, isolation and emptiness of spirit can be closer than you ever believed! Let me guide you to the other side of "stuck" in your personal and professional relationships, emotions, body issues, and success. When we are in a session all the focus is on being fully present for,and deeply listening to you, offering a clear, kind and soothing direction, towards releasing unhealthy thought patterns by integrating with body feelings.
You can clear patterns at a deeper level that create problems in your relationships, or learn to lessen pain and worry from loss,body image issues, addiction, trauma, ADD and more.
Your mind and body make a powerful, interwoven pair. Is your body expressing what the thoughts are repressing? Easing and gently lifting your sense of heaviness from anxiety, depression, grief, isolation and emptiness of spirit can be closer than you ever believed! Let me guide you to the other side of "stuck" in your personal and professional relationships, emotions, body issues, and success. When we are in a session all the focus is on being fully present for,and deeply listening to you, offering a clear, kind and soothing direction, towards releasing unhealthy thought patterns by integrating with body feelings.
![Photo of Sobia Saleem Psychotherapist, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5d060fcf-9411-4535-9532-451c742db827/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sobia Saleem Psychotherapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94301 (Online Only)
Although I don't know you yet, I do know some of your pain quite well.
Accepting New Clients! Are you a trans, non-binary, or poly person looking for a therapist who understands & reflects your identity? Are you a newly diagnosed neurodivergent or neuroqueer adult? Are you chronically ill and tired of educating your therapists about your medical conditions? Are you a queer Muslim seeking a therapist who's familiar with both your background & queerness? If so, I want to work with you on your unique challenges, like navigating your transition, exploring sexual dynamics with partner(s), dealing with a new diagnosis, and/or needing an HRT or GAS (surgery) letter. Therapy should cater to you and your needs.
Although I don't know you yet, I do know some of your pain quite well.
Accepting New Clients! Are you a trans, non-binary, or poly person looking for a therapist who understands & reflects your identity? Are you a newly diagnosed neurodivergent or neuroqueer adult? Are you chronically ill and tired of educating your therapists about your medical conditions? Are you a queer Muslim seeking a therapist who's familiar with both your background & queerness? If so, I want to work with you on your unique challenges, like navigating your transition, exploring sexual dynamics with partner(s), dealing with a new diagnosis, and/or needing an HRT or GAS (surgery) letter. Therapy should cater to you and your needs.
![Photo of Clark Grove, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43d75c54-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
I also work with John Sarno's understanding of psychophysiological pain.
You are not broken. It is human to feel loss, sadness, anger, fear, or unworthiness. Recent advances in neuroscience can help us understand why we feel stuck, sad, stressed, scared or alone. When we begin to understand the implicit/unconscious feelings/beliefs that automatically run inside of us we begin a journey that can lead to more awareness, and therefore to more choice in our lives. The hardest part of this journey is the first step; to make your growth a priority enough to tolerate the discomfort of facing what isn't working.
I also work with John Sarno's understanding of psychophysiological pain.
You are not broken. It is human to feel loss, sadness, anger, fear, or unworthiness. Recent advances in neuroscience can help us understand why we feel stuck, sad, stressed, scared or alone. When we begin to understand the implicit/unconscious feelings/beliefs that automatically run inside of us we begin a journey that can lead to more awareness, and therefore to more choice in our lives. The hardest part of this journey is the first step; to make your growth a priority enough to tolerate the discomfort of facing what isn't working.
![Photo of Alina Liu, PsyD, MSW, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/401da17d-c975-4c87-8036-44ee8e3a5796/6/320x400.jpeg)
Anxiety and emotional pain are part of being human, but you don't have to suffer alone and I am here to help.
Are you burned out from "imposter syndrome" at work, stuck in an unfulfilling relationship, or feeling perpetually disconnected and isolated? Living inauthentically can feel exhausting. I work with individuals and couples to provide a range of therapy services from short-term evidence-based treatment for anxiety/depression to long-term relational work. Mental health is about having choices; in our first session, I am excited to get to know you and walk you through the process of therapy. My goal is to help you release painful emotions, reflect on patterns of thoughts and behaviors, and reconnect with a deeper sense of inner freedom.
Anxiety and emotional pain are part of being human, but you don't have to suffer alone and I am here to help.
Are you burned out from "imposter syndrome" at work, stuck in an unfulfilling relationship, or feeling perpetually disconnected and isolated? Living inauthentically can feel exhausting. I work with individuals and couples to provide a range of therapy services from short-term evidence-based treatment for anxiety/depression to long-term relational work. Mental health is about having choices; in our first session, I am excited to get to know you and walk you through the process of therapy. My goal is to help you release painful emotions, reflect on patterns of thoughts and behaviors, and reconnect with a deeper sense of inner freedom.
See more therapy options for Palo Alto
Nearby Chronic Pain Therapists Searches for Palo Alto
- Atherton
- Belmont
- Foster City
- Los Altos
- Los Altos Hills
- Menlo Park
- Mountain View
- Newark
- Redwood City
- San Carlos
- Stanford
- Sunnyvale
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.