Chronic Pain Therapists in Rolling Hills Estates, CA

Photo of Erisa M. Preston, PsyD, Psychologist
Erisa M. Preston
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
My treatment specialties include pregnancy loss and infertility, chronic pain/ illnesses, sexual abuse and trauma, women's issues, and anxiety/depression.
My personal philosophy is that a primary purpose of therapy is to help people to become more complete and authentic versions of themselves. In each of us lies pieces of ourselves which require healing in order to become cohesive and integrated. Some pieces have been internally bruised by the pain of depression or anxiety. Other pieces have been hidden in the shadows of fear or trauma. These pieces will continue to impair daily life and self-actualization, true growth, and progress, until they are addressed and treated. Luckily, therapy can help to heal and integrate all parts of the self.
My treatment specialties include pregnancy loss and infertility, chronic pain/ illnesses, sexual abuse and trauma, women's issues, and anxiety/depression.
My personal philosophy is that a primary purpose of therapy is to help people to become more complete and authentic versions of themselves. In each of us lies pieces of ourselves which require healing in order to become cohesive and integrated. Some pieces have been internally bruised by the pain of depression or anxiety. Other pieces have been hidden in the shadows of fear or trauma. These pieces will continue to impair daily life and self-actualization, true growth, and progress, until they are addressed and treated. Luckily, therapy can help to heal and integrate all parts of the self.
(310) 736-1424 View (310) 736-1424
Photo of Julie Payne, MA, DMFT, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Julie Payne
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, DMFT, LMFT
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
I specialize in treating trauma and individuals diagnosed with a chronic illness.
Thank you for taking the time to consider me for your therapy needs. Whether you are experiencing a difficult time in your life, a life change, or would like more insight and personal growth; I am here to help you. My goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that you are happy with. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. Through psychotherapy, you can learn to improve the way those challenges you have impacted your life.
I specialize in treating trauma and individuals diagnosed with a chronic illness.
Thank you for taking the time to consider me for your therapy needs. Whether you are experiencing a difficult time in your life, a life change, or would like more insight and personal growth; I am here to help you. My goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that you are happy with. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. Through psychotherapy, you can learn to improve the way those challenges you have impacted your life.
(310) 740-9786 View (310) 740-9786
Photo of Sally Kutsunai, PhD, Psychologist
Sally Kutsunai
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
My clients may have chronic illnesses: cancer, genetic illness, diabetes, heart issues, ME/CFS, lymphoma, multiple sclerosis, lupus, Parkinson's, chronic pain.
Do you find yourself hooked by stress, sadness, depression, fears, anxiety and worries? Do you find it is difficult to focus and concentrate? Life may feel quite difficult, be it from work, aging, your health issues, family problems, or significant relationship or friendship changes. You may be seeking to discover what brings meaning to your life. You may be wanting to figure out just how to be more resilient.
My clients may have chronic illnesses: cancer, genetic illness, diabetes, heart issues, ME/CFS, lymphoma, multiple sclerosis, lupus, Parkinson's, chronic pain.
Do you find yourself hooked by stress, sadness, depression, fears, anxiety and worries? Do you find it is difficult to focus and concentrate? Life may feel quite difficult, be it from work, aging, your health issues, family problems, or significant relationship or friendship changes. You may be seeking to discover what brings meaning to your life. You may be wanting to figure out just how to be more resilient.
(424) 286-4969 View (424) 286-4969
Photo of Dr. Sara Rabinovitch Phd, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Sara Rabinovitch Phd
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Struggling with obsessions/compulsions, rumination, control issues, social anxiety, PTSD/trauma or coping behaviors that cause shame? You're in the right place. Common problems that often co-exist with the above: rigid thinking, workaholism, perfectionism, relationship strain, suppressed anger, shame with sex interests, all-or-nothing relationship to food & substances, chronic pain & insomnia. I am often the last stop for clients struggling for a long time, and for whom past therapy has only been partially effective. Evidence-based therapy works. Good therapy is focused & time-limited. Let's roll up our sleeves & get you unstuck.
Struggling with obsessions/compulsions, rumination, control issues, social anxiety, PTSD/trauma or coping behaviors that cause shame? You're in the right place. Common problems that often co-exist with the above: rigid thinking, workaholism, perfectionism, relationship strain, suppressed anger, shame with sex interests, all-or-nothing relationship to food & substances, chronic pain & insomnia. I am often the last stop for clients struggling for a long time, and for whom past therapy has only been partially effective. Evidence-based therapy works. Good therapy is focused & time-limited. Let's roll up our sleeves & get you unstuck.
(714) 710-8520 View (714) 710-8520
Photo of Dr. Kristin Evans, PsyD, MA, MBA, Psychological Associate
Dr. Kristin Evans
Psychological Associate, PsyD, MA, MBA
Verified Verified
Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
I am currently accepting new clients who are looking to gain a deeper understanding of themselves. Our pasts shape us, our futures allow us to change our perspective!
I am currently accepting new clients who are looking to gain a deeper understanding of themselves. Our pasts shape us, our futures allow us to change our perspective!
(310) 340-2698 View (310) 340-2698
Photo of Michi Fu - Los Angeles County, PhD, Psychologist
Los Angeles County
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I have worked in a variety of settings, including community mental health centers, college counseling centers, hospital clinics, and HMO clinics. Therefore, I have experience working with a diverse range of patient populations and presenting issues. My predoctoral training helped me to assist clients with depression, anxiety, and relationship difficulties. My postdoctoral training focused on trauma work, including sexual assault and child abuse. I welcome a complimentary phone consultation.
I have worked in a variety of settings, including community mental health centers, college counseling centers, hospital clinics, and HMO clinics. Therefore, I have experience working with a diverse range of patient populations and presenting issues. My predoctoral training helped me to assist clients with depression, anxiety, and relationship difficulties. My postdoctoral training focused on trauma work, including sexual assault and child abuse. I welcome a complimentary phone consultation.
(626) 261-4069 View (626) 261-4069
Photo of Maryam Dalili, PsyD, LMFT, EFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Maryam Dalili
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT, EFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
ARE you there for me? Do I matter to you? Do you love me? Can I trust you? Are you there when I reach out to you? Experiencing difficulties in your relationships? Having trouble finding meaning in life? Noticing persistent patterns of conflict ?Are you tired of the same old arguments? Are you on the verge of break up or divorce? I HELP COUPLES FIND LOVE AGAIN I want to help you learn how to manage this relational stress, rebuild your bond with your partner and have the relationship you want.
ARE you there for me? Do I matter to you? Do you love me? Can I trust you? Are you there when I reach out to you? Experiencing difficulties in your relationships? Having trouble finding meaning in life? Noticing persistent patterns of conflict ?Are you tired of the same old arguments? Are you on the verge of break up or divorce? I HELP COUPLES FIND LOVE AGAIN I want to help you learn how to manage this relational stress, rebuild your bond with your partner and have the relationship you want.
(310) 912-3048 View (310) 912-3048
Photo of Lesley M Silverstone, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lesley M Silverstone
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
Not accepting new clients
Are you feeling overwhelmed with life's challenges? Taking the first step towards getting help is often the most difficult. My role as a therapist is to work collaboratively with the client to gain self-awareness, build self-esteem, create healthier relationships and improve the quality of one's emotional life.
Are you feeling overwhelmed with life's challenges? Taking the first step towards getting help is often the most difficult. My role as a therapist is to work collaboratively with the client to gain self-awareness, build self-esteem, create healthier relationships and improve the quality of one's emotional life.
(310) 331-8983 View (310) 331-8983

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Savannah M Fine, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Savannah M Fine
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275  (Online Only)
My specialities include: Sex/Sexuality, Intimacy, Relationships, Chronic Pain/Chronic Illness, Anxiety, Life Transitions, Grief/Loss.
Hello! My name is Savannah M. Fine and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist 139871 and a Certified Sex Therapist supporting human beings in the state of California. I am polyam, ENM, kink and LGBTQ+ affirming, and I work with individuals, partners, and families who are looking to form a deeper understanding of themselves, their relationships, and their communities. I understand that healing and growth looks different for each individual and hope to provide the support necessary for your mind, body, and soul.
My specialities include: Sex/Sexuality, Intimacy, Relationships, Chronic Pain/Chronic Illness, Anxiety, Life Transitions, Grief/Loss.
Hello! My name is Savannah M. Fine and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist 139871 and a Certified Sex Therapist supporting human beings in the state of California. I am polyam, ENM, kink and LGBTQ+ affirming, and I work with individuals, partners, and families who are looking to form a deeper understanding of themselves, their relationships, and their communities. I understand that healing and growth looks different for each individual and hope to provide the support necessary for your mind, body, and soul.
(424) 404-8460 View (424) 404-8460
Photo of Magena Ammen, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Magena Ammen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274  (Online Only)
Relief from pain is possible.
You are so done with having to drag yourself out of bed, drinking 10 cups of coffee just to feel something, and giving self-inflicted pep talks that don't friggin' work! Maybe your friends or family don't even notice and they think you're doing GREAT! In reality it’s a struggle keeping it together. You’re white knuckling it and somehow managing to save face. If you’ve made it here, you’re ready to work through what’s bothering you so that life can feel less painful. Whether you’re going through trauma, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, or relationship issues you’re in the right place.
Relief from pain is possible.
You are so done with having to drag yourself out of bed, drinking 10 cups of coffee just to feel something, and giving self-inflicted pep talks that don't friggin' work! Maybe your friends or family don't even notice and they think you're doing GREAT! In reality it’s a struggle keeping it together. You’re white knuckling it and somehow managing to save face. If you’ve made it here, you’re ready to work through what’s bothering you so that life can feel less painful. Whether you’re going through trauma, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, or relationship issues you’re in the right place.
(909) 344-5292 View (909) 344-5292
Photo of Icinda Siqueira-Darwin, PhD, Psychologist
Icinda Siqueira-Darwin
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Torrance, CA 90505
If you are near the Southern area of Los Angeles County, you may want to consider psychotherapy or counseling in Long Beach. I work evening hours, as well as day time, and have experience with most mental health needs. I work in Spanish, English, and Portuguese. I have extensive experience with problems in living using Evidence Based Therapy models and Mindfulness with substance abuse, depression, anxiety, as well as major mental illness including schizophrenia, , and other thought disorders. I work with family problems , including sexual dysfunction. Performing psychological assessments are offered when necessary to set new goals.
If you are near the Southern area of Los Angeles County, you may want to consider psychotherapy or counseling in Long Beach. I work evening hours, as well as day time, and have experience with most mental health needs. I work in Spanish, English, and Portuguese. I have extensive experience with problems in living using Evidence Based Therapy models and Mindfulness with substance abuse, depression, anxiety, as well as major mental illness including schizophrenia, , and other thought disorders. I work with family problems , including sexual dysfunction. Performing psychological assessments are offered when necessary to set new goals.
(562) 526-0592 View (562) 526-0592
Photo of Crystal Quarry, PsyD, MA, Psychologist
Crystal Quarry
Psychologist, PsyD, MA
Verified Verified
Torrance, CA 90505
I specialize in working with people with chronic illness, disability, cancer, auto-immune disorders, and chronic pain, as well as menopause/perimenopause, and infertility/reproductive health issues; among a myriad of other conditions.
One of the most important aspects in therapy is for patients to feel heard, respected, and understood. Given that each individual is unique, and no one issue is ever the same among different people, my approach is integrative and tailored to meet the needs of the person, not the "problem". I strive to create a compassionate, non-judgemental environment for patients to learn, grow, explore, challenge, and to live the life they want to be living. I specialize in working with adults - individual, couples, and family - with anxiety, depression, PTSD/trauma, relationship problems, substance abuse, ADD/ADHD, and LGBTQ issues.
I specialize in working with people with chronic illness, disability, cancer, auto-immune disorders, and chronic pain, as well as menopause/perimenopause, and infertility/reproductive health issues; among a myriad of other conditions.
One of the most important aspects in therapy is for patients to feel heard, respected, and understood. Given that each individual is unique, and no one issue is ever the same among different people, my approach is integrative and tailored to meet the needs of the person, not the "problem". I strive to create a compassionate, non-judgemental environment for patients to learn, grow, explore, challenge, and to live the life they want to be living. I specialize in working with adults - individual, couples, and family - with anxiety, depression, PTSD/trauma, relationship problems, substance abuse, ADD/ADHD, and LGBTQ issues.
(424) 347-1691 View (424) 347-1691
Photo of Crystal Quarry - Q Psychology Group, Psychologist
Q Psychology Group
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Torrance, CA 90505
We specialize in working with people with chronic illness, disability, cancer, auto-immune disorders, and chronic pain, as well as menopause/perimenopause, and infertility/reproductive health issues; among a myriad of other conditions.
One of the most important aspects in therapy is for patients to feel heard, respected, and understood. Given that each individual is unique, and no one issue is ever the same among different people, our approach is integrative and tailored to meet the needs of the person, not the "problem". we strive to create a compassionate, non-judgemental environment for patients to learn, grow, explore, challenge, and to live the life they want to be living. We specialize in working with adults - individual, couples, and family - with anxiety, depression, PTSD/trauma, relationship problems, substance abuse, ADD/ADHD, and LGBTQ issues.
We specialize in working with people with chronic illness, disability, cancer, auto-immune disorders, and chronic pain, as well as menopause/perimenopause, and infertility/reproductive health issues; among a myriad of other conditions.
One of the most important aspects in therapy is for patients to feel heard, respected, and understood. Given that each individual is unique, and no one issue is ever the same among different people, our approach is integrative and tailored to meet the needs of the person, not the "problem". we strive to create a compassionate, non-judgemental environment for patients to learn, grow, explore, challenge, and to live the life they want to be living. We specialize in working with adults - individual, couples, and family - with anxiety, depression, PTSD/trauma, relationship problems, substance abuse, ADD/ADHD, and LGBTQ issues.
(424) 306-1660 View (424) 306-1660
Photo of Karen R Corey, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Karen R Corey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Torrance, CA 90505
The body has an innate drive towards completion; without this completion, clients can spiral into emotional distress and even pain.
Sometimes, when faced with many of life's challenges, we can find it difficult to reach out. Often fear or shame get in the way of asking for help. But there is hope. Working with a therapist, you can begin to feel validated and discover that you are not alone. Do you have a fear of abandonment or fear of intimacy? One or the other can mean you're either a Love Addict or Love Avoidant. I can teach you how to love yourself instead of looking for it in someone else, and bring down your walls and be relational.
The body has an innate drive towards completion; without this completion, clients can spiral into emotional distress and even pain.
Sometimes, when faced with many of life's challenges, we can find it difficult to reach out. Often fear or shame get in the way of asking for help. But there is hope. Working with a therapist, you can begin to feel validated and discover that you are not alone. Do you have a fear of abandonment or fear of intimacy? One or the other can mean you're either a Love Addict or Love Avoidant. I can teach you how to love yourself instead of looking for it in someone else, and bring down your walls and be relational.
(310) 499-2652 View (310) 499-2652
Photo of Tania S Dow, MA, LMFT, EMDR, Marriage & Family Therapist
Tania S Dow
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Torrance, CA 90505  (Online Only)
Whether you are struggling with childhood trauma, physical pain, you a couple in distress, men's issues, adolescents, or mood disorders such as anxiety, depression, and anger, I will do my best to ensure you receive the best care possible.
I believe that every person is unique and has their own story. I feel honored that I have been selected to share their story and to be a part of their healing journey. With compassion, kindness, non-judgment, and support, I help my clients make sense of their major life events so they take the next steps in their lives. It is a great privilege to see my clients gain insight into their lives, manage their difficulties more effectively, make positive changes, increase awareness, and improve themselves. I look forward to meeting you and participating in your healing experience.
Whether you are struggling with childhood trauma, physical pain, you a couple in distress, men's issues, adolescents, or mood disorders such as anxiety, depression, and anger, I will do my best to ensure you receive the best care possible.
I believe that every person is unique and has their own story. I feel honored that I have been selected to share their story and to be a part of their healing journey. With compassion, kindness, non-judgment, and support, I help my clients make sense of their major life events so they take the next steps in their lives. It is a great privilege to see my clients gain insight into their lives, manage their difficulties more effectively, make positive changes, increase awareness, and improve themselves. I look forward to meeting you and participating in your healing experience.
(323) 458-5149 View (323) 458-5149
Photo of Pat Alford-Keating, PhD, ABPP, CGP, Psychologist
Pat Alford-Keating
Psychologist, PhD, ABPP, CGP
Verified Verified
Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274
Trained Hypnotherapist: I sometimes use hypnotherapy to help clients with anxiety, sleep problems, motivation, and pain management.
As a culturally competent psychologist with over 20 years of experience, I have worked with a broad range of clients, suffering from a wide spectrum of problems. When people are confronted with life challenges, there is an opportunity to grow, constructively face them, and overcome. I endeavor to provide a comfortable, supportive environment where clients can explore and work through problems. I also build on client strengths and resilience. My goal is to help clients thrive, creating fulfilling, productive lives, and satisfying relationships. I deeply value my clients and am sensitive to and respectful of every form of human diversity.
Trained Hypnotherapist: I sometimes use hypnotherapy to help clients with anxiety, sleep problems, motivation, and pain management.
As a culturally competent psychologist with over 20 years of experience, I have worked with a broad range of clients, suffering from a wide spectrum of problems. When people are confronted with life challenges, there is an opportunity to grow, constructively face them, and overcome. I endeavor to provide a comfortable, supportive environment where clients can explore and work through problems. I also build on client strengths and resilience. My goal is to help clients thrive, creating fulfilling, productive lives, and satisfying relationships. I deeply value my clients and am sensitive to and respectful of every form of human diversity.
(310) 321-4303 View (310) 321-4303
Photo of Robin Linda Dieda, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Robin Linda Dieda
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Torrance, CA 90505
Abuse and Trauma • Caretaking of Aging Parents • Midlife Reassessment • Health Challenges and Pain Management • Spirituality, Meaning & Goal Setting.
I have worked for many years with individuals and families who have faced major challenges. Extra support during stressful times can have practical benefits, and can even create opportunities for growth. You will benefit from this investment for the rest of your life. The theme of my practice is Growth through Life Transitions.
Abuse and Trauma • Caretaking of Aging Parents • Midlife Reassessment • Health Challenges and Pain Management • Spirituality, Meaning & Goal Setting.
I have worked for many years with individuals and families who have faced major challenges. Extra support during stressful times can have practical benefits, and can even create opportunities for growth. You will benefit from this investment for the rest of your life. The theme of my practice is Growth through Life Transitions.
(310) 697-8026 View (310) 697-8026
Photo of Corina Gheorghiu, LMFT, DDS, Marriage & Family Therapist
Corina Gheorghiu
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, DDS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
You will learn to decrease stress at will, sleep better, reduce pain, be resilient, and expand into the future you long for.
Are you tired of the struggle to create and maintain fulfilling relationships within yourself and with others? Do you feel different after the pandemic? Through anxiety & energy management, individual psychotherapy and inter-generational life coaching & parenting, focused on a highly tailored approach of integrating mind and heart, body and soul, you will get to the root of your problems and become confident in your ability to change and heal. You can acquire peace, even in the midst of turmoil. You can start to fulfill the innate desire for love in all your relationships, with your self and others, with the world and its Creator.
You will learn to decrease stress at will, sleep better, reduce pain, be resilient, and expand into the future you long for.
Are you tired of the struggle to create and maintain fulfilling relationships within yourself and with others? Do you feel different after the pandemic? Through anxiety & energy management, individual psychotherapy and inter-generational life coaching & parenting, focused on a highly tailored approach of integrating mind and heart, body and soul, you will get to the root of your problems and become confident in your ability to change and heal. You can acquire peace, even in the midst of turmoil. You can start to fulfill the innate desire for love in all your relationships, with your self and others, with the world and its Creator.
(310) 504-1935 View (310) 504-1935
Photo of Christina Averill, PhD, QME, Psychologist
Christina Averill
Psychologist, PhD, QME
Verified Verified
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
I have also worked with clients who are experiencing chronic pain and feel stuck in a pain/fear cycle.
Therapy is a powerful tool that can foster self awareness, insight and relief from anxiety and depression. Making the decision to seek guidance is the first step towards meeting your goals and limiting behavior that may be sabotaging your success. I feel it's important to create a rich understanding of past experiences and current choices so that patterns can be illuminated, identified and brought to Iight. I find that when one becomes aware of these patterns, they develop the power and confidence to move forward.
I have also worked with clients who are experiencing chronic pain and feel stuck in a pain/fear cycle.
Therapy is a powerful tool that can foster self awareness, insight and relief from anxiety and depression. Making the decision to seek guidance is the first step towards meeting your goals and limiting behavior that may be sabotaging your success. I feel it's important to create a rich understanding of past experiences and current choices so that patterns can be illuminated, identified and brought to Iight. I find that when one becomes aware of these patterns, they develop the power and confidence to move forward.
(310) 494-7851 View (310) 494-7851
Photo of Donna Savage, MSE, MBA, MS, Marriage & Family Therapist
Donna Savage
Marriage & Family Therapist, MSE, MBA, MS
Verified Verified
Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274
I have extensive experience in helping clients overcome all forms of anxiety, including panic, obsessive-compulsive disorders, past trauma and abuse, and the depression that can often result. I am also passionate about working with individuals and couples to help resolve relational challenges and navigate issues related to life and career transitions. Additional areas of specialization include infidelity, grief/loss, chronic illness, and spiritual concerns. I offer an accepting environment in which you can feel known, understood, and honored for the unique person you were created to be individually and in relationship with others.
I have extensive experience in helping clients overcome all forms of anxiety, including panic, obsessive-compulsive disorders, past trauma and abuse, and the depression that can often result. I am also passionate about working with individuals and couples to help resolve relational challenges and navigate issues related to life and career transitions. Additional areas of specialization include infidelity, grief/loss, chronic illness, and spiritual concerns. I offer an accepting environment in which you can feel known, understood, and honored for the unique person you were created to be individually and in relationship with others.
(424) 260-8847 View (424) 260-8847

See more therapy options for Rolling Hills Estates

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.