Chronic Pain Therapists in Cow Hollow, San Francisco, CA

Photo of Michael Mayer, PhD, Psychologist
Michael Mayer
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cow Hollow, San Francisco, CA 94123
Real transformation is possible when you have the right tools to mine your inner gems. With my 40 years experience, I give you leading-edge methods to help you deal with various psychological issues. Self-healing tools from Eastern and Western traditions can reduce or eliminate medications and empowers your inner healer to deal with your anxiety, depression, chronic pain, insomnia, trauma,hypertension, etc. Transform your inner critic into a helpful coach :-)
Real transformation is possible when you have the right tools to mine your inner gems. With my 40 years experience, I give you leading-edge methods to help you deal with various psychological issues. Self-healing tools from Eastern and Western traditions can reduce or eliminate medications and empowers your inner healer to deal with your anxiety, depression, chronic pain, insomnia, trauma,hypertension, etc. Transform your inner critic into a helpful coach :-)
(415) 931-4888 View (415) 931-4888
Photo of Danielle R Miyasato (Aka Casden), PhD, Psychologist
Danielle R Miyasato (Aka Casden)
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Cow Hollow, San Francisco, CA 94123
Are you or a loved one having difficulty coping with chronic illness (cancer, HIV, heart disease, diabetes, COPD, pain or other illness) or managing stress in your life? Health issues can affect every aspect of your life, including relationships, work, finances, mood, and sense of self. I have 2 decades of experience helping individuals, couples and families improve the quality of life and reduce suffering. As a Clinical Health Psychologist, I take an integrative approach to psychotherapy and will work with you to create a treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs and goals.
Are you or a loved one having difficulty coping with chronic illness (cancer, HIV, heart disease, diabetes, COPD, pain or other illness) or managing stress in your life? Health issues can affect every aspect of your life, including relationships, work, finances, mood, and sense of self. I have 2 decades of experience helping individuals, couples and families improve the quality of life and reduce suffering. As a Clinical Health Psychologist, I take an integrative approach to psychotherapy and will work with you to create a treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs and goals.
(415) 413-0915 View (415) 413-0915
Photo of Sarah Hammill, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sarah Hammill
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cow Hollow, San Francisco, CA 94123
I have extensive experience treating individuals with chronic and terminal illness, chronic pain, Borderline Personality Disorder, and addiction.
Have you survived a trauma but can't shake the effects of it? Do you want help reclaiming your thoughts, feelings and relationships? I specialize in treating people who have experienced traumatic events such as sexual assault, sudden loss, childhood abuse or divorce. I work with my clients to treat common trauma symptoms such as depression, anxiety, issues with sexuality, and chronic pain. Because trauma affects the body, I combine traditional psychotherapy with a somatic focus to bring relief to the whole self. Ultimately, we work together to alleviate distress and create a life you love.
I have extensive experience treating individuals with chronic and terminal illness, chronic pain, Borderline Personality Disorder, and addiction.
Have you survived a trauma but can't shake the effects of it? Do you want help reclaiming your thoughts, feelings and relationships? I specialize in treating people who have experienced traumatic events such as sexual assault, sudden loss, childhood abuse or divorce. I work with my clients to treat common trauma symptoms such as depression, anxiety, issues with sexuality, and chronic pain. Because trauma affects the body, I combine traditional psychotherapy with a somatic focus to bring relief to the whole self. Ultimately, we work together to alleviate distress and create a life you love.
(510) 454-8430 View (510) 454-8430
Photo of Kimia Mansoor, PsyD, Psychologist
Kimia Mansoor
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Cow Hollow, San Francisco, CA 94123
Are you feeling disappointment and dissatisfaction with your current circumstances, relationships, work, or the world at large? I specialize in working with individuals, couples, and families navigating through heightened stress, challenging interpersonal dynamics, grief, and the complexities of chronic pain or illness. I often work with people who feel "different" and who may have experienced deep feelings of otherness throughout their lives. This includes children of immigrants, neurodiverse individuals, survivors of complex trauma/abuse, and those who identify with minority status in one or more ways.
Are you feeling disappointment and dissatisfaction with your current circumstances, relationships, work, or the world at large? I specialize in working with individuals, couples, and families navigating through heightened stress, challenging interpersonal dynamics, grief, and the complexities of chronic pain or illness. I often work with people who feel "different" and who may have experienced deep feelings of otherness throughout their lives. This includes children of immigrants, neurodiverse individuals, survivors of complex trauma/abuse, and those who identify with minority status in one or more ways.
(415) 423-0335 View (415) 423-0335
Photo of Liz Pace, AMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Liz Pace
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
Cow Hollow, San Francisco, CA 94123
Waitlist for new clients
I also offer evidence based techniques that allow bodies that have experienced trauma and pain to release old patterns and become open to feeling more authentically alive.
I offer long-term and short-term therapy for adults, children, and teens. My approach is direct and compassionate. I believe therapy should be deeply comforting while also inviting you to be genuinely challenged toward real growth and healing. My goal is to create a space of trust and safety, where we can blend humor and lightness with deep, meaningful therapeutic work.
I also offer evidence based techniques that allow bodies that have experienced trauma and pain to release old patterns and become open to feeling more authentically alive.
I offer long-term and short-term therapy for adults, children, and teens. My approach is direct and compassionate. I believe therapy should be deeply comforting while also inviting you to be genuinely challenged toward real growth and healing. My goal is to create a space of trust and safety, where we can blend humor and lightness with deep, meaningful therapeutic work.
(415) 212-4557 View (415) 212-4557
Photo of Brian Holton Henderson, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Brian Holton Henderson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Cow Hollow, San Francisco, CA 94123
There comes a moment for each of us where we struggle to make sense of where to go next. Some part of us knows that life should be different. We long for something else and we don’t know how to get it. It could be more peace with or within our bodies. Maybe it’s resolution with our families or deeper relationship with our partners. Or we’re trying to figure out how to be less alone with our grief and pain.
There comes a moment for each of us where we struggle to make sense of where to go next. Some part of us knows that life should be different. We long for something else and we don’t know how to get it. It could be more peace with or within our bodies. Maybe it’s resolution with our families or deeper relationship with our partners. Or we’re trying to figure out how to be less alone with our grief and pain.
(415) 358-6802 View (415) 358-6802
Photo of Jonathan Moss, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jonathan Moss
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Cow Hollow, San Francisco, CA 94123
It's hard to be a person. Nobody goes through life without pain and struggle. We carry our experiences, whether difficult or traumatic, in ways that shape how we relate to ourselves, to our thoughts and feelings, our hopes and fears, and to the other people in our lives. We are often unaware of how these internal structures shape our lives in the present moment. Psychotherapy offers an environment, a method, and a therapeutic relationship with which to understand and transform how we experience ourselves and the world around us.
It's hard to be a person. Nobody goes through life without pain and struggle. We carry our experiences, whether difficult or traumatic, in ways that shape how we relate to ourselves, to our thoughts and feelings, our hopes and fears, and to the other people in our lives. We are often unaware of how these internal structures shape our lives in the present moment. Psychotherapy offers an environment, a method, and a therapeutic relationship with which to understand and transform how we experience ourselves and the world around us.
(415) 799-4539 View (415) 799-4539
Photo of Laura Cayan, MA, PsyD, Psychologist
Laura Cayan
Psychologist, MA, PsyD
Verified Verified
Cow Hollow, San Francisco, CA 94123
Common treatment issues may include but are not limited to behavioral problems at school and at home, coping with medical illness, and parenting challenges.
At San Francisco Family Practice, I specialize in psychotherapy with children, adolescents and their families, as well as with adults. I use evidence-based treatments including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to work with you and your family, and believe in a treatment-team approach, wherein families are highly encouraged to be a part of the therapy process. In order to best create your treatment plan, I tailor my approach to your unique concerns and goals.
Common treatment issues may include but are not limited to behavioral problems at school and at home, coping with medical illness, and parenting challenges.
At San Francisco Family Practice, I specialize in psychotherapy with children, adolescents and their families, as well as with adults. I use evidence-based treatments including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to work with you and your family, and believe in a treatment-team approach, wherein families are highly encouraged to be a part of the therapy process. In order to best create your treatment plan, I tailor my approach to your unique concerns and goals.
(415) 798-2074 x3 View (415) 798-2074 x3
Photo of Ana Dubey, MA, PsyD, Psychologist
Ana Dubey
Psychologist, MA, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Cow Hollow, San Francisco, CA 94123
I offer you 20+ years of client experience and, diverse life experience (6 countries, 3 languages). I am a good listener, and will work hard to help you achieve a happier, healthier balance. My clients have spanned different ages (child/family, students, adults, elders), incomes (homeless, professionals), sexual orientations (Hetero, LGBT), and different backgrounds ("American", Asian, Latino, African American). My client's issues have included trauma, depression, chronic mental illness, anxiety, grief, relationships, life transitions, dissatisfaction, adjustment challenges, and creative block
I offer you 20+ years of client experience and, diverse life experience (6 countries, 3 languages). I am a good listener, and will work hard to help you achieve a happier, healthier balance. My clients have spanned different ages (child/family, students, adults, elders), incomes (homeless, professionals), sexual orientations (Hetero, LGBT), and different backgrounds ("American", Asian, Latino, African American). My client's issues have included trauma, depression, chronic mental illness, anxiety, grief, relationships, life transitions, dissatisfaction, adjustment challenges, and creative block
(415) 877-4792 View (415) 877-4792
Photo of Shira Appell, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Shira Appell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Cow Hollow, San Francisco, CA 94123
So much of our pain occurs in relationship to others, and I believe it can be helpful to find healing in relationship as well.
Do you feel like you aren't good enough? Do you struggle with issues of self esteem or self worth? Do you want to explore mind-body connection & the way stress or emotional pain lives in our bodies? If these are themes for you or in your relationships, then perhaps we might work well together. I center my work around self compassion. Only from a place of self kindness can we feel grounded within ourselves to develop a compassionate relationship with others around us. I use mindfulness and somatic body oriented work in order to help us connect deeper with our self, our inner knowing and to be able to cultivate trust with ourselves.
So much of our pain occurs in relationship to others, and I believe it can be helpful to find healing in relationship as well.
Do you feel like you aren't good enough? Do you struggle with issues of self esteem or self worth? Do you want to explore mind-body connection & the way stress or emotional pain lives in our bodies? If these are themes for you or in your relationships, then perhaps we might work well together. I center my work around self compassion. Only from a place of self kindness can we feel grounded within ourselves to develop a compassionate relationship with others around us. I use mindfulness and somatic body oriented work in order to help us connect deeper with our self, our inner knowing and to be able to cultivate trust with ourselves.
(628) 229-2098 View (628) 229-2098
Photo of Lisa Twilling, PhD, MS, Psychologist
Lisa Twilling
Psychologist, PhD, MS
Verified Verified
Cow Hollow, San Francisco, CA 94123
Having a medical illness can be challenging.
I am a Psychologist with over 25yrs. experience working with individuals in psychotherapy. I help people who seek relief from dealing with life's challenges (e.g., anxiety, depression, stress, stress management, relationship difficulties, etc.) and life transitions. I also specialize in Medical Psychology and work with people who are coping with health issues (e.g., adjusting to a medical diagnosis, managing an illness or chronic pain, coping with a loved one who suffers with an illness). Please contact me for a free phone consultation to discuss your specific situation and goals.
Having a medical illness can be challenging.
I am a Psychologist with over 25yrs. experience working with individuals in psychotherapy. I help people who seek relief from dealing with life's challenges (e.g., anxiety, depression, stress, stress management, relationship difficulties, etc.) and life transitions. I also specialize in Medical Psychology and work with people who are coping with health issues (e.g., adjusting to a medical diagnosis, managing an illness or chronic pain, coping with a loved one who suffers with an illness). Please contact me for a free phone consultation to discuss your specific situation and goals.
(415) 659-9212 View (415) 659-9212
Photo of Ilene Ava Serlin, PhD, ADTR, Psychologist
Ilene Ava Serlin
Psychologist, PhD, ADTR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cow Hollow, San Francisco, CA 94123
Not accepting new clients
Use words, imagery, movement to help people with illness and healing, surgery, life changes, loss, marriage and relationships, meaningful work, a life of meaning and purpose, spirituality.
I'm a very experienced psychotherapist with over 30 years experience in many settings. I'm warm and compassionate, but also practical. I work from a growth model that helps you access your own wisdom and make a commitment to change. My background in the arts and Jungian psychology attunes me to the dreams and imagery that can inform you about your life course, but I also help you bring these dreams into action. My experience with mind/body can help you prepare for and recover from surgery, develop resilience, stress reduction, confront mortality and life changes, find meaningful work, and appreciate relationships.
Use words, imagery, movement to help people with illness and healing, surgery, life changes, loss, marriage and relationships, meaningful work, a life of meaning and purpose, spirituality.
I'm a very experienced psychotherapist with over 30 years experience in many settings. I'm warm and compassionate, but also practical. I work from a growth model that helps you access your own wisdom and make a commitment to change. My background in the arts and Jungian psychology attunes me to the dreams and imagery that can inform you about your life course, but I also help you bring these dreams into action. My experience with mind/body can help you prepare for and recover from surgery, develop resilience, stress reduction, confront mortality and life changes, find meaningful work, and appreciate relationships.
(415) 594-4898 View (415) 594-4898
Photo of Maeve Odile Jackson-Dufault, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Maeve Odile Jackson-Dufault
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
Cow Hollow, San Francisco, CA 94123
My approach to therapy is integral; I work from an attachment and trauma informed lens with a deep grounding in relational psychoanalytic theory. I have experience with treating depression and anxiety, low self-esteem, questions of gender and sexuality, complex family dynamics, relationship issues, chronic pain, and grief work. My wish it to foster a therapeutic space that feels both challenging as well as safe so that we can work together to meet your treatment goals. In our work together I may bring in mindfulness techniques, parts work, attachment theory, dream work, movement, and myth.
My approach to therapy is integral; I work from an attachment and trauma informed lens with a deep grounding in relational psychoanalytic theory. I have experience with treating depression and anxiety, low self-esteem, questions of gender and sexuality, complex family dynamics, relationship issues, chronic pain, and grief work. My wish it to foster a therapeutic space that feels both challenging as well as safe so that we can work together to meet your treatment goals. In our work together I may bring in mindfulness techniques, parts work, attachment theory, dream work, movement, and myth.
(510) 513-4604 View (510) 513-4604
Photo of Ilene Wolf, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ilene Wolf
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Cow Hollow, San Francisco, CA 94123
I know you can feel better, usually starting with the second session- despite how hard things are right now, and how much pain you are in.
Sadness and Worry can feel overwhelming. I know you want to feel better- on the sooner side. You might sometimes believe this isn't possible. Loneliness, despair, challenges at work or at home? Licensed 30 years, I have worked successfully with 100s of individuals, couples and families with children of all ages. Low fee affordable group therapy is also an option.
I know you can feel better, usually starting with the second session- despite how hard things are right now, and how much pain you are in.
Sadness and Worry can feel overwhelming. I know you want to feel better- on the sooner side. You might sometimes believe this isn't possible. Loneliness, despair, challenges at work or at home? Licensed 30 years, I have worked successfully with 100s of individuals, couples and families with children of all ages. Low fee affordable group therapy is also an option.
(415) 799-8736 View (415) 799-8736
Photo of Rachel Gilgoff, MD, CCTP
Rachel Gilgoff
MD, CCTP
Verified Verified
Cow Hollow, San Francisco, CA 94123
Our children and teens are seeing an epidemic of mental, emotional, and physical issues including ADHD, anxiety, depression, obesity, diabetes, behavior outbursts, learning difficulties, loneliness, pain, school avoidance, and frequent infections. There is growing evidence that stress and trauma are contributing factors. My goal is to get to the root causes of mental and chronic illnesses in children, and to partner with families to develop a comprehensive treatment plan for long-lasting vitality and wellness for the whole family.
Our children and teens are seeing an epidemic of mental, emotional, and physical issues including ADHD, anxiety, depression, obesity, diabetes, behavior outbursts, learning difficulties, loneliness, pain, school avoidance, and frequent infections. There is growing evidence that stress and trauma are contributing factors. My goal is to get to the root causes of mental and chronic illnesses in children, and to partner with families to develop a comprehensive treatment plan for long-lasting vitality and wellness for the whole family.
(628) 277-3979 View (628) 277-3979
Photo of Jo Sopko, MFT, RDT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jo Sopko
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, RDT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Cow Hollow, San Francisco, CA 94123
* ADULTS: I work with issues of loss, stress, anxiety, depression, abuse, sex addiction, spiritual guidance, and developmental life changes.* CHILDREN: I invite their stories that may be troubled due to emotional and academic issues. Through play, art and sand tray, I address issues of divorce, traumatic losses, abuse, adoption, bullying and low self esteem that may be affecting your children. * COUPLES: My passion is to help the couple find a yet unknown way to a compassionate, loving, open communicative relationship; to become vulnerable to the pain and wounds of each other's soul.
* ADULTS: I work with issues of loss, stress, anxiety, depression, abuse, sex addiction, spiritual guidance, and developmental life changes.* CHILDREN: I invite their stories that may be troubled due to emotional and academic issues. Through play, art and sand tray, I address issues of divorce, traumatic losses, abuse, adoption, bullying and low self esteem that may be affecting your children. * COUPLES: My passion is to help the couple find a yet unknown way to a compassionate, loving, open communicative relationship; to become vulnerable to the pain and wounds of each other's soul.
(415) 799-4143 View (415) 799-4143
Photo of Gina Vance, CMHT, CCHT, RBT, CLC
Gina Vance
CMHT, CCHT, RBT, CLC
Verified Verified
Cow Hollow, San Francisco, CA 94123
If you've been journeying into self discovery and growth and are ready for a gentle quantum leap into your unique power, beauty and ability to express and collaborate with your multi-dimensional self, consider the potential rewards of learning to quickly and easily journey into your mind and body to explore, encounter and understand ways you can heal the pain of your despair and serve your highest purpose in fulfilling ways. Our work together will honor all aspects of you and all experiences you have endured and survived, as you successfully close completed chapters and author new satisfying successes.
If you've been journeying into self discovery and growth and are ready for a gentle quantum leap into your unique power, beauty and ability to express and collaborate with your multi-dimensional self, consider the potential rewards of learning to quickly and easily journey into your mind and body to explore, encounter and understand ways you can heal the pain of your despair and serve your highest purpose in fulfilling ways. Our work together will honor all aspects of you and all experiences you have endured and survived, as you successfully close completed chapters and author new satisfying successes.
(415) 275-4221 View (415) 275-4221
Photo of Tamara Gittelson, MA, LCPC, Analyst, LMHC, LPCC, Counselor
Tamara Gittelson
Counselor, MA, LCPC, Analyst, LMHC, LPCC
Verified Verified
Cow Hollow, San Francisco, CA 94123
I am not an agent of social adjustment or symptomatic melioration, but offer relief of inner pain and relief from conflict and confusion.
Hi. Come talk about what matters to you most. Together, we walk. Explore. Meander. Clarify. I love what I do and will help you feel better. I can help with multicultural issues, relocation, or if you're struggling with addiction, overcoming trauma, relationships, questions about polyamory, depression or abuse. If life has lost its meaning and you’re missing adventure, intimacy, greater self-expression and passion, let’s go. If you don’t talk about it, it won’t get better. I’m supportive, alternative, warm and kind. You’ll feel comfortable, and challenge thoughts and perceptions preventing you from getting out of your own way.
I am not an agent of social adjustment or symptomatic melioration, but offer relief of inner pain and relief from conflict and confusion.
Hi. Come talk about what matters to you most. Together, we walk. Explore. Meander. Clarify. I love what I do and will help you feel better. I can help with multicultural issues, relocation, or if you're struggling with addiction, overcoming trauma, relationships, questions about polyamory, depression or abuse. If life has lost its meaning and you’re missing adventure, intimacy, greater self-expression and passion, let’s go. If you don’t talk about it, it won’t get better. I’m supportive, alternative, warm and kind. You’ll feel comfortable, and challenge thoughts and perceptions preventing you from getting out of your own way.
(312) 410-8248 View (312) 410-8248
Photo of Lori Conroy, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lori Conroy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Cow Hollow, San Francisco, CA 94123
As a Relationship Therapist I help Individuals, couples, and families overcome tough issues and discover deeper more fulfilling relationships. I specialize in Infidelity Recovery. Discovering that you have been cheated on and lied to is a painful and traumatic experience that can cause many feelings such as despair, anger, sadness, rage, fear and loss. If you were unfaithful, realizing the depth of the pain caused, and the guilt associated with it is often unbearable. However, there is hope; getting over the betrayal, takes a skilled experienced therapist. I respond 12/7 for urgent matters.
As a Relationship Therapist I help Individuals, couples, and families overcome tough issues and discover deeper more fulfilling relationships. I specialize in Infidelity Recovery. Discovering that you have been cheated on and lied to is a painful and traumatic experience that can cause many feelings such as despair, anger, sadness, rage, fear and loss. If you were unfaithful, realizing the depth of the pain caused, and the guilt associated with it is often unbearable. However, there is hope; getting over the betrayal, takes a skilled experienced therapist. I respond 12/7 for urgent matters.
(415) 936-8099 View (415) 936-8099
Photo of Jordan Boehler, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jordan Boehler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Cow Hollow, San Francisco, CA 94123
If you could let go of anything, what would it be? I provide short-term, intensive therapy that resolves the cause of your issue. I am a practitioner of Mimetic Therapies. This means I facilitate profound and transformational experiences in the resolution of Trauma/PTSD and Grief/Loss, as well as panic, depression, phobia, and pain for anyone- regardless of background- interested in feeling better. My ideal client is done talking about it, done doing workbooks, done understanding the cause. I connect deeply and directly with the parts of you that have been trying so hard to protect and heal your self and cause them to collaborate.
If you could let go of anything, what would it be? I provide short-term, intensive therapy that resolves the cause of your issue. I am a practitioner of Mimetic Therapies. This means I facilitate profound and transformational experiences in the resolution of Trauma/PTSD and Grief/Loss, as well as panic, depression, phobia, and pain for anyone- regardless of background- interested in feeling better. My ideal client is done talking about it, done doing workbooks, done understanding the cause. I connect deeply and directly with the parts of you that have been trying so hard to protect and heal your self and cause them to collaborate.
(925) 248-3871 View (925) 248-3871

See more therapy options for Cow Hollow, San Francisco

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.