Chronic Pain Therapists in Studio City, CA

Photo of Rebecca Heins, PsyD , Psychologist
Rebecca Heins
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Studio City, CA 91602  (Online Only)
I treat individuals and couples, and specialize in trauma, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, addiction, and relationship difficulties.
Welcome to my practice! As a licensed clinical psychologist, I am committed to providing a safe and interactive space for you to heal from emotional pain. Seeking help takes courage, and I am privileged to begin this process of self-discovery with you.
I treat individuals and couples, and specialize in trauma, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, addiction, and relationship difficulties.
Welcome to my practice! As a licensed clinical psychologist, I am committed to providing a safe and interactive space for you to heal from emotional pain. Seeking help takes courage, and I am privileged to begin this process of self-discovery with you.
(310) 896-5178 View (310) 896-5178
Photo of Lisa Waldman - Lisa Waldman, LCSW, MPH, LCSW, MPH, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lisa Waldman, LCSW, MPH
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPH
Verified Verified
Studio City, CA 91604
My approach is to help you identify your strengths, target your goals, support you in overcoming blocks so that you can change on the deepest level and experience relief from physical and emotional pain.
Seeking help is a sign of self-awareness & readiness for change. Perhaps you're feeling out control with emotional pain, behavior, or relationships. You may be dealing with chronic health issues involving physical pain & psychological symptoms. As a therapist, health educator, pain specialist for 30 + yrs, I offer compassion & collaboration to help you overcome unhealthy patterns, depression, anxiety, somatic ( pain) symptoms, poor self-image, or grief in a safe and nonjudgmental space. Together we will explore the root causes of symptoms, help you identify counterproductive patterns and develop healthy new healthy coping strategies.
My approach is to help you identify your strengths, target your goals, support you in overcoming blocks so that you can change on the deepest level and experience relief from physical and emotional pain.
Seeking help is a sign of self-awareness & readiness for change. Perhaps you're feeling out control with emotional pain, behavior, or relationships. You may be dealing with chronic health issues involving physical pain & psychological symptoms. As a therapist, health educator, pain specialist for 30 + yrs, I offer compassion & collaboration to help you overcome unhealthy patterns, depression, anxiety, somatic ( pain) symptoms, poor self-image, or grief in a safe and nonjudgmental space. Together we will explore the root causes of symptoms, help you identify counterproductive patterns and develop healthy new healthy coping strategies.
(424) 888-7826 View (424) 888-7826
Photo of Caroline Conley - Caroline Conley a MFC Corp, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Caroline Conley a MFC Corp
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Studio City, CA 91604
Resolving what has been a source of pain or lack can become your platform for developing new psychological stability and mastery.
I give you immediate tools to initiate your becoming more in charge of yourself and your life. Together we can help resolve your trauma, relationship issues, fear, depression, anxiety, life disruptions, etc. By using both traditional (cognitive-behavioral, Jungian shadow work, body focusing, EMDR, IFS, communication training, etc.) and/or non traditional tools (yoga breathing, mindfulness, spiritual centering exercises, brainspotting, etc ) in a safe, calm, supportive environment, you can release what is creating disturbance, pain, anger, limitation, relationship conflict, despair to reach a new level of being and relating.
Resolving what has been a source of pain or lack can become your platform for developing new psychological stability and mastery.
I give you immediate tools to initiate your becoming more in charge of yourself and your life. Together we can help resolve your trauma, relationship issues, fear, depression, anxiety, life disruptions, etc. By using both traditional (cognitive-behavioral, Jungian shadow work, body focusing, EMDR, IFS, communication training, etc.) and/or non traditional tools (yoga breathing, mindfulness, spiritual centering exercises, brainspotting, etc ) in a safe, calm, supportive environment, you can release what is creating disturbance, pain, anger, limitation, relationship conflict, despair to reach a new level of being and relating.
(818) 293-8880 View (818) 293-8880
Photo of Meredith Buchanan, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Meredith Buchanan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Studio City, CA 91604  (Online Only)
Life, man. Life. With the highs, come the inevitable lows which can be difficult to navigate, much less tolerate. Sometimes the lows look like sadness or irritability and feel like stuckness. Sometimes the lows look like not connecting with your partner, your child, or yourself. Sometimes the lows are just hard to describe, but they certainly don't feel good. We work together to provide you with the tools you need to move through your stuckness, your lack of connection, your difficulty communicating, or whatever it is that creates frustration or pain, in order to help you feel lighter, better, and maybe even hopeful.
Life, man. Life. With the highs, come the inevitable lows which can be difficult to navigate, much less tolerate. Sometimes the lows look like sadness or irritability and feel like stuckness. Sometimes the lows look like not connecting with your partner, your child, or yourself. Sometimes the lows are just hard to describe, but they certainly don't feel good. We work together to provide you with the tools you need to move through your stuckness, your lack of connection, your difficulty communicating, or whatever it is that creates frustration or pain, in order to help you feel lighter, better, and maybe even hopeful.
(424) 363-7577 View (424) 363-7577
Photo of Shaina Keshmir-Glicker, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Shaina Keshmir-Glicker
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Studio City, CA 91604
Are you determined to find ways to overcome and alleviate your emotional pain and suffering? As your therapist, I am passionate and dedicated to help you navigate life obstacles and achieve personal and relational growth and healing. My sessions are customized to meet your unique needs and personal goals. With support, authenticity, and curiosity, I aim to create a warm and inviting space for you to openly explore your emotions and lived experiences. Together we can transform pain into beauty.
Are you determined to find ways to overcome and alleviate your emotional pain and suffering? As your therapist, I am passionate and dedicated to help you navigate life obstacles and achieve personal and relational growth and healing. My sessions are customized to meet your unique needs and personal goals. With support, authenticity, and curiosity, I aim to create a warm and inviting space for you to openly explore your emotions and lived experiences. Together we can transform pain into beauty.
(323) 403-0226 View (323) 403-0226
Photo of Anne C Ruane, PsyD, Psychologist
Anne C Ruane
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Studio City, CA 91604
My clinical areas of interests include, but are not limited to: anxiety and depression, trauma/PTSD, relationship issues, substance abuse, parenting issues, stress and lifestyle management, grief and bereavement, phase of life transitions/identity issues, and the area of health psychology (effects of medical issues on mental health, pain/weight management, smoking cessation, etc.
My style of therapy is one that is both collaborative and supportive. I believe that all individuals have the capacity to make lasting changes in their lives. I help the individual tap into those abilities by challenging the conscious and unconscious barriers that can impede growth and change. Using psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral techniques, I provide a safe, nurturing environment where individuals can explore their challenges and unearth their full potential.
My clinical areas of interests include, but are not limited to: anxiety and depression, trauma/PTSD, relationship issues, substance abuse, parenting issues, stress and lifestyle management, grief and bereavement, phase of life transitions/identity issues, and the area of health psychology (effects of medical issues on mental health, pain/weight management, smoking cessation, etc.
My style of therapy is one that is both collaborative and supportive. I believe that all individuals have the capacity to make lasting changes in their lives. I help the individual tap into those abilities by challenging the conscious and unconscious barriers that can impede growth and change. Using psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral techniques, I provide a safe, nurturing environment where individuals can explore their challenges and unearth their full potential.
(323) 284-2261 View (323) 284-2261
Photo of Stacey G. Starre, LCSW, SEP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Stacey G. Starre
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SEP
Verified Verified
Studio City, CA 91604
When "talk therapy" isn't enough... I specialize in using a calming, holistic technique, Somatic Experiencing and Touch therapy to treat Anxiety, Stress, Trauma and Pain Management. Although I use regular "talk therapy," I specialize in these techniques because it works. There is lasting change. It regulates your nervous system and increases overall resilience. You will learn to trust your body's innate wisdom and capacity to heal and Feel Calmer.
When "talk therapy" isn't enough... I specialize in using a calming, holistic technique, Somatic Experiencing and Touch therapy to treat Anxiety, Stress, Trauma and Pain Management. Although I use regular "talk therapy," I specialize in these techniques because it works. There is lasting change. It regulates your nervous system and increases overall resilience. You will learn to trust your body's innate wisdom and capacity to heal and Feel Calmer.
(310) 779-9016 View (310) 779-9016
Photo of Anjannette Padilla Ryan - Anjannette Padilla Ryan, PhD, MA, PhD, Psychologist
Anjannette Padilla Ryan, PhD
Psychologist, MA, PhD
Verified Verified
Studio City, CA 91604
My clinical and research experience is largely based on mindfulness as a framework for psychotherapy. I have extensive experience working with anxiety and depression in adults, those suffering from chronic illness or pain, relationship and identity conflict, and those individuals overwhelmed with emotion or distant from their experience. My practice is goal oriented. I work intensely with clients to make changes in their personal lives, changes that they and others close to them can easily observe and acknowledge.
My clinical and research experience is largely based on mindfulness as a framework for psychotherapy. I have extensive experience working with anxiety and depression in adults, those suffering from chronic illness or pain, relationship and identity conflict, and those individuals overwhelmed with emotion or distant from their experience. My practice is goal oriented. I work intensely with clients to make changes in their personal lives, changes that they and others close to them can easily observe and acknowledge.
(323) 498-1262 View (323) 498-1262
Photo of Gunilla A. David, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Gunilla A. David
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Studio City, CA 91604
Psychotherapy is a conjoint effort between therapist and client to bring issues and behaviors up to the surface, to clarify, where and how everything from depression to anxiety plays a part in your life. First then will symptoms like self-injury, substance abuse, anger and pain subside so you can become more in control over your life and feel harmony.
Psychotherapy is a conjoint effort between therapist and client to bring issues and behaviors up to the surface, to clarify, where and how everything from depression to anxiety plays a part in your life. First then will symptoms like self-injury, substance abuse, anger and pain subside so you can become more in control over your life and feel harmony.
(310) 935-4315 View (310) 935-4315
Photo of Camilla Cummings, PhD, Psychologist
Camilla Cummings
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Studio City, CA 91604
Camilla has experience treating PTSD and trauma-related disorders, substance use disorders, anxiety, depression, ADHD, insomnia, chronic pain, grief, sexual functioning, and providing gender-affirming care.
Accepting new clients. Dr. Camilla Cummings is a licensed psychologist who aims to provide evidence-based psychotherapy within the context of an authentic, person-centered, and collaborative therapeutic relationship. She centers the inherent strength, capacity, and resilience of the people she serves and sees her task as working alongside you as you cultivate the life that you want to lead. Camilla offers expertise in providing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and draws from other evidence-based modalities including motivational interviewing, ACT, and DBT.
Camilla has experience treating PTSD and trauma-related disorders, substance use disorders, anxiety, depression, ADHD, insomnia, chronic pain, grief, sexual functioning, and providing gender-affirming care.
Accepting new clients. Dr. Camilla Cummings is a licensed psychologist who aims to provide evidence-based psychotherapy within the context of an authentic, person-centered, and collaborative therapeutic relationship. She centers the inherent strength, capacity, and resilience of the people she serves and sees her task as working alongside you as you cultivate the life that you want to lead. Camilla offers expertise in providing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and draws from other evidence-based modalities including motivational interviewing, ACT, and DBT.
(626) 322-2349 View (626) 322-2349
Photo of Stacey Osder, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Stacey Osder
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Studio City, CA 91604
Imagine a life fulfilled! Hard to do? Your feelings of confusion, pain, fear, being stuck, or overwhelmed, are real. But, you can overcome them! There are times, in everyone's life, when assistance is needed to help live the life you want and deserve. I can help you.
Imagine a life fulfilled! Hard to do? Your feelings of confusion, pain, fear, being stuck, or overwhelmed, are real. But, you can overcome them! There are times, in everyone's life, when assistance is needed to help live the life you want and deserve. I can help you.
(818) 745-1239 View (818) 745-1239
Photo of Eleonore Savalas, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Eleonore Savalas
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Studio City, CA 91604
Everybody gets depressed or anxious and overwhelmed at times. Relationships are challenging and our lives can get complicated. We often feel stuck in past pain and are unable to enjoy the present. Those feelings are universal, they are part of being human. It is important to see them not as limitations, but as a stimulus to change and personal growth. There is a way to feel better no matter what your situation is.
Everybody gets depressed or anxious and overwhelmed at times. Relationships are challenging and our lives can get complicated. We often feel stuck in past pain and are unable to enjoy the present. Those feelings are universal, they are part of being human. It is important to see them not as limitations, but as a stimulus to change and personal growth. There is a way to feel better no matter what your situation is.
(818) 963-9037 View (818) 963-9037
Photo of Rachel Bar, LMFT, PsyD, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rachel Bar
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Studio City, CA 91614  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
And yet this pain and frustration in relationships, at work and towards ourselves can heal.
Therapy is about exploring transitions and losses. A loss of a relationship, a job, a lifestyle, a home, a friendship, or the loss of a dream or expectation. We dismiss some losses, not realizing their impact on our day to day life. We may suffer from anxiety or depression without understanding why they are present. Other losses, however, can be so traumatic that we lose our ability to heal from them. Moreover, we find ourselves repeating the same mistakes, not being able to transform ourselves and change our behavior, even when we realize that our reactions are unhelpful and self-destructive. We wonder whether life will be better.
And yet this pain and frustration in relationships, at work and towards ourselves can heal.
Therapy is about exploring transitions and losses. A loss of a relationship, a job, a lifestyle, a home, a friendship, or the loss of a dream or expectation. We dismiss some losses, not realizing their impact on our day to day life. We may suffer from anxiety or depression without understanding why they are present. Other losses, however, can be so traumatic that we lose our ability to heal from them. Moreover, we find ourselves repeating the same mistakes, not being able to transform ourselves and change our behavior, even when we realize that our reactions are unhelpful and self-destructive. We wonder whether life will be better.
(818) 946-0229 View (818) 946-0229
Photo of Ronald Louis Kaufman, PsyD, Psychologist
Ronald Louis Kaufman
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Studio City, CA 91604
In 2012, Dr. Ron Kaufman leased his first BrainPaint® computer in hopes of overcoming career-ending pain. Two months later he was fully ambulatory. He decided to see what it might do for others. He helped a veteran overcome 35 years of severe PTSD, (his psychiatrist halved his meds, then halved them again). His two sons learned were able to discontinue their ADHD medications. Their cousins enjoyed similar results. Because of his successes with neurofeedback, Dr. Kaufman opened clinics where others could enjoy the benefits of psychotherapy and neurofeedback treating anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, chronic pain and substance abuse.
In 2012, Dr. Ron Kaufman leased his first BrainPaint® computer in hopes of overcoming career-ending pain. Two months later he was fully ambulatory. He decided to see what it might do for others. He helped a veteran overcome 35 years of severe PTSD, (his psychiatrist halved his meds, then halved them again). His two sons learned were able to discontinue their ADHD medications. Their cousins enjoyed similar results. Because of his successes with neurofeedback, Dr. Kaufman opened clinics where others could enjoy the benefits of psychotherapy and neurofeedback treating anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, chronic pain and substance abuse.
(818) 276-9283 View (818) 276-9283
Photo of Anne Compagna-Doll - Dr. Anne Doll, PhD, LMFT, PhD, LMFT, Psychologist
Dr. Anne Doll, PhD, LMFT
Psychologist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Studio City, CA 91602
Waitlist for new clients
I am passionate about helping people break through and identify patterns that cover up their true Self and their gifts. Often people find themselves stuck, struggling with depression, anxiety, and/or addiction, continually repeating behaviors or unfulfilling relationships at home or work. In a non-judgmental and compassionate way, it is my goal to help you uncover and transform those issues that keep you stuck and/or in pain, and learn to be curious to rediscover a more loving Self.
I am passionate about helping people break through and identify patterns that cover up their true Self and their gifts. Often people find themselves stuck, struggling with depression, anxiety, and/or addiction, continually repeating behaviors or unfulfilling relationships at home or work. In a non-judgmental and compassionate way, it is my goal to help you uncover and transform those issues that keep you stuck and/or in pain, and learn to be curious to rediscover a more loving Self.
(818) 984-7110 View (818) 984-7110
Photo of Dr. Narineh Hartoonian, PhD, MS, Psychologist
Dr. Narineh Hartoonian
Psychologist, PhD, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Studio City, CA 91607
I have specialized training in evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy approaches to the treatment of depression, anxiety, adjustment, ADHD, insomnia, phobias, chronic pain, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and cognitive rehabilitation.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I have been successful helping many people cope with painful emotions and achieve personal growth. My goal is to equip you with tools to use your strengths to thrive in life. If you have experienced a loss, been diagnosed with a medical condition, or have had a difficult life transition, it can be very scary asking for help. But when you take that first step, I assure you it will be rewarding.
I have specialized training in evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy approaches to the treatment of depression, anxiety, adjustment, ADHD, insomnia, phobias, chronic pain, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and cognitive rehabilitation.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I have been successful helping many people cope with painful emotions and achieve personal growth. My goal is to equip you with tools to use your strengths to thrive in life. If you have experienced a loss, been diagnosed with a medical condition, or have had a difficult life transition, it can be very scary asking for help. But when you take that first step, I assure you it will be rewarding.
(747) 350-3611 View (747) 350-3611
Photo of Debra Sharon - Counseling West, PhD, Psychologist
Counseling West
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Studio City, CA 91602
Sometimes we are even drawn into consideration of our inner world as a result of pain, disappointment or illness.
The center provides counseling for children, adults, couples and families on a sliding scale fee structure. You will find that our depth psychological approach honors your individuality and encourages a deeper exploration of ones inner world. There is great wisdom in these depths. With over 30 therapists on staff, we are able to offer guidance with an array of presenting challenges such as depression,anxiety,loss, trauma and relationship issues. Our services are offered in English, Spanish, Russian, Hebrew, Farsi, Armenian, German, Romanian and Arabic. Our center is LGBT affirmative.
Sometimes we are even drawn into consideration of our inner world as a result of pain, disappointment or illness.
The center provides counseling for children, adults, couples and families on a sliding scale fee structure. You will find that our depth psychological approach honors your individuality and encourages a deeper exploration of ones inner world. There is great wisdom in these depths. With over 30 therapists on staff, we are able to offer guidance with an array of presenting challenges such as depression,anxiety,loss, trauma and relationship issues. Our services are offered in English, Spanish, Russian, Hebrew, Farsi, Armenian, German, Romanian and Arabic. Our center is LGBT affirmative.
(818) 990-9898 View (818) 990-9898
Photo of Elisa Willits-Spolin, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Elisa Willits-Spolin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Studio City, CA 91602
Not feeling yourself? Do you want to move past your emotional pain? Are you having relationship problems? In a safe environment, I help adults manage their stress, anxiety, depression and difficult emotions, accept and move through life transitions, and improve their relationships. I assist individuals and couples in gaining awareness of past and present influences on their beliefs and how they relate to others. My therapy work is collaborative with couples, helping partners improve their communication and replace their highly charged emotional interactions with new productive, healthier dialogues.
Not feeling yourself? Do you want to move past your emotional pain? Are you having relationship problems? In a safe environment, I help adults manage their stress, anxiety, depression and difficult emotions, accept and move through life transitions, and improve their relationships. I assist individuals and couples in gaining awareness of past and present influences on their beliefs and how they relate to others. My therapy work is collaborative with couples, helping partners improve their communication and replace their highly charged emotional interactions with new productive, healthier dialogues.
(818) 515-6203 View (818) 515-6203
Photo of Janell Cox, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Janell Cox
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Studio City, CA 91602
You are a powerful, interesting, deep and complex person. But no one knows that. Because you don’t show people. You hide these special parts away, maybe because you feel like you are too much for others. Like you could overwhelm or burden people with your feelings. Or perhaps you are scared of getting too close because you can’t trust people with your beautiful heart. But you have so much love to give. So much creativity, power and joy is waiting for you on the other side of this fear. You matter. This is your life and it is waiting for you. Let's help you find the pieces that hold you back, find the root of your pain and thrive.
You are a powerful, interesting, deep and complex person. But no one knows that. Because you don’t show people. You hide these special parts away, maybe because you feel like you are too much for others. Like you could overwhelm or burden people with your feelings. Or perhaps you are scared of getting too close because you can’t trust people with your beautiful heart. But you have so much love to give. So much creativity, power and joy is waiting for you on the other side of this fear. You matter. This is your life and it is waiting for you. Let's help you find the pieces that hold you back, find the root of your pain and thrive.
(323) 772-5912 View (323) 772-5912
Photo of Ginette Rhodes, LMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ginette Rhodes
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Studio City, CA 91604
Too often, we feel we are surviving rather than thriving. Do you feel stuck in grief or loss, or that your anxiety is running the show? Are your relationships painful or not satisfying?Also-Parenting is hard! Maybe you're a new parent and it isn't what you expected, or even hoped for. Nobody tells you about the postpartum experience -that internal voice in your head that is constantly critiquing the new role of motherhood you're taking on, mourning the version of yourself you once were. Not to mention the pain that comes with a birth plan gone wrong. If you're mothering without your own mother, that also comes with real challenges.
Too often, we feel we are surviving rather than thriving. Do you feel stuck in grief or loss, or that your anxiety is running the show? Are your relationships painful or not satisfying?Also-Parenting is hard! Maybe you're a new parent and it isn't what you expected, or even hoped for. Nobody tells you about the postpartum experience -that internal voice in your head that is constantly critiquing the new role of motherhood you're taking on, mourning the version of yourself you once were. Not to mention the pain that comes with a birth plan gone wrong. If you're mothering without your own mother, that also comes with real challenges.
(661) 762-5925 View (661) 762-5925
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Chronic Pain Therapists

How does chronic pain therapy work?

Engaging with a psychotherapist to help treat chronic pain does not mean that one’s pain is all in their head. Therapy for chronic-pain patients has been shown to benefit both the mind and the body, targeting physical symptoms and increasing daily functioning. In other words, for many, addressing their emotional health through therapy affects their physical health. A therapist can help a client challenge unhelpful thoughts about pain and develop new ways to respond to it, such as distraction or calming breathing techniques. Studies have found that therapy can be as effective as surgery for certain cases of chronic pain and many doctors recommend trying psychotherapy in advance of considering invasive surgery.

What are the most effective treatment options for chronic pain?

Stress, anxiety, depression, catastrophizing, ruminating, lack of activity, and social withdrawal all make chronic pain worse. Addressing these issues, research shows, can help people gain control over their pain symptoms. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, and mindfulness-based stress reduction, along with greater pain-management education, have been found to help people reduce fear and disability.

Are there new treatments for chronic pain?

Many cases of chronic pain, particularly those involving back pain, remain medically unexplained. But there is evidence that changes in the brain or nervous system are caused by previous physical ailments such as tissue damage; in such cases, the brain may continue to send out pain signals despite the physical cause having healed. To aid patients under these circumstances, a recently developed treatment known as pain reprocessing therapy (PRT) is designed to help the brain “unlearn” this response. A PRT practitioner helps individuals to reduce the “threat value” of their ongoing pain signals until they can reappraise them as less threatening and fear-inducing. They also help an individual to develop new emotional regulation skills.

How long does therapy for chronic pain take?

There is no set timeline for recovery from chronic pain, especially as there may be a range of physical and psychological causes for any individual’s discomfort, but most patients should expect to see a therapist for a number of weeks or months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions. Studies of pain reprocessing therapy found that many individuals’ experience of pain lessened in eight sessions over four weeks.