Therapists in Illinois
I am a licensed clinical psychologist in Barrington, Illinois, with more than 20 years of experience working with adults of all ages, adolescents and families. Whether discouraged or overwhelmed, therapy can help improve the quality of your life. I work with clients who are struggling with anxiety, obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors, academic and occupational problems, depression, relationship issues, and the challenges of life transition. With a background in health psychology, I also have expertise in helping clients whose illness or pain interfere with daily living, (e.g., migraine and IBS as well as other chronic illnesses such as cancer, fibromyalgia, diabetes and heart disease.)
I am a licensed clinical psychologist in Barrington, Illinois, with more than 20 years of experience working with adults of all ages, adolescents and families. Whether discouraged or overwhelmed, therapy can help improve the quality of your life. I work with clients who are struggling with anxiety, obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors, academic and occupational problems, depression, relationship issues, and the challenges of life transition. With a background in health psychology, I also have expertise in helping clients whose illness or pain interfere with daily living, (e.g., migraine and IBS as well as other chronic illnesses such as cancer, fibromyalgia, diabetes and heart disease.)
Dr. Valerie Maty
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, RPT, ATR-BC, SEP, CADC
Verified Verified
Naperville, IL 60563 (Online Only)
If you are a Child, Adolescent, Adult or Parent experiencing a current life challenge, or a chronic medical illness or trauma- HOPE is possible!.
Are you an adult who is trying to manage a traumatic experience, process grief or anxiety/depression at this time in your life? Are you a parent that is looking for an experienced clinician to support you and your child to navigate overwhelming emotions both at home and in school? I am here for you! I am passionate about journeying alongside you with compassion, creating a safe place where you can discover your creative self, and focused upon supporting you as you work towards your unique treatment goals.
If you are a Child, Adolescent, Adult or Parent experiencing a current life challenge, or a chronic medical illness or trauma- HOPE is possible!.
Are you an adult who is trying to manage a traumatic experience, process grief or anxiety/depression at this time in your life? Are you a parent that is looking for an experienced clinician to support you and your child to navigate overwhelming emotions both at home and in school? I am here for you! I am passionate about journeying alongside you with compassion, creating a safe place where you can discover your creative self, and focused upon supporting you as you work towards your unique treatment goals.
I have found hypnosis to be an effective tool for a variety of issues including; chronic and acute pain, weight management, smoking cession, stress, sleep issues, anxiety, and panic attacks.
Change is never easy,but with the assistance of a therapist, you can start to learn skills to move towards your goals. Some of these skills include effective communication, mindfulness, relaxation, and changing negative thought patterns. In my work with couples, I focus on teaching communication skills and understanding underlying issues that effect the relationship.
I have found hypnosis to be an effective tool for a variety of issues including; chronic and acute pain, weight management, smoking cession, stress, sleep issues, anxiety, and panic attacks.
Change is never easy,but with the assistance of a therapist, you can start to learn skills to move towards your goals. Some of these skills include effective communication, mindfulness, relaxation, and changing negative thought patterns. In my work with couples, I focus on teaching communication skills and understanding underlying issues that effect the relationship.
I am an experienced clinician and teacher who treats and teaches adults, adolescents and couples using a mindfulness based counseling model. I specialize in working with those who struggle with anxiety, depression, chronic illness and pain. I also teach classes in meditation and yoga.
I am an experienced clinician and teacher who treats and teaches adults, adolescents and couples using a mindfulness based counseling model. I specialize in working with those who struggle with anxiety, depression, chronic illness and pain. I also teach classes in meditation and yoga.
Dr. Michael G Tavolacci
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
Verified Verified
Roselle, IL 60172
Well here we are! You’re here looking for help and it’s exhausting . I know, I’ve been there! Who doesn’t want to feel better, happier, and more in charge of their life? I want you to make the dreams of your life a reality and we can help. Feeling stressed, depressed, overwhelmed, or pain from life’s experiences can rob you of your joy and damage relationships. One size does not fit all. Your story is unique and your approach to change should be too. Drawing from a variety of approaches, I help you work through those things you want to change.
Well here we are! You’re here looking for help and it’s exhausting . I know, I’ve been there! Who doesn’t want to feel better, happier, and more in charge of their life? I want you to make the dreams of your life a reality and we can help. Feeling stressed, depressed, overwhelmed, or pain from life’s experiences can rob you of your joy and damage relationships. One size does not fit all. Your story is unique and your approach to change should be too. Drawing from a variety of approaches, I help you work through those things you want to change.
Kelly Jane Martin
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60631
Specializing in perinatal mental health, I work with mothers and fathers who are enduring heightened stress, depression, anxiety, OCD, and sleep issues that have developed or exacerbated during pregnancy or postpartum. I am extremely compassionate and dedicated to helping those who have experienced pregnancy termination, infertility, and perinatal grief and loss. I also have special clinical interests and experience in chronic pain, self-medication with cannabis, endocrine disorders, and other physical health ailments. I effectively and appreciatively also meet with mental healthcare providers, same-sex parents, and caregivers.
Specializing in perinatal mental health, I work with mothers and fathers who are enduring heightened stress, depression, anxiety, OCD, and sleep issues that have developed or exacerbated during pregnancy or postpartum. I am extremely compassionate and dedicated to helping those who have experienced pregnancy termination, infertility, and perinatal grief and loss. I also have special clinical interests and experience in chronic pain, self-medication with cannabis, endocrine disorders, and other physical health ailments. I effectively and appreciatively also meet with mental healthcare providers, same-sex parents, and caregivers.
My areas of clinical interest are focused on anxiety and depression, substance abuse, chronic illness, parenting, relationship stress, and infertility.
Sometimes life can simply be too much for us to cope with alone. The loss of a loved one, the breakup of a relationship, or other traumatic events can leave us feeling hopeless or lost. Counseling helps by providing us with the time and space to think about our problems, and the tools we need to work through them.
My areas of clinical interest are focused on anxiety and depression, substance abuse, chronic illness, parenting, relationship stress, and infertility.
Sometimes life can simply be too much for us to cope with alone. The loss of a loved one, the breakup of a relationship, or other traumatic events can leave us feeling hopeless or lost. Counseling helps by providing us with the time and space to think about our problems, and the tools we need to work through them.
TMS can also be used to treat Alzheimer's, Anxiety, Autism, Bipolar, Chronic Pain, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's, Post Stroke, PTSD, Schizophrenia, and Smoking Cessation.
Do you suffer from Depression or have Suicidal Thoughts? TMS provides true treatment with a 75% success rate in treatment with 50% of patients experiencing a full remission of symptoms for patients who struggle with depression and OCD. This includes those who have tried multiple medications and struggled with side effects or have not received relief. TMS is not painful or disruptive, does not cause systemic side effects, and does not require hospitalization or anesthesia. Results are often noticed by family and friends within a week. Patient often report results as early as 3 weeks into treatment.
TMS can also be used to treat Alzheimer's, Anxiety, Autism, Bipolar, Chronic Pain, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's, Post Stroke, PTSD, Schizophrenia, and Smoking Cessation.
Do you suffer from Depression or have Suicidal Thoughts? TMS provides true treatment with a 75% success rate in treatment with 50% of patients experiencing a full remission of symptoms for patients who struggle with depression and OCD. This includes those who have tried multiple medications and struggled with side effects or have not received relief. TMS is not painful or disruptive, does not cause systemic side effects, and does not require hospitalization or anesthesia. Results are often noticed by family and friends within a week. Patient often report results as early as 3 weeks into treatment.
Marcy D Wilroy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADC, DSW
Verified Verified
Skokie, IL 60077 (Online Only)
I have provided the support system and treatment for those who face chronic and terminal illness, as well as issues related to the aging process.
We all have challenges in our lives. Sometimes these challenges can be overwhelming, leading to feelings of worry and anxiety. At other times, these challenges can lead to depression and despair. I am here to listen. I am here to support you. I am here to give you the tools that you need to make needed changes. Together, we can explore possibilities and find the motivation for change that you have inside of you.
I have provided the support system and treatment for those who face chronic and terminal illness, as well as issues related to the aging process.
We all have challenges in our lives. Sometimes these challenges can be overwhelming, leading to feelings of worry and anxiety. At other times, these challenges can lead to depression and despair. I am here to listen. I am here to support you. I am here to give you the tools that you need to make needed changes. Together, we can explore possibilities and find the motivation for change that you have inside of you.
Joshua Boyd
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Belleville, IL 62221 (Online Only)
Even when life is seemingly going well, our thoughts and feelings can make our days and nights a struggle. Living with mental illness or going through a challenging time can be like there is an ever-looming cloud blocking us from feeling the sun. It is my belief that therapy can help us see and feel the light again. Depression, anxiety, ADHD, behavioral or personality issues, and abuse & trauma can make us feel like we’re alone and without hope. Therapy can be a place where you don’t have to go through life’s struggles alone and get to learn coping strategies and solutions.
Even when life is seemingly going well, our thoughts and feelings can make our days and nights a struggle. Living with mental illness or going through a challenging time can be like there is an ever-looming cloud blocking us from feeling the sun. It is my belief that therapy can help us see and feel the light again. Depression, anxiety, ADHD, behavioral or personality issues, and abuse & trauma can make us feel like we’re alone and without hope. Therapy can be a place where you don’t have to go through life’s struggles alone and get to learn coping strategies and solutions.
Shannon Mannix Services Inc
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, type 73
Verified Verified
Homer Glen, IL 60491
I specialize in working with young kids, teens, and adults struggling with a variety of issues; Depression, ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, behavioral issues, sleeping difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Chronic pain, Medical issues, Grief/Loss.
Ms. Mannix's clinical practice focuses on providing cognitive behavioral therapy to children, adolescents & adults. Ms. Mannix also provides family therapy to clients of all ages. She has worked extensively with children, adolescents and adults who have Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Behavioral Problems & ADHD, Bipolar disorder, Autism, Divorce, Grief and loss, family conflicts, learning difficulties, school concerns. Ms. Mannix focuses on post traumatic stress, relational/behavioral problems in children, school difficulties, adolescences and adults as well. Ms. Mannix is also a strong advocate for persons with disabilities.
I specialize in working with young kids, teens, and adults struggling with a variety of issues; Depression, ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, behavioral issues, sleeping difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Chronic pain, Medical issues, Grief/Loss.
Ms. Mannix's clinical practice focuses on providing cognitive behavioral therapy to children, adolescents & adults. Ms. Mannix also provides family therapy to clients of all ages. She has worked extensively with children, adolescents and adults who have Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Behavioral Problems & ADHD, Bipolar disorder, Autism, Divorce, Grief and loss, family conflicts, learning difficulties, school concerns. Ms. Mannix focuses on post traumatic stress, relational/behavioral problems in children, school difficulties, adolescences and adults as well. Ms. Mannix is also a strong advocate for persons with disabilities.
15 Second Videos
Liana Gerdov Psy.d.
Melinda D Hammond
Willis Counseling and Consulting
Nia J Butler
Althea Olson
Kris D Thomas
Jacquelyn A Muniz
Amy Pico
Transformations Counseling PLLC
Mike Wasilewski
Kimberly K Boatner
Janelle Kellerman
Ellie Mental Health- Chicagoland
Rachel Suzanne Weaver Rivera
Katie Butusov
Kerri Nevin
Barbara Spaulding
Generations Behavioral Healthcare, PC
Clara Donaldson
Denea N Bialeschki
Shoaib Memon
Chelsea Dillavou
Calvin Young
BZA Behavioral Health-LITH Office
The Transformation Specialists LLC
Brianna Rossbach
Rich Jentzen LCSW
Attention to Wellness, LTD
Loan Nguyen Korolczuk
Susan Halpin
Matthew Liberatore
J. Scott Nelson
Thrive for Life Counseling
Rena Kassel
Tyler Fortman
Dr Robert John Zagar PC A Professional
Sarah C Greene-Falk
Falisa Byers
Shannon Ericson
Benjamin Durchslag
Nancy Shertok
Such Counseling LLC
Lisa Mandl
John D Moore
Hannah Huget
THE SKYPE TREATMENT IS OFFERED AT EXTREMELY LOW FEE Emotional stress resulting from our own erroneous beliefs, problematic relationships, and stressful life circumstances can compromise our mental health. I firmly believe that my pragmatic therapeutic style and clinically proven treatment approaches can be highly instrumental in helping you learn effective ways to resolve your emotional pain, and develop practical skills and effective coping styles to ultimately take charge of your own mental health. The central focus of my practice is the treatment of Relationship Issues including Marital/Couples' Issues and Parent-Child Conflicts, Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, and Anger Control Problems.
THE SKYPE TREATMENT IS OFFERED AT EXTREMELY LOW FEE Emotional stress resulting from our own erroneous beliefs, problematic relationships, and stressful life circumstances can compromise our mental health. I firmly believe that my pragmatic therapeutic style and clinically proven treatment approaches can be highly instrumental in helping you learn effective ways to resolve your emotional pain, and develop practical skills and effective coping styles to ultimately take charge of your own mental health. The central focus of my practice is the treatment of Relationship Issues including Marital/Couples' Issues and Parent-Child Conflicts, Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, and Anger Control Problems.
Full Circle Counseling - Debra Torres
Counselor, LCPC, CADC, CCATP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Springfield, IL 62704
My specialties include anxiety, depression, couples counseling, family issues, mental illness, PTSD, trauma, grief, physical disabilities, health issues, LGBTQ issues, relationships, eating disorders and addictions.
Does life seem difficult right now? Are you struggling with particular issues you cannot seem to overcome? I am a licensed clinical professional counselor, a certified drug and alcohol counselor and a CCATP (Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional). I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy and person-centered treatment. I work with people with disabilities, mental illness, depression, anxiety, PTSD, addictions, trauma. I am offering both telehealth & in-person. I work with couples and families. Insurances I accept are Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Health Alliance, Tricare, United Healthcare and out of network clients.
My specialties include anxiety, depression, couples counseling, family issues, mental illness, PTSD, trauma, grief, physical disabilities, health issues, LGBTQ issues, relationships, eating disorders and addictions.
Does life seem difficult right now? Are you struggling with particular issues you cannot seem to overcome? I am a licensed clinical professional counselor, a certified drug and alcohol counselor and a CCATP (Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional). I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy and person-centered treatment. I work with people with disabilities, mental illness, depression, anxiety, PTSD, addictions, trauma. I am offering both telehealth & in-person. I work with couples and families. Insurances I accept are Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Health Alliance, Tricare, United Healthcare and out of network clients.
Some areas of concentration include: ADHD, anxiety, behavior management, chronic pain, coping skills, depression, grief/loss, relationships, self-injury, self-esteem, sexual identity issues & transitions in life.
I believe life is a journey. It is full of ups & downs, good & hard things. How we deal & cope with these experiences is what can make the journey a positive challenge. My ultimate goals in providing therapy to clients are to assist them in their ability to cope & deal with what life throws them, the easy & the challenging; & assist them in their own personal growth along their journeys. I provide Ketamine and TMS assisted psychotherapy.
Some areas of concentration include: ADHD, anxiety, behavior management, chronic pain, coping skills, depression, grief/loss, relationships, self-injury, self-esteem, sexual identity issues & transitions in life.
I believe life is a journey. It is full of ups & downs, good & hard things. How we deal & cope with these experiences is what can make the journey a positive challenge. My ultimate goals in providing therapy to clients are to assist them in their ability to cope & deal with what life throws them, the easy & the challenging; & assist them in their own personal growth along their journeys. I provide Ketamine and TMS assisted psychotherapy.
Liana Gerdov Psy.d.
Psychologist, Anxiety, Trauma, CHT, Hypno, PsyD
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Palatine, IL 60067
Rising above our past, our pain, our wounds can feel incomprehensible and isolating.
Healing is a circular & cyclical journey with many paths, choices, & discoveries. We meet you where you are today, acknowledge that you are ever-changing, ever evolving. We know how hard it is to ask for help…to embrace, hold, and make space for change…we know how challenging it is to have a dissolution of self, or a version of yourself that no longer fits. Together, we uncover & compost outdated & stifling beliefs, unrealistic expectations or goals, let go of worries & fears, discover self-sabotage, burrow through behaviors & deeply hidden feelings & emotions that keep us stuck, fearful, unable to step into empowered selves.
Rising above our past, our pain, our wounds can feel incomprehensible and isolating.
Healing is a circular & cyclical journey with many paths, choices, & discoveries. We meet you where you are today, acknowledge that you are ever-changing, ever evolving. We know how hard it is to ask for help…to embrace, hold, and make space for change…we know how challenging it is to have a dissolution of self, or a version of yourself that no longer fits. Together, we uncover & compost outdated & stifling beliefs, unrealistic expectations or goals, let go of worries & fears, discover self-sabotage, burrow through behaviors & deeply hidden feelings & emotions that keep us stuck, fearful, unable to step into empowered selves.
Christopher Holly
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Peoria, IL 61602
Waitlist for new clients
I work with people suffering from depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, marital and couples counseling, drug and alcohol abuse, pain disorder, loss and grief, transgender issues, LGBQT issues, as well as those in the fetish/BDSM community.
I am dedicated to working with you to help you find your ability to deal with life and it's challenges by calling on your natural resources and capabilities and seeking a solution that is yours. I believe in the right to self-determination and that all people should have the capability to obtain what they want for their life through the power of therapy. I have worked with veterans of foreign wars, mature adults, teenagers and all kinds of people in between. I find the ability to explore life, understand ourselves and our situation better creates lasting happiness.
I work with people suffering from depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, marital and couples counseling, drug and alcohol abuse, pain disorder, loss and grief, transgender issues, LGBQT issues, as well as those in the fetish/BDSM community.
I am dedicated to working with you to help you find your ability to deal with life and it's challenges by calling on your natural resources and capabilities and seeking a solution that is yours. I believe in the right to self-determination and that all people should have the capability to obtain what they want for their life through the power of therapy. I have worked with veterans of foreign wars, mature adults, teenagers and all kinds of people in between. I find the ability to explore life, understand ourselves and our situation better creates lasting happiness.
Harmony Center for Holistic Psychotherapy
Counselor, MA, LCPC, PsyD
Verified Verified
Loves Park, IL 61111
Lisa Breisch specializes in the following: Depression/Mood/Anxiety Disorders, Child/Adolescent Behavioral Problems, ADHD, Brief Psychological Testing, Couples & Family Therapy, Eating Disorders & Weight Problems, Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgender Issues, Trauma & Abuse, Addictions, Divorce, Grief & Loss, Chronic Pain, Stress Management, Hypnotherapy, Spirituality Concerns, and Holistic Healthcare.
Welcome! We provide traditional and holistic healing for mind, body & spirit health. We work with individuals, couples, families & groups age 5 and up. The facility is located on a main street with free parking. This is a private practice with a private waiting room in a very comfortable & soothing setting. Look for the yellow house with raspberry trim. Hours are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and from 2:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. When you call, we will do a brief intake, verify your insurance benefits & schedule your first appointment. We do not have a waiting list and can schedule your first appointment within the same week.
Lisa Breisch specializes in the following: Depression/Mood/Anxiety Disorders, Child/Adolescent Behavioral Problems, ADHD, Brief Psychological Testing, Couples & Family Therapy, Eating Disorders & Weight Problems, Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgender Issues, Trauma & Abuse, Addictions, Divorce, Grief & Loss, Chronic Pain, Stress Management, Hypnotherapy, Spirituality Concerns, and Holistic Healthcare.
Welcome! We provide traditional and holistic healing for mind, body & spirit health. We work with individuals, couples, families & groups age 5 and up. The facility is located on a main street with free parking. This is a private practice with a private waiting room in a very comfortable & soothing setting. Look for the yellow house with raspberry trim. Hours are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and from 2:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. When you call, we will do a brief intake, verify your insurance benefits & schedule your first appointment. We do not have a waiting list and can schedule your first appointment within the same week.
My interests include children, adolescents, families,developmental disabilities, mental illness, and counselor supervision.
At the Family Counseling Center we believe each person is unique and offer individualized treatment at our centers. Our therapists employ evidenced-based techniques to explore your values, aid you in goal achievement and increase psychological health. The therapists and I have formal and ongoing training in marriage and family therapy and behavioral psychology. Through collaboration, the therapy experience can create change that positively impacts all areas of your life. The Family Counseling Center has four locations; Joliet, New Lenox, Naperville and Homewood.
My interests include children, adolescents, families,developmental disabilities, mental illness, and counselor supervision.
At the Family Counseling Center we believe each person is unique and offer individualized treatment at our centers. Our therapists employ evidenced-based techniques to explore your values, aid you in goal achievement and increase psychological health. The therapists and I have formal and ongoing training in marriage and family therapy and behavioral psychology. Through collaboration, the therapy experience can create change that positively impacts all areas of your life. The Family Counseling Center has four locations; Joliet, New Lenox, Naperville and Homewood.
I provide cognitive behavioral psychotherapy for education, support and management of symptoms of all mental disorders including depression, anxiety and Bipolar Disorder. I teach specific stress management, time management and other coping skills. I administer comprehensive neuropsychological and psychological testing batteries, including cognitive, memory, ADHD and projective testing. My areas of expertise include women's issues, geriatrics, veteran's issues and issues related to managing chronic medical illnesses and pain. My focus is on addressing each client's personal needs and problems.
I provide cognitive behavioral psychotherapy for education, support and management of symptoms of all mental disorders including depression, anxiety and Bipolar Disorder. I teach specific stress management, time management and other coping skills. I administer comprehensive neuropsychological and psychological testing batteries, including cognitive, memory, ADHD and projective testing. My areas of expertise include women's issues, geriatrics, veteran's issues and issues related to managing chronic medical illnesses and pain. My focus is on addressing each client's personal needs and problems.
Jennifer Garross
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60638 (Online Only)
We have all had events in our lives which have caused us pain, depression, anxiety or grief so you are not alone, support is one call away.
Life is a journey but there are times along the way that can be bumpy or full of pot holes. How do you handle times like these? Would you like to learn new strategies or techniques to manage these times and get back to your journey? You have found the right place. I would like to help you get back to your journey. Taking care of your mental health is very important to your physical health. Did your know chronic loneliness can cause inflammation through out your body, damage your heart and lungs as well as an increase depression and anxiety? Therapy is a great tool to a healthy mind and body. Call me today.
We have all had events in our lives which have caused us pain, depression, anxiety or grief so you are not alone, support is one call away.
Life is a journey but there are times along the way that can be bumpy or full of pot holes. How do you handle times like these? Would you like to learn new strategies or techniques to manage these times and get back to your journey? You have found the right place. I would like to help you get back to your journey. Taking care of your mental health is very important to your physical health. Did your know chronic loneliness can cause inflammation through out your body, damage your heart and lungs as well as an increase depression and anxiety? Therapy is a great tool to a healthy mind and body. Call me today.
See more therapy options for Illinois
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.