Chronic Pain Therapists in Northampton, MA
![Photo of Robert Zucker, MA, FT](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ca19353-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
If you're having a tough time facing a life-changing or life-threatening illness, coming to terms with another major life transition, or grieving a significant death, then let's talk.
Has your loss been life-changing - perhaps deeply disorienting? Are friends and family expecting you to get over it, but you simply can't? I have been a grief counselor for over 25 years, and have worked with all sort of loss issues. While grief can be crazy-making and terribly painful, I know that with grace and in time, you can discover safe, effective ways of moving through your grief and learn to live well again.
If you're having a tough time facing a life-changing or life-threatening illness, coming to terms with another major life transition, or grieving a significant death, then let's talk.
Has your loss been life-changing - perhaps deeply disorienting? Are friends and family expecting you to get over it, but you simply can't? I have been a grief counselor for over 25 years, and have worked with all sort of loss issues. While grief can be crazy-making and terribly painful, I know that with grace and in time, you can discover safe, effective ways of moving through your grief and learn to live well again.
![Photo of Andrea E. Cole, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40632dbc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I also use clinical hypnosis to address specific problems such as insomnia and chronic pain.
I am a clinical psychologist in private practice in Northampton, Massachusetts. I have worked with adults and college students for over 25 years. My areas of specialization include depression, bereavement, loss, anxiety/stress and sleep difficulties. I also provide treatment to people with relationship, self-esteem, life transition and academic issues.
I also use clinical hypnosis to address specific problems such as insomnia and chronic pain.
I am a clinical psychologist in private practice in Northampton, Massachusetts. I have worked with adults and college students for over 25 years. My areas of specialization include depression, bereavement, loss, anxiety/stress and sleep difficulties. I also provide treatment to people with relationship, self-esteem, life transition and academic issues.
![Photo of Michelle Fried, PhD, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45254283-f433-413e-a9cf-6ce40c7d1061/1/320x400.jpeg)
Life’s difficult turns can motivate us to take action for change. You may have daily challenges with low moods, anxiety, problems with memory or concentration, trauma, chronic pain, or grief. Or maybe you have past experiences that continue to hurt you. Psychotherapy can become a valuable tool to address these challenges starting with where you are now. It can be an opportunity to assess your current situation, clarify your goals, and build skills that empower you toward increased well-being, better directions, and desired outcomes.
Life’s difficult turns can motivate us to take action for change. You may have daily challenges with low moods, anxiety, problems with memory or concentration, trauma, chronic pain, or grief. Or maybe you have past experiences that continue to hurt you. Psychotherapy can become a valuable tool to address these challenges starting with where you are now. It can be an opportunity to assess your current situation, clarify your goals, and build skills that empower you toward increased well-being, better directions, and desired outcomes.
![Photo of Nikki Gamache, MA, LMHC, CGT, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5c14c7e4-1446-4c7b-8c84-added203c41d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Techniques like EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) empower you to gently explore your deepest pain and access your inner strength.
NOTE: I am not accepting weekly clients, only intensive clients at this time. Unhealed trauma and loss can significantly impact our lives, making it challenging to experience happiness, clarity, compassion, and joy. These experiences can trap us in cycles of negative thoughts, behaviors, and feelings. You may yearn to break free from this cycle, but hopelessness and feeling trapped can be common. Trauma therapy can help! I specialize in intensive trauma therapy designed to help you address past traumas and break free from these cycles.
Techniques like EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) empower you to gently explore your deepest pain and access your inner strength.
NOTE: I am not accepting weekly clients, only intensive clients at this time. Unhealed trauma and loss can significantly impact our lives, making it challenging to experience happiness, clarity, compassion, and joy. These experiences can trap us in cycles of negative thoughts, behaviors, and feelings. You may yearn to break free from this cycle, but hopelessness and feeling trapped can be common. Trauma therapy can help! I specialize in intensive trauma therapy designed to help you address past traumas and break free from these cycles.
![Photo of Suzie Goldstein, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fb9e4524-3b61-4f34-808a-d66831ec8858/2/320x400.jpeg)
I embrace a holistic mind-body approach to psychotherapy, which began with becoming a certified Iyengar yoga therapist/ instructor over 10 years ago, specializing in chronic illness/injury. Because this foundation, my integrative approach to clinical work is somatically-based, trauma-centered, and utilizes a neurobiological and attachment-informed lens grounded in social justice. I also utilize cutting-edge evidence-based practices like EMDR and Flash for trauma. I bring a warm, relational frame to any work with all clients, while always striving to center and support what is important to your particular healing.
I embrace a holistic mind-body approach to psychotherapy, which began with becoming a certified Iyengar yoga therapist/ instructor over 10 years ago, specializing in chronic illness/injury. Because this foundation, my integrative approach to clinical work is somatically-based, trauma-centered, and utilizes a neurobiological and attachment-informed lens grounded in social justice. I also utilize cutting-edge evidence-based practices like EMDR and Flash for trauma. I bring a warm, relational frame to any work with all clients, while always striving to center and support what is important to your particular healing.
![Photo of Matthew Czaplinski, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/19237cd4-5901-4391-be7c-5d1a13d3a61d/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in working with people seeking help with depression, anxiety, addictions, trauma, relationships, life decisions, creative and spiritual struggles, concerns about sex and sexuality, loss and illness.
Good therapy helps us shift from feeling blocked by internal conflicts and fears to having a transformative relationship with ourselves and others. Mindfulness and IFS are two highly effective approaches to help access beneficial qualities of mind, even in difficult circumstances. I have successfully helped clients with a wide range of issues for 20 years, and have taught and supervised students in these techniques.
I specialize in working with people seeking help with depression, anxiety, addictions, trauma, relationships, life decisions, creative and spiritual struggles, concerns about sex and sexuality, loss and illness.
Good therapy helps us shift from feeling blocked by internal conflicts and fears to having a transformative relationship with ourselves and others. Mindfulness and IFS are two highly effective approaches to help access beneficial qualities of mind, even in difficult circumstances. I have successfully helped clients with a wide range of issues for 20 years, and have taught and supervised students in these techniques.
![Photo of Carolyn Sandel - Seniors, Adults, Caregivers Illness, Grief, LGBTQ, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8dd92e5d-237a-4d0d-b208-9e3ed042cdb5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Seniors, Adults, Caregivers Illness, Grief, LGBTQ
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Northampton, MA 01062
You don't have to go it alone. Are you an older adult or the caregiver for a parent or spouse? Struggling to keep your balance while dealing with chronic illness or pain? Have you lost a loved one or had a major life change? All of these challenges bring fatigue, isolation, loneliness, and feelings of loss. With help, you can better understand your feelings and better meet your challenge. If you are stressed and feeling burnt out, depressed, or weighed down by anxiety, reach out for help. In therapy, you can get the support that you need to build on your strengths and thrive. Serving adults of all ages and the LGBTQ+ community
You don't have to go it alone. Are you an older adult or the caregiver for a parent or spouse? Struggling to keep your balance while dealing with chronic illness or pain? Have you lost a loved one or had a major life change? All of these challenges bring fatigue, isolation, loneliness, and feelings of loss. With help, you can better understand your feelings and better meet your challenge. If you are stressed and feeling burnt out, depressed, or weighed down by anxiety, reach out for help. In therapy, you can get the support that you need to build on your strengths and thrive. Serving adults of all ages and the LGBTQ+ community
![Photo of Larissa Beecher - Strawberry Therapy - Neurodivergence and EDs, MS, MHC, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c034fea7-a6ef-445f-96a7-ac015484e303/2/320x400.jpeg)
Strawberry Therapy - Neurodivergence and EDs
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, MHC
Verified Verified
Northampton, MA 01060 (Online Only)
I am accepting new clients. My name is Larissa, and I am a specialist in treating eating disorders and neurodivergence. I have successfully worked with many clients to improve binging, restrictive, and purging behaviors, ARFID, and related symptoms including sensory issues, a limited food variety (“picky eaters”), concentration and focus skills, and coping with chronic illness. I give positive, trauma-informed care without sugar coating of the challenges of mental health recovery. I provide context behind the development and maintenance of symptoms while holding my clients accountable for what is within their own control.
I am accepting new clients. My name is Larissa, and I am a specialist in treating eating disorders and neurodivergence. I have successfully worked with many clients to improve binging, restrictive, and purging behaviors, ARFID, and related symptoms including sensory issues, a limited food variety (“picky eaters”), concentration and focus skills, and coping with chronic illness. I give positive, trauma-informed care without sugar coating of the challenges of mental health recovery. I provide context behind the development and maintenance of symptoms while holding my clients accountable for what is within their own control.
![Photo of M. Sarah Carr, MA, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bd6cb3f0-cde8-4d19-a8e4-011fdc47ccb3/1/320x400.jpeg)
I support people with concerns about aging, body-image, sexuality, chronic pain, relationship struggles, anxiety, and trauma.
I am a somatic psychotherapist specializing in body-based healing. I enjoy working with clients who want to step out of disempowering narratives and embrace their own capacity. I have 20+ years of experience working with many populations and conditions. Recently I have specialized in couples therapy using the Developmental Model and Attachment work. I only work with a limited number of couples at this time, but these approaches deeply inform my work, even with individuals. I have recently narrowed my practice to focus on clients in acute need or looking to do more focused chapters of work or growth vs ongoing maintenance therapy.
I support people with concerns about aging, body-image, sexuality, chronic pain, relationship struggles, anxiety, and trauma.
I am a somatic psychotherapist specializing in body-based healing. I enjoy working with clients who want to step out of disempowering narratives and embrace their own capacity. I have 20+ years of experience working with many populations and conditions. Recently I have specialized in couples therapy using the Developmental Model and Attachment work. I only work with a limited number of couples at this time, but these approaches deeply inform my work, even with individuals. I have recently narrowed my practice to focus on clients in acute need or looking to do more focused chapters of work or growth vs ongoing maintenance therapy.
![Photo of Milton Hanzel, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a695d92-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
My client is the expert on my client and my job is to help unlock their innate wisdom. Our troubles are the side effects of adaptations forged by hardship, and we can change them using strengths in ourselves, families and community. Feeling more connected to others involves communication skills, and tolerance for irritation and vulnerability (inevitable in close relationships). Therapy can help you hold your pain differently. You can feel better living with your past, instead of waiting to get rid of it. I help clients to address spiritual roadblocks and to help build a fulfilling and meaningful life, with the pain.
My client is the expert on my client and my job is to help unlock their innate wisdom. Our troubles are the side effects of adaptations forged by hardship, and we can change them using strengths in ourselves, families and community. Feeling more connected to others involves communication skills, and tolerance for irritation and vulnerability (inevitable in close relationships). Therapy can help you hold your pain differently. You can feel better living with your past, instead of waiting to get rid of it. I help clients to address spiritual roadblocks and to help build a fulfilling and meaningful life, with the pain.
![Photo of Jaime Beth Gershman, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bc19462-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/6/320x400.jpeg)
Since 1990 I have helped people with anxiety, depression, addiction issues, relationships, life transitions, loss, illness, pain, healing, creative challenges, recent and past trauma, and high sensitivity (HSP).
My intention is to help people discover lasting pathways to feel better. I will bring my warmth, heart, experience and presence to our unique collaboration as we focus on how you want to feel in your life. I practice a body-centered approach to counseling. Woven through our talking together will be periods of mindfulness and tuning in as a way to deepen awareness, growth and healing. When we have the support we need--we feel more freedom to be ourselves emotionally, intellectually, physically and spiritually. As distortions release--we naturally heal, improve our relationships, and make authentic life choices that feel good.
Since 1990 I have helped people with anxiety, depression, addiction issues, relationships, life transitions, loss, illness, pain, healing, creative challenges, recent and past trauma, and high sensitivity (HSP).
My intention is to help people discover lasting pathways to feel better. I will bring my warmth, heart, experience and presence to our unique collaboration as we focus on how you want to feel in your life. I practice a body-centered approach to counseling. Woven through our talking together will be periods of mindfulness and tuning in as a way to deepen awareness, growth and healing. When we have the support we need--we feel more freedom to be ourselves emotionally, intellectually, physically and spiritually. As distortions release--we naturally heal, improve our relationships, and make authentic life choices that feel good.
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![Photo of Kel Thomas, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1fa12d0e-a63e-4bcc-b71d-1ee281981534/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Thomas (they/them) is a queer, transgender (non-binary and transmasculine), chronically ill, disabled, neuro-divergent and non-monogamous psychologist and they often work with clients from these communities, as well as fellow care workers and others who engage in social-justice work. They are also sex-work and kink affirming and liberation is at the core of all their work. Dr. Thomas works with adults with a variety of concerns and has specialties in treating: Grief, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, interpersonal trauma in childhood, dissociative disorders, and gender exploration/ transition support.
Dr. Thomas (they/them) is a queer, transgender (non-binary and transmasculine), chronically ill, disabled, neuro-divergent and non-monogamous psychologist and they often work with clients from these communities, as well as fellow care workers and others who engage in social-justice work. They are also sex-work and kink affirming and liberation is at the core of all their work. Dr. Thomas works with adults with a variety of concerns and has specialties in treating: Grief, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, interpersonal trauma in childhood, dissociative disorders, and gender exploration/ transition support.
![Photo of Dr. Chelsey Solar, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cd9fab38-7e5d-402a-a403-19ba733fb398/2/320x400.jpeg)
As a clinical health psychologist, I have specific expertise in working with adults with health concerns, rare medical illnesses, and/or chronic illness.
As we go through life, we can find ourselves feeling “stuck” in patterns or situations that limit satisfaction and create barriers to achieving our goals. Sometimes these patterns develop slowly over time and sometimes circumstances shift rapidly – leaving us overwhelmed and unsure of where to go next. I believe the role of psychotherapy is to create an open and affirming space to explore patterns with compassion and curiosity, clarify values, and make progress towards living an authentic and fulfilling life.
As a clinical health psychologist, I have specific expertise in working with adults with health concerns, rare medical illnesses, and/or chronic illness.
As we go through life, we can find ourselves feeling “stuck” in patterns or situations that limit satisfaction and create barriers to achieving our goals. Sometimes these patterns develop slowly over time and sometimes circumstances shift rapidly – leaving us overwhelmed and unsure of where to go next. I believe the role of psychotherapy is to create an open and affirming space to explore patterns with compassion and curiosity, clarify values, and make progress towards living an authentic and fulfilling life.
![Photo of Ross W. Hackerson, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d3cc415-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I work with individuals, couples and families looking for understanding, safety and connection in their lives. Whether the difficulty and pain you experience comes from trauma, neglect, abandonment or relationship conflict I believe you have the capacity and right to heal, feel good and live a good life; and that you can! I've worked with people recovering from childhood neglect, sexual and emotional abuse and the lack of connection that comes from preoccupied, distant, disconnected and or self absorbed parents. I'm constantly amazed at the power of this work.
I work with individuals, couples and families looking for understanding, safety and connection in their lives. Whether the difficulty and pain you experience comes from trauma, neglect, abandonment or relationship conflict I believe you have the capacity and right to heal, feel good and live a good life; and that you can! I've worked with people recovering from childhood neglect, sexual and emotional abuse and the lack of connection that comes from preoccupied, distant, disconnected and or self absorbed parents. I'm constantly amazed at the power of this work.
![Photo of Anna Kogan, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c13818e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
At times we find ourselves confronted by stressful situations, like an impasse with a boss, conflict at home, financial or school-related pressures, major life transitions, losses and health issues, to name a few. How can one find the strength and courage needed to deal with a complex problem at hand, without giving up and succumbing to pain and suffering? I would like to offer you supportive compassionate guidance and professional knowledge to help you succeed in dealing with challenges in your life.
At times we find ourselves confronted by stressful situations, like an impasse with a boss, conflict at home, financial or school-related pressures, major life transitions, losses and health issues, to name a few. How can one find the strength and courage needed to deal with a complex problem at hand, without giving up and succumbing to pain and suffering? I would like to offer you supportive compassionate guidance and professional knowledge to help you succeed in dealing with challenges in your life.
![Photo of Emily Mentin-Chamble, MSW, LICSW, CIHMHP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45f35bd6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Emily Mentin-Chamble
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, CIHMHP
Verified Verified
Northampton, MA 01060 (Online Only)
I am eager to work with clients seeking insight and change in their lives. I strive to create a trusting relationship that fosters emotional and spiritual growth while examining the issues that are preventing you from living up to your full potential. I work from an anti-oppression lens, prioritizing psychospiritual holistic health and wellness, utilizing my years of clinical training and experience in treating individuals and communities deeply impacted by trauma, grief/loss and illness. I offer EMDR treatment in addition to psychodynamic psychotherapy to support healing and lasting transformative change.
I am eager to work with clients seeking insight and change in their lives. I strive to create a trusting relationship that fosters emotional and spiritual growth while examining the issues that are preventing you from living up to your full potential. I work from an anti-oppression lens, prioritizing psychospiritual holistic health and wellness, utilizing my years of clinical training and experience in treating individuals and communities deeply impacted by trauma, grief/loss and illness. I offer EMDR treatment in addition to psychodynamic psychotherapy to support healing and lasting transformative change.
![Photo of Carolyn McGill, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e4ad3f6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Carolyn McGill
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Northampton, MA 01060 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I work with adult clients experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress and adjustment issues related to life stressors. I have extensive experience working with individuals impacted by trauma,issues of loss, disability, chronic illness and pain. My work includes assisting individuals who have survived trauma and abuse, as well as those who struggle with addiction. I blend introspective exploration of one self with cognitive, behavioral, supportive and problem-solving approaches. My goal is to create a safe setting where one is able to explore and create a path towards healing and growth.
I work with adult clients experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress and adjustment issues related to life stressors. I have extensive experience working with individuals impacted by trauma,issues of loss, disability, chronic illness and pain. My work includes assisting individuals who have survived trauma and abuse, as well as those who struggle with addiction. I blend introspective exploration of one self with cognitive, behavioral, supportive and problem-solving approaches. My goal is to create a safe setting where one is able to explore and create a path towards healing and growth.
![Photo of Robert Davis - Integrated Health Solutions, LLC, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3caba16b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed clinical psychologist and neurotherapist. I utilize state-of-the-art, neuroscience-based technologies to help facilitate change in my clients. I work with individuals from three to over eighty years of age. Most people contact me as a result of an understandable ambivalence towards taking medications or a desire to reduce the difficulties associated with some mental or physical condition viewed by others as 'unalterable' or life-long (e.g., ADHD, learning disabilities, autism, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, traumatic brain injury, or other medical conditions).
I am a licensed clinical psychologist and neurotherapist. I utilize state-of-the-art, neuroscience-based technologies to help facilitate change in my clients. I work with individuals from three to over eighty years of age. Most people contact me as a result of an understandable ambivalence towards taking medications or a desire to reduce the difficulties associated with some mental or physical condition viewed by others as 'unalterable' or life-long (e.g., ADHD, learning disabilities, autism, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, traumatic brain injury, or other medical conditions).
![Photo of Debra Krumholz, LMHC, MEd, MPH, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e58d84a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Most of us decide to enter into therapy because we are in pain and we want to find ways to end the pain. We feel stuck, without choices. While we are drawn to change and growth, it can also be very scary. As your therapist, I see it as my job to help you find the courage to see yourself clearly, to harness your own strength and resources, and to discover your own answers.
Most of us decide to enter into therapy because we are in pain and we want to find ways to end the pain. We feel stuck, without choices. While we are drawn to change and growth, it can also be very scary. As your therapist, I see it as my job to help you find the courage to see yourself clearly, to harness your own strength and resources, and to discover your own answers.
![Photo of Luke David Smith, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f2edb480-86a8-49d9-ac06-474c6eb72276/2/320x400.jpeg)
Luke David Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Northampton, MA 01060 (Online Only)
I am trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), an evidence-based model of therapy that strives to help clients be mindfully present with their pain while building paths to a more meaningful, vibrant life.
**All appointments are by telehealth for the foreseeable future.** Therapy is, of course, serious business, though it is also at its best when the process feels fun and engaging. The work of therapy may be serious, but it has long been my philosophy as a clinician to approach that work with my whole self--including humor, creativity, and playfulness. In bringing my whole self to our work together, I hope to invite you to do the same. As a partner in your therapy, I can help guide you to focus on the things that matter most to you while navigating the thoughts, emotions, and feelings that always seem to stand in the way.
I am trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), an evidence-based model of therapy that strives to help clients be mindfully present with their pain while building paths to a more meaningful, vibrant life.
**All appointments are by telehealth for the foreseeable future.** Therapy is, of course, serious business, though it is also at its best when the process feels fun and engaging. The work of therapy may be serious, but it has long been my philosophy as a clinician to approach that work with my whole self--including humor, creativity, and playfulness. In bringing my whole self to our work together, I hope to invite you to do the same. As a partner in your therapy, I can help guide you to focus on the things that matter most to you while navigating the thoughts, emotions, and feelings that always seem to stand in the way.
See more therapy options for Northampton
Nearby Chronic Pain Therapists Searches for Northampton
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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.