Chronic Pain Therapists in Bellevue, WA
![Photo of Dr. Michelle Taylor, PsyD, LMHCA, CDP, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9ed89d76-8c6a-4eed-b30c-5a93c552b451/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Taylor has significant experience working with individuals with addiction, trauma, infidelity, and chronic pain or illness impacting sexuality. She understands how one’s life can change in the blink of an eye, and how goals and values can shift when life does. It is during these times that individuals, couples, and/or families, can experience varying degrees of difficultly with the transition. How an individual responds is neither right nor wrong, because everyone has their own process and journey in life.
Dr. Taylor has significant experience working with individuals with addiction, trauma, infidelity, and chronic pain or illness impacting sexuality. She understands how one’s life can change in the blink of an eye, and how goals and values can shift when life does. It is during these times that individuals, couples, and/or families, can experience varying degrees of difficultly with the transition. How an individual responds is neither right nor wrong, because everyone has their own process and journey in life.
![Photo of Meg Kane, MA, LMHC, PT, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e7bee13-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I offer empathetic counseling working with trauma and attachment issues. If you are suffering from trauma, depression, anxiety, physical pain, or an inability to feel as connected to yourself or others, I can help you. My goal is to provide a safe environment that uses the innate wisdom of the body with the mind to heal, and enable my clients to create a better relationship with themselves and others as they expand the ways they feel limited in the world. I have over 30 years of working as a counselor. I am currently offering online and phone sessions.
I offer empathetic counseling working with trauma and attachment issues. If you are suffering from trauma, depression, anxiety, physical pain, or an inability to feel as connected to yourself or others, I can help you. My goal is to provide a safe environment that uses the innate wisdom of the body with the mind to heal, and enable my clients to create a better relationship with themselves and others as they expand the ways they feel limited in the world. I have over 30 years of working as a counselor. I am currently offering online and phone sessions.
![Photo of Moriah Brier, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bf5667e2-f00c-42b2-902b-003cd8a677db/2/320x400.jpeg)
My goal is to help you become more at ease with yourself and your emotions so that you can feel less daunted by the day-to-day, experience more fulfilling relationships, and be more productive in the domains of life that matter to you. I primarily treat anxiety, depression, chronic pain, insomnia, and trauma. My approach focuses on heightening your awareness of the thoughts, negative core beliefs, and behaviors that get in your way and helping you master strategies to address them. This is done within the framework of a relationship in which you feel supported, accepted, and heard.
My goal is to help you become more at ease with yourself and your emotions so that you can feel less daunted by the day-to-day, experience more fulfilling relationships, and be more productive in the domains of life that matter to you. I primarily treat anxiety, depression, chronic pain, insomnia, and trauma. My approach focuses on heightening your awareness of the thoughts, negative core beliefs, and behaviors that get in your way and helping you master strategies to address them. This is done within the framework of a relationship in which you feel supported, accepted, and heard.
![Photo of Amy Kupper, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cfb40a15-bfc2-4852-9f08-e2a324a1e765/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed clinical psychologist committed to helping adults develop healthy coping skills, life satisfaction, and resilience. My work focuses on improving health behaviors and chronic pain, identifying negative thought and behavioral patterns, and committing to values that are important to you. Clients describe me as warm, compassionate, and collaborative. I am passionate about working with clients who are adjusting to life transitions, stress, depression, anxiety and coping with illness or pain.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist committed to helping adults develop healthy coping skills, life satisfaction, and resilience. My work focuses on improving health behaviors and chronic pain, identifying negative thought and behavioral patterns, and committing to values that are important to you. Clients describe me as warm, compassionate, and collaborative. I am passionate about working with clients who are adjusting to life transitions, stress, depression, anxiety and coping with illness or pain.
![Photo of Ashley Glass, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dbb882dd-8518-4893-b4a3-db6126ebc4a6/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ashley Glass
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Bellevue, WA 98006 (Online Only)
I have worked in a variety of settings with virtually all walks of life. My areas of specialization include chronic pain, life transitions, loss, sleep issues, caregivers, issues associated with aging, and disabilities.
I have worked in a variety of settings with virtually all walks of life. My areas of specialization include chronic pain, life transitions, loss, sleep issues, caregivers, issues associated with aging, and disabilities.
![Photo of Nicole Clay, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/64a69856-f6ef-4de5-8a0d-3ee6bad44df5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Do you or your partner identify as neurodivergent (ADHD, autism)? Are arguments and lack of intimacy making you contemplate divorce? Has infidelity or betrayal trauma caused pain in your relationship? Communication difficulties, anxiety, and breaches of trust can create barriers to intimacy. Working with a specialist who understands the impact of neurodiversity on relationships can help you both thrive. If you have trouble expressing your needs or understanding your partner, I will help you embrace your strengths and learn strategies to become closer and learn to connect on a deeper level. You can have the relationship you desire!
Do you or your partner identify as neurodivergent (ADHD, autism)? Are arguments and lack of intimacy making you contemplate divorce? Has infidelity or betrayal trauma caused pain in your relationship? Communication difficulties, anxiety, and breaches of trust can create barriers to intimacy. Working with a specialist who understands the impact of neurodiversity on relationships can help you both thrive. If you have trouble expressing your needs or understanding your partner, I will help you embrace your strengths and learn strategies to become closer and learn to connect on a deeper level. You can have the relationship you desire!
![Photo of Koichi Tanji, ND, LMHC, FMAPS](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40b49ddf-b5b8-49cd-a59a-d0ae1cedd95a/1/320x400.jpeg)
My clients are youth struggling with social/parental expectations, being judged, understanding social cues, establishing deeper connections with others, being confused about themselves, having low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, trauma, and addictions. Struggles exacerbate with a history of being bullied, dysfunctional families, trauma, and health concerns such as being underweight, insomnia, abdominal pain, brain fog, and learning difficulties. My clients want to have freedom, be listened to, and explore the world with their ideas to find who they are without being judged.
My clients are youth struggling with social/parental expectations, being judged, understanding social cues, establishing deeper connections with others, being confused about themselves, having low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, trauma, and addictions. Struggles exacerbate with a history of being bullied, dysfunctional families, trauma, and health concerns such as being underweight, insomnia, abdominal pain, brain fog, and learning difficulties. My clients want to have freedom, be listened to, and explore the world with their ideas to find who they are without being judged.
![Photo of Dr. Teona Amble, PhD, LP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6544f96e-4ce7-4115-a499-898af91a6ca2/2/320x400.jpeg)
I integrate principles of health psychology; stress management; and pain psychology to treat clients with physical and mental health challenges.
I am passionate about helping people to promote well-being and to manage emotional distress and psychiatric symptoms. I enjoy using psychological theories and mind-body interventions to help children, adolescents, and adults from diverse backgrounds to improve their physical and mental health. I have helped people to reach their physical health goals, heal from trauma, make career and life transitions, grow in marriages and relationships, and build mood and anxiety management tools. My sessions focus on sharing information and skills to address your unique needs and life circumstances. We will develop a treatment plan together.
I integrate principles of health psychology; stress management; and pain psychology to treat clients with physical and mental health challenges.
I am passionate about helping people to promote well-being and to manage emotional distress and psychiatric symptoms. I enjoy using psychological theories and mind-body interventions to help children, adolescents, and adults from diverse backgrounds to improve their physical and mental health. I have helped people to reach their physical health goals, heal from trauma, make career and life transitions, grow in marriages and relationships, and build mood and anxiety management tools. My sessions focus on sharing information and skills to address your unique needs and life circumstances. We will develop a treatment plan together.
![Photo of Jason Gene Attaman - Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) for PTSD in Seattle](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/412dd0a0-43db-4e77-afd4-69a48b8cb21c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Only Pain Medicine MD and DO subspecialists are trained in SGB.
Offering Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) to treat PTSD in Seattle and Bellevue, Washington. SGB is successful in approximately 85% of patients who see an almost immediate 50% reduction in PTSD symptoms on average (mean reduction in the PCL-5 (PTSD) score of 30 points). The stellate ganglion is a control center for the sympathetic nervous system and a conduit for PTSD triggers. SGB is a low risk injection which stops the sympathetic nervous system overdrive in PTSD patients, so triggers can be reduced or even eliminated. Patients are then better able to engage in the psychological work related to trauma events and PTSD.
Only Pain Medicine MD and DO subspecialists are trained in SGB.
Offering Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) to treat PTSD in Seattle and Bellevue, Washington. SGB is successful in approximately 85% of patients who see an almost immediate 50% reduction in PTSD symptoms on average (mean reduction in the PCL-5 (PTSD) score of 30 points). The stellate ganglion is a control center for the sympathetic nervous system and a conduit for PTSD triggers. SGB is a low risk injection which stops the sympathetic nervous system overdrive in PTSD patients, so triggers can be reduced or even eliminated. Patients are then better able to engage in the psychological work related to trauma events and PTSD.
![Photo of Becky J Morehead, MA, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cdbb570-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
If you are a woman who is accommodating others and not feeling seen or heard, it is possible to feel connected and alive. Women wanting to make a shift in their life -personal or professional are my ideal client. I specialize in depression, anxiety, avoidance, dissociation, chronic illness, personal and professional relationship issues. Transitions in career, relationships or working through trauma and loss are my areas of expertise. I am intuitive with an innate ability to assist people in focusing on their potential and helping them to make that shift and resolve traumas.
If you are a woman who is accommodating others and not feeling seen or heard, it is possible to feel connected and alive. Women wanting to make a shift in their life -personal or professional are my ideal client. I specialize in depression, anxiety, avoidance, dissociation, chronic illness, personal and professional relationship issues. Transitions in career, relationships or working through trauma and loss are my areas of expertise. I am intuitive with an innate ability to assist people in focusing on their potential and helping them to make that shift and resolve traumas.
![Photo of Emily Parks, MA, LMFTA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1063b1be-ae2b-4c10-a8a4-f696b10e3d0c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Emily Parks
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFTA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bellevue, WA 98005 (Online Only)
Have you discovered your partner's infidelity and you're not sure what to do next? Are thoughts of divorce and overwhelming emotions from the betrayal consuming you? If you're struggling to heal from your partner's affair, sexual addiction or infidelity, you might need the support of a specialist who understands. If you're questioning your entire relationship, I can help you heal by exploring what happened & helping you receive empathic understanding for your pain. Let's work together to develop a plan to ease the trauma of the betrayal and create hope that your relationship can not only be saved but that you can thrive together.
Have you discovered your partner's infidelity and you're not sure what to do next? Are thoughts of divorce and overwhelming emotions from the betrayal consuming you? If you're struggling to heal from your partner's affair, sexual addiction or infidelity, you might need the support of a specialist who understands. If you're questioning your entire relationship, I can help you heal by exploring what happened & helping you receive empathic understanding for your pain. Let's work together to develop a plan to ease the trauma of the betrayal and create hope that your relationship can not only be saved but that you can thrive together.
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![Photo of Jesse Tyler Marshall, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5b464507-9310-451b-9d49-cc8b808b868e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jesse Tyler Marshall
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bellevue, WA 98005
Waitlist for new clients
I also have particular expertise in working with individuals with chronic pain and veterans.
I earned my MA in Mental Health Counseling from Antioch University Seattle. I believe that having a safe and calm space through which we can explore ourselves and our identity can provide an increased level of understanding as well as new ways through which we can interact with the world around us. At the core of my therapeutic approach is the belief that our thoughts and actions form to meet a need based on the context of our experiences and our body’s responses, and that by understanding the individual and systemic context in which we live we can find new ways of meeting our needs.
I also have particular expertise in working with individuals with chronic pain and veterans.
I earned my MA in Mental Health Counseling from Antioch University Seattle. I believe that having a safe and calm space through which we can explore ourselves and our identity can provide an increased level of understanding as well as new ways through which we can interact with the world around us. At the core of my therapeutic approach is the belief that our thoughts and actions form to meet a need based on the context of our experiences and our body’s responses, and that by understanding the individual and systemic context in which we live we can find new ways of meeting our needs.
![Photo of Nancy Tung - Nancy Tung RN - Practice for Systemic Wellness, RN](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48101d3e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Nancy Tung is an International Brainspotting Trainer and Consultant specializing in chronic symptoms such as illnesses, pain, anxiety, depression, life changes, relationships, traumatic events in life and etc.
Are working on the same issues and going in circles? Are you in transition and feeling lost? Are you blaming yourself for not been able to reach your goals? Do you want to have clarity and confidence to move forward? Do you want someone who is an experienced coach to guide you through your life journey with ease and grace? If any of these statements resonate with you, contact Nancy!
Nancy Tung is an International Brainspotting Trainer and Consultant specializing in chronic symptoms such as illnesses, pain, anxiety, depression, life changes, relationships, traumatic events in life and etc.
Are working on the same issues and going in circles? Are you in transition and feeling lost? Are you blaming yourself for not been able to reach your goals? Do you want to have clarity and confidence to move forward? Do you want someone who is an experienced coach to guide you through your life journey with ease and grace? If any of these statements resonate with you, contact Nancy!
![Photo of Lisa C Geraud - Lisa Geraud LMFT RD, MA, LMFT, MS, RD, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53f02c8b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lisa Geraud LMFT RD
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, MS, RD
Verified Verified
Bellevue, WA 98005 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am an experienced licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in the assessment and treatment of eating disorders, anxiety, depression and relationship issues. I also teach emotion skills classes. I am also a registered dietitian (RD), which enables me to provide nutrition assessment and counseling for persons with eating and weight concerns or eating disorders. I support and guide families through relational conflict, psychiatric illness and loss. I enjoy working with males and female children over age 12, adolescents and adults.
I am an experienced licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in the assessment and treatment of eating disorders, anxiety, depression and relationship issues. I also teach emotion skills classes. I am also a registered dietitian (RD), which enables me to provide nutrition assessment and counseling for persons with eating and weight concerns or eating disorders. I support and guide families through relational conflict, psychiatric illness and loss. I enjoy working with males and female children over age 12, adolescents and adults.
![Photo of Dr. Priyal Ranasinghe, PsyD, MBA, LMHCA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2513e485-bb8b-4863-a117-393a98cd2cd1/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Priyal Ranasinghe
Counselor, PsyD, MBA, LMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bellevue, WA 98005 (Online Only)
I help those coping with trauma to get relief from emotional pain, and I support neurodivergent individuals to feel understood and learn specific strategies to thrive.
Do you and your partner struggle to understand each other? Does your ADHD lead to forgetfulness and arguments? Has infidelity or sexual addiction caused a rupture in trust with your relationship? I specialize in helping individuals and couples navigate the unique challenges of neurodivergent relationships, as well as breaches of trust from betrayal. I can help you connect on a deeper level by leveraging your strengths and addressing emotional barriers making it hard to communicate and express empathy. Together, you can build a stronger, more supportive relationship and create the connection and intimacy you both want.
I help those coping with trauma to get relief from emotional pain, and I support neurodivergent individuals to feel understood and learn specific strategies to thrive.
Do you and your partner struggle to understand each other? Does your ADHD lead to forgetfulness and arguments? Has infidelity or sexual addiction caused a rupture in trust with your relationship? I specialize in helping individuals and couples navigate the unique challenges of neurodivergent relationships, as well as breaches of trust from betrayal. I can help you connect on a deeper level by leveraging your strengths and addressing emotional barriers making it hard to communicate and express empathy. Together, you can build a stronger, more supportive relationship and create the connection and intimacy you both want.
![Photo of Beth L Murphy, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44078a0c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have worked with a wide variety of clients, all of whom have been in different stages of change readiness. I work with all ages as young as 6 years of age to over 60 years of age. My clients struggle with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, stress, PTSD, ADHD, relationship issues, grief and loss due to illness, injury, death and life transitions, as well as adjustments to positive transitions, such as job promotion, new business, or marriage. Whatever the issue we will work together to find the client's best solution.
I have worked with a wide variety of clients, all of whom have been in different stages of change readiness. I work with all ages as young as 6 years of age to over 60 years of age. My clients struggle with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, stress, PTSD, ADHD, relationship issues, grief and loss due to illness, injury, death and life transitions, as well as adjustments to positive transitions, such as job promotion, new business, or marriage. Whatever the issue we will work together to find the client's best solution.
![Photo of Steven Kubacki, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ba573cb-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have been providing psychotherapy and consulting services since 1993 for adults, adolescents, children, couples, and families. My practice is quite diverse and involves the following services: (1) Treatment of PTSD, trauma, bereavement, relationship issues, depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, borderline disorder, ADHD, bipolar, conduct disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and Asperger’s. (2) Treatment of chronic pain, quality of life issues, and psychology problems due to debilitating or acute illnesses, such as cancer and auto-immune diseases. (3) Personal growth, spiritual development, and wellness counseling. (4) Sports psychology to improve performance and motivation. (5) Cognitive, personality, learning, and pre-surgical assessments.
I have been providing psychotherapy and consulting services since 1993 for adults, adolescents, children, couples, and families. My practice is quite diverse and involves the following services: (1) Treatment of PTSD, trauma, bereavement, relationship issues, depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, borderline disorder, ADHD, bipolar, conduct disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and Asperger’s. (2) Treatment of chronic pain, quality of life issues, and psychology problems due to debilitating or acute illnesses, such as cancer and auto-immune diseases. (3) Personal growth, spiritual development, and wellness counseling. (4) Sports psychology to improve performance and motivation. (5) Cognitive, personality, learning, and pre-surgical assessments.
![Photo of Wen-Yu Cheng - Wen-Yu Cheng, Jungian Analyst, Neuropsychologist, PsyD, PSYPACT, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a9aafbf7-e8dd-4a9d-9315-8361058c7da2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Wen-Yu Cheng, Jungian Analyst, Neuropsychologist
Psychologist, PsyD, PSYPACT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bellevue, WA 98004 (Online Only)
Welcome to what may well be a journey of transformation. As a psychologist, neuropsychologist, and Jungian analyst, I am dedicated to facilitating your psychotherapy or neurorehabilitation. My background in neuropsychology, mindfulness, Jungian/depth psychology, and multicultural perspectives enables me to tailor our work, guiding you through your inner struggles, relationship issues, and brain health challenges (e.g., stress, anxiety/depression/grief, trauma, racial identities, LGBTQ+, life transitions, aging, chronic illness, brain injury/TBI/Alzheimer's). Together, we can arrive at a path of growth that makes sense to you.
Welcome to what may well be a journey of transformation. As a psychologist, neuropsychologist, and Jungian analyst, I am dedicated to facilitating your psychotherapy or neurorehabilitation. My background in neuropsychology, mindfulness, Jungian/depth psychology, and multicultural perspectives enables me to tailor our work, guiding you through your inner struggles, relationship issues, and brain health challenges (e.g., stress, anxiety/depression/grief, trauma, racial identities, LGBTQ+, life transitions, aging, chronic illness, brain injury/TBI/Alzheimer's). Together, we can arrive at a path of growth that makes sense to you.
![Photo of Shanti Finney-Krigel, LMHC, LPC, CDP, R-DMT, LADC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/92de6457-7dba-472e-a4ad-d97afec92dff/1/320x400.jpeg)
Shanti Finney-Krigel
Mental Health Counselor, LMHC, LPC, CDP, R-DMT, LADC
Verified Verified
Bellevue, WA 98004
Current in-person openings in CT & telehealth openings for all of CT, WA and CO! Welcome to the Shanti Wellness Center. I'm Shanti, a compassionate licensed psychotherapist, dance movement therapist and chemical dependency clinician. I have been a dedicated licensed therapist for over 21 years. With deep compassion and non-judgmental mindful support, I hold a space for healing and growth to occur. I help clients heal through a wide variety of challenges including trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, grief, relationship challenges, domestic violence, chronic pain, eating disorders, sleep disorders, addiction, transitions and more.
Current in-person openings in CT & telehealth openings for all of CT, WA and CO! Welcome to the Shanti Wellness Center. I'm Shanti, a compassionate licensed psychotherapist, dance movement therapist and chemical dependency clinician. I have been a dedicated licensed therapist for over 21 years. With deep compassion and non-judgmental mindful support, I hold a space for healing and growth to occur. I help clients heal through a wide variety of challenges including trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, grief, relationship challenges, domestic violence, chronic pain, eating disorders, sleep disorders, addiction, transitions and more.
![Photo of Sheryl R Brown, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c135872-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Increasing conflict is making simple communication a real pain - you're alternating back and forth from explosive words to tense silence.
Depression or anxiety is creeping up on you, and you know it's bad for the kids to sense the lack of stability.
If you are tired of the same old argument with your partner, and are even throwing out the dreaded "D" word (Divorce) in the heat of it, I can help you get the clarity you need to decide if your relationship is worth saving - and to do what's needed to get things back on track.
Increasing conflict is making simple communication a real pain - you're alternating back and forth from explosive words to tense silence.
Depression or anxiety is creeping up on you, and you know it's bad for the kids to sense the lack of stability.
If you are tired of the same old argument with your partner, and are even throwing out the dreaded "D" word (Divorce) in the heat of it, I can help you get the clarity you need to decide if your relationship is worth saving - and to do what's needed to get things back on track.
See more therapy options for Bellevue
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.