Chronic Pain Therapists in Gainesville, GA
![Photo of Rebecca Short, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f2523ccb-df9b-4123-b363-52c7e6746901/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rebecca Short
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Gainesville, GA 30506 (Online Only)
I also have a special connection with those experiencing grief, facing terminal illness, those involved in caregiving of family members, and those coping with chronic pain in their own lives, especially fibromyalgia.
My ideal client is you. You are on a journey of self-discovery and healing that has led you to this site and my profile. You are courageous, brave, and determined to make meaning in your life. You are tired of hurting. You are looking for someone to accompany you on this journey who understands what it’s like to be in your shoes and honors that knowledge with empathy and respect. It would be a privilege to be that person to accompany you.
I also have a special connection with those experiencing grief, facing terminal illness, those involved in caregiving of family members, and those coping with chronic pain in their own lives, especially fibromyalgia.
My ideal client is you. You are on a journey of self-discovery and healing that has led you to this site and my profile. You are courageous, brave, and determined to make meaning in your life. You are tired of hurting. You are looking for someone to accompany you on this journey who understands what it’s like to be in your shoes and honors that knowledge with empathy and respect. It would be a privilege to be that person to accompany you.
![Photo of Laura C Aiken, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9d894adc-a4f2-473d-b56d-8d4d3e182554/1/320x400.jpeg)
However, I also have extensive experience and training working with clients who have trauma, as well as individuals suffering from chronic pain.
Are you stuck in a cycle that you can’t break free from? Do you need help managing your personal or career life? Do you struggle with anxiety, depression, or simply feel lost? Do you need assistance moving beyond trauma or leaving behind active addiction? In order to assist you in your journey, I use an integrative approach encompassing the traditional methods of DBT, CBT, and talk therapy while incorporating non-traditional approaches such as nature therapy. Because each person's needs are different, I tailor my sessions to your individual needs. I also have a therapy dog in training to help you feel more comfortable and at ease.
However, I also have extensive experience and training working with clients who have trauma, as well as individuals suffering from chronic pain.
Are you stuck in a cycle that you can’t break free from? Do you need help managing your personal or career life? Do you struggle with anxiety, depression, or simply feel lost? Do you need assistance moving beyond trauma or leaving behind active addiction? In order to assist you in your journey, I use an integrative approach encompassing the traditional methods of DBT, CBT, and talk therapy while incorporating non-traditional approaches such as nature therapy. Because each person's needs are different, I tailor my sessions to your individual needs. I also have a therapy dog in training to help you feel more comfortable and at ease.
![Photo of Stacey J Hoffman, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/401c17c3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Additionally, I have extensive experience, both as a former physical therapist, and as a psychologist with individuals who are living with chronic pain & medical problems.
You have taken an important step to explore the possibility of therapy to help you address your life circumstances. I will provide an atmosphere of safety and comfort for you to explore areas of your life for which you are seeking better outcomes. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and families with a variety of concerns. Parenting is one of my passions both personally and professionally. I have trained in Parent Child Interaction Therapy, a proven intervention for children with challenging behaviors that promotes positive parent-child relationships and interactions while teaching parents effective child management skills.
Additionally, I have extensive experience, both as a former physical therapist, and as a psychologist with individuals who are living with chronic pain & medical problems.
You have taken an important step to explore the possibility of therapy to help you address your life circumstances. I will provide an atmosphere of safety and comfort for you to explore areas of your life for which you are seeking better outcomes. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and families with a variety of concerns. Parenting is one of my passions both personally and professionally. I have trained in Parent Child Interaction Therapy, a proven intervention for children with challenging behaviors that promotes positive parent-child relationships and interactions while teaching parents effective child management skills.
![Photo of Elizabeth Buhler Evans - Avenues of Life Counseling & Coaching, Counsel, Speaker, Coach, Author, RN, Pastoral Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44fdbc66-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Avenues of Life Counseling & Coaching
Pastoral Counselor, Counsel, Speaker, Coach, Author, RN
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Gainesville, GA 30501
Your pain is not too big for the power of God's amazing grace and forgiveness.
I am a Christian Counselor & Therapist, who works with not only you and your spouse, but with your whole family. Many times the chains in our families are carried down through generations and I am here to help you to be free. There may be deeply rooted anger, addictions, favoritism, jealousy, anxiety and depression, just to mention a few. You will be better able to serve God as you are freed from this weight. Whether it be marital or individual, "We meet you right where you are!"
Your pain is not too big for the power of God's amazing grace and forgiveness.
I am a Christian Counselor & Therapist, who works with not only you and your spouse, but with your whole family. Many times the chains in our families are carried down through generations and I am here to help you to be free. There may be deeply rooted anger, addictions, favoritism, jealousy, anxiety and depression, just to mention a few. You will be better able to serve God as you are freed from this weight. Whether it be marital or individual, "We meet you right where you are!"
![Photo of Rees Chapman, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40b94c56-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
I regard much of 'psychopathology' as well-intended (but ineffective) efforts to contend with pain and fear, and to pursue needs and wants. So, in psychotherapy, I invite my clients to explore, identify, and take guidance from their emotional experiences, honoring their depression, anxiety, and other symptoms while finding more effective ways of living well. I also provide psychological and neuropsychological assessments.
I regard much of 'psychopathology' as well-intended (but ineffective) efforts to contend with pain and fear, and to pursue needs and wants. So, in psychotherapy, I invite my clients to explore, identify, and take guidance from their emotional experiences, honoring their depression, anxiety, and other symptoms while finding more effective ways of living well. I also provide psychological and neuropsychological assessments.
![Photo of Margaret Amoss, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/498f5016-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Margaret Amoss
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Gainesville, GA 30506 (Online Only)
I work with a wide variety of clients, from younger to older adults, across cultures, and LGBTQ. I am skilled at helping with issues including addiction, anger management, relationship problems, parenting, anxiety and depression, trauma, and more.
I work with a wide variety of clients, from younger to older adults, across cultures, and LGBTQ. I am skilled at helping with issues including addiction, anger management, relationship problems, parenting, anxiety and depression, trauma, and more.
![Photo of Vanessa A Schaeffer, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d2c7a2c0-d7c2-4578-aea1-cf9187b1bbf9/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in working with adults 65 and older and individuals of any age who are providing caregiving for those adults. My goal is to help older adults enhance functioning and support meaningful relationships. I work to help people find meaning in difficult times; to deal with medical conditions that alter life; to manage traumatic loss; to transition in living situations and to navigate changes in independence. I am here to help identify the best possible resources to assist you and help guide you as you face challenges. I offer support and education for caregivers and I teach strategies to help them stay healthy and well.
I specialize in working with adults 65 and older and individuals of any age who are providing caregiving for those adults. My goal is to help older adults enhance functioning and support meaningful relationships. I work to help people find meaning in difficult times; to deal with medical conditions that alter life; to manage traumatic loss; to transition in living situations and to navigate changes in independence. I am here to help identify the best possible resources to assist you and help guide you as you face challenges. I offer support and education for caregivers and I teach strategies to help them stay healthy and well.
![Photo of Amanda Mae Martin, MA, LPC, CPCS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d04d0d17-0502-4ee5-a58e-8fcf49c9fbb8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Amanda Mae Martin
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CPCS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Gainesville, GA 30501
I once heard that finding a good therapist is like discovering your favorite flavor of ice cream. Counseling is not one size fits all. I focus primarily on the creation of a warm atmosphere to dissolve barriers to a joyful authentic life. In order to see results of therapy, I believe there must be a strong therapeutic relationship. I am a non judgmental advocate for my clients. I believe that having an anchor of strength and support is an aspect of therapy that is life changing. Therapy can be a catalyst to create peace, change, joy, and self awareness. I would love to take this journey with you.
I once heard that finding a good therapist is like discovering your favorite flavor of ice cream. Counseling is not one size fits all. I focus primarily on the creation of a warm atmosphere to dissolve barriers to a joyful authentic life. In order to see results of therapy, I believe there must be a strong therapeutic relationship. I am a non judgmental advocate for my clients. I believe that having an anchor of strength and support is an aspect of therapy that is life changing. Therapy can be a catalyst to create peace, change, joy, and self awareness. I would love to take this journey with you.
![Photo of Jenny Felder, DMin, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3392a149-c1d0-4120-8971-b463e3f28dcd/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jenny Felder
Marriage & Family Therapist, DMin, LMFT
Verified Verified
Gainesville, GA 30504 (Online Only)
There is a core need in each of us to feel known, heard, loved, wanted, and that we belong in a meaningful way. I work with people who are seeking to know clearly who they are and how they can be wholly themselves while being in a vibrant relationship at the same time.
There is a core need in each of us to feel known, heard, loved, wanted, and that we belong in a meaningful way. I work with people who are seeking to know clearly who they are and how they can be wholly themselves while being in a vibrant relationship at the same time.
![Photo of Abby Chapman Brewer, MEd, EdS, LPC, CDVC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bc3727ee-ed51-4a08-bebb-f623c890a645/2/320x400.jpeg)
Abby Chapman Brewer
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, EdS, LPC, CDVC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Gainesville, GA 30501
As a therapist, I work with you to help identify your desires and empower you to make those positive changes in your life. I understand that making the decision to seek help can be difficult, so I use an approach that is compassionate and non-judgmental to help create an environment where you feel supported and safe in your journey to a better life. Anxiety and depression are daily reminders that we live in an ever- changing and tough world. If you are experiencing problems due to stress, anxiety, depression, divorce, grief, illnesses or work related or school related issues, please call me and we will walk this journey together.
As a therapist, I work with you to help identify your desires and empower you to make those positive changes in your life. I understand that making the decision to seek help can be difficult, so I use an approach that is compassionate and non-judgmental to help create an environment where you feel supported and safe in your journey to a better life. Anxiety and depression are daily reminders that we live in an ever- changing and tough world. If you are experiencing problems due to stress, anxiety, depression, divorce, grief, illnesses or work related or school related issues, please call me and we will walk this journey together.
![Photo of Gina Wright Parris - Gina Parris LMFT, LLC, EdS, MSW, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2bd77064-9330-4282-9713-aedc1b7f416a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Gina Parris LMFT, LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, EdS, MSW, LMFT
Verified Verified
Gainesville, GA 30506 (Online Only)
Hello and welcome! I strive to create a safe space in which every person feels respected and comfortable sharing their struggles. Many persons who come to me for treatment are having trouble with relationships, mood or anxiety problems, career issues or work stress, or parenting and blended family difficulties. I listen and give feedback to help you tap into your inner strengths and resources in approaching problems. I assist you in setting goals for therapy and work to provide research based tools and techniques to best meet those goals.I enjoy working with adults, teenagers, couples, and families of all configurations.
Hello and welcome! I strive to create a safe space in which every person feels respected and comfortable sharing their struggles. Many persons who come to me for treatment are having trouble with relationships, mood or anxiety problems, career issues or work stress, or parenting and blended family difficulties. I listen and give feedback to help you tap into your inner strengths and resources in approaching problems. I assist you in setting goals for therapy and work to provide research based tools and techniques to best meet those goals.I enjoy working with adults, teenagers, couples, and families of all configurations.
![Photo of Jodie Loiacono - Jodie Loiacono, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6b5adefe-f847-4788-93ee-5f85ce171ca4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jodie Loiacono
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Gainesville, GA 30501 (Online Only)
Our world today presents challenges and sometimes we find it difficult to cope. Are you noticing a decline in your functioning due to anxiety, depression or stress of everyday life? It is frustrating to work through difficulties sometimes on your own and you may end up feeling alone and secluded. Sometimes we fear what others may think as we share our struggles. Help is available, however. I am here to support you without judgment. I work with individuals and can help you process and heal from trauma experience, manage anxiety symptoms, decrease depression/sadness and enhance your ability to cope.
Our world today presents challenges and sometimes we find it difficult to cope. Are you noticing a decline in your functioning due to anxiety, depression or stress of everyday life? It is frustrating to work through difficulties sometimes on your own and you may end up feeling alone and secluded. Sometimes we fear what others may think as we share our struggles. Help is available, however. I am here to support you without judgment. I work with individuals and can help you process and heal from trauma experience, manage anxiety symptoms, decrease depression/sadness and enhance your ability to cope.
![Photo of Kathy A Howell, PhD, LPC, CPCS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ef21760-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kathy A Howell
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, CPCS
Verified Verified
Gainesville, GA 30501
Addressing spirit, soul, body--each area affecting the others significantly. We facilitate healing through life's emotional issues that affect spiritual and physical health. I assist the hurting person to let go of painful emotions, distorted thinking patterns and ineffective behaviors. These issues are addressed by therapy modalities such as Critical Incident Debriefing, hypnosis, meditation/centering, EMDR, EFT, beliefs restructuring, life/health coaching, divorce recovery, & Spiritual awakening/ascention.
Addressing spirit, soul, body--each area affecting the others significantly. We facilitate healing through life's emotional issues that affect spiritual and physical health. I assist the hurting person to let go of painful emotions, distorted thinking patterns and ineffective behaviors. These issues are addressed by therapy modalities such as Critical Incident Debriefing, hypnosis, meditation/centering, EMDR, EFT, beliefs restructuring, life/health coaching, divorce recovery, & Spiritual awakening/ascention.
![Photo of Lauren Mullins, MA, LPC, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d87370b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Anxiety and depression can feel overwhelming and paralyzing. I am passionate about supporting adults and adolescents through the mountains and valleys of life. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I offer hope, compassion and professional assistance, without judgement, to clients ready for change. Are you feeling trapped by your fears or insecurities? Have stressful life events left you weary and doubtful? I get it. I get YOU, and I'm here to help and support you on your journey.
Anxiety and depression can feel overwhelming and paralyzing. I am passionate about supporting adults and adolescents through the mountains and valleys of life. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I offer hope, compassion and professional assistance, without judgement, to clients ready for change. Are you feeling trapped by your fears or insecurities? Have stressful life events left you weary and doubtful? I get it. I get YOU, and I'm here to help and support you on your journey.
![Photo of Amanda Prior, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4920d30c-d7fe-4f11-b138-487242357fe3/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am Amanda Prior a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia. I have experience working with at risk youth, children, adults, families, and couples. My experience has been working in a residential setting as well as private practice. I have completed my education and continue training to work on a professional level to help you. In addition, I too have had my own challenges and life experiences so I know how difficult working on ourselves can be. I have a deep appreciation for the courage that it takes to seek help and to start therapy. Talking about our feelings, experiences and thoughts can be extremely hard.
I am Amanda Prior a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia. I have experience working with at risk youth, children, adults, families, and couples. My experience has been working in a residential setting as well as private practice. I have completed my education and continue training to work on a professional level to help you. In addition, I too have had my own challenges and life experiences so I know how difficult working on ourselves can be. I have a deep appreciation for the courage that it takes to seek help and to start therapy. Talking about our feelings, experiences and thoughts can be extremely hard.
![Photo of Kendra Gilbert - Beyond Today Counseling Center, LLC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/38960516-006d-47d3-ac71-c7034a3e3dbf/3/320x400.jpeg)
Beyond Today Counseling Center, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Gainesville, GA 30501
Are you overwhelmed with trying to find the right therapist for you or your family member? Has your search left you frustrated and confused? Our practice is multi-disciplinary, meaning we treat all ages and a variety of specializations. The counselors of Beyond Today Counseling Center all provide compassionate and evidenced base care to the individuals and families who seek our services. With this variety of professional expertise, we are able to meet a multitude of treatment needs. If for some reason we are not able to help you at this time, we will help you find someone in the area who we think will be a good fit for you.
Are you overwhelmed with trying to find the right therapist for you or your family member? Has your search left you frustrated and confused? Our practice is multi-disciplinary, meaning we treat all ages and a variety of specializations. The counselors of Beyond Today Counseling Center all provide compassionate and evidenced base care to the individuals and families who seek our services. With this variety of professional expertise, we are able to meet a multitude of treatment needs. If for some reason we are not able to help you at this time, we will help you find someone in the area who we think will be a good fit for you.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Heather Mainard, LPC, CRC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6a46d49d-adda-4c77-af12-1a79a1515e5c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Heather Mainard
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CRC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Flowery Branch, GA 30542
Have you been feeling worried, unmotivated, or overwhelmed? You are not alone, and therapy can help you find relief. I specialize in supporting women who are struggling with the impacts of stress, trauma, and grief. Ongoing stress and unresolved trauma can lead to anxiety, depression, addiction, and chronic illness.
Have you been feeling worried, unmotivated, or overwhelmed? You are not alone, and therapy can help you find relief. I specialize in supporting women who are struggling with the impacts of stress, trauma, and grief. Ongoing stress and unresolved trauma can lead to anxiety, depression, addiction, and chronic illness.
![Photo of Amberly Ellis, MS, LPC, RPT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f2cd0b1e-e36c-48fe-80be-dcda4ab2e8f3/3/320x400.jpeg)
Amberly Ellis
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, RPT
Verified Verified
Flowery Branch, GA 30542
I work with children, adolescents, and young adult dealing with a variety of presenting concerns including, anxiety disorders, ADHD, ASD, trauma, adoption, grief, depression, chronic illness, athletic performance, sensory processing disorders, ODD, developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, life transitions, and emotional regulation.
Hi there! My name is Amberly Ellis and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist. I approach counseling from an integrative, attachment-based, and interpersonal neurobiology lens, recognizing the link between behavior, the nervous system, and interpersonal connection. I believe the behaviors children and teens display are merely their way of communicating a need - a need to connect, a need to be known, a need to be heard, and a need for felt safety. It is my goal to not just help my clients “fix the problem,” but to help build understanding, connection, and a victorious mind.
I work with children, adolescents, and young adult dealing with a variety of presenting concerns including, anxiety disorders, ADHD, ASD, trauma, adoption, grief, depression, chronic illness, athletic performance, sensory processing disorders, ODD, developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, life transitions, and emotional regulation.
Hi there! My name is Amberly Ellis and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist. I approach counseling from an integrative, attachment-based, and interpersonal neurobiology lens, recognizing the link between behavior, the nervous system, and interpersonal connection. I believe the behaviors children and teens display are merely their way of communicating a need - a need to connect, a need to be known, a need to be heard, and a need for felt safety. It is my goal to not just help my clients “fix the problem,” but to help build understanding, connection, and a victorious mind.
![Photo of Dr. Amanda Dutton, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a9eb154b-f954-4303-8cf7-d6d9f3b128c2/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Amanda Dutton
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Oakwood, GA 30566 (Online Only)
When managing a chronic illness or navigating life after bariatric surgery, a ton of issues and questions can come up! Surprised to hear that? Don't be! I had bariatric surgery in 2005 and my first chronic illness diagnosis in 2014.
If you're ready to find your inner badass - I can help via online therapy - daytime, evenings & weekends! The stress of all the everyday things - work, family, appointments, etc - can be overwhelming. You get a moment to breathe & you feel guilty, wondering if you deserve to take time for yourself. Clients who are ready for a change - whether after bariatric surgery, while managing chronic illnesses, or embracing their identity - feel unheard and overwhelmed because the support they need isn't there. It can be hard to feel understood when you feel alone in your journey.
When managing a chronic illness or navigating life after bariatric surgery, a ton of issues and questions can come up! Surprised to hear that? Don't be! I had bariatric surgery in 2005 and my first chronic illness diagnosis in 2014.
If you're ready to find your inner badass - I can help via online therapy - daytime, evenings & weekends! The stress of all the everyday things - work, family, appointments, etc - can be overwhelming. You get a moment to breathe & you feel guilty, wondering if you deserve to take time for yourself. Clients who are ready for a change - whether after bariatric surgery, while managing chronic illnesses, or embracing their identity - feel unheard and overwhelmed because the support they need isn't there. It can be hard to feel understood when you feel alone in your journey.
![Photo of Charyl Durbin - A Balanced Place ~ Charyl Durbin Ph.D. LPC, PhD, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8014b737-f65a-4a58-bb8b-2b33e55db048/1/320x400.jpeg)
A Balanced Place ~ Charyl Durbin Ph.D. LPC
Counselor, PhD, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakwood, GA 30566 (Online Only)
I have been working with families in one capacity or another since 1978. I work in an open and affirming, creative and analytic manner to individualize therapy to the needs of my clients. I appreciate working with clients who are open to expanding their horizons and examining new approaches to managing uncomfortable emotions and solving the problems of life.
I have been working with families in one capacity or another since 1978. I work in an open and affirming, creative and analytic manner to individualize therapy to the needs of my clients. I appreciate working with clients who are open to expanding their horizons and examining new approaches to managing uncomfortable emotions and solving the problems of life.
See more therapy options for Gainesville
Nearby Chronic Pain Therapists Searches for Gainesville
- Alpharetta
- Braselton
- Buford
- Cumming
- Dacula
- Dahlonega
- Dawsonville
- Duluth
- Johns Creek
- Lawrenceville
- Suwanee
- Winder
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.