Chronic Pain Therapists in Oak Lawn, IL
![Photo of Alice J Gibson, LCPC, MA, MBA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40abbb34-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Trauma Focus Care, and Mindfulness are therapeutic approaches that I utilized to assist clients in relieving emotional distress, chronic pain, and behavior issues.
I earned a Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Psychology from Roosevelt University in 2005, and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Health Service Management from Keller Business School of Management in 2013. I am a License Clinical Professional Counselor with 18 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults and families. I provide individual, family, marital, and group counseling to clients in the community outpatient clinics, hospitals, and in the home. I specialize in person centered care utilizing clients' strengths in overcoming barriers and emotional distress.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Trauma Focus Care, and Mindfulness are therapeutic approaches that I utilized to assist clients in relieving emotional distress, chronic pain, and behavior issues.
I earned a Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Psychology from Roosevelt University in 2005, and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Health Service Management from Keller Business School of Management in 2013. I am a License Clinical Professional Counselor with 18 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults and families. I provide individual, family, marital, and group counseling to clients in the community outpatient clinics, hospitals, and in the home. I specialize in person centered care utilizing clients' strengths in overcoming barriers and emotional distress.
![Photo of Victoria Williams - The Center for Psychological Services, MSN, PsyD, LCP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/421094a7-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
The Center for Psychological Services
Psychologist, MSN, PsyD, LCP
Verified Verified
Oak Lawn, IL 60453
The Center for Psychological Services is dedicated to assisting adults, adolescents, and children to achieve their goals and thrive at each stage of life. We view problems as opportunities for change. Our treatment approach is grounded in our respect for the strong link between mind and body, and proven therapeutic methodologies tailored to each person's unique needs, circumstances, and goals. We assist you in making desired changes in practical ways that will have lasting results. Due to the wide variety of therapists at our center, we cover about 90% of the specialties below.
The Center for Psychological Services is dedicated to assisting adults, adolescents, and children to achieve their goals and thrive at each stage of life. We view problems as opportunities for change. Our treatment approach is grounded in our respect for the strong link between mind and body, and proven therapeutic methodologies tailored to each person's unique needs, circumstances, and goals. We assist you in making desired changes in practical ways that will have lasting results. Due to the wide variety of therapists at our center, we cover about 90% of the specialties below.
![Photo of Janhavi Desai, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c942006-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
As a licensed clinical psychologist, my practice is devoted to individuals of all ages and families who are looking for symptom relief, personal growth, and ways to improve their relationships and overall quality of life. I am comfortable working with a wide range of presenting issues including anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, ADHD, relationship issues, parenting challenges, and adjustment difficulties.
As a licensed clinical psychologist, my practice is devoted to individuals of all ages and families who are looking for symptom relief, personal growth, and ways to improve their relationships and overall quality of life. I am comfortable working with a wide range of presenting issues including anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, ADHD, relationship issues, parenting challenges, and adjustment difficulties.
![Photo of Jalinia Logan, MSW, LCSW, CCATP, LPN, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8df92617-ea04-4472-ac19-b4bff74e9e21/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jalinia Logan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CCATP, LPN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oak Lawn, IL 60453
For the past 12 years, I enjoyed working with people seeking supportive services such as counseling and mental health referrals. While working with people in therapy, I utilize a strengths-based approach. I believe in meeting people where they are and providing educational as well as open social support with mental health needs. My goal is to help people express their thoughts/feelings and develop healthy coping mechanisms along with giving support. I work with individuals, couples, families, adolescents, and adults in counseling. I have a specialty in treating anxiety as a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP).
For the past 12 years, I enjoyed working with people seeking supportive services such as counseling and mental health referrals. While working with people in therapy, I utilize a strengths-based approach. I believe in meeting people where they are and providing educational as well as open social support with mental health needs. My goal is to help people express their thoughts/feelings and develop healthy coping mechanisms along with giving support. I work with individuals, couples, families, adolescents, and adults in counseling. I have a specialty in treating anxiety as a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP).
![Photo of Susan Merl-Nachinson, MS, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bee3b5b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Making that first phone call is a difficult step. I assure you that I will provide you with warm, supportive professional help. It has been my goal for over 30 years to help people through a learning/healing process that can lead to lasting change and a happier life. I work hard to provide each person with a comfortable and safe environment, which
enables trust and communication to flourish.
Making that first phone call is a difficult step. I assure you that I will provide you with warm, supportive professional help. It has been my goal for over 30 years to help people through a learning/healing process that can lead to lasting change and a happier life. I work hard to provide each person with a comfortable and safe environment, which
enables trust and communication to flourish.
![Photo of Raquel Ornelas, LCPC, CADC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/83994d3e-6523-49c8-97a5-3e745cb225cc/2/320x400.jpeg)
Through compassionate empowerment, I guide clients in discovering who they are and what they want so that they are free to live healthy, happy, and meaningful lives. My personal approach is active and directive but acknowledges and respects the client as their own expert. I am a strengths-based clinician and passionate about working with clients through life transitions. I specialize primarily in women's issues. My clients learn to trust themselves, accept and appreciate who they are, and learn to live with a sense of calm, hope, courage, strength and wisdom from their uniquely lived experience.
Through compassionate empowerment, I guide clients in discovering who they are and what they want so that they are free to live healthy, happy, and meaningful lives. My personal approach is active and directive but acknowledges and respects the client as their own expert. I am a strengths-based clinician and passionate about working with clients through life transitions. I specialize primarily in women's issues. My clients learn to trust themselves, accept and appreciate who they are, and learn to live with a sense of calm, hope, courage, strength and wisdom from their uniquely lived experience.
![Photo of Naomi S Effort, MA, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ac33f24e-523d-4fee-922b-d37a45d8efcc/1/320x400.jpeg)
As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, I specialize in working with individuals, couples and families. I provide a calming atmosphere for my clients to feel safe to share their innermost thoughts and feelings. Counseling is most effective when there is a good human connection between therapist and client. Deciding to receive counseling is a source of strength to address things that affect an individual(s) from having an enjoyable life. My strengths as a counselor lies in my accessibility, follow through, patience and clinical skills. Collaboration with other services providers ensure continuity of care for clients.
As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, I specialize in working with individuals, couples and families. I provide a calming atmosphere for my clients to feel safe to share their innermost thoughts and feelings. Counseling is most effective when there is a good human connection between therapist and client. Deciding to receive counseling is a source of strength to address things that affect an individual(s) from having an enjoyable life. My strengths as a counselor lies in my accessibility, follow through, patience and clinical skills. Collaboration with other services providers ensure continuity of care for clients.
![Photo of Ashley Wilke (Addiction Treatment), LPC, CADC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8226c08b-8613-41ba-a0b1-ac5020db455d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ashley Wilke (Addiction Treatment)
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CADC
Verified Verified
Oak Lawn, IL 60454
Don't settle for a generic drug and alcohol therapist. You deserve help that actually helps you feel happy again. (And, that's in-network with your insurance).
Don't settle for a generic drug and alcohol therapist. You deserve help that actually helps you feel happy again. (And, that's in-network with your insurance).
![Photo of Christine Perschau, PsyD, PMH-C, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cbc439cc-9c7f-47d1-82aa-dc0bceeace51/2/320x400.png)
Life can be challenging at times, but you don't have to go through those challenges alone. Let's work together to design a treatment that will help you thrive. Our work will focus on helping you gain a better understanding of the root causes of the issues you are facing and work toward making meaningful changes in your life. Whether you're looking for symptom relief, healthier relationships, or greater self-understanding, I'm here to help.
Life can be challenging at times, but you don't have to go through those challenges alone. Let's work together to design a treatment that will help you thrive. Our work will focus on helping you gain a better understanding of the root causes of the issues you are facing and work toward making meaningful changes in your life. Whether you're looking for symptom relief, healthier relationships, or greater self-understanding, I'm here to help.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Carolyn Necas, MA, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ec67bec0-0ce2-477f-a70c-1598de1b5a76/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am especially passionate about working with those struggling with chronic pain and chronic illness.
I utilize a wide array of therapeutic modalities when working with my clients, as I believe in tailoring my approach to each individual person. My clinical experience includes working with adolescents and adults in the following treatment settings: residential living facilities, schools, community agencies, and private practice. I have helped clients address and overcome a broad range of concerns such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders, stress management, low self-esteem, body image concerns, major life transitions, and chronic health concerns.
I am especially passionate about working with those struggling with chronic pain and chronic illness.
I utilize a wide array of therapeutic modalities when working with my clients, as I believe in tailoring my approach to each individual person. My clinical experience includes working with adolescents and adults in the following treatment settings: residential living facilities, schools, community agencies, and private practice. I have helped clients address and overcome a broad range of concerns such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders, stress management, low self-esteem, body image concerns, major life transitions, and chronic health concerns.
![Photo of Kristina Fyrwald, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/021241f0-6bf6-480b-9872-d9efe5841adc/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kristina Fyrwald
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60609 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I enjoy working with adults facing a wide range of challenges including substance abuse, trauma, anxiety, depression, chronic pain/illness and relationship issues. I enjoy helping clients move through and heal whatever it is that's keeping them stuck and from moving forward in the areas of their life they desire more from (relationships, career, health, purpose). My goal is to help my clients connect to their most authentic self to live their happiest and most connected lives.
I enjoy working with adults facing a wide range of challenges including substance abuse, trauma, anxiety, depression, chronic pain/illness and relationship issues. I enjoy helping clients move through and heal whatever it is that's keeping them stuck and from moving forward in the areas of their life they desire more from (relationships, career, health, purpose). My goal is to help my clients connect to their most authentic self to live their happiest and most connected lives.
![Photo of Jennifer Koriath - Thrive Counseling and Wellness, PC, LCPC, LPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/23ce15e6-24f3-431e-a298-279664248fe5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Thrive Counseling and Wellness, PC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, LPC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60623
We understand how anxiety, chronic pain/illness, ADHD, autism and racial trauma can shape an individual in ways that create feelings of sadness, depression, anger, etc.
Thrive Counseling & Wellness was founded in 2020 with the idea that therapy doesn't have to be scary. Jen Koriath, LCPC, LPC, the practice owner (pictured), wanted to create a boutique private practice that focused on psychological wellness for those experiencing anxiety, trauma and chronic pain/illness. She herself has an autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis that lends to her ability to empathize truly with those experiencing a chronic condition. Dr. Nicol Igoche, PsyD, LSW, joined the practice in 2024 and she lends her expertise in treating clients with autism and ADHD spectrum as well as racial trauma among Black patients.
We understand how anxiety, chronic pain/illness, ADHD, autism and racial trauma can shape an individual in ways that create feelings of sadness, depression, anger, etc.
Thrive Counseling & Wellness was founded in 2020 with the idea that therapy doesn't have to be scary. Jen Koriath, LCPC, LPC, the practice owner (pictured), wanted to create a boutique private practice that focused on psychological wellness for those experiencing anxiety, trauma and chronic pain/illness. She herself has an autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis that lends to her ability to empathize truly with those experiencing a chronic condition. Dr. Nicol Igoche, PsyD, LSW, joined the practice in 2024 and she lends her expertise in treating clients with autism and ADHD spectrum as well as racial trauma among Black patients.
![Photo of Rick Adema, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a4930690-803e-45d2-9c96-930e25fdb558/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am trained in clinical hypnosis and can utilize this to help people with weight management, smoking cessation, and pain issues.
Have you hit a point in your life where you feel like you’re spinning your wheels in a rut on the side of the road while the rest of life is flying past you? Would you like to feel that you have a handle on how to manage your life, rather than just fighting through the days? I work with the stress and anxiety that has touched so many lives, especially in this past year. I also work with people struggling with difficulties in their relationships, experiencing loss or loneliness, having trouble meeting goals, or a history of trauma. By listening to your life experiences and roadblocks we will begin to develop a big picture and a plan.
I am trained in clinical hypnosis and can utilize this to help people with weight management, smoking cessation, and pain issues.
Have you hit a point in your life where you feel like you’re spinning your wheels in a rut on the side of the road while the rest of life is flying past you? Would you like to feel that you have a handle on how to manage your life, rather than just fighting through the days? I work with the stress and anxiety that has touched so many lives, especially in this past year. I also work with people struggling with difficulties in their relationships, experiencing loss or loneliness, having trouble meeting goals, or a history of trauma. By listening to your life experiences and roadblocks we will begin to develop a big picture and a plan.
![Photo of Lindsay Sherman, MAAT, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c14297c9-cfc9-4ee9-bd9b-da3b96e38703/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are you struggling with emotions, career, relationships, or chronic pain, but not sure how to move forward? As we've all experienced through the pandemic to certain degrees; life events can be unexpected, overwhelming, and traumatic. You deserve space to process what brings you to therapy with a professional who can validate your experiences and commit to working with you, at your pace, to develop solutions. I work from a culturally-aware, trauma-informed perspective to ensure that you feel seen and heard, and offer Art Therapy. Non-judgmental by nature, I collaborate with clients by building on strengths to overcome challenges.
Are you struggling with emotions, career, relationships, or chronic pain, but not sure how to move forward? As we've all experienced through the pandemic to certain degrees; life events can be unexpected, overwhelming, and traumatic. You deserve space to process what brings you to therapy with a professional who can validate your experiences and commit to working with you, at your pace, to develop solutions. I work from a culturally-aware, trauma-informed perspective to ensure that you feel seen and heard, and offer Art Therapy. Non-judgmental by nature, I collaborate with clients by building on strengths to overcome challenges.
![Photo of Robert Kispert, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c6a3533-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/8/320x400.jpeg)
You spend years looking for someone who gets you, someone who completes you in so many ways. Sometimes you just can't find that person. Or you always mess it up. Or you do make a life with someone, and then you discover that you're arguing all the time, hurt, and lonely. Maybe relationships are not your issue: It's a career thing, an illness or a loss that you can't bounce back from. As human beings, we seem to need to give ourselves to things, to love and be loved. So why is it so hard?
You spend years looking for someone who gets you, someone who completes you in so many ways. Sometimes you just can't find that person. Or you always mess it up. Or you do make a life with someone, and then you discover that you're arguing all the time, hurt, and lonely. Maybe relationships are not your issue: It's a career thing, an illness or a loss that you can't bounce back from. As human beings, we seem to need to give ourselves to things, to love and be loved. So why is it so hard?
![Photo of Ann M LaFrance - Newsome & Associates Ltd, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fbe852e8-45ad-452e-89b9-4066efbff7ba/2/320x400.jpeg)
Even the Courageous Can Hurt! You are on this page, most likely, because you are hurting. Perhaps you suffered a loss, or are at a loss, anxious, depressed or confused by the direction your life is taking. Maybe your pain is due to your own choices or actions. Perhaps it is caused by the choices and actions of others. Sometimes things just happen. Seeking help means you are taking responsibility for your happiness and well-being. That is the first step in healing and it is courageous. We recognize that you are in pain and provide an environment where you feel safe to peel away the layers of your hurt.
Even the Courageous Can Hurt! You are on this page, most likely, because you are hurting. Perhaps you suffered a loss, or are at a loss, anxious, depressed or confused by the direction your life is taking. Maybe your pain is due to your own choices or actions. Perhaps it is caused by the choices and actions of others. Sometimes things just happen. Seeking help means you are taking responsibility for your happiness and well-being. That is the first step in healing and it is courageous. We recognize that you are in pain and provide an environment where you feel safe to peel away the layers of your hurt.
![Photo of Sushma Cheturvedula, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ec760a0b-b69c-4872-afde-7d59c38f8148/3/320x400.jpeg)
Sushma Cheturvedula
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60629 (Online Only)
While supporting individuals as they face overwhelming distress and life circumstances, I find it valuable to explore a person’s history and the root causes that may be contributing to their existing pain and suffering.
There comes a time in each of our lives where we feel inadequate, anxious, depressed, heartbroken, lonely, confused, and in need of a helping hand. If your ultimate goal is to strengthen your emotional wellbeing, find peace with your past, and live the life you always wanted, you have found the right Therapist. Whatever is overwhelming you today, whether it’s a tough breakup, grief, abuse, work related stress, relationship issues, past trauma, or simply finding the motivation to get out of bed and have a productive day, help is a phone call away. My role is to listen, empower growth, and help you become the best version of yourself.
While supporting individuals as they face overwhelming distress and life circumstances, I find it valuable to explore a person’s history and the root causes that may be contributing to their existing pain and suffering.
There comes a time in each of our lives where we feel inadequate, anxious, depressed, heartbroken, lonely, confused, and in need of a helping hand. If your ultimate goal is to strengthen your emotional wellbeing, find peace with your past, and live the life you always wanted, you have found the right Therapist. Whatever is overwhelming you today, whether it’s a tough breakup, grief, abuse, work related stress, relationship issues, past trauma, or simply finding the motivation to get out of bed and have a productive day, help is a phone call away. My role is to listen, empower growth, and help you become the best version of yourself.
![Photo of Sue Denk, PsyD, CHYP, CCMHC, LCPC, BCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c1abcec-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Some of my areas of expertise include life transitions and stressors, relationships, marital, partner, family & parenting issues, individual issues, spirituality, and coping with chronic illness and pain.
Each person is an individual and needs to have their treatment tailored to their individual needs. There is no such thing as "one-size-fits-all" therapy. Years of experience have made me an expert in both individual and relationship counseling. For me, the ideal client is motivated towards change and who will work just as hard between sessions as during them, who will explore the past and its effect on now and the future, and who will take what is learned in sessions and apply it to everyday life.
Some of my areas of expertise include life transitions and stressors, relationships, marital, partner, family & parenting issues, individual issues, spirituality, and coping with chronic illness and pain.
Each person is an individual and needs to have their treatment tailored to their individual needs. There is no such thing as "one-size-fits-all" therapy. Years of experience have made me an expert in both individual and relationship counseling. For me, the ideal client is motivated towards change and who will work just as hard between sessions as during them, who will explore the past and its effect on now and the future, and who will take what is learned in sessions and apply it to everyday life.
![Photo of Anastasia McRae, MDiv, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cbe0637-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Anastasia McRae
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MDiv, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60637
I work with adults looking to transmute past traumas, relationship conflict, career or personal crisis, chronic pain management, academic stagnation, general uncertainty, and issues around sexual orientation and lifestyle.
You and I meet when you have a notion that you want to be different. For whatever reason, you have found yourself seeking change in behavior, perspective, or attitude. Whether you feel alone or are lonely; in need of a healing, reflective mirror to other possibilities of yourself; want more depth in your relationships with self and others; or are needing to explore options of how to view and be in the world, this is a path we can walk together. I work best with people wanting to access the wisdom of their whole selves, people who are willing to entertain the opportunity and challenge of being, here, now. That's when you and I meet.
I work with adults looking to transmute past traumas, relationship conflict, career or personal crisis, chronic pain management, academic stagnation, general uncertainty, and issues around sexual orientation and lifestyle.
You and I meet when you have a notion that you want to be different. For whatever reason, you have found yourself seeking change in behavior, perspective, or attitude. Whether you feel alone or are lonely; in need of a healing, reflective mirror to other possibilities of yourself; want more depth in your relationships with self and others; or are needing to explore options of how to view and be in the world, this is a path we can walk together. I work best with people wanting to access the wisdom of their whole selves, people who are willing to entertain the opportunity and challenge of being, here, now. That's when you and I meet.
![Photo of Jill Vogel, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a6a19289-c02a-4624-99a2-57cda5e0148e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jill Vogel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Western Springs, IL 60558
I have a specialized focus on low self-esteem, codependency, chronic illness/pain, grief/loss, life transitions, and sexual abuse.
It is a true privilege to be by your side through the most difficult times in your life. As a dedicated and passionate therapist, I will partner with you to create a tailored plan to meet your goals. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) coupled with a Strengths Based approach.
I have a specialized focus on low self-esteem, codependency, chronic illness/pain, grief/loss, life transitions, and sexual abuse.
It is a true privilege to be by your side through the most difficult times in your life. As a dedicated and passionate therapist, I will partner with you to create a tailored plan to meet your goals. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) coupled with a Strengths Based approach.
See more therapy options for Oak Lawn
Nearby Chronic Pain Therapists Searches for Oak Lawn
- Berwyn
- Brookfield
- Burr Ridge
- Cicero
- Evergreen Park
- La Grange
- La Grange Park
- Oak Forest
- Orland Park
- Palos Heights
- Western Springs
- Willowbrook
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.