Chronic Pain Therapists in Oak Park, IL
![Photo of Tiffany Taft - Oak Park Behavioral Medicine LLC, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/afbe4b38-aaca-40f2-b935-1943ecde5662/1/320x400.png)
Living with a chronic medical illness can be challenging. Depression, anxiety, fears, loss of identity, and doubt are all common, and physicians are continuing to acknowledge that how we feel mentally affects our physical symptoms. Navigating the medical system, treatments, and socializing can be stressful. We're dedicated to helping children (6-17) and adults navigate life with a chronic illness, with all of the social and emotional parts that may not be addressed in your doctor visits. Our team includes: Tiffany Taft PsyD, Emily Edlynn PhD, Emily Hahn LCSW, Alix Kramer MSW, and Clark Bray MSW.
Living with a chronic medical illness can be challenging. Depression, anxiety, fears, loss of identity, and doubt are all common, and physicians are continuing to acknowledge that how we feel mentally affects our physical symptoms. Navigating the medical system, treatments, and socializing can be stressful. We're dedicated to helping children (6-17) and adults navigate life with a chronic illness, with all of the social and emotional parts that may not be addressed in your doctor visits. Our team includes: Tiffany Taft PsyD, Emily Edlynn PhD, Emily Hahn LCSW, Alix Kramer MSW, and Clark Bray MSW.
![Photo of Lynn Kleinberger, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/481433de-4716-4cc8-b849-76c4de19ee5b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lynn Kleinberger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60301
Are you experiencing issues with sexual desire, functioning, or orgasm that are related to your disability, injury, or chronic illness? I work with individuals struggling with a range of difficulties including anxiety, depression, and past trauma. I understand the significance of past experiences and how they make an impact on the present. I'm committed to creating a flexible and inclusive environment where you feel empowered to explore new concepts and challenge yourself. I have experience working with individuals in atypical relationship structures such as open or polyam.
Are you experiencing issues with sexual desire, functioning, or orgasm that are related to your disability, injury, or chronic illness? I work with individuals struggling with a range of difficulties including anxiety, depression, and past trauma. I understand the significance of past experiences and how they make an impact on the present. I'm committed to creating a flexible and inclusive environment where you feel empowered to explore new concepts and challenge yourself. I have experience working with individuals in atypical relationship structures such as open or polyam.
![Photo of Mary Ellen Withers, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d481517-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I provide therapy for adults, couples and families. Clients frequently are struggling with symptoms of depression, anxiety, grief and loss. My clients are often going thru a medical crisis, managing chronic pain or are dealing with a family member's illness. I also help clients who are grieving or who have issues with aging parents and need a plan and to deal with feelings of sadness. I am a registered nurse as well as a clinical social worker and have advanced training in medical family therapy. I am a very good listener and assist my clients in finding their strengths to help them move forward in life.
I provide therapy for adults, couples and families. Clients frequently are struggling with symptoms of depression, anxiety, grief and loss. My clients are often going thru a medical crisis, managing chronic pain or are dealing with a family member's illness. I also help clients who are grieving or who have issues with aging parents and need a plan and to deal with feelings of sadness. I am a registered nurse as well as a clinical social worker and have advanced training in medical family therapy. I am a very good listener and assist my clients in finding their strengths to help them move forward in life.
![Photo of Stacey J. Feuer, PsyD, MLD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5e1b6e1a-abb3-4505-a9c8-3a3ff0313db7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Therapeutic services may include issues such as pain management, treatment adherence, sleep difficulties, general supportive therapy, and/or exploring the deeper meaning of how illness has affected one’s life.
Dr. Feuer is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and the Director of Health Psychology at IPD/DMG. She completed the majority of her clinical training in medical hospitals and outpatient settings. She additionally works as an adjunct faculty member for the PsyD Clinical Psychology program at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Feuer’s areas of expertise include adults (18+) living with chronic medical illnesses, and has particular experience with clients diagnosed with cancer, cardiovascular, and transplant-related diagnoses. She also has experience working with caregivers of individuals living with chronic illness.
Therapeutic services may include issues such as pain management, treatment adherence, sleep difficulties, general supportive therapy, and/or exploring the deeper meaning of how illness has affected one’s life.
Dr. Feuer is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and the Director of Health Psychology at IPD/DMG. She completed the majority of her clinical training in medical hospitals and outpatient settings. She additionally works as an adjunct faculty member for the PsyD Clinical Psychology program at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Feuer’s areas of expertise include adults (18+) living with chronic medical illnesses, and has particular experience with clients diagnosed with cancer, cardiovascular, and transplant-related diagnoses. She also has experience working with caregivers of individuals living with chronic illness.
![Photo of Yukiko Shiraishi, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c147b28-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I believe in everyone's resilience and capacity to change and grow. I strive to foster optimism and hope so you can envision your possibilities and options in life, motivating you to try something new or different to change yourself or your life. I work collaboratively with you to explore, make sense of, and help navigate issues with relationships, work-related stress, school performance, grief, adjustment to illness, dealing with immigration or relocation, and other changes we go through.
I believe in everyone's resilience and capacity to change and grow. I strive to foster optimism and hope so you can envision your possibilities and options in life, motivating you to try something new or different to change yourself or your life. I work collaboratively with you to explore, make sense of, and help navigate issues with relationships, work-related stress, school performance, grief, adjustment to illness, dealing with immigration or relocation, and other changes we go through.
![Photo of David Manno - Ketamine - Midwest Alternative Treatment Clinic](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bd30dce9-eea3-464a-887c-7e8d1c025805/2/320x400.jpeg)
We opened Midwest Alternative Treatment Clinic to improve the lives of patients who suffer from depression, anxiety, addiction, chronic pain, and PTSD.
At Midwest Alternative Treatment Clinic, we utilize an approach validated in research and experience to tailor a ketamine program that suits your individual needs and meet you where you are in your journey. Rooted in human relationships, our practice strives to improve your health through mutual respect and collaboration. Individuals with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain have all received benefit from ketamine and we are excited to assist you on your path to wellness.
We opened Midwest Alternative Treatment Clinic to improve the lives of patients who suffer from depression, anxiety, addiction, chronic pain, and PTSD.
At Midwest Alternative Treatment Clinic, we utilize an approach validated in research and experience to tailor a ketamine program that suits your individual needs and meet you where you are in your journey. Rooted in human relationships, our practice strives to improve your health through mutual respect and collaboration. Individuals with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain have all received benefit from ketamine and we are excited to assist you on your path to wellness.
![Photo of Emily Edlynn, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44aafadf-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with specialized training in pediatric health psychology. In my therapy approach, I draw from evidence-based practice, while collaboratively tailoring therapy to individual needs and symptoms. The goal is always to improve daily functioning and each person's quality of life regardless of their disease status. I have extensive experience working with a variety of illnesses and symptoms (eg, chronic pain, gastrointestinal disorders, seizures, diabetes, obesity, epilepsy, cancer) by using a combination of cognitive behavioral approaches, mindfulness, and stress management strategies. I have a special interest in youth managing grief and loss.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with specialized training in pediatric health psychology. In my therapy approach, I draw from evidence-based practice, while collaboratively tailoring therapy to individual needs and symptoms. The goal is always to improve daily functioning and each person's quality of life regardless of their disease status. I have extensive experience working with a variety of illnesses and symptoms (eg, chronic pain, gastrointestinal disorders, seizures, diabetes, obesity, epilepsy, cancer) by using a combination of cognitive behavioral approaches, mindfulness, and stress management strategies. I have a special interest in youth managing grief and loss.
![Photo of Amy Wood, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/294da0c0-fb5f-46c7-8dde-e035701dcf16/2/320x400.jpeg)
Areas of special interest include: couples facing relational challenges, mothers working to find balance, young adults and teenagers, artists, anxiety, depression, betrayal and trust, sexual orientation and gender identity, and chronic pain.
I view therapy as a collaborative process where we work together to disempower the challenges you are facing. Our conversations will help you clarify your hopes and identify the tools needed to overcome the problems you are up against. I bring sensitivity and curiosity to foster a therapeutic space that feels safe and productive. I work with couples to strengthen communication, build trust, heal hurt, and break undesired habits. I support mothers, families and teens. I view this work as a privilege as I share in your experience of moving towards personal and relational fulfillment.
Areas of special interest include: couples facing relational challenges, mothers working to find balance, young adults and teenagers, artists, anxiety, depression, betrayal and trust, sexual orientation and gender identity, and chronic pain.
I view therapy as a collaborative process where we work together to disempower the challenges you are facing. Our conversations will help you clarify your hopes and identify the tools needed to overcome the problems you are up against. I bring sensitivity and curiosity to foster a therapeutic space that feels safe and productive. I work with couples to strengthen communication, build trust, heal hurt, and break undesired habits. I support mothers, families and teens. I view this work as a privilege as I share in your experience of moving towards personal and relational fulfillment.
![Photo of Dr. Patty Johnson - Nia Integrative Healing, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fa3e0b52-0543-4442-a6bf-9ddd5ffc412e/3/320x400.jpeg)
We are wired with an affinity toward healing. Therapy is a powerful tool in attaining wellness. But what if we went beyond talk therapy by also integrating meditation and biofeedback to address trauma, depression, inattention and other areas of mental health? We will explore your intrinsic ability to harness the power of mindfulness and breath work to reduce chronic pain and other physical issues impacted by stress. We will tap into nutrition's significant role in mental health, including mood and memory. We are a team of psychological providers and a preventative care physician collaborating with you toward your healing journey.
We are wired with an affinity toward healing. Therapy is a powerful tool in attaining wellness. But what if we went beyond talk therapy by also integrating meditation and biofeedback to address trauma, depression, inattention and other areas of mental health? We will explore your intrinsic ability to harness the power of mindfulness and breath work to reduce chronic pain and other physical issues impacted by stress. We will tap into nutrition's significant role in mental health, including mood and memory. We are a team of psychological providers and a preventative care physician collaborating with you toward your healing journey.
![Photo of Margot Gay Mahan, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e0fea39-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in working with adults & children impacted by trauma, separation/loss, adults struggling with unsatisfying relationships and life transitions as well as children and adults impacted by chronic illness, depression & anxiety.
I believe our primary desire is to form satisfying, balanced relationships. I work from a Developmental, Attachment, Relational perspective and frequently incorporate Trauma & Family Systems Models into my work. I have extensive experience with infants, young children, teens, families & adults. When working with children I strive to work collaboratively with all relevant members in the child's life to understand & treat that child.
I specialize in working with adults & children impacted by trauma, separation/loss, adults struggling with unsatisfying relationships and life transitions as well as children and adults impacted by chronic illness, depression & anxiety.
I believe our primary desire is to form satisfying, balanced relationships. I work from a Developmental, Attachment, Relational perspective and frequently incorporate Trauma & Family Systems Models into my work. I have extensive experience with infants, young children, teens, families & adults. When working with children I strive to work collaboratively with all relevant members in the child's life to understand & treat that child.
![Photo of Maureen P Tamillow, LCPC, RDDP, PEL, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44cc21c7-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Maureen P Tamillow
Counselor, LCPC, RDDP, PEL
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60302
Waitlist for new clients
I work with all aged clients. I have long -term school experience: teacher, counselor, administrator. I enjoy all ages.Many people enjoy my mix of therapeutic and personal coaching styles. During the years, I have advanced my training into divorce mediation and custody mediation. I have also expanded my clientelle to include people who have long-term illness with pain. I work with health issues to help people learn to better adapt to their condition while also finding and concentrating on creating healthy lifestyle choices and personal calmness. I consider my background in addiction as a pathway to help people achieve wellness.
I work with all aged clients. I have long -term school experience: teacher, counselor, administrator. I enjoy all ages.Many people enjoy my mix of therapeutic and personal coaching styles. During the years, I have advanced my training into divorce mediation and custody mediation. I have also expanded my clientelle to include people who have long-term illness with pain. I work with health issues to help people learn to better adapt to their condition while also finding and concentrating on creating healthy lifestyle choices and personal calmness. I consider my background in addiction as a pathway to help people achieve wellness.
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![Photo of Rebecca Davis, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f547cc0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rebecca Davis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60304 (Online Only)
This combined with years of training in deep healing modalities, my clients have found a reduction in symptoms associated with both big and little life traumas, chronic pain, phobias, negative relationship patterns, anxiety, depression, and self confidence issues.
When we are able to truly understand ourselves and our relationships, we can build a life of genuine meaning and connection. Many people enter into therapy only to find themselves gaining small amounts of insight that produce little or no changes in their life. My therapeutic methods produce results that not only change the way we feel about ourselves in the world but change our behaviors. I am respectful of the fact that everyone's pace and tolerance to different interventions varies. My work is reflective of the care and respect I have for each and every client as individuals.
This combined with years of training in deep healing modalities, my clients have found a reduction in symptoms associated with both big and little life traumas, chronic pain, phobias, negative relationship patterns, anxiety, depression, and self confidence issues.
When we are able to truly understand ourselves and our relationships, we can build a life of genuine meaning and connection. Many people enter into therapy only to find themselves gaining small amounts of insight that produce little or no changes in their life. My therapeutic methods produce results that not only change the way we feel about ourselves in the world but change our behaviors. I am respectful of the fact that everyone's pace and tolerance to different interventions varies. My work is reflective of the care and respect I have for each and every client as individuals.
![Photo of Pat Bardenett, LCSW, CADC, ACH, RYT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0bb221b1-6214-40e6-b7e1-27a3f9c39723/1/320x400.jpeg)
Pat Bardenett
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADC, ACH, RYT
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60302
We often find ourselves unable to move forward due to the enormity of the situations that are presented to us. We may feel stuck, tired, and at times, hopeless. So we armour ourselves to face the world. This armouring occurs in the form of addictions such as overeating; using drugs and alcohol; isolating and repeating patterns of toxic relationships. As a result our hearts become numb. We move through life with an armored exterior, fearful of experiencing our feelings and emotions. By creating a safe environment, I help unlock and release pain.
We often find ourselves unable to move forward due to the enormity of the situations that are presented to us. We may feel stuck, tired, and at times, hopeless. So we armour ourselves to face the world. This armouring occurs in the form of addictions such as overeating; using drugs and alcohol; isolating and repeating patterns of toxic relationships. As a result our hearts become numb. We move through life with an armored exterior, fearful of experiencing our feelings and emotions. By creating a safe environment, I help unlock and release pain.
I provide cognitive behavioral psychotherapy for education, support and management of symptoms of all mental disorders including depression, anxiety and Bipolar Disorder. I teach specific stress management, time management and other coping skills. I administer comprehensive neuropsychological and psychological testing batteries, including cognitive, memory, ADHD and projective testing. My areas of expertise include women's issues, geriatrics, veteran's issues and issues related to managing chronic medical illnesses and pain. My focus is on addressing each client's personal needs and problems.
I provide cognitive behavioral psychotherapy for education, support and management of symptoms of all mental disorders including depression, anxiety and Bipolar Disorder. I teach specific stress management, time management and other coping skills. I administer comprehensive neuropsychological and psychological testing batteries, including cognitive, memory, ADHD and projective testing. My areas of expertise include women's issues, geriatrics, veteran's issues and issues related to managing chronic medical illnesses and pain. My focus is on addressing each client's personal needs and problems.
![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 Nancy Gordon, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48856f46-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Imagery can help reduce emotional/physical symptoms including stress, anxiety, depression, and pain, as well as eliminate habits like smoking and overeating.
INSIGHT, SKILLS, SUPPORT. Strength-based. Solution focused. I work with clients of all ages using cognitive behavioral and mindfulness-based therapies along with guided imagery, dreamwork, and art. I believe that mindfulness can help to reduce negative thinking, worrying and self-criticism. These are bad habits - and they can be changed. I am skilled at teaching children/adults how to be more mindful instead of getting caught up in harmful, unproductive thoughts that lead to self defeating actions.
Imagery can help reduce emotional/physical symptoms including stress, anxiety, depression, and pain, as well as eliminate habits like smoking and overeating.
INSIGHT, SKILLS, SUPPORT. Strength-based. Solution focused. I work with clients of all ages using cognitive behavioral and mindfulness-based therapies along with guided imagery, dreamwork, and art. I believe that mindfulness can help to reduce negative thinking, worrying and self-criticism. These are bad habits - and they can be changed. I am skilled at teaching children/adults how to be more mindful instead of getting caught up in harmful, unproductive thoughts that lead to self defeating actions.
![Photo of Shantel Mitchell-Cooley, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/498264db-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Shantel Mitchell-Cooley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60302
I understand the unique challenges that illness, caregiving and grief add to your life and I can help. Living with chronic illness, cancer, multiple sclerosis, or dementia is unchartered territory which leads to stress and overwhelm and sometimes, depression and anxiety. I am here to help you navigate your way through to find a place of resilience.
I understand the unique challenges that illness, caregiving and grief add to your life and I can help. Living with chronic illness, cancer, multiple sclerosis, or dementia is unchartered territory which leads to stress and overwhelm and sometimes, depression and anxiety. I am here to help you navigate your way through to find a place of resilience.
![Photo of Lisa S. Lombard, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1dcbfad4-acb8-4d12-9c9d-f46e218c6375/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed clinical psychologist & work with adults and children managing illness and pain, traumatic loss and grief, and difficult anxiety I provide psychotherapy that integrates self-directed stress management skills, including hypnosis, mindfulness, guided imagery, and regulated breathing exercises.
You want to be well, content, and feel better. But, managing chronic health conditions, feeling overwhelmed by high levels of stress and anxiety, and facing unexpected and sudden loss/grief can be enormous tasks, especially during our challenging times. Across the lifespan, we face emotional, relational, and physical difficulties that are often best navigated when we are heard, supported, and able to cultivate the natural curiosity that invites us to change.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist & work with adults and children managing illness and pain, traumatic loss and grief, and difficult anxiety I provide psychotherapy that integrates self-directed stress management skills, including hypnosis, mindfulness, guided imagery, and regulated breathing exercises.
You want to be well, content, and feel better. But, managing chronic health conditions, feeling overwhelmed by high levels of stress and anxiety, and facing unexpected and sudden loss/grief can be enormous tasks, especially during our challenging times. Across the lifespan, we face emotional, relational, and physical difficulties that are often best navigated when we are heard, supported, and able to cultivate the natural curiosity that invites us to change.
![Photo of Margaret Zangrilli - Margaret Zangrilli - Certified EMDR Therapist, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42c1ddc5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Margaret Zangrilli - Certified EMDR Therapist
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60304 (Online Only)
Many people avoid seeking help for fear that they or their children will be labeled. My motto is: "Peel off the labels and see the person underneath." I believe you are a person with unique needs, strengths, and challenges, that there are complex reasons you are living the life you are living today - AND, you can improve. Emotional pain and problems are just as natural and normal as physical pain and problems. When we let go of the labels we have about ourselves, our problems, or therapy in general, we can begin healing the pain and resolving the problems.
Many people avoid seeking help for fear that they or their children will be labeled. My motto is: "Peel off the labels and see the person underneath." I believe you are a person with unique needs, strengths, and challenges, that there are complex reasons you are living the life you are living today - AND, you can improve. Emotional pain and problems are just as natural and normal as physical pain and problems. When we let go of the labels we have about ourselves, our problems, or therapy in general, we can begin healing the pain and resolving the problems.
![Photo of Jesenia Chavez, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a8c0dac5-ef19-4896-9f14-2596c86cc600/1/320x400.png)
Jesenia Chavez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60302 (Online Only)
I am a queer, second-generation immigrant Latine psychotherapist who partners with folks to navigate the demands of a society that is so often limiting and oppressive to us. I'm passionate about working with adults that were parentified as children or grew up in dysfunctional family systems, and BIPOC and queer adults that have historically felt "different." Therapy can be an opportunity to slow down and become curious about what in ourselves might need our attention. As you embark on this journey toward self-awareness, I will collaborate with you to turn toward the parts of yourself that have been disowned or burdened by pain.
I am a queer, second-generation immigrant Latine psychotherapist who partners with folks to navigate the demands of a society that is so often limiting and oppressive to us. I'm passionate about working with adults that were parentified as children or grew up in dysfunctional family systems, and BIPOC and queer adults that have historically felt "different." Therapy can be an opportunity to slow down and become curious about what in ourselves might need our attention. As you embark on this journey toward self-awareness, I will collaborate with you to turn toward the parts of yourself that have been disowned or burdened by pain.
See more therapy options for Oak Park
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Chronic Pain Therapists
How does chronic pain therapy work?
Engaging with a psychotherapist to help treat chronic pain does not mean that one’s pain is all in their head. Therapy for chronic-pain patients has been shown to benefit both the mind and the body, targeting physical symptoms and increasing daily functioning. In other words, for many, addressing their emotional health through therapy affects their physical health. A therapist can help a client challenge unhelpful thoughts about pain and develop new ways to respond to it, such as distraction or calming breathing techniques. Studies have found that therapy can be as effective as surgery for certain cases of chronic pain and many doctors recommend trying psychotherapy in advance of considering invasive surgery.
What are the most effective treatment options for chronic pain?
Stress, anxiety, depression, catastrophizing, ruminating, lack of activity, and social withdrawal all make chronic pain worse. Addressing these issues, research shows, can help people gain control over their pain symptoms. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, and mindfulness-based stress reduction, along with greater pain-management education, have been found to help people reduce fear and disability.
Are there new treatments for chronic pain?
Many cases of chronic pain, particularly those involving back pain, remain medically unexplained. But there is evidence that changes in the brain or nervous system are caused by previous physical ailments such as tissue damage; in such cases, the brain may continue to send out pain signals despite the physical cause having healed. To aid patients under these circumstances, a recently developed treatment known as pain reprocessing therapy (PRT) is designed to help the brain “unlearn” this response. A PRT practitioner helps individuals to reduce the “threat value” of their ongoing pain signals until they can reappraise them as less threatening and fear-inducing. They also help an individual to develop new emotional regulation skills.
How long does therapy for chronic pain take?
There is no set timeline for recovery from chronic pain, especially as there may be a range of physical and psychological causes for any individual’s discomfort, but most patients should expect to see a therapist for a number of weeks or months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions. Studies of pain reprocessing therapy found that many individuals’ experience of pain lessened in eight sessions over four weeks.