Chronic Pain Therapists in Brookline, MA
![Photo of Diana Arntz, PhD, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bc546624-5879-4b06-a608-a8dbdf56cbc4/1/320x400.png)
I specialize in the treatment of stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, chronic pain, and insomnia. I use a warm, strengths-focused, and collaborative style and emphasize integrative, whole person care. I currently have availability for in-person appointments on Monday and Friday at Boston Behavioral Medicine in Brookline and also offer telehealth sessions on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Please contact Boston Behavioral Medicine directly to register with the office manager and set up an intake appointment at 617-232-2435 x 0.
I specialize in the treatment of stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, chronic pain, and insomnia. I use a warm, strengths-focused, and collaborative style and emphasize integrative, whole person care. I currently have availability for in-person appointments on Monday and Friday at Boston Behavioral Medicine in Brookline and also offer telehealth sessions on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Please contact Boston Behavioral Medicine directly to register with the office manager and set up an intake appointment at 617-232-2435 x 0.
![Photo of Michael Schonberg, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43d3b21f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have experience in treating individuals with anxiety, OCD, depression, mood disorders, chronic pain, misophonia, anger, ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Autism Spectrum, tics, nail biting, hair pulling, highly sensitive individuals, and people in the midst of relationship struggles.
Change is hard, but less so with help. I hope I can be your guide through the change process. I am a clinical psychologist trained in CBT. I have a faculty appointment at Harvard Medical School and am on staff in the Department of Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital. I run a private practice on Sunday mornings and have intermittent availability during the rest of the week. I am comfortable providing treatment in an individual or family context, whichever better fits your needs. I am results driven, but also warm and sensitive.
I have experience in treating individuals with anxiety, OCD, depression, mood disorders, chronic pain, misophonia, anger, ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Autism Spectrum, tics, nail biting, hair pulling, highly sensitive individuals, and people in the midst of relationship struggles.
Change is hard, but less so with help. I hope I can be your guide through the change process. I am a clinical psychologist trained in CBT. I have a faculty appointment at Harvard Medical School and am on staff in the Department of Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital. I run a private practice on Sunday mornings and have intermittent availability during the rest of the week. I am comfortable providing treatment in an individual or family context, whichever better fits your needs. I am results driven, but also warm and sensitive.
![Photo of Melanie R. Nevis, MA, LCAT, ACC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5fd805fd-0ba0-46aa-9aa1-7c0bf114a693/1/320x400.jpeg)
Melanie R. Nevis
Creative Arts Therapist, MA, LCAT, ACC
Not Verified Not Verified
Brookline, MA 02446 (Online Only)
I help people CHRONIC PAIN, STRESS OR ANXIETY who have had limited success in seeking help, with powerful leading edge mind- body and neuroscience approaches to heal and decrease symptoms.
Welcome! I know that finding the right therapist or coach can feel confusing or overwhelming. I offer a safe and supportive environment for you to explore your challenges and move towards fully embracing yourself and living the life you desire. My approach brings together Gestalt, Mind-Body Somatic approaches, and over 30 years of therapeutic work with children and adults. I have a passion and expertise for helping HIGHLY SENSITIVE PEOPLE understand and embrace both the gifts and challenges of their heightened receptivity, that can lead to overwhelm, overstimulation, and other challenges.
I help people CHRONIC PAIN, STRESS OR ANXIETY who have had limited success in seeking help, with powerful leading edge mind- body and neuroscience approaches to heal and decrease symptoms.
Welcome! I know that finding the right therapist or coach can feel confusing or overwhelming. I offer a safe and supportive environment for you to explore your challenges and move towards fully embracing yourself and living the life you desire. My approach brings together Gestalt, Mind-Body Somatic approaches, and over 30 years of therapeutic work with children and adults. I have a passion and expertise for helping HIGHLY SENSITIVE PEOPLE understand and embrace both the gifts and challenges of their heightened receptivity, that can lead to overwhelm, overstimulation, and other challenges.
![Photo of Judith B Sonner - Newton Biofeedback, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3be775f9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
I've been a practicing LICSW, for 28 years specializing in Life Coaching, Biofeedback, Neurofeedback, Hypnosis, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for stress-related conditions, such as Migraines, Anxiety, Hypertension,Chronic pain, Weight loss, Insomnia and Tinnitus. Most people are unaware of ways in which our bodies react to thoughts and emotions.Your response to stress compromises your health and interferes with reaching personal goals.There is no need to suffer.
I can help you to stop using ineffective coping skills and begin learning successful skills to achieve your full potential in all aspects of your life: Family, career, finances, relationships, and health.
I've been a practicing LICSW, for 28 years specializing in Life Coaching, Biofeedback, Neurofeedback, Hypnosis, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for stress-related conditions, such as Migraines, Anxiety, Hypertension,Chronic pain, Weight loss, Insomnia and Tinnitus. Most people are unaware of ways in which our bodies react to thoughts and emotions.Your response to stress compromises your health and interferes with reaching personal goals.There is no need to suffer.
I can help you to stop using ineffective coping skills and begin learning successful skills to achieve your full potential in all aspects of your life: Family, career, finances, relationships, and health.
![Photo of Joel D Ziff, EdD, CSAT-S, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c4ce0c9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I currently have openings in groups for men in recovery from sex addiction and intimacy disorders. I am a certified Sex Addiction Therapist Supervisor (CSAT-S). In addition to facilitating groups, I work with individuals, couples, and families focused on coping with challenges of sex addiction and intimacy disorders. I also work with clients coping with issues related to chronic/catastrophic illness, pain management, relationship issues (couples, children, and families), phobias, post-traumatic stress, and mood disorders (depression, anxiety, bi-polar).
I currently have openings in groups for men in recovery from sex addiction and intimacy disorders. I am a certified Sex Addiction Therapist Supervisor (CSAT-S). In addition to facilitating groups, I work with individuals, couples, and families focused on coping with challenges of sex addiction and intimacy disorders. I also work with clients coping with issues related to chronic/catastrophic illness, pain management, relationship issues (couples, children, and families), phobias, post-traumatic stress, and mood disorders (depression, anxiety, bi-polar).
![Photo of Wendy Emory, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53038d8c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Wendy Emory
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Brookline, MA 02446 (Online Only)
Are you struggling to adjust to a life transition as your usual ways of coping don't seem to be working? Or, are you looking to heal from loss, trauma or illness, or perhaps you're caring for someone who is sick? Maybe, you're wishing to feel more hope, joy, or ease in your life. There are endless possibilities, huh. What are you hoping to transform as you bravely show up to change? Regardless of whatever it may be, your body's innate wisdom may be pivotal in your journey toward restoring a sense of well-being in your life. Whatever you're seeking, I'll work collaboratively with you, to access what already exists within you!
Are you struggling to adjust to a life transition as your usual ways of coping don't seem to be working? Or, are you looking to heal from loss, trauma or illness, or perhaps you're caring for someone who is sick? Maybe, you're wishing to feel more hope, joy, or ease in your life. There are endless possibilities, huh. What are you hoping to transform as you bravely show up to change? Regardless of whatever it may be, your body's innate wisdom may be pivotal in your journey toward restoring a sense of well-being in your life. Whatever you're seeking, I'll work collaboratively with you, to access what already exists within you!
![Photo of Roxana Albut Sahlean, MEd, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/245d0f2b-213f-4c15-9310-db7acb696c0a/3/320x400.jpeg)
Roxana Albut Sahlean
Counselor, MEd, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Brookline, MA 02446
Waitlist for new clients
If you are here, I believe you can see, even if not clearly, that there are other - better - possibilities for you. I do not think of psychotherapy as the process of eliminating illness, rather that of creating health. Receiving a diagnosis may provide a measure of relief, but in the end it is just a description of symptoms. The real work, in my mind, is that of discovering your true potential and actualizing it. I consider it an honor and privilege to be invited as guide on such a journey, whether you come to me as a patient suffering from depression, anxiety or grief, or as a therapist looking for guidance and supervision.
If you are here, I believe you can see, even if not clearly, that there are other - better - possibilities for you. I do not think of psychotherapy as the process of eliminating illness, rather that of creating health. Receiving a diagnosis may provide a measure of relief, but in the end it is just a description of symptoms. The real work, in my mind, is that of discovering your true potential and actualizing it. I consider it an honor and privilege to be invited as guide on such a journey, whether you come to me as a patient suffering from depression, anxiety or grief, or as a therapist looking for guidance and supervision.
![Photo of Hannah Shulman, MS, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2efc7d9b-a52b-4e9f-8e42-9942c0c284f2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hello and welcome! If you would like to learn various stress management techniques for everyday life, curious about the mindfulness practice, or would like a safe space to answer the question, "what does relaxation feel like for me?" to better reduce anxiety symptoms, I am here to help through Stress Management And Resiliency Training (SMART). I typically work with adults who are experiencing situational stressors/life changes, grief, caregiving, PTSD/trauma histories, anxiety/depressive disorders, and those who want to better cope with chronic illness diagnoses (cancer, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, pain, insomnia & more).
Hello and welcome! If you would like to learn various stress management techniques for everyday life, curious about the mindfulness practice, or would like a safe space to answer the question, "what does relaxation feel like for me?" to better reduce anxiety symptoms, I am here to help through Stress Management And Resiliency Training (SMART). I typically work with adults who are experiencing situational stressors/life changes, grief, caregiving, PTSD/trauma histories, anxiety/depressive disorders, and those who want to better cope with chronic illness diagnoses (cancer, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, pain, insomnia & more).
![Photo of Jillian B. Frank - Jillian B. Frank, Ph.D., PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7560336f-2706-4123-a771-3845c1d0b6c5/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am now providing therapy via telehealth only. As a licensed clinical psychologist with over 25 years experience working with individuals/couples, I often see patients who struggle with unsatisfying family and personal relationships, health problems (e.g. infertility, cancer, chronic pain), grief and loss, and trouble with work and career. Change involves both insight and actual changes in one's behavior. My goal is to create a place where we can work safely to explore the origins of problems and rapidly create positive change in one's life. My approach is warm, supportive, and actively focused on bringing about lasting change.
I am now providing therapy via telehealth only. As a licensed clinical psychologist with over 25 years experience working with individuals/couples, I often see patients who struggle with unsatisfying family and personal relationships, health problems (e.g. infertility, cancer, chronic pain), grief and loss, and trouble with work and career. Change involves both insight and actual changes in one's behavior. My goal is to create a place where we can work safely to explore the origins of problems and rapidly create positive change in one's life. My approach is warm, supportive, and actively focused on bringing about lasting change.
![Photo of Liz Marshall: Emdr Intensives, LCSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/93f8457b-4324-47e5-8f8b-6230baac3959/1/320x400.jpeg)
Liz Marshall: Emdr Intensives
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Brookline, MA 02446
Prior experience has been supporting individuals navigating sexual trauma, DV/IPV, clergy/spiritual abuse, purity culture deconstruction, chronic pain, medical trauma, LGBTQIA+ matters, vicarious trauma, and grief.
My approach as a therapist is relational & warm & I deeply honor the intentional time set aside by each of my clients to engage in the courageous work of change. As a trauma-informed provider, I work to co-create a compassionate and non-judgmental space & value offering clients transparency, power, & choice in our work together. Clients have shared that our work together has empowered them to feel safer in their bodies & emotions, set healthier boundaries & advocate for their needs, understand origins of beliefs & behaviors, create space to discover & practice new responses, & ultimately reclaim agency in their voice & life story.
Prior experience has been supporting individuals navigating sexual trauma, DV/IPV, clergy/spiritual abuse, purity culture deconstruction, chronic pain, medical trauma, LGBTQIA+ matters, vicarious trauma, and grief.
My approach as a therapist is relational & warm & I deeply honor the intentional time set aside by each of my clients to engage in the courageous work of change. As a trauma-informed provider, I work to co-create a compassionate and non-judgmental space & value offering clients transparency, power, & choice in our work together. Clients have shared that our work together has empowered them to feel safer in their bodies & emotions, set healthier boundaries & advocate for their needs, understand origins of beliefs & behaviors, create space to discover & practice new responses, & ultimately reclaim agency in their voice & life story.
![Photo of William Ruhm, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cda23465-9aa0-45c9-8763-d8652d5616eb/2/320x400.jpeg)
William Ruhm
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Brookline, MA 02446
Waitlist for new clients
I am particularly passionate about offering therapy to activists seeking support nurturing mental health while active in social movements, people living with anxiety, and people living with chronic pain, however I would be honored to support you in your journey toward mental health and wellness, whatever challenges you may be facing.
I offer individual therapy to adults (18 and over) living in Massachusetts. I am currently seeing clients remotely over zoom, as well as in-person office-based and walking therapy. My therapy practice is trauma-informed, anti-racist, and welcoming of people of all gender and sexual identities.
I am particularly passionate about offering therapy to activists seeking support nurturing mental health while active in social movements, people living with anxiety, and people living with chronic pain, however I would be honored to support you in your journey toward mental health and wellness, whatever challenges you may be facing.
I offer individual therapy to adults (18 and over) living in Massachusetts. I am currently seeing clients remotely over zoom, as well as in-person office-based and walking therapy. My therapy practice is trauma-informed, anti-racist, and welcoming of people of all gender and sexual identities.
15 Second Videos
Hannah Brents
Dignity Weight Center
Sadeq Rahimi
Michael Harris
Shane MacDonald
![Photo of Paul Reynolds, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3feb3f66-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome. People seek psychotherapy for a variety of reasons, such as relief from anxiety, loneliness, or grief. Others feel stuck or disconnected. Perhaps patterns of unsatisfying relationships or difficulties deepening relationships have emerged. Psychotherapy provides a unique opportunity to explore personal issues in an environment of trust and respect. I appreciate the courage it takes to work through problems. Emotional pain can signal that one is called upon to make changes or understand things in a new light. I am interested in helping others express themselves more openly, feel more connected to others, and enhance capacities for making authentic choices.
Welcome. People seek psychotherapy for a variety of reasons, such as relief from anxiety, loneliness, or grief. Others feel stuck or disconnected. Perhaps patterns of unsatisfying relationships or difficulties deepening relationships have emerged. Psychotherapy provides a unique opportunity to explore personal issues in an environment of trust and respect. I appreciate the courage it takes to work through problems. Emotional pain can signal that one is called upon to make changes or understand things in a new light. I am interested in helping others express themselves more openly, feel more connected to others, and enhance capacities for making authentic choices.
![Photo of Aviva R Bock, MA, EdM, CCMHC, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3be175d9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Claim your right to a live a fulfilling life today unburdened by the past? The ability to cope and respond more effectively, even in the face of ongoing stress and pain, can make a huge difference.
From self criticism to self compassion. An open calm curious genuine exploration No shaming, no judgment only a question: What happened? What curve balls did life sent your way? My approach is holistic integrative and relational. If it works for you I will introduce you to a tool box of resources: somatic, energetic, EMDR, Flash etc as together we make sense of where you are now, what you are feeling, how to help you shift to a place of renewed empowerment and control, to be who you want to be and feel how you want to feel? A system/soul update to a renewed place of joy peace and harmony.
Claim your right to a live a fulfilling life today unburdened by the past? The ability to cope and respond more effectively, even in the face of ongoing stress and pain, can make a huge difference.
From self criticism to self compassion. An open calm curious genuine exploration No shaming, no judgment only a question: What happened? What curve balls did life sent your way? My approach is holistic integrative and relational. If it works for you I will introduce you to a tool box of resources: somatic, energetic, EMDR, Flash etc as together we make sense of where you are now, what you are feeling, how to help you shift to a place of renewed empowerment and control, to be who you want to be and feel how you want to feel? A system/soul update to a renewed place of joy peace and harmony.
![Photo of Danielle Buckman, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b7a49dd-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed psychotherapist trained to work with individuals, couples, and families.
I have a doctorate in counseling psychology from Boston University.
In clinical practice I have worked in a multi-cultural mental health center, the Veteran's Administration, Boston University Student Counseling and private practice helping many clients manage and master the change process.
Together, we work toward healing and change. My approach is active and empathic and can take the form of short-term problem solving approach or more in-depth exploration. Clients learn to decrease stress in their lives whether due to anxiety, depression, work, personal relationships or chronic illness.
I am a licensed psychotherapist trained to work with individuals, couples, and families.
I have a doctorate in counseling psychology from Boston University.
In clinical practice I have worked in a multi-cultural mental health center, the Veteran's Administration, Boston University Student Counseling and private practice helping many clients manage and master the change process.
Together, we work toward healing and change. My approach is active and empathic and can take the form of short-term problem solving approach or more in-depth exploration. Clients learn to decrease stress in their lives whether due to anxiety, depression, work, personal relationships or chronic illness.
![Photo of Jennifer Hamilton, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/aedf947c-31e1-4ff5-b4c8-701554568f89/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. J supports folks coping with changes and the complexity of identity development in the context of anxiety, life's transitions, grief/loss and/or chronic illness. Licensed in MA and CA. Accepting new clients.
Dr. J supports folks coping with changes and the complexity of identity development in the context of anxiety, life's transitions, grief/loss and/or chronic illness. Licensed in MA and CA. Accepting new clients.
![Photo of Lisa Smith - Center for Anxiety & Related Disorders at Boston U, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4eaab472-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Center for Anxiety & Related Disorders at Boston U
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Brookline, MA 02446
I currently direct and treat patients at the Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders (CARD) at Boston University. We provide evidence-based clinical services - primarily CBT, to individuals of all backgrounds. CBT is a skills based therapy meant to enhance coping strategies for those suffering from emotional difficulties. It focuses on understanding the connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in order to foster positive changes. At CARD, we specialize in helping adults and children address a wide range of anxiety disorders and related challenges such as difficulties with mood, sleep, concentration, and pain.
I currently direct and treat patients at the Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders (CARD) at Boston University. We provide evidence-based clinical services - primarily CBT, to individuals of all backgrounds. CBT is a skills based therapy meant to enhance coping strategies for those suffering from emotional difficulties. It focuses on understanding the connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in order to foster positive changes. At CARD, we specialize in helping adults and children address a wide range of anxiety disorders and related challenges such as difficulties with mood, sleep, concentration, and pain.
![Photo of Shane MacDonald - OCD Specialist, Shane MacDonald, LICSW , LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2b11ca82-dbd8-4cdc-bdbd-7f4edbf1fc72/1/320x400.jpeg)
OCD Specialist, Shane MacDonald, LICSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Brookline, MA 02146 (Online Only)
Our broad goal––of course––is “the end of unnecessary suffering.” Sound about right? While we all strive for this, I specialize in helping folks with a very-unique kind of suffering: OCD. I can tell you that few people understand the pain and complexity of OCD—(even most therapists). I will listen intently to your unique story. Just know that I can introduce you to an arsenal of tools that can help: mindfulness, ERP (exposure and response prevention) and on and on. Yes, thoughts can be “sticky.” But––with hard work––if (or when) those thoughts come back around…they can be as quiet & as harmless as a yellow post-it.
Our broad goal––of course––is “the end of unnecessary suffering.” Sound about right? While we all strive for this, I specialize in helping folks with a very-unique kind of suffering: OCD. I can tell you that few people understand the pain and complexity of OCD—(even most therapists). I will listen intently to your unique story. Just know that I can introduce you to an arsenal of tools that can help: mindfulness, ERP (exposure and response prevention) and on and on. Yes, thoughts can be “sticky.” But––with hard work––if (or when) those thoughts come back around…they can be as quiet & as harmless as a yellow post-it.
![Photo of Valerie Bamford, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c51e6d8-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I welcome all parts of you and believe that all parts are good and want to protect you from deep pain.
Do you feel stuck responding in the same seemingly unhelpful patterns? Maybe you have a sense that there is something deeper behind these patterns, that something from your childhood is affecting you now as an adult. You know you want to change, but are unsure of how. It feels like anxiety, worry, guilt, shame, and self-doubt are the ones controlling the direction of your life. Maybe you feel like you have lost touch with your authentic self. You are ready to dive deep and truly heal, so you can live your life authentically you! Do you experience shame, guilt, or painful sex? I help women create a pleasurable sex life!
I welcome all parts of you and believe that all parts are good and want to protect you from deep pain.
Do you feel stuck responding in the same seemingly unhelpful patterns? Maybe you have a sense that there is something deeper behind these patterns, that something from your childhood is affecting you now as an adult. You know you want to change, but are unsure of how. It feels like anxiety, worry, guilt, shame, and self-doubt are the ones controlling the direction of your life. Maybe you feel like you have lost touch with your authentic self. You are ready to dive deep and truly heal, so you can live your life authentically you! Do you experience shame, guilt, or painful sex? I help women create a pleasurable sex life!
![Photo of Kimberlee Dennery, LCSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1edac263-63e8-42d6-8c14-a8e9c1fce65e/3/320x400.jpeg)
Kimberlee Dennery
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Brookline, MA 02446 (Online Only)
Hello, I enjoy working with individuals, couples and families I specialize in treating anxiety and depression. I have experience working with LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. I also enjoy working with teenage and younger clients. I see many people who are going through life transitions. When one is going through grief and loss, education challenges, relationship difficulties, a new family member, pain or illness, it can be particularly difficult to cope and particularly beneficial to be in therapy to work through these issues with an unbiased ear. I also specialize in working with individuals who have struggles with chronic pain.
Hello, I enjoy working with individuals, couples and families I specialize in treating anxiety and depression. I have experience working with LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. I also enjoy working with teenage and younger clients. I see many people who are going through life transitions. When one is going through grief and loss, education challenges, relationship difficulties, a new family member, pain or illness, it can be particularly difficult to cope and particularly beneficial to be in therapy to work through these issues with an unbiased ear. I also specialize in working with individuals who have struggles with chronic pain.
![Photo of Sydney Appelbaum, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a4dc82f6-4edd-4e42-8c41-fc0ffa08f052/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sydney Appelbaum
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Brookline, MA 02146 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I work with clients who are dealing with the various stressors of life. Whether those stressors are a new job, life transitions, serious illness, difficulties at home or coping with trauma, I am here to support you and be your partner in building effective coping strategies. If you are feeling stuck or overwhelmed, you are not alone and we can work together to get through those emotions. Whether you're new to therapy or someone with years of experience, our time together is spent working on what feels most pressing to you.
I work with clients who are dealing with the various stressors of life. Whether those stressors are a new job, life transitions, serious illness, difficulties at home or coping with trauma, I am here to support you and be your partner in building effective coping strategies. If you are feeling stuck or overwhelmed, you are not alone and we can work together to get through those emotions. Whether you're new to therapy or someone with years of experience, our time together is spent working on what feels most pressing to you.
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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.