Chronic Pain Therapists in Florence, MA

Photo of Peter Pruyn, LMHC, MA, EdM, Counselor
Peter Pruyn
Counselor, LMHC, MA, EdM
Verified Verified
Florence, MA 01062
I have also used EMDR to reduce chronic pain, including with PMS, PMDD, and endometriosis.
Looking for a therapist can be challenging. For those looking for the first time, I'd like to offer some thoughts on finding one who's right for you. While credentials and experience have their place, at the end of the day the most important thing is fit. I encourage you to "go with your gut." Do a phone consult. Did they give you space to talk? Did you feel heard? Sometimes what we need is feeling supported by someone who "gets" us. Other times we grow from someone who is able to challenge us in just the right way.
I have also used EMDR to reduce chronic pain, including with PMS, PMDD, and endometriosis.
Looking for a therapist can be challenging. For those looking for the first time, I'd like to offer some thoughts on finding one who's right for you. While credentials and experience have their place, at the end of the day the most important thing is fit. I encourage you to "go with your gut." Do a phone consult. Did they give you space to talk? Did you feel heard? Sometimes what we need is feeling supported by someone who "gets" us. Other times we grow from someone who is able to challenge us in just the right way.
(413) 320-4240 View (413) 320-4240
Photo of Marcia Post, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Marcia Post
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Florence, MA 01062
Waitlist for new clients
Others want guidance with life transitions including aging, illness, and loss.
We all need support in dealing with life's challenges but sometimes just asking for help can feel overwhelming. Finding the right therapist can be a daunting task: Whom can I trust? Will I be understood? Will I feel safe and respected? I understand these concerns. I work to create a warm, compassionate therapeutic environment. My clients tell me that they appreciate my down-to earth presence; my sense of humor, and my gentle yet honest feedback. My work blends psycho-dynamic, cognitive behavioral, internal family systems, and relational-cultural theories in ways that are specific to your unique goals.
Others want guidance with life transitions including aging, illness, and loss.
We all need support in dealing with life's challenges but sometimes just asking for help can feel overwhelming. Finding the right therapist can be a daunting task: Whom can I trust? Will I be understood? Will I feel safe and respected? I understand these concerns. I work to create a warm, compassionate therapeutic environment. My clients tell me that they appreciate my down-to earth presence; my sense of humor, and my gentle yet honest feedback. My work blends psycho-dynamic, cognitive behavioral, internal family systems, and relational-cultural theories in ways that are specific to your unique goals.
(617) 917-2037 View (617) 917-2037
Photo of Linda Tumbarello, LMHC, Counselor
Linda Tumbarello
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Florence, MA 01062
I support clients to heal from physical and emotional trauma, grief, childhood abuse, car accidents, medical procedures, injuries and illness, and to regain body wisdom using my integrated Body-Centered approach.
Linda is a pioneer in working with specialized body-mind healing and trauma, having developed the Tumbarello Approach to healing over the past 35 years. Her therapeutic approach supports each person to feel whole, using body-centered psychotherapy, therapeutic bodywork, Body-Mind Centering, embodiment practices, and movement. Many clients have worked with her to become free from emotional and physical pain and restrictions that have been in the way of their feeling at home in their own bodies. She has helped many to heal and to live more joyfully.
I support clients to heal from physical and emotional trauma, grief, childhood abuse, car accidents, medical procedures, injuries and illness, and to regain body wisdom using my integrated Body-Centered approach.
Linda is a pioneer in working with specialized body-mind healing and trauma, having developed the Tumbarello Approach to healing over the past 35 years. Her therapeutic approach supports each person to feel whole, using body-centered psychotherapy, therapeutic bodywork, Body-Mind Centering, embodiment practices, and movement. Many clients have worked with her to become free from emotional and physical pain and restrictions that have been in the way of their feeling at home in their own bodies. She has helped many to heal and to live more joyfully.
(413) 461-3761 View (413) 461-3761
Photo of Marietta Skeen, MA, Counselor
Marietta Skeen
Counselor, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Florence, MA 01062
Clients often come in seeking more of, and for, themselves. It may be loss, transition, or relationship that brings them in, as well as, stress, overwhelm and/or a clear desire to grow. Regardless of the catalyst, all are wanting something more from life. Together, we can support finding more energy, ease and fulfillment in your experience. What makes you feel alive? What gets in the way? These are questions to ask when feeling stuck. There can be complex feelings of fear, disconnect and confusion, blocking the way to motivation, clarity and desire. With openness, compassion and even humor, we can find the way, to more wholeness.
Clients often come in seeking more of, and for, themselves. It may be loss, transition, or relationship that brings them in, as well as, stress, overwhelm and/or a clear desire to grow. Regardless of the catalyst, all are wanting something more from life. Together, we can support finding more energy, ease and fulfillment in your experience. What makes you feel alive? What gets in the way? These are questions to ask when feeling stuck. There can be complex feelings of fear, disconnect and confusion, blocking the way to motivation, clarity and desire. With openness, compassion and even humor, we can find the way, to more wholeness.
(413) 300-6012 View (413) 300-6012
Photo of Leah Berkowitz-Gosselin, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Leah Berkowitz-Gosselin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Florence, MA 01062
Not accepting new clients
*No current openings at this time* NOTE: TELEHEALTH ONLY. Welcome! I have been in practice in diverse community settings for nearly 20 years, largely with survivors of abuse and intimate partner/domestic violence and with individuals who have experienced homicide death or other traumatic loss. I work frequently with young adults who have experienced abuse in childhood, struggling within relationships or in life transitions. Traumatic experiences can lead to feelings of hopelessness, depression, anxiety and complex physical symptoms.
*No current openings at this time* NOTE: TELEHEALTH ONLY. Welcome! I have been in practice in diverse community settings for nearly 20 years, largely with survivors of abuse and intimate partner/domestic violence and with individuals who have experienced homicide death or other traumatic loss. I work frequently with young adults who have experienced abuse in childhood, struggling within relationships or in life transitions. Traumatic experiences can lead to feelings of hopelessness, depression, anxiety and complex physical symptoms.
(413) 251-6807 View (413) 251-6807

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Robert Zucker, MA, FT
Robert Zucker
MA, FT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Northampton, MA 01060
If you're having a tough time facing a life-changing or life-threatening illness, coming to terms with another major life transition, or grieving a significant death, then let's talk.
Has your loss been life-changing - perhaps deeply disorienting? Are friends and family expecting you to get over it, but you simply can't? I have been a grief counselor for over 25 years, and have worked with all sort of loss issues. While grief can be crazy-making and terribly painful, I know that with grace and in time, you can discover safe, effective ways of moving through your grief and learn to live well again.
If you're having a tough time facing a life-changing or life-threatening illness, coming to terms with another major life transition, or grieving a significant death, then let's talk.
Has your loss been life-changing - perhaps deeply disorienting? Are friends and family expecting you to get over it, but you simply can't? I have been a grief counselor for over 25 years, and have worked with all sort of loss issues. While grief can be crazy-making and terribly painful, I know that with grace and in time, you can discover safe, effective ways of moving through your grief and learn to live well again.
(413) 650-6264 View (413) 650-6264
Photo of Jeremy Axelrad, PhD, Psychologist
Jeremy Axelrad
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Northampton, MA 01060  (Online Only)
I am a clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of anxiety, depression, and behaviors that feel out of control through a developmental trauma lens. In my 12 years of practice, I’ve found that psychological healing is less about fixing problems than understanding the ways we learned to navigate difficult early experiences. These strategies, while once adaptive, can come to unconsciously limit our connection to ourselves and others. Often, it’s through pain that we recognize our patterns and resolve to change. It might not seem like it, but in seeking therapy you’re already opening to the possibility of something freer.
I am a clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of anxiety, depression, and behaviors that feel out of control through a developmental trauma lens. In my 12 years of practice, I’ve found that psychological healing is less about fixing problems than understanding the ways we learned to navigate difficult early experiences. These strategies, while once adaptive, can come to unconsciously limit our connection to ourselves and others. Often, it’s through pain that we recognize our patterns and resolve to change. It might not seem like it, but in seeking therapy you’re already opening to the possibility of something freer.
(413) 359-6377 View (413) 359-6377
Photo of Jaime Beth Gershman, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jaime Beth Gershman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Northampton, MA 01060
Since 1990 I have helped people with anxiety, depression, addiction issues, relationships, life transitions, loss, illness, pain, healing, creative challenges, recent and past trauma, and high sensitivity (HSP).
My intention is to help people discover lasting pathways to feel better. I will bring my warmth, heart, experience and presence to our unique collaboration as we focus on how you want to feel in your life. I practice a body-centered approach to counseling. Woven through our talking together will be periods of mindfulness and tuning in as a way to deepen awareness, growth and healing. When we have the support we need--we feel more freedom to be ourselves emotionally, intellectually, physically and spiritually. As distortions release--we naturally heal, improve our relationships, and make authentic life choices that feel good.
Since 1990 I have helped people with anxiety, depression, addiction issues, relationships, life transitions, loss, illness, pain, healing, creative challenges, recent and past trauma, and high sensitivity (HSP).
My intention is to help people discover lasting pathways to feel better. I will bring my warmth, heart, experience and presence to our unique collaboration as we focus on how you want to feel in your life. I practice a body-centered approach to counseling. Woven through our talking together will be periods of mindfulness and tuning in as a way to deepen awareness, growth and healing. When we have the support we need--we feel more freedom to be ourselves emotionally, intellectually, physically and spiritually. As distortions release--we naturally heal, improve our relationships, and make authentic life choices that feel good.
(413) 387-4218 View (413) 387-4218
Photo of Larissa Beecher - Strawberry Therapy - Neurodivergence and EDs, MS, MHC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Strawberry Therapy - Neurodivergence and EDs
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, MHC
Verified Verified
Northampton, MA 01060  (Online Only)
I am accepting new individual, couples, and family clients. My name is Larissa, and I am a specialist in treating eating disorders and neurodivergence.  I have successfully worked with many clients to improve binging, restrictive, and purging behaviors, ARFID, sensory issues, a limited food variety (“picky eaters”), concentration and focus skills, and coping with chronic illness.  I give positive, trauma-informed care without sugar coating of the challenges of mental health recovery. I provide context behind the development and maintenance of symptoms while holding my clients accountable for what is within their own control.
I am accepting new individual, couples, and family clients. My name is Larissa, and I am a specialist in treating eating disorders and neurodivergence.  I have successfully worked with many clients to improve binging, restrictive, and purging behaviors, ARFID, sensory issues, a limited food variety (“picky eaters”), concentration and focus skills, and coping with chronic illness.  I give positive, trauma-informed care without sugar coating of the challenges of mental health recovery. I provide context behind the development and maintenance of symptoms while holding my clients accountable for what is within their own control.
(413) 287-1013 View (413) 287-1013
Photo of Andrea E. Cole, PhD, Psychologist
Andrea E. Cole
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Northampton, MA 01060
I also use clinical hypnosis to address specific problems such as insomnia and chronic pain.
I am a clinical psychologist in private practice in Northampton, Massachusetts. I have worked with adults and college students for over 25 years. My areas of specialization include depression, bereavement, loss, anxiety/stress and sleep difficulties. I also provide treatment to people with relationship, self-esteem, life transition and academic issues.
I also use clinical hypnosis to address specific problems such as insomnia and chronic pain.
I am a clinical psychologist in private practice in Northampton, Massachusetts. I have worked with adults and college students for over 25 years. My areas of specialization include depression, bereavement, loss, anxiety/stress and sleep difficulties. I also provide treatment to people with relationship, self-esteem, life transition and academic issues.
(413) 587-0728 View (413) 587-0728
Photo of Catherine M Smith, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Catherine M Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Easthampton, MA 01027
At times in our lives, we have all experienced confusing and sometimes painful events, whether it be the loss of a loved one, an unexpected illness or health issue, a life transition or trauma. Sometimes, the things we have done in the past to seek relief no longer work as they once did. Therapy can be helpful to find new ways to adjust to the challenges and complications of human life, whether it is rooted in a current life event needing temporary support or a more involved issue requiring long term exploration.
At times in our lives, we have all experienced confusing and sometimes painful events, whether it be the loss of a loved one, an unexpected illness or health issue, a life transition or trauma. Sometimes, the things we have done in the past to seek relief no longer work as they once did. Therapy can be helpful to find new ways to adjust to the challenges and complications of human life, whether it is rooted in a current life event needing temporary support or a more involved issue requiring long term exploration.
(413) 216-6189 View (413) 216-6189
Photo of Nicole Warner, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Nicole Warner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Northampton, MA 01060  (Online Only)
Feeling the impact of systemic oppression can exponentially increase the pain.
Currently accepting new clients for telehealth. I’m here to offer space for a collaborative environment that we create together based around shifts you want to feel in your life. I have focused my work supporting queer and trans folks in various areas of life. Using a trauma-sensitive framework, I hope to support folks in bringing awareness to how emotions, trauma, conflict (and more) are showing up in the body. I hope to encourage curiosity, compassion, and groundedness towards an individual’s system- however that may look and feel right for you.
Feeling the impact of systemic oppression can exponentially increase the pain.
Currently accepting new clients for telehealth. I’m here to offer space for a collaborative environment that we create together based around shifts you want to feel in your life. I have focused my work supporting queer and trans folks in various areas of life. Using a trauma-sensitive framework, I hope to support folks in bringing awareness to how emotions, trauma, conflict (and more) are showing up in the body. I hope to encourage curiosity, compassion, and groundedness towards an individual’s system- however that may look and feel right for you.
(978) 391-2600 View (978) 391-2600
Photo of Carolyn Sandel -  Seniors, Adults, Caregivers Illness, Grief, LGBTQ, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Seniors, Adults, Caregivers Illness, Grief, LGBTQ
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Northampton, MA 01062
I have over 20 years experience working with older adults, caregivers, those with health issues, chronic pain, dealing with grief/loss and anxiety and depression.
You don't have to go it alone. Are you an older adult or the caregiver for a parent or spouse? Struggling to keep your balance while dealing with chronic illness or pain? Have you lost a loved one or had a major life change? All of these challenges bring fatigue, isolation, loneliness, and feelings of loss. With help, you can better understand your feelings and better meet your challenge. If you are stressed and feeling burnt out, depressed, or weighed down by anxiety, reach out for help. In therapy, you can get the support that you need to build on your strengths and thrive. Serving adults of all ages and the LGBTQ+ community
I have over 20 years experience working with older adults, caregivers, those with health issues, chronic pain, dealing with grief/loss and anxiety and depression.
You don't have to go it alone. Are you an older adult or the caregiver for a parent or spouse? Struggling to keep your balance while dealing with chronic illness or pain? Have you lost a loved one or had a major life change? All of these challenges bring fatigue, isolation, loneliness, and feelings of loss. With help, you can better understand your feelings and better meet your challenge. If you are stressed and feeling burnt out, depressed, or weighed down by anxiety, reach out for help. In therapy, you can get the support that you need to build on your strengths and thrive. Serving adults of all ages and the LGBTQ+ community
(413) 722-5553 View (413) 722-5553
Photo of Kel Thomas, PhD, Psychologist
Kel Thomas
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Northampton, MA 01060  (Online Only)
Dr. Thomas (they/them) is a queer, transgender (non-binary and transmasculine), chronically ill, disabled, neuro-divergent and non-monogamous psychologist and they often work with clients from these communities, as well as fellow care workers and others who engage in social-justice work. They are also sex-work and kink affirming and liberation is at the core of all their work. Dr. Thomas works with adults with a variety of concerns and has specialties in treating: Grief, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, interpersonal trauma in childhood, dissociative disorders, and gender exploration/ transition support.
Dr. Thomas (they/them) is a queer, transgender (non-binary and transmasculine), chronically ill, disabled, neuro-divergent and non-monogamous psychologist and they often work with clients from these communities, as well as fellow care workers and others who engage in social-justice work. They are also sex-work and kink affirming and liberation is at the core of all their work. Dr. Thomas works with adults with a variety of concerns and has specialties in treating: Grief, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, interpersonal trauma in childhood, dissociative disorders, and gender exploration/ transition support.
(617) 751-6289 View (617) 751-6289
Photo of Nikki Gamache, MA, LMHC, CGT, Counselor
Nikki Gamache
Counselor, MA, LMHC, CGT
Verified Verified
Northampton, MA 01060
Techniques like EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) empower you to gently explore your deepest pain and access your inner strength.
Unhealed trauma and loss can significantly impact our lives, making it challenging to experience happiness, clarity, compassion, and joy. These experiences can trap us in cycles of negative thoughts, behaviors, and feelings. You may yearn to break free from this cycle, but hopelessness and feeling trapped can be common. Trauma therapy can help! I specialize in intensive trauma therapy designed to help you address past traumas and break free from these cycles.
Techniques like EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) empower you to gently explore your deepest pain and access your inner strength.
Unhealed trauma and loss can significantly impact our lives, making it challenging to experience happiness, clarity, compassion, and joy. These experiences can trap us in cycles of negative thoughts, behaviors, and feelings. You may yearn to break free from this cycle, but hopelessness and feeling trapped can be common. Trauma therapy can help! I specialize in intensive trauma therapy designed to help you address past traumas and break free from these cycles.
(413) 304-2253 View (413) 304-2253
Photo of Amanda Sposato, MSW, LICSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Amanda Sposato
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Easthampton, MA 01027
As a relational psychodynamic psychotherapist, my aim is to build a compassionate and transparent therapeutic alliance with you where you can curiously explore those parts of yourself which are hidden, uncomfortable, or in pain.
I believe that every person makes sense in context. You might wonder why you often feel anxious, unfulfilled, or discontent. You might be curious about the patterns in your relationships or your reactions to others or events. You may wish to explore the ways you feel simultaneously connected and disconnected from yourself or the world. I'd love to work with you to help cultivate a curious stance to better understand yourself in the fuller context of your life. We will work together to expand your feelings of aliveness and acceptance while also helping you to more flexibly express needs, manage emotions, and deepen relationships.
As a relational psychodynamic psychotherapist, my aim is to build a compassionate and transparent therapeutic alliance with you where you can curiously explore those parts of yourself which are hidden, uncomfortable, or in pain.
I believe that every person makes sense in context. You might wonder why you often feel anxious, unfulfilled, or discontent. You might be curious about the patterns in your relationships or your reactions to others or events. You may wish to explore the ways you feel simultaneously connected and disconnected from yourself or the world. I'd love to work with you to help cultivate a curious stance to better understand yourself in the fuller context of your life. We will work together to expand your feelings of aliveness and acceptance while also helping you to more flexibly express needs, manage emotions, and deepen relationships.
(413) 588-7108 View (413) 588-7108
Photo of Lee Fournier-Lewis: Disability And Chronic Illness Coach, MSW
Lee Fournier-Lewis: Disability And Chronic Illness Coach
MSW
Verified Verified
Northampton, MA 01060  (Online Only)
Are you navigating life with chronic illness and/or pain? Living with injury? Feeling overwhelmed? Experiencing medical gaslighting? Navigating disability can be an isolating and exhausting process, but it does not have to be. Utilizing coaching services helps to make a plan, to organize your goals, to break down those goals into manageable and achievable tasks, working with the capacity you have while holding space for every emotion that arises. I am here to offer my lived and professional experience to help you take that overwhelm and turn it into an achievable plan executed from your grounded Self.
Are you navigating life with chronic illness and/or pain? Living with injury? Feeling overwhelmed? Experiencing medical gaslighting? Navigating disability can be an isolating and exhausting process, but it does not have to be. Utilizing coaching services helps to make a plan, to organize your goals, to break down those goals into manageable and achievable tasks, working with the capacity you have while holding space for every emotion that arises. I am here to offer my lived and professional experience to help you take that overwhelm and turn it into an achievable plan executed from your grounded Self.
(413) 610-3655 View (413) 610-3655
Photo of Cathy Pedevillano, LMHC, MA, MS, Counselor
Cathy Pedevillano
Counselor, LMHC, MA, MS
Verified Verified
Northampton, MA 01060
Waitlist for new clients
We are living in unprecedented times filled with great challenge and incredible opportunity for growth. Global and personal events can leave us feeling isolated, disconnected, anxious and depressed. We search for meaning and purpose amidst the overwhelm of loss, transition, disease and chronic pain. Yet, this chaos can be the grit that moves us toward greater awareness and freedom. Support, connection, compassion and skilled guidance can help us forge new pathways in our lives, our brains and our bodies. We then have more capacity to reclaim our inherent joy, creativity and the power to build a positive light-filled future.
We are living in unprecedented times filled with great challenge and incredible opportunity for growth. Global and personal events can leave us feeling isolated, disconnected, anxious and depressed. We search for meaning and purpose amidst the overwhelm of loss, transition, disease and chronic pain. Yet, this chaos can be the grit that moves us toward greater awareness and freedom. Support, connection, compassion and skilled guidance can help us forge new pathways in our lives, our brains and our bodies. We then have more capacity to reclaim our inherent joy, creativity and the power to build a positive light-filled future.
(413) 207-9959 View (413) 207-9959
Photo of Debra Krumholz, LMHC, MEd, MPH, Counselor
Debra Krumholz
Counselor, LMHC, MEd, MPH
Verified Verified
Northampton, MA 01060  (Online Only)
Most of us decide to enter into therapy because we are in pain and we want to find ways to end the pain. We feel stuck, without choices. While we are drawn to change and growth, it can also be very scary. As your therapist, I see it as my job to help you find the courage to see yourself clearly, to harness your own strength and resources, and to discover your own answers.
Most of us decide to enter into therapy because we are in pain and we want to find ways to end the pain. We feel stuck, without choices. While we are drawn to change and growth, it can also be very scary. As your therapist, I see it as my job to help you find the courage to see yourself clearly, to harness your own strength and resources, and to discover your own answers.
(413) 314-3162 View (413) 314-3162
Photo of Milton Hanzel, LMHC, Counselor
Milton Hanzel
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Northampton, MA 01060
My client is the expert on my client and my job is to help unlock their innate wisdom. Our troubles are the side effects of adaptations forged by hardship, and we can change them using strengths in ourselves, families and community. Feeling more connected to others involves communication skills, and tolerance for irritation and vulnerability (inevitable in close relationships). Therapy can help you hold your pain differently. You can feel better living with your past, instead of waiting to get rid of it. I help clients to address spiritual roadblocks and to help build a fulfilling and meaningful life, with the pain.
My client is the expert on my client and my job is to help unlock their innate wisdom. Our troubles are the side effects of adaptations forged by hardship, and we can change them using strengths in ourselves, families and community. Feeling more connected to others involves communication skills, and tolerance for irritation and vulnerability (inevitable in close relationships). Therapy can help you hold your pain differently. You can feel better living with your past, instead of waiting to get rid of it. I help clients to address spiritual roadblocks and to help build a fulfilling and meaningful life, with the pain.
(413) 848-8233 View (413) 848-8233

See more therapy options for Florence

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.