Therapists in Rockland, MA
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Check out therapists located nearby or offering teletherapy in Massachusetts below.More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Jennifer Anne Spinner - Jennifer Spinner LICSW, LCSW, MSW, LICSW, LCSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5281b52f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer Spinner LICSW, LCSW, MSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Brockton, MA 02301 (Online Only)
Calling ALL Couples! LGBTQ+, Heterosexual, Polyamorous, Monogamous, Monogamish, Open Relationships, ALL couples and ALL Relationships! I Can Help You! Presenting a Special Offer from Jennifer Spinner LCSW! I am a student obtaining RLT (Relational Life Therapy) Certification. I will submit a case review and am offering a special fee in return for couples willing to allow me to record as we do session. The RLT Method is Very Effective! I can save your relationship and give you hope again! I study with Terry Real who has saved many marriages! Call Now! Call Now. Malden, Brockton, Boston https:/www.jeakknniferspinnerlcsw.com
Calling ALL Couples! LGBTQ+, Heterosexual, Polyamorous, Monogamous, Monogamish, Open Relationships, ALL couples and ALL Relationships! I Can Help You! Presenting a Special Offer from Jennifer Spinner LCSW! I am a student obtaining RLT (Relational Life Therapy) Certification. I will submit a case review and am offering a special fee in return for couples willing to allow me to record as we do session. The RLT Method is Very Effective! I can save your relationship and give you hope again! I study with Terry Real who has saved many marriages! Call Now! Call Now. Malden, Brockton, Boston https:/www.jeakknniferspinnerlcsw.com
Online Therapists
![Photo of Elizabeth A Willems, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f292a76a-2c15-424b-9c57-bf6b849a6b33/2/320x400.png)
Elizabeth A. Willems es una Doctora en Psicología. Antes de proseguir con sus estudios de doctorado en psicología clínica, recibió una maestría en Relaciones Interculturales y una licenciatura en Sociología. Como científico del comportamiento, se sintió fascinada por la manera en que los antecedentes culturales pueden contribuir al desarrollo individual. En la actualidad, ofrece psicoterapia para adolescentes y adultos en una clínica privada en CDMX o online para los residentes de Califoria o Nueva York, EUA.
Elizabeth A. Willems es una Doctora en Psicología. Antes de proseguir con sus estudios de doctorado en psicología clínica, recibió una maestría en Relaciones Interculturales y una licenciatura en Sociología. Como científico del comportamiento, se sintió fascinada por la manera en que los antecedentes culturales pueden contribuir al desarrollo individual. En la actualidad, ofrece psicoterapia para adolescentes y adultos en una clínica privada en CDMX o online para los residentes de Califoria o Nueva York, EUA.
![Photo of Laura Medrano, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/308cd7ac-422c-4dad-9d0c-c7a8fef31d46/2/320x400.jpeg)
Every one of us has endured pain in our lives. Those events can affect our sense of inner security and the ability to mobilize our strengths. Whatever your history may be, transforming the way your mind, body and soul remember the pain, will put you on the path of more freedom to be your preferred self, and experience your relationships and your life to the fullest. Therapy could be that safe space where you can envision a desired life and future for yourself, breathe new hope and possibilities, and develop effective coping strategies that can be carried out outside our sessions.
Every one of us has endured pain in our lives. Those events can affect our sense of inner security and the ability to mobilize our strengths. Whatever your history may be, transforming the way your mind, body and soul remember the pain, will put you on the path of more freedom to be your preferred self, and experience your relationships and your life to the fullest. Therapy could be that safe space where you can envision a desired life and future for yourself, breathe new hope and possibilities, and develop effective coping strategies that can be carried out outside our sessions.
![Photo of Sky Gavis-Hughson, LCSW, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49b02736-02bd-4e01-a277-8141e20960e7/2/320x400.jpeg)
My clinical interests include LGBTQ+ identity, complex trauma, dissociation, attachment issues and boundaries, the impacts of systemic marginalization and oppression, chronic pain and illness, disability, spirituality, religious trauma, neurodivergence, body focused repetitive behaviors (BFRB), and self injurious and suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Now Accepting New Clients! I am a Licensed Certified Social Worker and Psychotherapist for And Still We Rise, LLC. I believe that we heal in relationships and am passionate about co-creating healing spaces that go beyond traditional talk-only, skills-based, and/or medical models of care. My approach includes highlighting clients’ existing resources and helping build new ones; unpacking how privilege and oppression impact clients’ lives and the therapeutic relationship; exploring internal conflicts; and offering a nonjudgmental, trauma-informed therapeutic space.
My clinical interests include LGBTQ+ identity, complex trauma, dissociation, attachment issues and boundaries, the impacts of systemic marginalization and oppression, chronic pain and illness, disability, spirituality, religious trauma, neurodivergence, body focused repetitive behaviors (BFRB), and self injurious and suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Now Accepting New Clients! I am a Licensed Certified Social Worker and Psychotherapist for And Still We Rise, LLC. I believe that we heal in relationships and am passionate about co-creating healing spaces that go beyond traditional talk-only, skills-based, and/or medical models of care. My approach includes highlighting clients’ existing resources and helping build new ones; unpacking how privilege and oppression impact clients’ lives and the therapeutic relationship; exploring internal conflicts; and offering a nonjudgmental, trauma-informed therapeutic space.
![Photo of Pam Greenberg, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6c1b5645-2ccd-4619-a90d-6626a8c8e3cb/4/320x400.jpeg)
Our pain is there for a reason, to point out patterns and behavior that are no longer working, and to open the gateway to a greater sense of happiness and wholeness.
I strive to get to know you in your totality— your strengths as well as your vulnerabilities, your dreams as well as your disappointments. Whether you are an adult seeking counseling for yourself or looking for support for a child or teen, I bring a wealth of experience working with issues ranging from depression and anxiety to behavioral concerns or school resistance. My approach is warm and compassionate, yet focused on helping each client make the changes needed to live a happier, more fulfilled life.
Our pain is there for a reason, to point out patterns and behavior that are no longer working, and to open the gateway to a greater sense of happiness and wholeness.
I strive to get to know you in your totality— your strengths as well as your vulnerabilities, your dreams as well as your disappointments. Whether you are an adult seeking counseling for yourself or looking for support for a child or teen, I bring a wealth of experience working with issues ranging from depression and anxiety to behavioral concerns or school resistance. My approach is warm and compassionate, yet focused on helping each client make the changes needed to live a happier, more fulfilled life.
![Photo of Michelle Grasso - Synergy Wellness Center, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d3d6036-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Synergy's clinical team has the following specialties and can assist you with: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Mood Disorders, Chronic Pain/Illness, Addiction, Relationship Issues, Parenting Concerns, Identity Exploration, Grief/Bereavement, Life Review, Academic and Career Transitions, Racial Identity Development, Racial Trauma.
Synergy Wellness Center supports the emotional, physical, and spiritual health of wellness seekers, with a distinct focus on caregiver support. Whether you are caring for loved ones, or are a caregiver by profession, Synergy offers an array of services customized to your individualized needs, including acupuncture, massage therapy, reflexology, yoga, energy healing, mental health counseling, life coaching, nutritional counseling, essential oils, speech/language consultations, inspiring workshops, and corporate wellness programs. Our team serves adults, youth, couples, and families,. We look forward to serving you at Synergy.
Synergy's clinical team has the following specialties and can assist you with: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Mood Disorders, Chronic Pain/Illness, Addiction, Relationship Issues, Parenting Concerns, Identity Exploration, Grief/Bereavement, Life Review, Academic and Career Transitions, Racial Identity Development, Racial Trauma.
Synergy Wellness Center supports the emotional, physical, and spiritual health of wellness seekers, with a distinct focus on caregiver support. Whether you are caring for loved ones, or are a caregiver by profession, Synergy offers an array of services customized to your individualized needs, including acupuncture, massage therapy, reflexology, yoga, energy healing, mental health counseling, life coaching, nutritional counseling, essential oils, speech/language consultations, inspiring workshops, and corporate wellness programs. Our team serves adults, youth, couples, and families,. We look forward to serving you at Synergy.
![Photo of Andrea DeBarros-Jensen, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/00254a4f-6302-4af0-b7fc-d293261a2bd9/2/320x400.jpeg)
Andrea DeBarros-Jensen
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Cambridge, MA 02139 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Dr. DeBarros-Jensen works with adults providing psychotherapy that integrates different approaches. Her areas of interest include: Anxiety, depression, trauma, marginalization stress, identity development, self-compassion, and interpersonal issues. Dr. DeBarros-Jensen also has extensive Health Psychology training, helping people with chronic pain, challenges with medication management, and terminal illness.
Dr. DeBarros-Jensen works with adults providing psychotherapy that integrates different approaches. Her areas of interest include: Anxiety, depression, trauma, marginalization stress, identity development, self-compassion, and interpersonal issues. Dr. DeBarros-Jensen also has extensive Health Psychology training, helping people with chronic pain, challenges with medication management, and terminal illness.
![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 Juan Ramos-Ayes, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44f3e9d9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a bilingual (Spanish-English) Clinical Psychologist that specializes in the impact of medical conditions (diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, chronic pain, endocrine problems, STD's, cancer, liver transplant, kidney transplant, among others) in the psychological, social and emotional wellbeing of the patients and families. I also specialize in depression, anxiety, adjustment process, life stressors, grief and loss, and smoking cessation.
I am a bilingual (Spanish-English) Clinical Psychologist that specializes in the impact of medical conditions (diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, chronic pain, endocrine problems, STD's, cancer, liver transplant, kidney transplant, among others) in the psychological, social and emotional wellbeing of the patients and families. I also specialize in depression, anxiety, adjustment process, life stressors, grief and loss, and smoking cessation.
![Photo of Jacqueline Diaz Maldonado, LMHC MA, LMHC CT, LMHC VT, LMHC NV, LPC/JD, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46b13abf-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Jacqueline Diaz Maldonado
Counselor, LMHC MA, LMHC CT, LMHC VT, LMHC NV, LPC/JD
Verified Verified
West Springfield, MA 01089 (Online Only)
Telehealth sessions only. I use experiential techniques and integrative psychotherapy: Attachment Focus EMDR, Creative Arts EMDR, Internal Family Systems, ACT, Schema Therapy, Child Work, Integral Deep Listening, Ego States, DBT and STAIR. I offer dating, premarital, couples and Family Counseling. If you are looking understand and manage traumatic experiences, child wounds and to improve your relationships I am here to help you go deep into those problems. I offer supportive counseling using Christian concepts and ! accept clients of all religions and beliefs. Hypnosis services ( check your insurance and condition first)
Telehealth sessions only. I use experiential techniques and integrative psychotherapy: Attachment Focus EMDR, Creative Arts EMDR, Internal Family Systems, ACT, Schema Therapy, Child Work, Integral Deep Listening, Ego States, DBT and STAIR. I offer dating, premarital, couples and Family Counseling. If you are looking understand and manage traumatic experiences, child wounds and to improve your relationships I am here to help you go deep into those problems. I offer supportive counseling using Christian concepts and ! accept clients of all religions and beliefs. Hypnosis services ( check your insurance and condition first)
![Photo of Michael Koren - Brighter Life Therapy, PLLC, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f04114c3-aa1a-42f9-a574-f12dabbc5f1d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Do You Feel Overwhelmed by Anxiety and Stress? At Brighter Life Therapy, we understand how challenging it can be to manage anxiety and stress, whether it's due to work, school, or personal life. You may experience constant worry, difficulty concentrating, or feelings of tension. Social situations might feel intimidating, or you may deal with panic attacks that leave you feeling out of control.
Do You Feel Overwhelmed by Anxiety and Stress? At Brighter Life Therapy, we understand how challenging it can be to manage anxiety and stress, whether it's due to work, school, or personal life. You may experience constant worry, difficulty concentrating, or feelings of tension. Social situations might feel intimidating, or you may deal with panic attacks that leave you feeling out of control.
![Photo of Patricia Wilde - Clear and Centered Counseling, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c78b0b3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Clear and Centered Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Woburn, MA 01801
Feeling depressed, anxious, and unable to concentrate. Perhaps your life isn't going in the direction you had hoped it would. Life can get difficult at times and counseling can truly make all the difference. I have over 15 years of counseling experience and draw upon solution focused treatment to help you start living the life you love. I invite you to call for an initial free phone consult. I work with children, adults, couples and families.
Feeling depressed, anxious, and unable to concentrate. Perhaps your life isn't going in the direction you had hoped it would. Life can get difficult at times and counseling can truly make all the difference. I have over 15 years of counseling experience and draw upon solution focused treatment to help you start living the life you love. I invite you to call for an initial free phone consult. I work with children, adults, couples and families.
![Photo of Monica Gil - Life Balancing Acts, LLC., MS, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48c14ec6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
We make our plans, we think we have everything covered, and suddenly Life happens. Sometimes it's an unexpected break up in a relationship; or maybe unforeseen health news for you or someone close to you; unexpected changes in your family due to immigration laws. At Life Balancing Acts, we understand the emotional stress that those circumstances may cause. CONSEJERIA/ TERAPIA EN ESPANOL INDIVIDUAL/ PAREJA.; TELETERAPIA EN ESPANOL. *** ACEPTAMOS NUEVOS CLIENTES PARA JUEVES.
We make our plans, we think we have everything covered, and suddenly Life happens. Sometimes it's an unexpected break up in a relationship; or maybe unforeseen health news for you or someone close to you; unexpected changes in your family due to immigration laws. At Life Balancing Acts, we understand the emotional stress that those circumstances may cause. CONSEJERIA/ TERAPIA EN ESPANOL INDIVIDUAL/ PAREJA.; TELETERAPIA EN ESPANOL. *** ACEPTAMOS NUEVOS CLIENTES PARA JUEVES.
![Photo of Paola Scardino, LMHC, CRC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4eac02b3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I believe that we all have the innate ability to thrive and be well in mind, given the right guidance, support and tools. To that goal, I provide individual psychotherapy to adults, couples, adolescents and families in a safe and supportive environment. Some of my specialty areas include anxiety disorders, depression and mood disorders, relational issues, family conflict, adjusting to life transitions, trauma, multicultural issues and LGBTQ clients.
I believe that we all have the innate ability to thrive and be well in mind, given the right guidance, support and tools. To that goal, I provide individual psychotherapy to adults, couples, adolescents and families in a safe and supportive environment. Some of my specialty areas include anxiety disorders, depression and mood disorders, relational issues, family conflict, adjusting to life transitions, trauma, multicultural issues and LGBTQ clients.
![Photo of Edward Tick, PhD, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/506e00bc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Edward Tick
Counselor, PhD, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Belchertown, MA 01007
Waitlist for new clients
I practice soul work, helping restore and heal our connection to our deepest Self. I especially work with military and veterans, spiritual seekers, writers and artists in all genres, mid-life crises, men's issues, trauma and abuse survivors. I welcome clients seeking positive and comprehensive growth and change, a discovery or restoration of their gifts and creativity, and a deep healing relationship "out of the box." I do not practice conventional therapy for merely repairing our issues and adjusting to unhappy conditions. Rather, I nurture the unique soul and spirit in each person toward achieving meaning and creativity.
I practice soul work, helping restore and heal our connection to our deepest Self. I especially work with military and veterans, spiritual seekers, writers and artists in all genres, mid-life crises, men's issues, trauma and abuse survivors. I welcome clients seeking positive and comprehensive growth and change, a discovery or restoration of their gifts and creativity, and a deep healing relationship "out of the box." I do not practice conventional therapy for merely repairing our issues and adjusting to unhappy conditions. Rather, I nurture the unique soul and spirit in each person toward achieving meaning and creativity.
![Photo of Rachael Duda Maitland, RYT , APP, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7af0d823-3e04-47f8-8c5f-4566e43ba11e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rachael Duda Maitland
Counselor, RYT , APP, LMHC
Verified Verified
Salem, MA 01970
Waitlist for new clients
My focus is to offer a supportive and welcoming space for you to explore your process of healing, and to step into the brilliance of and belonging with all that you are. I offer a compassionate, creative, collaborative, intuitive, trauma-informed, and skill-based approach to the work. My view of holistic is one that considers a systemic lens, as well as the use of integrative modalities that support a mind-body approach for embodied living. I work with individuals navigating life transitions, relationships, fertility, grief, anxiety, depression, and trauma.
My focus is to offer a supportive and welcoming space for you to explore your process of healing, and to step into the brilliance of and belonging with all that you are. I offer a compassionate, creative, collaborative, intuitive, trauma-informed, and skill-based approach to the work. My view of holistic is one that considers a systemic lens, as well as the use of integrative modalities that support a mind-body approach for embodied living. I work with individuals navigating life transitions, relationships, fertility, grief, anxiety, depression, and trauma.
![Photo of Elaine Campbell - River Valley Counseling Center, Psy D, LICSW, LMHC, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/465f6ba4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
RVCC is a multi-service community-based mental health agency serving the Pioneer Valley since 1953. RVCC offers counseling and medication management at offices located in offices located in Holyoke, Chicopee, Easthampton, Springfield, and Westfield. RVCC also provides counseling in schools throughout Hampden and Hampshire Counties and on the campuses of Springfield Technical Community College and Bay Path University.
RVCC is a multi-service community-based mental health agency serving the Pioneer Valley since 1953. RVCC offers counseling and medication management at offices located in offices located in Holyoke, Chicopee, Easthampton, Springfield, and Westfield. RVCC also provides counseling in schools throughout Hampden and Hampshire Counties and on the campuses of Springfield Technical Community College and Bay Path University.
![Photo of Gladys Cano - Cano Counseling., LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cb03f85e-0a15-4656-856a-ea508c52420e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Cano Counseling.
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Attleboro, MA 02703 (Online Only)
Only providing virtual appointments. At any given point in our lives, whether we are young or old, we encounter problems and challenges that we might need help with. My desire as a clinician is to help you through these challenging times. I firmly believe in and am passionate about helping people. I believe that everyone has the power to change and I see myself as being able to help you in this process. I provide counseling to adolescents, adults, couples and families.
Only providing virtual appointments. At any given point in our lives, whether we are young or old, we encounter problems and challenges that we might need help with. My desire as a clinician is to help you through these challenging times. I firmly believe in and am passionate about helping people. I believe that everyone has the power to change and I see myself as being able to help you in this process. I provide counseling to adolescents, adults, couples and families.
![Photo of Nancy Villa, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dfee99cf-dd07-447c-9fc8-96f877f850ed/1/320x400.jpeg)
I believe it's crucial to acknowledge that feelings associated with anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions are inherent to the human experience. My aim is to provide compassionate guidance in navigating these emotions, empowering individuals to effectively manage them and lead more fulfilling lives. Central to my approach is the concept of reducing the overwhelming intensity of these feelings, enabling individuals to gain clarity and perspective. By helping clients "turn down the volume" on their emotional turmoil, I strive to create space for them to explore and understand themselves more deeply.
I believe it's crucial to acknowledge that feelings associated with anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions are inherent to the human experience. My aim is to provide compassionate guidance in navigating these emotions, empowering individuals to effectively manage them and lead more fulfilling lives. Central to my approach is the concept of reducing the overwhelming intensity of these feelings, enabling individuals to gain clarity and perspective. By helping clients "turn down the volume" on their emotional turmoil, I strive to create space for them to explore and understand themselves more deeply.
![Photo of Alicia Marie Casey, MA, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8d4aa761-c935-44d0-80f6-872e446a6f9d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alicia Marie Casey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LICSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Beverly, MA 01915
Waitlist for new clients
Hello! I am currently offering telehealth services for clients; primarily young adults and adults. I specialize in helping clients cope with and manage anxiety, depression, mood or emotional dysregulation, and interpersonal or family conflict related issues. Techniques I explore include: CBT, motivational exercises, expressive based techniques, & humor! My goal in working with you is to establish a safe and empathic relationship, work to find a clearer understanding of your current difficulties, reduce & improve symptom management; strive for balance and acceptance in your life, and experience an overall improved quality of life.
Hello! I am currently offering telehealth services for clients; primarily young adults and adults. I specialize in helping clients cope with and manage anxiety, depression, mood or emotional dysregulation, and interpersonal or family conflict related issues. Techniques I explore include: CBT, motivational exercises, expressive based techniques, & humor! My goal in working with you is to establish a safe and empathic relationship, work to find a clearer understanding of your current difficulties, reduce & improve symptom management; strive for balance and acceptance in your life, and experience an overall improved quality of life.
See more therapy options for Rockland
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.