Chronic Pain Therapists in Sharon, MA
![Photo of William Jackson Mindfulness Based Therapy, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/532b1fc5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in mindfulness based therapies and working with patients with co-morbid anxiety, depression, mood disturbance and other psychological symptoms causing, attributing or resulting from chronic pain or illness.
Where do you want to be in your life? What are the clear and practical steps to get there? How do you find the understanding, compassion and motivation to take those steps? These are the kinds of questions we will address while working together. As a clinical health psychologist and former Buddhist monk I use a collaborative approach focused on developing more personal well-being. I am a husband, father, brother and business owner who values individual perspectives, personal priorities and kindness. I am hard to offend and quick to trust with a healthy sense of humor.
I specialize in mindfulness based therapies and working with patients with co-morbid anxiety, depression, mood disturbance and other psychological symptoms causing, attributing or resulting from chronic pain or illness.
Where do you want to be in your life? What are the clear and practical steps to get there? How do you find the understanding, compassion and motivation to take those steps? These are the kinds of questions we will address while working together. As a clinical health psychologist and former Buddhist monk I use a collaborative approach focused on developing more personal well-being. I am a husband, father, brother and business owner who values individual perspectives, personal priorities and kindness. I am hard to offend and quick to trust with a healthy sense of humor.
![Photo of Batya Drapkin Greene, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e897f717-3d0b-4f33-bc31-02661583d3ef/3/320x400.jpeg)
My practice includes areas of anxiety, depression, life transitions, divorce, pregnancy loss, grief and bereavement, pet loss, and physical illness.
In my gentle and collaborative style of practice, I support the well being of my clients as they navigate life’s transitions and challenges. With over a decade of clinical work in hospice and outpatient mental health settings, I understand that change and transitions are unavoidable and often uncomfortable features of life. I approach our process from a strengths perspective which will identify your unique abilities, wisdom, and inner resources. We will focus on discovering and practicing skills which will become your tool kit for living your best life.
My practice includes areas of anxiety, depression, life transitions, divorce, pregnancy loss, grief and bereavement, pet loss, and physical illness.
In my gentle and collaborative style of practice, I support the well being of my clients as they navigate life’s transitions and challenges. With over a decade of clinical work in hospice and outpatient mental health settings, I understand that change and transitions are unavoidable and often uncomfortable features of life. I approach our process from a strengths perspective which will identify your unique abilities, wisdom, and inner resources. We will focus on discovering and practicing skills which will become your tool kit for living your best life.
![Photo of Daniel Epstein, MA, LMT, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/65b17aa5-2b21-4823-8240-6f4de8592ef9/1/320x400.jpeg)
My specialties include anxiety, depression, addiction, as well as chronic pain syndromes.
If you're seeking help with anxiety, depression, addiction or couples issues, I can support you to access the power of your body and mind to resolve painful and persistent symptoms by finding new ways of thinking and feeling. I love helping people find solutions and skills to improve their experience of life. Sometimes it takes understanding and resolving trauma and others it seems a matter of learning new skills and making new steps toward a better life. I believe deeply in one's own inner wisdom and ability to change, no matter what the circumstances have been .
My specialties include anxiety, depression, addiction, as well as chronic pain syndromes.
If you're seeking help with anxiety, depression, addiction or couples issues, I can support you to access the power of your body and mind to resolve painful and persistent symptoms by finding new ways of thinking and feeling. I love helping people find solutions and skills to improve their experience of life. Sometimes it takes understanding and resolving trauma and others it seems a matter of learning new skills and making new steps toward a better life. I believe deeply in one's own inner wisdom and ability to change, no matter what the circumstances have been .
![Photo of Susan P. Cetlin, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/342f64b8-1acc-45da-9797-16e436b59c1c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mindfulness meditation, as well as other mind/body techniques, is a powerful tool to alleviate stress, anxiety and pain, gain awareness, and tap into a reservoir of creativity, calm, wisdom and joy.
In a warm, compassionate & friendly manner, I hope to guide my clients to identify and alleviate life challenges and empower them to achieve their potential. Symptoms include stress, anxiety, depression, trauma & dissociation, learning and behavioral difficulty, developmental issues, relationship conflicts, social anxiety, loss/grief, life transitions, parenting stress, health/medical concerns, healthy life style, physical pain, chronic illness, peer issues, Aspergers & PDD, adoption and bariatric surgery consultation. Approaches include cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, interpersonal, supportive, and mind/body techniques (e.g., mindfulness meditation, relaxation, visualization and Qi Gong). I am trained in EFT. I am interested in the role of spirituality and religion on well-being.
Mindfulness meditation, as well as other mind/body techniques, is a powerful tool to alleviate stress, anxiety and pain, gain awareness, and tap into a reservoir of creativity, calm, wisdom and joy.
In a warm, compassionate & friendly manner, I hope to guide my clients to identify and alleviate life challenges and empower them to achieve their potential. Symptoms include stress, anxiety, depression, trauma & dissociation, learning and behavioral difficulty, developmental issues, relationship conflicts, social anxiety, loss/grief, life transitions, parenting stress, health/medical concerns, healthy life style, physical pain, chronic illness, peer issues, Aspergers & PDD, adoption and bariatric surgery consultation. Approaches include cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, interpersonal, supportive, and mind/body techniques (e.g., mindfulness meditation, relaxation, visualization and Qi Gong). I am trained in EFT. I am interested in the role of spirituality and religion on well-being.
![Photo of Carmel T Drewes, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/58c035f0-2a5a-4ffa-9976-1366dce19b31/2/320x400.jpeg)
Carmel T Drewes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Sharon, MA 02067
Waitlist for new clients
I am trained in EMDR, which can be used as an intervention for trauma healing, chronic pain, addiction recovery, and other issues.
I work with many types of clients, addressing many life issues, but my specialization is working with people who have been targets of physical or emotional harm due to who they are or who they are perceived to be. This includes people targeted on the basis of race, ethnicity, or heritage; gender, sexuality, or gender expression; religious or faith beliefs/practices; or other aspects of identity. Most clients I work with have post-trauma, anxiety, and/or depression symptoms. I believe in the importance of helping clients explore the root causes of their symptoms, while also finding interventions to address those symptoms.
I am trained in EMDR, which can be used as an intervention for trauma healing, chronic pain, addiction recovery, and other issues.
I work with many types of clients, addressing many life issues, but my specialization is working with people who have been targets of physical or emotional harm due to who they are or who they are perceived to be. This includes people targeted on the basis of race, ethnicity, or heritage; gender, sexuality, or gender expression; religious or faith beliefs/practices; or other aspects of identity. Most clients I work with have post-trauma, anxiety, and/or depression symptoms. I believe in the importance of helping clients explore the root causes of their symptoms, while also finding interventions to address those symptoms.
![Photo of Maryellen Newman - A New Approach, LMHC, BCBA, LABA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/28238a32-d5e8-4449-994c-ab57c024580f/2/320x400.jpeg)
We have therapists that specialize in grief, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, family systems, life transitions, parenting.
What if each member of your home could find happiness? Lower stress? Improve behavior? Communicate more effectively? Stop walking on eggshells? Manage their emotions? What if life became a little easier or more bearable, or even enjoyable?! What if the tension was lower? We work with children, adults and family units to learn what those unhelpful thinking patterns are and how to change them; how to move away from isolation; change behavior so there are more positive outcomes; take back control of their emotions and their lives; connect more deeply.
We have therapists that specialize in grief, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, family systems, life transitions, parenting.
What if each member of your home could find happiness? Lower stress? Improve behavior? Communicate more effectively? Stop walking on eggshells? Manage their emotions? What if life became a little easier or more bearable, or even enjoyable?! What if the tension was lower? We work with children, adults and family units to learn what those unhelpful thinking patterns are and how to change them; how to move away from isolation; change behavior so there are more positive outcomes; take back control of their emotions and their lives; connect more deeply.
![Photo of Juliana Zee, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49ea79a2-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Please Note: I presently am not accepting new patients. If you are managing a recent loss, coping with anxiety, depression or physical illness, it can be helpful to talk to a therapist. I enjoy working with people from adolescent to elder, and with couples of any age. Sometimes anxiety can keep us from accomplishing what we want to in life, or insomnia makes it difficult to engage with the world as fully as we would like to. I have worked with many of these kinds of issues, as well as those experiencing life-changing health problems including diabetes, pain and cancer.
Please Note: I presently am not accepting new patients. If you are managing a recent loss, coping with anxiety, depression or physical illness, it can be helpful to talk to a therapist. I enjoy working with people from adolescent to elder, and with couples of any age. Sometimes anxiety can keep us from accomplishing what we want to in life, or insomnia makes it difficult to engage with the world as fully as we would like to. I have worked with many of these kinds of issues, as well as those experiencing life-changing health problems including diabetes, pain and cancer.
![Photo of Beth Deborah Haase, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c794bb2-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Deciding to see a therapist is the first, and sometimes the most difficult, step on your journey to emotional wellness. I am here to offer a safe and confidential space so you can communicate freely and experience your feelings without having to hold back.
Deciding to see a therapist is the first, and sometimes the most difficult, step on your journey to emotional wellness. I am here to offer a safe and confidential space so you can communicate freely and experience your feelings without having to hold back.
![Photo of James M Horvitz, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3be20488-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I utilize an active approach in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, addictions, work and family stress with a specialty in panic disorders. I can help people move forward by working on the connections between people's thoughts and their resulting emotions. Although I cannot prescribe medication I have a degree in psychopharmacology and can make recommendations for medication assistance when appropriate.
I utilize an active approach in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, addictions, work and family stress with a specialty in panic disorders. I can help people move forward by working on the connections between people's thoughts and their resulting emotions. Although I cannot prescribe medication I have a degree in psychopharmacology and can make recommendations for medication assistance when appropriate.
![Photo of David Pransky, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f1842782-1d37-44a1-af1b-b659d9de1262/2/320x400.jpeg)
With a direct, authentic, and light-hearted approach, I form genuine connections with my clients, and work collaboratively to establish and achieve their goals. Through developing increased self-awareness and enhancing coping skills, my clients are better able to manage their symptoms. This process ultimately leads to improved daily functioning and overall life satisfaction.
With a direct, authentic, and light-hearted approach, I form genuine connections with my clients, and work collaboratively to establish and achieve their goals. Through developing increased self-awareness and enhancing coping skills, my clients are better able to manage their symptoms. This process ultimately leads to improved daily functioning and overall life satisfaction.
![Photo of Jacqueline Wiener, LICSW, MPH, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3de1b5c1-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Jacqueline Wiener
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MPH
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Sharon, MA 02067
Compassion is the most significant and integral component of therapy. My goal is to create a warm, respectful environment in which clients feel comfortable exploring their innermost feelings. Genuine and empathic in my approach, I believe in the strength of the individual to face life's challenges and to create new patterns of behavior and communication. I also believe clients must have compassion for themselves. Such compassion will lead to greater curiosity of the self and acceptance of one's experiences. This, in turn, enables the individual to see more clearly, gain new perspectives and find new solutions.
Compassion is the most significant and integral component of therapy. My goal is to create a warm, respectful environment in which clients feel comfortable exploring their innermost feelings. Genuine and empathic in my approach, I believe in the strength of the individual to face life's challenges and to create new patterns of behavior and communication. I also believe clients must have compassion for themselves. Such compassion will lead to greater curiosity of the self and acceptance of one's experiences. This, in turn, enables the individual to see more clearly, gain new perspectives and find new solutions.
![Photo of Elizabeth Quigley - Elizabeth Quigley, LICSW, New Inspiration , LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c7fd4ccd-aa51-492f-9120-260b8d3a46f8/1/320x400.png)
Elizabeth Quigley, LICSW, New Inspiration
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Sharon, MA 02067 (Online Only)
You want to feel better and do better in your life, and now, perhaps more than ever, you need someone – someone REALLY helpful – “in your corner” to help you turn things around. I’m willing and able to do just that. Together, we can do this: I use a range of solution-focused approaches: treatments that work (CBT, DBT, and whatever else works). We’ll figure out exactly how you’ve “gotten here,” plan a way out, and I’ll guide you along the way…as we activate your strengths and your inner resources to live a better life. I work with adults, teens, and families and I’m available immediately to give you the help you need and deserve.
You want to feel better and do better in your life, and now, perhaps more than ever, you need someone – someone REALLY helpful – “in your corner” to help you turn things around. I’m willing and able to do just that. Together, we can do this: I use a range of solution-focused approaches: treatments that work (CBT, DBT, and whatever else works). We’ll figure out exactly how you’ve “gotten here,” plan a way out, and I’ll guide you along the way…as we activate your strengths and your inner resources to live a better life. I work with adults, teens, and families and I’m available immediately to give you the help you need and deserve.
![Photo of Susan Hronsky Davidson, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48abdb1f-1039-491b-863a-56e1c20524fc/1/320x400.jpeg)
Susan Hronsky Davidson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Sharon, MA 02067 (Online Only)
Are you feeling anxious? While you want to feel confident and have peace of mind, you feel constantly stressed. Despite the desire for contentment, anxiety can be overwhelming. It can affect your social well being, your productivity and even your health. That’s where I come in. With over 30 years of clinical experience, my extensive training as a child and adult psychologist, and my approachable warm style, I’ve guided thousands of clients to an improved quality of life. My passion lies in helping individuals of all ages conquer anxiety and create a healthier lifestyle using evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Are you feeling anxious? While you want to feel confident and have peace of mind, you feel constantly stressed. Despite the desire for contentment, anxiety can be overwhelming. It can affect your social well being, your productivity and even your health. That’s where I come in. With over 30 years of clinical experience, my extensive training as a child and adult psychologist, and my approachable warm style, I’ve guided thousands of clients to an improved quality of life. My passion lies in helping individuals of all ages conquer anxiety and create a healthier lifestyle using evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
![Photo of Cathy C Renz - Renz Counseling, LLC / Cathy Renz, LICSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d8f1dc3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Renz Counseling, LLC / Cathy Renz, LICSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Sharon, MA 02067 (Online Only)
**TELEHEALTH OFFERED!** With warmth, kindness and seriousness, we work with children, adults, couples and adolescents to manage the often profound stresses of marriage/relationships, work/school and identity. We work to help clients better understand their own histories, and how past hurt, trauma or turmoil can impact their current relationships. In our private practice, we work with people to strengthen their resilience and identify strategies for coping.
**TELEHEALTH OFFERED!** With warmth, kindness and seriousness, we work with children, adults, couples and adolescents to manage the often profound stresses of marriage/relationships, work/school and identity. We work to help clients better understand their own histories, and how past hurt, trauma or turmoil can impact their current relationships. In our private practice, we work with people to strengthen their resilience and identify strategies for coping.
![Photo of Jacleen Charbonneau, MA, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/054591aa-28f7-4b4c-86c1-46df29fe1eaf/1/320x400.jpeg)
Working with older teens & young adults — including college students & young professionals— I help clients navigate concerns such as anxiety, depression, and life adjustments that are causing stress, low self esteem, relationship concerns, stress due to perfectionism, feeling on edge, panic attacks, social isolation, feelings of “imposter syndrome,” & more. Navigating the 20s is a difficult time for many, as this is a time of internal and external changes that occur simultaneously, whether this includes one’s exploration of both personal and professional identity, relationship satisfaction, accommodating to a new city, and more.
Working with older teens & young adults — including college students & young professionals— I help clients navigate concerns such as anxiety, depression, and life adjustments that are causing stress, low self esteem, relationship concerns, stress due to perfectionism, feeling on edge, panic attacks, social isolation, feelings of “imposter syndrome,” & more. Navigating the 20s is a difficult time for many, as this is a time of internal and external changes that occur simultaneously, whether this includes one’s exploration of both personal and professional identity, relationship satisfaction, accommodating to a new city, and more.
![Photo of Kim Kidders-Montoya, LMHC, RDT, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e3410bd0-1ba3-43ac-9b98-0ebae20b4c64/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kim Kidders-Montoya is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and a Registered Drama Therapist (RDT) with over 6 years of experience. Kim is passionate about working with youth, adults, and their families to help them manage life's transitions and the complexities that make life worth living. Kim specializes in family dynamics, stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, and empowerment. Kim uses empathy and compassion stemming from awareness that everyone comes from different backgrounds and identities.
Kim Kidders-Montoya is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and a Registered Drama Therapist (RDT) with over 6 years of experience. Kim is passionate about working with youth, adults, and their families to help them manage life's transitions and the complexities that make life worth living. Kim specializes in family dynamics, stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, and empowerment. Kim uses empathy and compassion stemming from awareness that everyone comes from different backgrounds and identities.
![Photo of Lisa M Hoffman, MA, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d11932ad-6808-41f4-8fd0-21a14d821e83/1/320x400.jpeg)
Whether you are seeking help during a crisis and/or wanting to explore and alter unhelpful life patterns, I welcome your call/email. I have extensive experience in a wide range of areas including issues related to anxiety, depression, substance-use disorders and trauma. I work with individuals and couples. Many of the people with whom I work do not take psychotropic medication - I believe in the healing potential of psychotherapy along with non-pharmaceutical adjuncts (e.g., movement, pursuit of passion, nutrition and related self-care), when appropriate. My framework is primarily psychodynamic. I aim to work at a deep level.
Whether you are seeking help during a crisis and/or wanting to explore and alter unhelpful life patterns, I welcome your call/email. I have extensive experience in a wide range of areas including issues related to anxiety, depression, substance-use disorders and trauma. I work with individuals and couples. Many of the people with whom I work do not take psychotropic medication - I believe in the healing potential of psychotherapy along with non-pharmaceutical adjuncts (e.g., movement, pursuit of passion, nutrition and related self-care), when appropriate. My framework is primarily psychodynamic. I aim to work at a deep level.
![Photo of Lori Miller-Freitas, LICSW, NBCCH, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/405cd419-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Lori Miller-Freitas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, NBCCH
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sharon, MA 02067
Not accepting new clients
I am a trauma specialist that has found that the disturbing events and large traumas in life can create anxiety, depression, chronic pain and illness.
I believe that therapy helps people move through the blocks in their life that keep them from meeting their full potential. The therapies I use, EMDR, Brainspotting, Gentle Reprocessing and Hypnotherapy dissolve those blocks. It could be past trauma or the smaller traumas in life that leave us with negative beliefs that prevent full access to our core. Get to your core and change your life! EMDR, Brainspotting, Gentle Reprocessing, Hypnosis, TAT, other energy therapies will facilitate the healthy change you desire.
I am a trauma specialist that has found that the disturbing events and large traumas in life can create anxiety, depression, chronic pain and illness.
I believe that therapy helps people move through the blocks in their life that keep them from meeting their full potential. The therapies I use, EMDR, Brainspotting, Gentle Reprocessing and Hypnotherapy dissolve those blocks. It could be past trauma or the smaller traumas in life that leave us with negative beliefs that prevent full access to our core. Get to your core and change your life! EMDR, Brainspotting, Gentle Reprocessing, Hypnosis, TAT, other energy therapies will facilitate the healthy change you desire.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Matt Raspanti, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/565c7d7d-b279-4a35-8fae-75bb098f22a9/2/320x400.jpeg)
I work with adults to address issues related to chronic pain, substance use, relationship difficulties, anxiety, and depression.
I am currently accepting new clients. Wherever you may be at in your journey, I look forward to joining you on your path towards greater mental and emotional well-being. I create a safe, nonjudgmental space to explore your thoughts and feelings, and prioritize understanding things from your viewpoint. My main goal is to empower you as we collaborate to examine the impact of your experiences and stressors from new perspectives, to help you heal, and grow.
I work with adults to address issues related to chronic pain, substance use, relationship difficulties, anxiety, and depression.
I am currently accepting new clients. Wherever you may be at in your journey, I look forward to joining you on your path towards greater mental and emotional well-being. I create a safe, nonjudgmental space to explore your thoughts and feelings, and prioritize understanding things from your viewpoint. My main goal is to empower you as we collaborate to examine the impact of your experiences and stressors from new perspectives, to help you heal, and grow.
![Photo of John C Smolenski Jr - Paragon Mental Health Counseling, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/76842953-9ef9-44e5-b11d-e5dee7972f9b/3/320x400.jpeg)
My specialties include helping clients presenting with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, physical disability, chronic health issues, chronic pain, and college-aged/ emerging adults coping with difficult life adjustments.
Are you exhausted by the daily struggle of living with depression, anxiety, or self-esteem issues? Does academic stress or entering into adulthood feel like an impossible challenge? Do you live with chronic pain, disability, or health conditions that cause emotional distress or feelings of isolation? Our mission is to excel at facilitating the positive change and healing you've been needing in your life. We achieve this not only with talk-therapy, but also by teaching applicable skills and coping strategies to be used daily as you navigate through adversity and strive for self-growth.
My specialties include helping clients presenting with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, physical disability, chronic health issues, chronic pain, and college-aged/ emerging adults coping with difficult life adjustments.
Are you exhausted by the daily struggle of living with depression, anxiety, or self-esteem issues? Does academic stress or entering into adulthood feel like an impossible challenge? Do you live with chronic pain, disability, or health conditions that cause emotional distress or feelings of isolation? Our mission is to excel at facilitating the positive change and healing you've been needing in your life. We achieve this not only with talk-therapy, but also by teaching applicable skills and coping strategies to be used daily as you navigate through adversity and strive for self-growth.
See more therapy options for Sharon
Nearby Chronic Pain Therapists Searches for Sharon
- Canton
- Easton
- Foxboro
- Foxborough
- Mansfield
- Norfolk
- North Easton
- Norwood
- South Easton
- Stoughton
- Walpole
- Westwood
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.