Chronic Pain Therapists in Westwood, MA
![Photo of Rachel Daws, LICSW, MPH, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a61fae0a-9887-49b0-9c88-7339977795f7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rachel Daws
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MPH
Verified Verified
Westwood, MA 02090 (Online Only)
Hi, I’m Rachel, a licensed clinical social worker passionate about integrative behavioral health and holistic wellness. I’m dedicated to helping adults in their 20s to 50s who are navigating challenges like depression, anxiety, ADHD, or PTSD, as well as health concerns like diabetes, chronic pain, sleep apnea and more. My goal is to support you in enhancing your quality of life through personalized, compassionate care. Together, we’ll work to break down the barriers preventing you from achieving optimal health and reclaiming your life! Let’s embark on this journey towards wellness and achieve your goals together.
Hi, I’m Rachel, a licensed clinical social worker passionate about integrative behavioral health and holistic wellness. I’m dedicated to helping adults in their 20s to 50s who are navigating challenges like depression, anxiety, ADHD, or PTSD, as well as health concerns like diabetes, chronic pain, sleep apnea and more. My goal is to support you in enhancing your quality of life through personalized, compassionate care. Together, we’ll work to break down the barriers preventing you from achieving optimal health and reclaiming your life! Let’s embark on this journey towards wellness and achieve your goals together.
![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
Westwood, MA 02090
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 Megan L McGrath, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7982b82b-6b46-4cdc-b8c7-8aaea7f102b8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Megan L McGrath
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Westwood, MA 02090
Not accepting new clients
I am a licensed independent clinical social worker who received their undergraduate and graduate degree from Boston College. I worked at Massachusetts General Hospital and McLean Hospital before entering into private practice. I treat individuals from age 14 through adult and older adulthood, having completed clinical internships in graduate school at a school for children with special needs and the geriatric training program at the Veterans Administration Medical Center.
I am a licensed independent clinical social worker who received their undergraduate and graduate degree from Boston College. I worked at Massachusetts General Hospital and McLean Hospital before entering into private practice. I treat individuals from age 14 through adult and older adulthood, having completed clinical internships in graduate school at a school for children with special needs and the geriatric training program at the Veterans Administration Medical Center.
![Photo of Kathy Herzog, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bf39044-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/5/320x400.jpeg)
My particular therapeutic approach honors your individuality and desire for changing important aspects of your life. I believe that a spirit of collaboration is the best way to work together. In my work, I have found we all have a basic capacity for change and transformation, and that we are all "wired" for growth and healing. Psychotherapy offers a unique opportunity to tap into our own innate and deep desire to be known, seen, and recognized as we strive to come into contact with parts of ourselves that may seem frozen, stuck, or unavailable.
My particular therapeutic approach honors your individuality and desire for changing important aspects of your life. I believe that a spirit of collaboration is the best way to work together. In my work, I have found we all have a basic capacity for change and transformation, and that we are all "wired" for growth and healing. Psychotherapy offers a unique opportunity to tap into our own innate and deep desire to be known, seen, and recognized as we strive to come into contact with parts of ourselves that may seem frozen, stuck, or unavailable.
![Photo of Raven Anne Register, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51ad0daa-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Raven Anne Register
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westwood, MA 02090
Not accepting new clients
Finding the right therapist with whom to create a strong therapeutic alliance is paramount to success. I work with my clients in a framework of compassion, honesty, trust and safety. Together we will identify your goals, empower you to change what you can in your life and to learn acceptance, not passive resignation, for that which you can not change. Carl Jung put it best, “I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become”.
Finding the right therapist with whom to create a strong therapeutic alliance is paramount to success. I work with my clients in a framework of compassion, honesty, trust and safety. Together we will identify your goals, empower you to change what you can in your life and to learn acceptance, not passive resignation, for that which you can not change. Carl Jung put it best, “I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become”.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Elena Crisp, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c3de8c5e-23db-41ec-b58b-81ff30ae104c/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in working with those who suffer from chronic pain, helping them to reclaim healing and empowerment.
Welcome. It takes courage to start therapy. As you enter this process of exploring yourself, I can offer expert guidance to help you untangle the messiness of life and move forward with greater authenticity and fulfillment. My approach to therapy focuses on building a trusting and interactive relationship that offers a safe place to explore and uncover truths with clarity. I offer empathy, curiosity, humor and accountability to foster collaboration and hope. I deeply believe in one's resiliency and my goal is always to help my clients more clearly see their innate strengths as the building blocks for change.
I specialize in working with those who suffer from chronic pain, helping them to reclaim healing and empowerment.
Welcome. It takes courage to start therapy. As you enter this process of exploring yourself, I can offer expert guidance to help you untangle the messiness of life and move forward with greater authenticity and fulfillment. My approach to therapy focuses on building a trusting and interactive relationship that offers a safe place to explore and uncover truths with clarity. I offer empathy, curiosity, humor and accountability to foster collaboration and hope. I deeply believe in one's resiliency and my goal is always to help my clients more clearly see their innate strengths as the building blocks for change.
![Photo of Carol A McKenna, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6e0973d3-a260-4015-8771-9bb6a58fd927/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a clinical psychologist with a specialty in health psychology and I can help you learn to deal more effectively with management of stress, chronic medical illness, neurologic disorders, pain and general health issues. My approach to cases is from a biopsychosocial perspective which considers and evaluates how biological, psychological and social factors impact on functioning and overall adjustment.
I am a clinical psychologist with a specialty in health psychology and I can help you learn to deal more effectively with management of stress, chronic medical illness, neurologic disorders, pain and general health issues. My approach to cases is from a biopsychosocial perspective which considers and evaluates how biological, psychological and social factors impact on functioning and overall adjustment.
![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 Erin Kuehn, MSW, LICSW, CAGS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46fae6e5-bc27-47b3-a077-1f24096b5019/2/320x400.jpeg)
Erin Kuehn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, CAGS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Newton, MA 02459 (Online Only)
I access various treatment modalities including CBT, ERP, ACT, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Meditation & Yoga, & I treat a variety of conditions such as anxiety, depression, chronic pain, OCD, substance use & trauma.
Hi! I hope that you find this information helpful. Cultivating health, healing & change guides my work as a clinical social worker. As your therapist, I can provide you with a supportive & collaborative partnership to help with your current circumstances & propel you toward your goals. Through connection and compassion, you will be able to increase your self-awareness & make choices about how you want to respond to your experiences. Using various resources & strategies, you will be an active participant in your treatment and develop the skills you need to provide yourself with effective self-care.
I access various treatment modalities including CBT, ERP, ACT, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Meditation & Yoga, & I treat a variety of conditions such as anxiety, depression, chronic pain, OCD, substance use & trauma.
Hi! I hope that you find this information helpful. Cultivating health, healing & change guides my work as a clinical social worker. As your therapist, I can provide you with a supportive & collaborative partnership to help with your current circumstances & propel you toward your goals. Through connection and compassion, you will be able to increase your self-awareness & make choices about how you want to respond to your experiences. Using various resources & strategies, you will be an active participant in your treatment and develop the skills you need to provide yourself with effective self-care.
![Photo of Michael Schonberg, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43d3b21f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have experience in treating individuals with anxiety, OCD, depression, mood disorders, chronic pain, misophonia, anger, ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Autism Spectrum, tics, nail biting, hair pulling, highly sensitive individuals, and people in the midst of relationship struggles.
Change is hard, but less so with help. I hope I can be your guide through the change process. I am a clinical psychologist trained in CBT. I have a faculty appointment at Harvard Medical School and am on staff in the Department of Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital. I run a private practice on Sunday mornings and have intermittent availability during the rest of the week. I am comfortable providing treatment in an individual or family context, whichever better fits your needs. I am results driven, but also warm and sensitive.
I have experience in treating individuals with anxiety, OCD, depression, mood disorders, chronic pain, misophonia, anger, ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Autism Spectrum, tics, nail biting, hair pulling, highly sensitive individuals, and people in the midst of relationship struggles.
Change is hard, but less so with help. I hope I can be your guide through the change process. I am a clinical psychologist trained in CBT. I have a faculty appointment at Harvard Medical School and am on staff in the Department of Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital. I run a private practice on Sunday mornings and have intermittent availability during the rest of the week. I am comfortable providing treatment in an individual or family context, whichever better fits your needs. I am results driven, but also warm and sensitive.
![Photo of 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.
![Photo of Melanie R. Nevis, MA, LCAT, ACC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5fd805fd-0ba0-46aa-9aa1-7c0bf114a693/1/320x400.jpeg)
Melanie R. Nevis
Creative Arts Therapist, MA, LCAT, ACC
Not Verified Not Verified
Brookline, MA 02446 (Online Only)
I help people CHRONIC PAIN, STRESS OR ANXIETY who have had limited success in seeking help, with powerful leading edge mind- body and neuroscience approaches to heal and decrease symptoms.
Welcome! I know that finding the right therapist or coach can feel confusing or overwhelming. I offer a safe and supportive environment for you to explore your challenges and move towards fully embracing yourself and living the life you desire. My approach brings together Gestalt, Mind-Body Somatic approaches, and over 30 years of therapeutic work with children and adults. I have a passion and expertise for helping HIGHLY SENSITIVE PEOPLE understand and embrace both the gifts and challenges of their heightened receptivity, that can lead to overwhelm, overstimulation, and other challenges.
I help people CHRONIC PAIN, STRESS OR ANXIETY who have had limited success in seeking help, with powerful leading edge mind- body and neuroscience approaches to heal and decrease symptoms.
Welcome! I know that finding the right therapist or coach can feel confusing or overwhelming. I offer a safe and supportive environment for you to explore your challenges and move towards fully embracing yourself and living the life you desire. My approach brings together Gestalt, Mind-Body Somatic approaches, and over 30 years of therapeutic work with children and adults. I have a passion and expertise for helping HIGHLY SENSITIVE PEOPLE understand and embrace both the gifts and challenges of their heightened receptivity, that can lead to overwhelm, overstimulation, and other challenges.
![Photo of Judith B Sonner - Newton Biofeedback, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3be775f9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
I've been a practicing LICSW, for 28 years specializing in Life Coaching, Biofeedback, Neurofeedback, Hypnosis, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for stress-related conditions, such as Migraines, Anxiety, Hypertension, Chronic pain, Weight loss, Insomnia and Tinnitus. Most people are unaware of ways in which our bodies react to thoughts and emotions.Your response to stress compromises your health and interferes with reaching personal goals.There is no need to suffer.
I can help you to stop using ineffective coping skills and begin learning successful skills to achieve your full potential in all aspects of your life: Family, career, finances, relationships, and health.
I've been a practicing LICSW, for 28 years specializing in Life Coaching, Biofeedback, Neurofeedback, Hypnosis, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for stress-related conditions, such as Migraines, Anxiety, Hypertension, Chronic pain, Weight loss, Insomnia and Tinnitus. Most people are unaware of ways in which our bodies react to thoughts and emotions.Your response to stress compromises your health and interferes with reaching personal goals.There is no need to suffer.
I can help you to stop using ineffective coping skills and begin learning successful skills to achieve your full potential in all aspects of your life: Family, career, finances, relationships, and health.
![Photo of Joel D Ziff, EdD, CSAT-S, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c4ce0c9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I currently have openings in groups for men in recovery from sex addiction and intimacy disorders. I am a certified Sex Addiction Therapist Supervisor (CSAT-S). In addition to facilitating groups, I work with individuals, couples, and families focused on coping with challenges of sex addiction and intimacy disorders. I also work with clients coping with issues related to chronic/catastrophic illness, pain management, relationship issues (couples, children, and families), phobias, post-traumatic stress, and mood disorders (depression, anxiety, bi-polar).
I currently have openings in groups for men in recovery from sex addiction and intimacy disorders. I am a certified Sex Addiction Therapist Supervisor (CSAT-S). In addition to facilitating groups, I work with individuals, couples, and families focused on coping with challenges of sex addiction and intimacy disorders. I also work with clients coping with issues related to chronic/catastrophic illness, pain management, relationship issues (couples, children, and families), phobias, post-traumatic stress, and mood disorders (depression, anxiety, bi-polar).
![Photo of 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 Jesse D Kosiba, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9991160f-e273-4ed1-a091-7e579cbe8394/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the assessment and treatment of addictions, substance use problems, anxiety and mood disorders, and persistent pain conditions. My therapeutic approach is built on thoughtful collaboration as a foundation for meaningful and lasting change. I believe that therapy is most effective when approached in a supportive and flexible manner and grounded in the most up-to-date evidence-based treatments. In terms of substance use/addictions, I work with clients to carefully identify and work toward their goals regardless of moderation or abstinence.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the assessment and treatment of addictions, substance use problems, anxiety and mood disorders, and persistent pain conditions. My therapeutic approach is built on thoughtful collaboration as a foundation for meaningful and lasting change. I believe that therapy is most effective when approached in a supportive and flexible manner and grounded in the most up-to-date evidence-based treatments. In terms of substance use/addictions, I work with clients to carefully identify and work toward their goals regardless of moderation or abstinence.
![Photo of John D Otis, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ed7a123f-821b-49cf-9389-2dd6f900f734/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have over 25 years of experience in providing evidence-based treatment for adults and teens who have conditions including anxiety disorders (panic disorder, OCD, generalized anxiety), depression, and chronic pain. I completed my graduate training at the University of Florida in 2000 and I have been practicing in Boston since 2002. I am a Research Associate Professor at Boston University in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences where I teach graduate courses in psychology.
I have over 25 years of experience in providing evidence-based treatment for adults and teens who have conditions including anxiety disorders (panic disorder, OCD, generalized anxiety), depression, and chronic pain. I completed my graduate training at the University of Florida in 2000 and I have been practicing in Boston since 2002. I am a Research Associate Professor at Boston University in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences where I teach graduate courses in psychology.
![Photo of Shannah Zinkievich, LCSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c1ade8b1-5d61-4ab1-8764-fe10ee629031/2/320x400.jpeg)
Shannah Zinkievich
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02124 (Online Only)
I specialize in working with individuals and caregivers adjusting to cancer, chronic illness, chronic pain, and other life-altering events.
Immediate availability! Has a diagnosis for you or a loved one turned your life upside down? Do you feel hopeless and frustrated by all the medical treatments? Thoughts of scans, tests, treatment, and side effects can be overwhelming. Even after treatment is over, quality of life can be compromised. Are you trying to find the "new normal" they talk about and feel stuck? Do you feel like your body has betrayed you? Do you feel like family and friends can’t seem to understand, and your medical issues have taken away all your interests?
I specialize in working with individuals and caregivers adjusting to cancer, chronic illness, chronic pain, and other life-altering events.
Immediate availability! Has a diagnosis for you or a loved one turned your life upside down? Do you feel hopeless and frustrated by all the medical treatments? Thoughts of scans, tests, treatment, and side effects can be overwhelming. Even after treatment is over, quality of life can be compromised. Are you trying to find the "new normal" they talk about and feel stuck? Do you feel like your body has betrayed you? Do you feel like family and friends can’t seem to understand, and your medical issues have taken away all your interests?
![Photo of Callie -Carolyn- Brandeis, Intern, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0bf280cd-4d46-441f-b6c9-a7694a3d8652/1/320x400.jpeg)
Callie -Carolyn- Brandeis
Pre-Licensed Professional, Intern
Verified Verified
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 (Online Only)
I'm Callie, a 2nd year MSW intern. Driven by empathy and collaboration, my hope is to foster a supportive space for you to navigate life's challenges and cultivate growth. You might be experiencing trauma's aftermath or have health and pain issues that no one seems to understand. These issues can feel challenging and yet you're looking for ways to enhance your mental wellness. You know healing exists but have struggled to make progress before. Struggling with life transitions? We'll work together to build your existing resilience.
I'm Callie, a 2nd year MSW intern. Driven by empathy and collaboration, my hope is to foster a supportive space for you to navigate life's challenges and cultivate growth. You might be experiencing trauma's aftermath or have health and pain issues that no one seems to understand. These issues can feel challenging and yet you're looking for ways to enhance your mental wellness. You know healing exists but have struggled to make progress before. Struggling with life transitions? We'll work together to build your existing resilience.
![Photo of Megan Mountcastle, LCSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4592911c-e6b0-4b9a-ab35-08b7fd76aaf8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Megan Mountcastle
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wellesley, MA 02481 (Online Only)
You're grappling with painful grief and can't make sense of a loss or sudden life change. You don’t feel like yourself anymore and have lost track of where you’re headed. You have a health challenge like IBS that keeps you stuck in a painful cycle of emotional and physical turmoil and you feel resentful, frustrated, and angry with your body. Your worries about your symptoms flaring up rule your life and you’re stuck on a spin cycle of physical and emotional pain. You're lost. You’re paralyzed by anxiety, worry, overthinking and self-criticism and you can't focus. Stress, worry and panic have taken over the joy and meaning in life.
You're grappling with painful grief and can't make sense of a loss or sudden life change. You don’t feel like yourself anymore and have lost track of where you’re headed. You have a health challenge like IBS that keeps you stuck in a painful cycle of emotional and physical turmoil and you feel resentful, frustrated, and angry with your body. Your worries about your symptoms flaring up rule your life and you’re stuck on a spin cycle of physical and emotional pain. You're lost. You’re paralyzed by anxiety, worry, overthinking and self-criticism and you can't focus. Stress, worry and panic have taken over the joy and meaning in life.
See more therapy options for Westwood
Nearby Chronic Pain Therapists Searches for Westwood
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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.