Therapists in Worcester County, MA
![Photo of Mitchell D Gurk - Mitchell D Gurk, PhD, PhD, MFT, BCPC, Diploma, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f182e23-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mitchell D Gurk, PhD
Psychologist, PhD, MFT, BCPC, Diploma
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Spencer, MA 01562
Treatment is results oriented, which means we work together at the beginning to define the changes that are meaningful to you. In a basic sense, psychotherapy is for thinking about feelings. We are all part of systems, be they family, work or society. The outcome is more freedom to be yourself. All inquiries referrals scheduling by phone: please call 508.885.3861. Repeat your calls (on the hour) to reach me quickest in person. No written messages! No computer inquiries!
Treatment is results oriented, which means we work together at the beginning to define the changes that are meaningful to you. In a basic sense, psychotherapy is for thinking about feelings. We are all part of systems, be they family, work or society. The outcome is more freedom to be yourself. All inquiries referrals scheduling by phone: please call 508.885.3861. Repeat your calls (on the hour) to reach me quickest in person. No written messages! No computer inquiries!
![Photo of Anne Kulakowski, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/437d82bb-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome! Going through a difficult time or a time in which you’re flooded with more questions than answers is hard but it can also be an invitation to discover strengths and supports you may not know you had. In therapy, you are invited to take care of yourself with more commitment, find what matters most to you, and listen deeply for answers inside of yourself. I am committed to creating a safe and non-judgmental space where you can begin your journey home to yourself.
Welcome! Going through a difficult time or a time in which you’re flooded with more questions than answers is hard but it can also be an invitation to discover strengths and supports you may not know you had. In therapy, you are invited to take care of yourself with more commitment, find what matters most to you, and listen deeply for answers inside of yourself. I am committed to creating a safe and non-judgmental space where you can begin your journey home to yourself.
![Photo of Paul Bail - Leominster Wellness - Dr. Paul Bail, Psychologist, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c018c33-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Leominster Wellness - Dr. Paul Bail, Psychologist
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Leominster, MA 01453 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
[NOTE: TEMPORARILY FULL; NOT TAKING NEW CLIENTS NOW!!] 30 years of experience. Evening appointments. Concrete tools and suggestions. Holistic, Mind-Body approach, Cognitive-Behavioral (CBT), Positive Psychology. Energy Psychology. . . Specialities: (1) COUPLES & RELATIONSHIP THERAPY: improve communication, intimacy, affection. awareness of self-talk. -- (2) ANXIETY, PANIC, WORRY, OCD -- grounding and letting go (4) SELF-ACCEPTANCE, self-care. . .There doesn't have to be something "wrong" with you to seek counseling. . . Let me help you remember "what's right" with you (your strengths), and resolve what's distressing you
[NOTE: TEMPORARILY FULL; NOT TAKING NEW CLIENTS NOW!!] 30 years of experience. Evening appointments. Concrete tools and suggestions. Holistic, Mind-Body approach, Cognitive-Behavioral (CBT), Positive Psychology. Energy Psychology. . . Specialities: (1) COUPLES & RELATIONSHIP THERAPY: improve communication, intimacy, affection. awareness of self-talk. -- (2) ANXIETY, PANIC, WORRY, OCD -- grounding and letting go (4) SELF-ACCEPTANCE, self-care. . .There doesn't have to be something "wrong" with you to seek counseling. . . Let me help you remember "what's right" with you (your strengths), and resolve what's distressing you
Online Therapists
![Photo of Myra Durkin, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/514941a0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I also use my expertise to treat stress/anxiety, eating disorders, pain, illness, smoking/habit cessation, performance issues and more.
I am a clinical social worker and sex therapist in Davis Square, Somerville with over 30 years of experience working with individuals and couples. I trained and worked for five years as a staff therapist at the Institute for Sexuality and Intimacy, formerly at McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School. I also have expertise with eating disorders, anxiety, performance issues and more. Clients say I am warm, compassionate and practical, and provide a comfortable, relaxed and safe environment. My approach is eclectic; I collaborate with each client to find the right treatment approach uniquely tailored to his/her/their needs.
I also use my expertise to treat stress/anxiety, eating disorders, pain, illness, smoking/habit cessation, performance issues and more.
I am a clinical social worker and sex therapist in Davis Square, Somerville with over 30 years of experience working with individuals and couples. I trained and worked for five years as a staff therapist at the Institute for Sexuality and Intimacy, formerly at McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School. I also have expertise with eating disorders, anxiety, performance issues and more. Clients say I am warm, compassionate and practical, and provide a comfortable, relaxed and safe environment. My approach is eclectic; I collaborate with each client to find the right treatment approach uniquely tailored to his/her/their needs.
![Photo of Emily Schweitzer, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cbf943ee-325f-4cd4-af01-049ce718c1b8/1/320x400.png)
Emily Schweitzer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cambridge, MA 02140
Do you ever find yourself facing the same challenges, repeating patterns, or feeling stuck in your life? It’s like there’s a hidden script influencing your actions and emotions, and you can’t quite put your finger on it. This could feel like lack of self confidence, feeling sad or fearful, relationship challenges, or physical pain. I work with couples and individuals to understand how past relationships and events influence the challenges of today. By understanding the “how”, we cultivate a profound self-awareness that empowers you to find new ways of being and feeling that better serve you.
Do you ever find yourself facing the same challenges, repeating patterns, or feeling stuck in your life? It’s like there’s a hidden script influencing your actions and emotions, and you can’t quite put your finger on it. This could feel like lack of self confidence, feeling sad or fearful, relationship challenges, or physical pain. I work with couples and individuals to understand how past relationships and events influence the challenges of today. By understanding the “how”, we cultivate a profound self-awareness that empowers you to find new ways of being and feeling that better serve you.
![Photo of Linda Tumbarello, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/82558a25-db34-4ecd-a0e6-d89c03bd016e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Linda is a pioneer in working with specialized body-mind healing and trauma, having developed the Tumbarello Approach to healing over the past 35 years. Her therapeutic approach supports each person to feel whole, using body-centered psychotherapy, therapeutic bodywork, Body-Mind Centering, embodiment practices, and movement. Many clients have worked with her to become free from emotional and physical pain and restrictions that have been in the way of their feeling at home in their own bodies. She has helped many to heal and to live more joyfully.
Linda is a pioneer in working with specialized body-mind healing and trauma, having developed the Tumbarello Approach to healing over the past 35 years. Her therapeutic approach supports each person to feel whole, using body-centered psychotherapy, therapeutic bodywork, Body-Mind Centering, embodiment practices, and movement. Many clients have worked with her to become free from emotional and physical pain and restrictions that have been in the way of their feeling at home in their own bodies. She has helped many to heal and to live more joyfully.
![Photo of Jennifer M Harris, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fd41899-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am not accept new clients at this time. I work to create a space without judgment where clients can learn, heal and grow. I work with people living with life transitions, trauma, grief/life losses and chronic illness/burns with compassion, while acknowledging the unique experience of each person. Every client I meet comes with their own set of gifts, challenges, supports and dreams. No one tells the same story as another...and I welcome the distinctiveness of each client. Entering therapy can be a scary process. I take great pride in my ability to create a safe space to partner and explored with each client uniquely.
I am not accept new clients at this time. I work to create a space without judgment where clients can learn, heal and grow. I work with people living with life transitions, trauma, grief/life losses and chronic illness/burns with compassion, while acknowledging the unique experience of each person. Every client I meet comes with their own set of gifts, challenges, supports and dreams. No one tells the same story as another...and I welcome the distinctiveness of each client. Entering therapy can be a scary process. I take great pride in my ability to create a safe space to partner and explored with each client uniquely.
![Photo of M. Sarah Carr, MA, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bd6cb3f0-cde8-4d19-a8e4-011fdc47ccb3/1/320x400.jpeg)
I support people with concerns about aging, body-image, sexuality, chronic pain, relationship struggles, anxiety, and trauma.
I am a somatic psychotherapist specializing in body-based healing. I enjoy working with clients who want to step out of disempowering narratives and embrace their own capacity. I have 20+ years of experience working with many populations and conditions. Recently I have specialized in couples therapy using the Developmental Model and Attachment work. I only work with a limited number of couples at this time, but these approaches deeply inform my work, even with individuals. I have recently narrowed my practice to focus on clients in acute need or looking to do more focused chapters of work or growth vs ongoing maintenance therapy.
I support people with concerns about aging, body-image, sexuality, chronic pain, relationship struggles, anxiety, and trauma.
I am a somatic psychotherapist specializing in body-based healing. I enjoy working with clients who want to step out of disempowering narratives and embrace their own capacity. I have 20+ years of experience working with many populations and conditions. Recently I have specialized in couples therapy using the Developmental Model and Attachment work. I only work with a limited number of couples at this time, but these approaches deeply inform my work, even with individuals. I have recently narrowed my practice to focus on clients in acute need or looking to do more focused chapters of work or growth vs ongoing maintenance therapy.
![Photo of Valerie Bamford, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c51e6d8-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I welcome all parts of you and believe that all parts are good and want to protect you from deep pain.
Do you feel stuck responding in the same seemingly unhelpful patterns? Maybe you have a sense that there is something deeper behind these patterns, that something from your childhood is affecting you now as an adult. You know you want to change, but are unsure of how. It feels like anxiety, worry, guilt, shame, and self-doubt are the ones controlling the direction of your life. Maybe you feel like you have lost touch with your authentic self. You are ready to dive deep and truly heal, so you can live your life authentically you! Do you experience shame, guilt, or painful sex? I help women create a pleasurable sex life!
I welcome all parts of you and believe that all parts are good and want to protect you from deep pain.
Do you feel stuck responding in the same seemingly unhelpful patterns? Maybe you have a sense that there is something deeper behind these patterns, that something from your childhood is affecting you now as an adult. You know you want to change, but are unsure of how. It feels like anxiety, worry, guilt, shame, and self-doubt are the ones controlling the direction of your life. Maybe you feel like you have lost touch with your authentic self. You are ready to dive deep and truly heal, so you can live your life authentically you! Do you experience shame, guilt, or painful sex? I help women create a pleasurable sex life!
![Photo of Shanna T Fishel, LICSW, MSW, MEd, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3427fd37-0ecf-476c-8096-54ac84615538/1/320x400.jpeg)
Shanna T Fishel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MSW, MEd
Verified Verified
Easthampton, MA 01027
Waitlist for new clients
I offer therapy with expertise in: LGBTQIA+, sex therapy, couple therapy, sexual trauma, chronic pain and chronic illness, sexual health in recovery, substance use and pathways towards wellness (using Harm Reduction), Health At Every Size, non-traditional relationships, persistent and chronic mental dysfunctions, somatic expression of trauma, and more.
Therapy is hard work. Acknowledging the challenges, I embrace the potential for healing and personal growth. At the core of my therapeutic approach, I prioritize honesty and a non-judgmental attitude on the journey toward well-being. My clients often seek support for various challenges, including anxiety, depression, the effects of trauma, and a desire to explore a more fulfilling way of life. Through collaborative therapeutic methods, I maintain a sense of curiosity and unwavering compassion, holding a space to explore hurt parts of self and work towards your version of wellness and wholeness.
I offer therapy with expertise in: LGBTQIA+, sex therapy, couple therapy, sexual trauma, chronic pain and chronic illness, sexual health in recovery, substance use and pathways towards wellness (using Harm Reduction), Health At Every Size, non-traditional relationships, persistent and chronic mental dysfunctions, somatic expression of trauma, and more.
Therapy is hard work. Acknowledging the challenges, I embrace the potential for healing and personal growth. At the core of my therapeutic approach, I prioritize honesty and a non-judgmental attitude on the journey toward well-being. My clients often seek support for various challenges, including anxiety, depression, the effects of trauma, and a desire to explore a more fulfilling way of life. Through collaborative therapeutic methods, I maintain a sense of curiosity and unwavering compassion, holding a space to explore hurt parts of self and work towards your version of wellness and wholeness.
![Photo of Sarah Rogers, LICSW, CST, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51cff914-1fd7-4e43-aba8-e578e855032a/3/320x400.jpeg)
Do you believe normal is just a setting on the dishwasher? Then you’ve come to the right place for affirming collaborative therapy. I enjoy working with individuals/couples via telehealth and in their homes. I have over a decade of experience working with older adults, individuals living with disabilities/chronic illnesses, and the LGBTQ+ community. I have experience treating clients with caregiver stress, relationship challenges, grief and loss issues, trauma, & anxiety. I am an AASECT certified sex therapist and enjoy working with the poly/CNM and kink communities.
Do you believe normal is just a setting on the dishwasher? Then you’ve come to the right place for affirming collaborative therapy. I enjoy working with individuals/couples via telehealth and in their homes. I have over a decade of experience working with older adults, individuals living with disabilities/chronic illnesses, and the LGBTQ+ community. I have experience treating clients with caregiver stress, relationship challenges, grief and loss issues, trauma, & anxiety. I am an AASECT certified sex therapist and enjoy working with the poly/CNM and kink communities.
![Photo of Mara Ann Goodman-Davies - Mara Therapy, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f2e60792-0e3b-4597-a129-b18202b0cdb2/3/320x400.jpeg)
Mara Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lenox, MA 01240 (Online Only)
Hello for and thank you for taking the time to view my profile. Excited to say I am currently accepting clients! I offer compassionate, heart-and-soul-centered, nonjudgmental, supportive, strengths-based therapy in the comfort of your own home via telehealth. I work with teens, kids, families, parents, individuals and couples. I am trained at Simmons College and Harvard Medical School. You deserve the BEST! I became a therapist because I LOVE PEOPLE and I want to support you becoming the person you always wanted to be. I am not adverse to walking through tough stuff and lingering issues from the past and present that need healing.
Hello for and thank you for taking the time to view my profile. Excited to say I am currently accepting clients! I offer compassionate, heart-and-soul-centered, nonjudgmental, supportive, strengths-based therapy in the comfort of your own home via telehealth. I work with teens, kids, families, parents, individuals and couples. I am trained at Simmons College and Harvard Medical School. You deserve the BEST! I became a therapist because I LOVE PEOPLE and I want to support you becoming the person you always wanted to be. I am not adverse to walking through tough stuff and lingering issues from the past and present that need healing.
![Photo of Julia Rose Langone, MSW, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/22113810-01c2-4246-8b03-d03f1c154328/1/320x400.jpeg)
Julia Rose Langone
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW
Verified Verified
Northampton, MA 01060 (Online Only)
My ideal client wants to reclaim their narrative, find empowerment in their identity, and foster a sense of belonging in a world. They seek therapy not only as a means to address specific challenges but also as a pathway to personal growth, resilience, and living authentically. My role as a therapist would be to provide empathetic support, affirm identity, and collaboratively work towards goals in a compassionate and affirming therapeutic environment.
My ideal client wants to reclaim their narrative, find empowerment in their identity, and foster a sense of belonging in a world. They seek therapy not only as a means to address specific challenges but also as a pathway to personal growth, resilience, and living authentically. My role as a therapist would be to provide empathetic support, affirm identity, and collaboratively work towards goals in a compassionate and affirming therapeutic environment.
![Photo of Pear Wilson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/df054002-10cc-48da-82cf-5c28229d2084/1/320x400.jpeg)
Seeking therapy is a brave and meaningful step forward! I have been a practicing mental health clinician for the past decade. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, and mood disorders. Working together is an exciting journey inwards, where we can name and reshape patterns which drain your energy and really get under the symptoms which hold you back.
Seeking therapy is a brave and meaningful step forward! I have been a practicing mental health clinician for the past decade. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, and mood disorders. Working together is an exciting journey inwards, where we can name and reshape patterns which drain your energy and really get under the symptoms which hold you back.
![Photo of Linda Marks, MSM](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/453b9e2a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Embrace the power of your heart: the heart's electical field is 60 times/magnetic field is 5000 times more powerful than the brain's. When our hearts are wounded through trauma, neglect or deprivation, we lose touch with the heart's power. Depression, anxiety, fear of intimacy, addiction, stuckness may follow. Building on a foundation of emotional safety, my work incorporates meditation, attending to emotional currents/body sensations and touch with permission to facilitate emotional work. Results include greater self-esteem, self-care, reduced stress/anxiety, authentic communication, healthier relationships, empowerment, healing. Intimacy/sexuality, money issues, parenting, GLBTP. Life coaching. Emotional for creative artists.
Embrace the power of your heart: the heart's electical field is 60 times/magnetic field is 5000 times more powerful than the brain's. When our hearts are wounded through trauma, neglect or deprivation, we lose touch with the heart's power. Depression, anxiety, fear of intimacy, addiction, stuckness may follow. Building on a foundation of emotional safety, my work incorporates meditation, attending to emotional currents/body sensations and touch with permission to facilitate emotional work. Results include greater self-esteem, self-care, reduced stress/anxiety, authentic communication, healthier relationships, empowerment, healing. Intimacy/sexuality, money issues, parenting, GLBTP. Life coaching. Emotional for creative artists.
![Photo of Natalie Gaida, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e39e1bee-2e06-4c42-ae26-a4dd455ae3ac/2/320x400.jpeg)
Natalie Gaida
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Needham, MA 02492 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
You want more pleasure, especially sexual pleasure, and a little part of you knows that you deserve it, but something is in the way. Concerned about your sexual performance, feeling uncertain if you're navigating intimacy correctly? Feeling like the flame of passion has died in your relationship, leaving you yearning to reignite it? You might be encountering physical discomfort during sexual activity, experiencing orgasm difficulties, or feeling nothing at all. Maybe you aspire to enhance your skills as a lover but find yourself at a loss on how to start. Whether it's therapy for yourself or with your partner, I've got you.
You want more pleasure, especially sexual pleasure, and a little part of you knows that you deserve it, but something is in the way. Concerned about your sexual performance, feeling uncertain if you're navigating intimacy correctly? Feeling like the flame of passion has died in your relationship, leaving you yearning to reignite it? You might be encountering physical discomfort during sexual activity, experiencing orgasm difficulties, or feeling nothing at all. Maybe you aspire to enhance your skills as a lover but find yourself at a loss on how to start. Whether it's therapy for yourself or with your partner, I've got you.
![Photo of Jen Wofford, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46f2bf61-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jen Wofford
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brookline, MA 02445
In these challenging times, you may feel more stress, couples may have tensions. I am here to help and support you. Working in-person and online, couples and clients feel better, like themselves better, make healthier choices, develop self-compassion and compassion for others. I help people and couples work through challenges and emerge more confident, peaceful and happy. My clients grow and feel supported and challenged as they grow. My work helps you identify core patterns, treat yourself kindly, improve your most important relationships, understand and resolve old conflicts and trauma, and feel better. Please start on my Website
In these challenging times, you may feel more stress, couples may have tensions. I am here to help and support you. Working in-person and online, couples and clients feel better, like themselves better, make healthier choices, develop self-compassion and compassion for others. I help people and couples work through challenges and emerge more confident, peaceful and happy. My clients grow and feel supported and challenged as they grow. My work helps you identify core patterns, treat yourself kindly, improve your most important relationships, understand and resolve old conflicts and trauma, and feel better. Please start on my Website
![Photo of Jennifer Zarou-Abraham, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d4e131f7-b1e2-4c7c-a2ca-5f30aeacd8c5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer Zarou-Abraham
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Plymouth, MA 02360 (Online Only)
I am a certified licensed social worker specializing in the integrative holistic approach to psychotherapy, counseling and nutritional wellness with twenty-four years in private practice. I utilize my experience and applied knowledge of family systems theory, cognitive behavioral therapy, nutritional wellness, weight loss and holistic healing to help create lasting and meaningful change. Treatment and healing can only be achieved by working on the entire mind body soul connection and my role is a facilitator providing a safe and comfortable space at which the healing can begin.
I am a certified licensed social worker specializing in the integrative holistic approach to psychotherapy, counseling and nutritional wellness with twenty-four years in private practice. I utilize my experience and applied knowledge of family systems theory, cognitive behavioral therapy, nutritional wellness, weight loss and holistic healing to help create lasting and meaningful change. Treatment and healing can only be achieved by working on the entire mind body soul connection and my role is a facilitator providing a safe and comfortable space at which the healing can begin.
![Photo of Michael Chunyk - Advance Psychotherapy Practice, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d2f38de-1f3c-40a9-9572-9019a7fce4c1/1/320x400.png)
We have immediate openings, across the lifespan, for the following insurances: Blue Cross Blue Shield Optum and Optum products: Allways, Harvard Pilgrim, Oxford, Connecticare TUFTS Medicare Private Pay ($100/session) Become a client on our website: www.advancepsychotherapy.org. Those who are interested in receiving services from us should fill out the following form:
We have immediate openings, across the lifespan, for the following insurances: Blue Cross Blue Shield Optum and Optum products: Allways, Harvard Pilgrim, Oxford, Connecticare TUFTS Medicare Private Pay ($100/session) Become a client on our website: www.advancepsychotherapy.org. Those who are interested in receiving services from us should fill out the following form:
![Photo of Whitney Norton, LMHC, LPCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b71a60ff-832e-4de5-b725-0d37560d1eeb/2/320x400.jpeg)
I currently have availability. Feel free to reach out! I work primarily with teens and adults who want to work through anxiety, depression, and trauma, or improve their ability to manage the stress of life. I strive to help individuals visualize and create a life that brings them fulfillment and joy. As a Mental Health Therapist, my goal is to support you in your journey by offering you a space to talk through worries or behaviors that are impeding your ability to live the life you wish to live.
I currently have availability. Feel free to reach out! I work primarily with teens and adults who want to work through anxiety, depression, and trauma, or improve their ability to manage the stress of life. I strive to help individuals visualize and create a life that brings them fulfillment and joy. As a Mental Health Therapist, my goal is to support you in your journey by offering you a space to talk through worries or behaviors that are impeding your ability to live the life you wish to live.
See more therapy options for Worcester County
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.