Chronic Pain Therapists in Farmington, MI
![Photo of Colleen Tavor, MA, LPC, NCC, CCTP, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42afc247-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I work with adults, couples, adolescents who are struggling with relationship issues, anger management, PTSD, pain management, domestic violence, sexual abuse, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, and life transitions. My passion is to support you in your journey of self-understanding and emotional healing. We will work together to identify blocking beliefs and unhealthy coping strategies that keep you "stuck" from becoming who you were meant to be and living your life fully. I've seen countless clients improve their lives and relationships. I believe you can too. You are not alone.
I work with adults, couples, adolescents who are struggling with relationship issues, anger management, PTSD, pain management, domestic violence, sexual abuse, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, and life transitions. My passion is to support you in your journey of self-understanding and emotional healing. We will work together to identify blocking beliefs and unhealthy coping strategies that keep you "stuck" from becoming who you were meant to be and living your life fully. I've seen countless clients improve their lives and relationships. I believe you can too. You are not alone.
![Photo of Charles D. Elias, LMSW, PhD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/59c5464b-4236-488f-9a83-f53604678dd3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome. I am a Clinical Psychologist who approaches counseling as a natural occurrence existing within contemporary life. Sometimes, circumstances can become overwhelming when old tools are not up to the task, or there simply are no tools. I travel respectfully through evolving lives with compassion and humor to address: relationship issues, pain, divorce, transitions, depression, sexual identity, PTSD, anxiety, grief, careers, food, addictions and substance abuse. Whether working short-term or longer, ongoing or intermittent, my clients learn to access their own internal and natural resources, revealing fresh insights that provide the clarity needed to move forward.
Welcome. I am a Clinical Psychologist who approaches counseling as a natural occurrence existing within contemporary life. Sometimes, circumstances can become overwhelming when old tools are not up to the task, or there simply are no tools. I travel respectfully through evolving lives with compassion and humor to address: relationship issues, pain, divorce, transitions, depression, sexual identity, PTSD, anxiety, grief, careers, food, addictions and substance abuse. Whether working short-term or longer, ongoing or intermittent, my clients learn to access their own internal and natural resources, revealing fresh insights that provide the clarity needed to move forward.
![Photo of David T. Majchrzak, MA, LLP, Limited Licensed Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e00d442-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
David T. Majchrzak
Limited Licensed Psychologist, MA, LLP
Verified Verified
Farmington, MI 48331 (Online Only)
I provide individual, couples, and family psychotherapy using a Humanistic and Client-centered approach, with an emphasis on short-term, solution focused treatment. I have an extensive background in the holistic health field and in the field of psychology, and find that many issues including stress, depression, anxiety, focusing-issues, relationship problems, and chronic pain/illness can be effectively worked through by creating a strong rapport and finding balance and harmony within oneself and one's environment.
I provide individual, couples, and family psychotherapy using a Humanistic and Client-centered approach, with an emphasis on short-term, solution focused treatment. I have an extensive background in the holistic health field and in the field of psychology, and find that many issues including stress, depression, anxiety, focusing-issues, relationship problems, and chronic pain/illness can be effectively worked through by creating a strong rapport and finding balance and harmony within oneself and one's environment.
![Photo of Daniel Petersen, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bfd4769-c20a-4ee3-b340-6118baf709b9/2/320x400.jpeg)
Daniel Petersen is a Licensed Master Social Worker in Michigan who has been practicing since 2000. He has a graduate degree in Social Work from Wayne State University with a background in Clinical Therapy. Daniel has an eclectic therapeutic approach as a therapist based on what the client's needs are. His main therapeutic skills are focused on the use of Psychodynamic as well as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). I also use DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) based skills to help clients better manage and regulate their emotions as well.
Daniel Petersen is a Licensed Master Social Worker in Michigan who has been practicing since 2000. He has a graduate degree in Social Work from Wayne State University with a background in Clinical Therapy. Daniel has an eclectic therapeutic approach as a therapist based on what the client's needs are. His main therapeutic skills are focused on the use of Psychodynamic as well as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). I also use DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) based skills to help clients better manage and regulate their emotions as well.
![Photo of Franklin R Sollars - Sollars and Associates, PhD, LP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c426fe1-7449-4c21-beab-70bf0c726dcf/1/320x400.png)
I am a licensed psychologist and the clinical director of Sollars and Associates Integrative Counseling and Psychological Services. I have been providing counseling and psychotherapy for over 30 years in the Metro Detroit area and our group practice spans across the state of Michigan. With support, encouragement, and expert insight many people begin to feel better after their first session. Our therapists possess a great deal of experience in evaluating and working with children, adolescents, and families dealing with a variety of issues.
I am a licensed psychologist and the clinical director of Sollars and Associates Integrative Counseling and Psychological Services. I have been providing counseling and psychotherapy for over 30 years in the Metro Detroit area and our group practice spans across the state of Michigan. With support, encouragement, and expert insight many people begin to feel better after their first session. Our therapists possess a great deal of experience in evaluating and working with children, adolescents, and families dealing with a variety of issues.
![Photo of Manuel Manrique - Michigan Modern Psychology, PhD, LP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/459f6785-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
At Michigan Modern Psychology (MMP) we offer therapy and evaluations for individuals of all ages in a private and comfortable setting. With multiple therapists on staff to meet your clinical needs, we provide comprehensive and well-rounded treatment for children, individuals, couples and families. We are committed to providing the latest in clinical innovations from the behavioral sciences within a psychodynamic context. The practice first opened in 1996 and continues to grow.
At Michigan Modern Psychology (MMP) we offer therapy and evaluations for individuals of all ages in a private and comfortable setting. With multiple therapists on staff to meet your clinical needs, we provide comprehensive and well-rounded treatment for children, individuals, couples and families. We are committed to providing the latest in clinical innovations from the behavioral sciences within a psychodynamic context. The practice first opened in 1996 and continues to grow.
![Photo of Samantha Rebandt, LLMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b194873-ffc0-4cfc-a7f7-832e05163de1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Samantha Rebandt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Farmington, MI 48331
Mental health challenges are complex and can impact every aspect of a person's life. Whether it's anxiety, depression, trauma, or another mental health concern, seeking support from a licensed therapist can make a significant difference in your overall well-being. As a therapist, I believe that mental health challenges are often the result of a combination of factors, including biological, psychological, and social influences. I use evidence-based approaches to help individuals develop coping skills and improve their overall well-being.
Mental health challenges are complex and can impact every aspect of a person's life. Whether it's anxiety, depression, trauma, or another mental health concern, seeking support from a licensed therapist can make a significant difference in your overall well-being. As a therapist, I believe that mental health challenges are often the result of a combination of factors, including biological, psychological, and social influences. I use evidence-based approaches to help individuals develop coping skills and improve their overall well-being.
![Photo of Monika Danowski Domke, LMSW, SSW, RYT-200, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/506c6336-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Monika Danowski Domke
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, SSW, RYT-200
Verified Verified
Farmington, MI 48335 (Online Only)
I provide individual sessions for women who want to improve their mental health and over all well-being. During our sessions, we will focus on past traumas and present day concerns to change self-destructive habits, repair and improve relationships, and work through painful feelings in order to live a meaningful and authentic life.
I provide individual sessions for women who want to improve their mental health and over all well-being. During our sessions, we will focus on past traumas and present day concerns to change self-destructive habits, repair and improve relationships, and work through painful feelings in order to live a meaningful and authentic life.
![Photo of Dana E Schultz, LLMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/820b4586-f702-42ed-a6b5-c32f346d4e2a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dana E Schultz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified Verified
Farmington, MI 48335 (Online Only)
I graduated from Wayne State University with my master’s degree in Social Work. I am trained in CBT, DBT, MI, and PE, among various other specialties. Since I was a child, I always knew I wanted to help people. I have personally experienced many of life’s challenges and can relate to my clients on a deeper level. I care strongly about each of my clients and want to help everyone be an advocate for themselves. Life can be very chaotic thus I have made it my mission to be a strong support and comfort to those I work with.
I graduated from Wayne State University with my master’s degree in Social Work. I am trained in CBT, DBT, MI, and PE, among various other specialties. Since I was a child, I always knew I wanted to help people. I have personally experienced many of life’s challenges and can relate to my clients on a deeper level. I care strongly about each of my clients and want to help everyone be an advocate for themselves. Life can be very chaotic thus I have made it my mission to be a strong support and comfort to those I work with.
![Photo of Juanika L Benson, MA, LLP, Limited Licensed Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/735506b6-6b4c-4008-ae1a-5a80a0e9e5f1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Juanika L Benson
Limited Licensed Psychologist, MA, LLP
Verified Verified
Farmington, MI 48334 (Online Only)
I believe that in the right environment without judgment can aid a person to begin the process of improving their intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships. With numerous years of counseling experience across a variety of treatment settings, I have utilized a variety of modalities (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused, Motivational Interviewing, and Rational Emotional Behavioral Therapy) that have allowed my clients the ability to maximize their potential.
I believe that in the right environment without judgment can aid a person to begin the process of improving their intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships. With numerous years of counseling experience across a variety of treatment settings, I have utilized a variety of modalities (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused, Motivational Interviewing, and Rational Emotional Behavioral Therapy) that have allowed my clients the ability to maximize their potential.
![Photo of Sylvia S Gray - E3 Michigan- Engage-Empower-Educate, PhD, LMSW, LPC, CAADC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/55f126ee-4afa-4f03-8192-043f56ea61a9/4/320x400.jpeg)
E3 Michigan- Engage-Empower-Educate
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LMSW, LPC, CAADC
Verified Verified
Farmington, MI 48336 (Online Only)
We empower our clients through Individual and Family therapy, as well as a male mentoring component that focuses on African American males. We specialize in dysfunctional communication patterns, victims of trauma, substance abuse, LGBTQ+, blended families, PTSD, adjustment/mood disorders, depression, anxiety, grief, stress, COVID-19, domestic violence, and sexual abuse. However, we are not limited to these conditions. Please call us today to make the first step. Remember we will all Repeat what we don't Repair!!!
We empower our clients through Individual and Family therapy, as well as a male mentoring component that focuses on African American males. We specialize in dysfunctional communication patterns, victims of trauma, substance abuse, LGBTQ+, blended families, PTSD, adjustment/mood disorders, depression, anxiety, grief, stress, COVID-19, domestic violence, and sexual abuse. However, we are not limited to these conditions. Please call us today to make the first step. Remember we will all Repeat what we don't Repair!!!
![Photo of Victor M Cruz - Cruz Clinic, MD](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4cdd8212-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Cruz Clinic is a family centered, out-patient mental health clinic that has provided comprehensive counseling services in the metro-Detroit area for over 25 years. Its commitment is to provide unexcelled professional services for the entire family from childhood through aging. Since it's inception the clinic's primary goal has been to tailor treatment plans to meet specific patient needs. This is done in conjucntion with the patient to enhace overall functioning by reflecting and building on innate strengths, developing stability, adjustment, and independence. Treatment also includes increasing coping skills to enable better decision-making and healthier lifestyle choices.
To accomplish these goals, Cruz Clinic offers an interdisciplinary team of therapists (Psychiatrist, Psychologist, and Social Worker) who are constantly upgrading their professional credentails and training.
Cruz Clinic is a family centered, out-patient mental health clinic that has provided comprehensive counseling services in the metro-Detroit area for over 25 years. Its commitment is to provide unexcelled professional services for the entire family from childhood through aging. Since it's inception the clinic's primary goal has been to tailor treatment plans to meet specific patient needs. This is done in conjucntion with the patient to enhace overall functioning by reflecting and building on innate strengths, developing stability, adjustment, and independence. Treatment also includes increasing coping skills to enable better decision-making and healthier lifestyle choices.
To accomplish these goals, Cruz Clinic offers an interdisciplinary team of therapists (Psychiatrist, Psychologist, and Social Worker) who are constantly upgrading their professional credentails and training.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Dr. Emily Foxen-Craft, PhD, LP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a2f9f8c7-e36d-4b7e-a3d1-50a17b996d0e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Pediatric Pain and Behavioral Health, PLLC, may be a good fit for your child if your child is experiencing headaches, chronic pain or illness, recovering from sports injuries, or struggling with anxiety. Children, teens, and young adults often struggle to focus, manage stress, keep up with school, and enjoy their lives. Physical and mental health concerns can be stressful and frustrating for families who have often tried many medications and seen many different specialists. We can work together to help your child get their life back and develop resilience for life.
Pediatric Pain and Behavioral Health, PLLC, may be a good fit for your child if your child is experiencing headaches, chronic pain or illness, recovering from sports injuries, or struggling with anxiety. Children, teens, and young adults often struggle to focus, manage stress, keep up with school, and enjoy their lives. Physical and mental health concerns can be stressful and frustrating for families who have often tried many medications and seen many different specialists. We can work together to help your child get their life back and develop resilience for life.
![Photo of Dr. Patty Richardson, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c63deddf-e8c6-42cd-8056-d1a2c7a27c8a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Patty Richardson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Farmington Hills, MI 48331 (Online Only)
As a pediatric clinical psychologist, I specialize in harnessing evidence-based, cutting-edge psychological interventions to help children, teens, young adults, parents, and families overcome anxiety, depression, school challenges, suicidality/self-harm, parenting stress, chronic pain, sleep concerns, physical symptoms (somatic, conversion/FNSD), and cope with chronic medical illness. I have practiced in Metro Detroit and the San Francisco Bay Area for over 10 years and I've been fortunate to train at world-class institutions, including St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Stanford University.
As a pediatric clinical psychologist, I specialize in harnessing evidence-based, cutting-edge psychological interventions to help children, teens, young adults, parents, and families overcome anxiety, depression, school challenges, suicidality/self-harm, parenting stress, chronic pain, sleep concerns, physical symptoms (somatic, conversion/FNSD), and cope with chronic medical illness. I have practiced in Metro Detroit and the San Francisco Bay Area for over 10 years and I've been fortunate to train at world-class institutions, including St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Stanford University.
![Photo of Mara Topper - Senior Counseling Services, LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ffcf8326-cad7-4445-b679-0790817845fe/1/320x400.jpeg)
Senior Counseling Services, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Farmington Hills, MI 48335 (Online Only)
Senior Counseling Services, LLC's licensed team of Clinical Social Workers provides mental health counseling via telehealth across Southeast Michigan. Since 2001, we've helped more than 6000 in-home clients experiencing anxiety, depression, isolation and grief and loss. We also specialize in caregiver and family stress, adjusting to illness and major life changes. Our professional clinicians work with you via telehealth from the comfort and privacy of your home, apartment or senior living community. Our services are covered by Medicare, BCBSM, Automotive, many supplemental insurances and private pay.
Senior Counseling Services, LLC's licensed team of Clinical Social Workers provides mental health counseling via telehealth across Southeast Michigan. Since 2001, we've helped more than 6000 in-home clients experiencing anxiety, depression, isolation and grief and loss. We also specialize in caregiver and family stress, adjusting to illness and major life changes. Our professional clinicians work with you via telehealth from the comfort and privacy of your home, apartment or senior living community. Our services are covered by Medicare, BCBSM, Automotive, many supplemental insurances and private pay.
![Photo of Rachel Harkness, MA, LLC, ATR-P, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3509f78c-7f20-4d5f-b0a1-e1fad1c17bdb/2/320x400.png)
I work with folks managing life milestone concerns, anxiety, depression & feeling stuck, relationship & familial distress, trauma, self-esteem challenges, peer & academic related stress, identity concerns, religious abuse, grief & loss, ADHD, disordered eating, cancer & chronic illness, and career/occupational stress.
As a counselor and art therapist, my approach comes with an understanding that people are multifaceted. When challenges arise, there is no cookie-cutter fix for the situation you may be facing as you are unique, and your therapy should be tailored to your needs. Talking about difficult matters can be hard, but it can be a little easier when you know you have someone you can trust to discuss them with. I come to sessions with the goal of being supportive, resourceful, authentic, and empathetic since building rapport is crucial to the therapeutic alliance.
I work with folks managing life milestone concerns, anxiety, depression & feeling stuck, relationship & familial distress, trauma, self-esteem challenges, peer & academic related stress, identity concerns, religious abuse, grief & loss, ADHD, disordered eating, cancer & chronic illness, and career/occupational stress.
As a counselor and art therapist, my approach comes with an understanding that people are multifaceted. When challenges arise, there is no cookie-cutter fix for the situation you may be facing as you are unique, and your therapy should be tailored to your needs. Talking about difficult matters can be hard, but it can be a little easier when you know you have someone you can trust to discuss them with. I come to sessions with the goal of being supportive, resourceful, authentic, and empathetic since building rapport is crucial to the therapeutic alliance.
![Photo of Janet Louise Haughton-Quarshie - Atha Jiva Mindful Therapy And Wellness, LLPC, CRC, MA, IAYT, cHYP, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/82601a1f-9dac-4a81-98b7-b6f3b39e40b8/3/320x400.jpeg)
Atha Jiva Mindful Therapy And Wellness
Pre-Licensed Professional, LLPC, CRC, MA, IAYT, cHYP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Farmington Hills, MI 48334 (Online Only)
I have experience working with a range of client concerns such as Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Stress and Anger Management, Depression, Panic Attacks, Chronic Pain, Couple and Relationship Counseling as well as Career Counseling. I encourage clients to unpack and release emotional, mental, and physical discomfort and trauma with a range of clinical as well as holistic interventions. Together in the therapeutic alliance, my clients are supported to break through old patterns of thinking and reacting that impact their mental health and impede their personal and professional growth.
I have experience working with a range of client concerns such as Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Stress and Anger Management, Depression, Panic Attacks, Chronic Pain, Couple and Relationship Counseling as well as Career Counseling. I encourage clients to unpack and release emotional, mental, and physical discomfort and trauma with a range of clinical as well as holistic interventions. Together in the therapeutic alliance, my clients are supported to break through old patterns of thinking and reacting that impact their mental health and impede their personal and professional growth.
![Photo of Dr. Christine Sebastian, PsyD, DLLP, Limited Licensed Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b2da2d7c-2f38-48e7-b671-3c7cd4063cb5/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Christine Sebastian
Limited Licensed Psychologist, PsyD, DLLP
Verified Verified
Farmington Hills, MI 48336
In addition to trauma-informed therapy, I specialize in health behavior interventions for sleep disorders, weight management, chronic pain, and other health conditions.
As a part of the first responder community, I have a special interest in the mental health and wellbeing of our public safety professionals, including fire, law enforcement, medic, dispatch, military, and veterans of all of these occupations. My experience as the spouse of a first responder has led me to specialize in work with individuals in these professions, as well as the loved ones who share these unique lifestyles and circumstances.
In addition to trauma-informed therapy, I specialize in health behavior interventions for sleep disorders, weight management, chronic pain, and other health conditions.
As a part of the first responder community, I have a special interest in the mental health and wellbeing of our public safety professionals, including fire, law enforcement, medic, dispatch, military, and veterans of all of these occupations. My experience as the spouse of a first responder has led me to specialize in work with individuals in these professions, as well as the loved ones who share these unique lifestyles and circumstances.
![Photo of Morrigan Danielle Salatrik, MA, LPC, ATR, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/498b2a06-300b-4417-a4f7-668388f68c71/2/320x400.jpeg)
Morrigan Danielle Salatrik
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, ATR
Verified Verified
Farmington Hills, MI 48331
Are you unsure of where your life is heading or which path to take next? Are you anxious, depressed or feeling the loss of a loved one? Do feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders or perhaps crumbling before your eyes? Have you questioned your spirituality, faith and/or belief systems or perhaps going through a Dark night of the soul? Have you or someone you know/love been diagnosed with cancer? Does chronic pain or neuropathy keep you from functioning throughout the day or not sleep well at night? If you answered yes to any of these questions, I can help guide you through these transitions.
Are you unsure of where your life is heading or which path to take next? Are you anxious, depressed or feeling the loss of a loved one? Do feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders or perhaps crumbling before your eyes? Have you questioned your spirituality, faith and/or belief systems or perhaps going through a Dark night of the soul? Have you or someone you know/love been diagnosed with cancer? Does chronic pain or neuropathy keep you from functioning throughout the day or not sleep well at night? If you answered yes to any of these questions, I can help guide you through these transitions.
![Photo of Rose Cook, MA, LLP, Limited Licensed Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4949ed6e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rose Cook
Limited Licensed Psychologist, MA, LLP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Farmington Hills, MI 48331 (Online Only)
"Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get." Life happens everyday. Life can be overwhelming and at those moments choosing to get support from a professional is a great plan. Family, marriage, relationships, health, and work are all areas in which life happens. So whether you are currently experiencing or still struggling with stress, depression, trauma, relationship issues, divorce, palliative care (curable/chronic illness/pain/life-threatening), or are just in need of some self care, I am here to work with you towards creating balance in your life.
"Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get." Life happens everyday. Life can be overwhelming and at those moments choosing to get support from a professional is a great plan. Family, marriage, relationships, health, and work are all areas in which life happens. So whether you are currently experiencing or still struggling with stress, depression, trauma, relationship issues, divorce, palliative care (curable/chronic illness/pain/life-threatening), or are just in need of some self care, I am here to work with you towards creating balance in your life.
See more therapy options for Farmington
Nearby Chronic Pain Therapists Searches for Farmington
- Beverly Hills
- Bingham Farms
- Bloomfield
- Bloomfield Hills
- Commerce Township
- Farmington Hills
- Franklin
- Livonia
- Northville
- Novi
- Southfield
- West Bloomfield
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.