Chronic Pain Therapists in Northville, MI
In addition, I provide a treatment program for Mind-Body disorders such as chronic pain, psychosomatic illness, conversion disorders and other stress related medical conditions.
I specialize in insight oriented psychotherapy as well as a brief form of solution focused counseling and coaching. I serve as Executive Director of PCS, with outpatient clinics in Northville and Brighton, where I provide individuals,couples, and families with an integrated therapy which combines cognitive behavioral and psychoanalytic approaches.
In addition, I provide a treatment program for Mind-Body disorders such as chronic pain, psychosomatic illness, conversion disorders and other stress related medical conditions.
I specialize in insight oriented psychotherapy as well as a brief form of solution focused counseling and coaching. I serve as Executive Director of PCS, with outpatient clinics in Northville and Brighton, where I provide individuals,couples, and families with an integrated therapy which combines cognitive behavioral and psychoanalytic approaches.
![Photo of Katherine M Kuciemba, MA, LPC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e55fa5e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
You don't have to live being stressed out or in emotional pain anymore, give yourself the opportunity to heal and find the happy life you deserve.
Are you struggling with the ups and downs of modern life? Are you going through a transition after a loss? Feeling overwhelmed and weighed down? As an interactive result-focused therapist I can help you weather the storm and make sense of overwhelming mixed emotions. With over 15 years of clinical experience, my treatment approach provides support and practical feedback to help clients resolve current problems and long-standing patterns. My approach utilizes proven treatments including Cognitive- Behavioral therapy and Strength Based therapy. With these treatments I help my clients find solutions to a wide range of challenges.
You don't have to live being stressed out or in emotional pain anymore, give yourself the opportunity to heal and find the happy life you deserve.
Are you struggling with the ups and downs of modern life? Are you going through a transition after a loss? Feeling overwhelmed and weighed down? As an interactive result-focused therapist I can help you weather the storm and make sense of overwhelming mixed emotions. With over 15 years of clinical experience, my treatment approach provides support and practical feedback to help clients resolve current problems and long-standing patterns. My approach utilizes proven treatments including Cognitive- Behavioral therapy and Strength Based therapy. With these treatments I help my clients find solutions to a wide range of challenges.
![Photo of Jackson Morehead, MA, LPC, RN, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f621bb83-e695-435a-bbb5-4183c499b0ba/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jackson Morehead
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, RN
Verified Verified
Northville, MI 48167 (Online Only)
No one should hurt alone. Unfortunately, the mental pain, haunting memories, shame, fear, anxiety, depression and so much more can leave us feeling just that, alone. The war you are fighting may be invisible to everyone else but to you it is real. You and your story matter here. If you're trying to put shape to a fractured past, make sense of a chaotic present or find purpose in an unknown future I am here to help. Together, we will work to equip you with the tools you need to navigate your life with more freedom, joy and, perhaps most important of all, a sense of hope.
No one should hurt alone. Unfortunately, the mental pain, haunting memories, shame, fear, anxiety, depression and so much more can leave us feeling just that, alone. The war you are fighting may be invisible to everyone else but to you it is real. You and your story matter here. If you're trying to put shape to a fractured past, make sense of a chaotic present or find purpose in an unknown future I am here to help. Together, we will work to equip you with the tools you need to navigate your life with more freedom, joy and, perhaps most important of all, a sense of hope.
![Photo of Juvaria Javaid - Cognitive Care Center PC, MS, LLP, Limited Licensed Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4606c3fd-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Cognitive Care Center PC
Limited Licensed Psychologist, MS, LLP
Verified Verified
Northville, MI 48167
We approach utilizing the Biopsychosocial Model, utilizing this approach helps explain how different types of processes influence a type of behavior or an illness.
Are you stressed ? looking for a relief ? We provide professional, confidential mental health services for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Our practice has psychiatrist, psychologist, therapists who specialize in various areas such as anxiety, depression, grief/loss, self-esteem, stress, bipolar, mood disorders, trauma, stress, school issues, substance abuse issues and behavioral issues. Our clinicians are trained to walk with you through the struggle to find a solution that would work best for you. We provide with psychiatric diagnosis and medication management for adults and 18 year and older.
We approach utilizing the Biopsychosocial Model, utilizing this approach helps explain how different types of processes influence a type of behavior or an illness.
Are you stressed ? looking for a relief ? We provide professional, confidential mental health services for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Our practice has psychiatrist, psychologist, therapists who specialize in various areas such as anxiety, depression, grief/loss, self-esteem, stress, bipolar, mood disorders, trauma, stress, school issues, substance abuse issues and behavioral issues. Our clinicians are trained to walk with you through the struggle to find a solution that would work best for you. We provide with psychiatric diagnosis and medication management for adults and 18 year and older.
![Photo of Jillian Carey Messenger, PhD, LP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/87d1a3e6-452c-4948-bcbc-d66d028be95f/1/320x400.jpeg)
My clinical interests are broad, but generally include depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, mindfulness, sexual orientation, gender (including letters for gender confirmation procedures), chronic pain/illness, and disability.
My clinical approach is integrative, although my interventions often focus on acceptance and self-compassion while empowering my clients to make the changes they would like to see in their lives. I firmly believe that therapy should be focused on helping you become the best version of yourself, as YOU understand it. In keeping with that goal, I take great care to ensure that therapy is affirming of all aspects of diversity and identity.
My clinical interests are broad, but generally include depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, mindfulness, sexual orientation, gender (including letters for gender confirmation procedures), chronic pain/illness, and disability.
My clinical approach is integrative, although my interventions often focus on acceptance and self-compassion while empowering my clients to make the changes they would like to see in their lives. I firmly believe that therapy should be focused on helping you become the best version of yourself, as YOU understand it. In keeping with that goal, I take great care to ensure that therapy is affirming of all aspects of diversity and identity.
![Photo of Shani Horn, LLMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/00b6b0a9-7ae5-479b-ab70-0de4a433501b/3/320x400.jpeg)
Shani Horn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Northville, MI 48167 (Online Only)
Welcome! I specialize in trauma recovery and navigating relationship challenges across all aspects of our lives. I place strong emphasis on acquiring skills to manage anxiety and depression, chronic illness, substance use recovery, grief and/or loss, and on making critical transitions that ensure safety, growth and holistic wellbeing. I have extensive experience engaging with teens and young people and am a skilled restorative dialogue facilitator, helping individuals and families hold space for conversations around challenging topics.
Welcome! I specialize in trauma recovery and navigating relationship challenges across all aspects of our lives. I place strong emphasis on acquiring skills to manage anxiety and depression, chronic illness, substance use recovery, grief and/or loss, and on making critical transitions that ensure safety, growth and holistic wellbeing. I have extensive experience engaging with teens and young people and am a skilled restorative dialogue facilitator, helping individuals and families hold space for conversations around challenging topics.
![Photo of Kerry Biskelonis - Reset Brain and Body, LPC, RYT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f07c5415-6166-4a21-820d-4e806772dfd3/3/320x400.jpeg)
Reset Brain and Body
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, RYT
Verified Verified
Northville, MI 48168
Reset Brain and Body is an integrative mental health care practice with a passion for redefining how people experience this work. Going beyond just talking, Reset integrates individualized mind-body practices to help each client sustain positive change and live their most fulfilled, empowered and healthy lives. We specialize in working with adults, adolescents, couples, families and teams on stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, postpartum mood disorders, social emotional learning, relationships, and chronic pain.
Reset Brain and Body is an integrative mental health care practice with a passion for redefining how people experience this work. Going beyond just talking, Reset integrates individualized mind-body practices to help each client sustain positive change and live their most fulfilled, empowered and healthy lives. We specialize in working with adults, adolescents, couples, families and teams on stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, postpartum mood disorders, social emotional learning, relationships, and chronic pain.
![Photo of Alicia Chiasson - Religious Trauma, MSW, LMSW, MPA, CCTP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0b7d7b93-4bab-4c88-b815-cb0deda47981/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alicia Chiasson - Religious Trauma
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LMSW, MPA, CCTP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Northville, MI 48167 (Online Only)
In a warm and relational environment, I apply a holistic approach to my specialty area of spiritual/religious abuse, as well as with those experiencing general anxiety, depression, other trauma, identity crisis, relational issues, chronic physical pain, and adjustment/transitional challenges while using a variety of techniques tailored to my client’s needs.
Have you experienced religious trauma/spiritual abuse or other trauma from which you can't seem to bounce back? Do you ever think that your mind, emotions, and/or body are your enemy? Do you want to feel more grounded, connected to your true Self, and fulfilled in life? If so, I would love the chance to meet with you. I've spent years healing from religious trauma and learning to release the associated feelings of shame and anxiety in order to find the authentic "home" within me and I care deeply about helping others do the same, no matter their particular life experience.
In a warm and relational environment, I apply a holistic approach to my specialty area of spiritual/religious abuse, as well as with those experiencing general anxiety, depression, other trauma, identity crisis, relational issues, chronic physical pain, and adjustment/transitional challenges while using a variety of techniques tailored to my client’s needs.
Have you experienced religious trauma/spiritual abuse or other trauma from which you can't seem to bounce back? Do you ever think that your mind, emotions, and/or body are your enemy? Do you want to feel more grounded, connected to your true Self, and fulfilled in life? If so, I would love the chance to meet with you. I've spent years healing from religious trauma and learning to release the associated feelings of shame and anxiety in order to find the authentic "home" within me and I care deeply about helping others do the same, no matter their particular life experience.
![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 Anya Lynn Scarborough - Anya Lynn Scarborough, LMSW, SEP, LCSW, SEP, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c6b201c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Anya Lynn Scarborough, LMSW, SEP
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SEP, LMSW
Verified Verified
Northville, MI 48168
After being a psychotherapist for 30 years, learning and growing on the journey, I now am passionate about supporting my clients to open to learning about all the aspects of themselves, dark and light, and bringing love and acceptance to it all. It is here that we find true happiness and purpose. Through awareness, we find our way to ceasing judgement and the eternal push to find happiness outside of ourselves.. And as we learn to be in the present moment, we develop valuable skills for self regulation and resilience, freeing us to live the life of our dreams.
After being a psychotherapist for 30 years, learning and growing on the journey, I now am passionate about supporting my clients to open to learning about all the aspects of themselves, dark and light, and bringing love and acceptance to it all. It is here that we find true happiness and purpose. Through awareness, we find our way to ceasing judgement and the eternal push to find happiness outside of ourselves.. And as we learn to be in the present moment, we develop valuable skills for self regulation and resilience, freeing us to live the life of our dreams.
![Photo of Catherine C Powers, LMSW, MA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c3a43b22-5119-4be8-8314-144e95ccb172/1/320x400.jpeg)
Life is full of challenges and sometimes we get stuck. My goal as a therapist is to help you feel better and enjoy life. My work with you is about finding a way to get unstuck and move forward. My ultimate intention is to help you work through challenges and live your life to its fullest. I am also a fellow human that has experienced many of the issues that I treat and I bring both professional and personal experience (when applicable) to our therapy. When we work together, we work with your timeline and your goals. You have a unique history and needs and therapy should be tailored to that history and those needs.
Life is full of challenges and sometimes we get stuck. My goal as a therapist is to help you feel better and enjoy life. My work with you is about finding a way to get unstuck and move forward. My ultimate intention is to help you work through challenges and live your life to its fullest. I am also a fellow human that has experienced many of the issues that I treat and I bring both professional and personal experience (when applicable) to our therapy. When we work together, we work with your timeline and your goals. You have a unique history and needs and therapy should be tailored to that history and those needs.
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![Photo of Steven Curtin, MFA, MA-LLP, BCIABCN, Limited Licensed Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/37d45e84-5548-4a3e-8d27-db1be7f2f3b4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Steven Curtin
Limited Licensed Psychologist, MFA, MA-LLP, BCIABCN
Verified Verified
Northville, MI 48167 (Online Only)
How do you feel? Chances are you're visiting this site because the answer isn't what you want. Do you have feelings and emotions you are struggling to control? Do parts of the outside world frighten you? Are you self medicating so you can deal with these feelings?
How do you feel? Chances are you're visiting this site because the answer isn't what you want. Do you have feelings and emotions you are struggling to control? Do parts of the outside world frighten you? Are you self medicating so you can deal with these feelings?
![Photo of Rene Roberts, MSCP, LLP, Limited Licensed Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fadcc67a-eae3-49ec-aefd-4834ae2c5a06/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rene Roberts
Limited Licensed Psychologist, MSCP, LLP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Northville, MI 48168 (Online Only)
Life comes with ups and downs... sometimes expected, other times not... and in the face of these realities, we can often use some help working through it all. Maybe you find yourself stuck in self-defeating patterns of living, feeling unfulfilled, unable to be happy in a relationship or job, or starting over. Perhaps you are experiencing low self-esteem or social anxiety and find have that you are having difficulty pursuing the activities or relationships that you desire.
Life comes with ups and downs... sometimes expected, other times not... and in the face of these realities, we can often use some help working through it all. Maybe you find yourself stuck in self-defeating patterns of living, feeling unfulfilled, unable to be happy in a relationship or job, or starting over. Perhaps you are experiencing low self-esteem or social anxiety and find have that you are having difficulty pursuing the activities or relationships that you desire.
![Photo of Pamela Manela, LMSW-CM, LMFT, ACSW, BCD, SSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d924224-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Pamela Manela
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW-CM, LMFT, ACSW, BCD, SSW
Verified Verified
Northville, MI 48167
Asking for therapy is not easy, but it is a sign of strength that I support.My practice is client-centered, based on a systems approach & family-of-origin themes/issues. I focus on helping my clients to find solutions to their emotional challenges and to work through transitions, crises, trauma & adjustments so they can develop & enhance their behavioral health. I avoid "cookbook" approaches, and use evidence & strength-based psychotherapy & counseling to guide adults, youth, families & couples to achieve their own positive solutions.I enjoy helping young adults, teens, & other helping professionals/educators deal with life stressors effectively.
Asking for therapy is not easy, but it is a sign of strength that I support.My practice is client-centered, based on a systems approach & family-of-origin themes/issues. I focus on helping my clients to find solutions to their emotional challenges and to work through transitions, crises, trauma & adjustments so they can develop & enhance their behavioral health. I avoid "cookbook" approaches, and use evidence & strength-based psychotherapy & counseling to guide adults, youth, families & couples to achieve their own positive solutions.I enjoy helping young adults, teens, & other helping professionals/educators deal with life stressors effectively.
![Photo of Sally Barbat, MA, LLP, Limited Licensed Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/89b26140-4d73-4e9d-801e-2ffbb86d7da6/3/320x400.jpeg)
Sally Barbat
Limited Licensed Psychologist, MA, LLP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Northville, MI 48167
I enjoy working with children, families, couples, adolescents, and adults. I have extensive experience in helping people work through an assortment of disorders, ranging in severity. I have provided individual, family, couples, and group therapy. I have extensive knowledge in helping individuals and families understand specific strengths and weaknesses through completing neuropsychological/psychological assessments for various ages (2-100). I have worked with children who have experienced significant trauma. I strongly believe that developing a trusting environment is significant for each individual through their healing process.
I enjoy working with children, families, couples, adolescents, and adults. I have extensive experience in helping people work through an assortment of disorders, ranging in severity. I have provided individual, family, couples, and group therapy. I have extensive knowledge in helping individuals and families understand specific strengths and weaknesses through completing neuropsychological/psychological assessments for various ages (2-100). I have worked with children who have experienced significant trauma. I strongly believe that developing a trusting environment is significant for each individual through their healing process.
![Photo of Carrie M Babe - Carrie Babe, LMFT, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48dd0991-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I help adults, couples, and families to finally experience the type of connection and relationships they long for. Many of us can use support in achieving true self-awareness, self-love, and the courage to be authentic; all are required for rich relationships. Through a safe, collaborative environment, I help clients to manage depression & anxiety, process relationship dynamics, heal old wounds, shift their narratives, manage life changes, and feel present. I help couples and families improve communication, improve connection and intimacy, learn how to repair, and work through issues like infidelity, parenting, separation & loss.
I help adults, couples, and families to finally experience the type of connection and relationships they long for. Many of us can use support in achieving true self-awareness, self-love, and the courage to be authentic; all are required for rich relationships. Through a safe, collaborative environment, I help clients to manage depression & anxiety, process relationship dynamics, heal old wounds, shift their narratives, manage life changes, and feel present. I help couples and families improve communication, improve connection and intimacy, learn how to repair, and work through issues like infidelity, parenting, separation & loss.
![Photo of Aaron Michael Shepherd, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/482ab975-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction. I work best with clients who are innovative, hard-working, and driven to achieve and yet are still struggling to find satisfaction, joy, and peace-of-mind. I can help you improve your relationships with friends and family, your performance in your work, and your relationship with yourself. I strongly emphasize compassion in helping you achieve your goals. My clients describe me as calm, knowledgeable, wise, and as having a great sense of humor.
I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction. I work best with clients who are innovative, hard-working, and driven to achieve and yet are still struggling to find satisfaction, joy, and peace-of-mind. I can help you improve your relationships with friends and family, your performance in your work, and your relationship with yourself. I strongly emphasize compassion in helping you achieve your goals. My clients describe me as calm, knowledgeable, wise, and as having a great sense of humor.
![Photo of Jennifer Buswinka, MS, LLP, LLMFT, Limited Licensed Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a7c3d7c0-0999-45a6-b62f-96fe09627dca/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer Buswinka
Limited Licensed Psychologist, MS, LLP, LLMFT
Verified Verified
Northville, MI 48168
Life can be overwhelming sometimes, and we all have times when we need extra support in order to deal with the stressors that we are faced with. I help people to better understand their difficulties and to develop coping skills that lead to happier, more fulfilling lives. My background in human resource management and coaching youth sports gives me a unique perspective regarding challenges my clients face at both work and school. Recent events in the world due to the Covid-19 pandemic have led to a significant increase in anxiety and depression. It has changed life for people in unprecedented ways. Therapy can help.
Life can be overwhelming sometimes, and we all have times when we need extra support in order to deal with the stressors that we are faced with. I help people to better understand their difficulties and to develop coping skills that lead to happier, more fulfilling lives. My background in human resource management and coaching youth sports gives me a unique perspective regarding challenges my clients face at both work and school. Recent events in the world due to the Covid-19 pandemic have led to a significant increase in anxiety and depression. It has changed life for people in unprecedented ways. Therapy can help.
![Photo of Randy Bizer, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49339ea9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Randy Bizer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Northville, MI 48167
Waitlist for new clients
You are the focus. Your goals, your dreams, the results you want and expect from therapy will be the first topic. I will provide a warm, open, nonjudgmental environment. I will be clear with my feedback. I know life is difficult at times and I will offer my experiences and training to guide the therapy.
You are the focus. Your goals, your dreams, the results you want and expect from therapy will be the first topic. I will provide a warm, open, nonjudgmental environment. I will be clear with my feedback. I know life is difficult at times and I will offer my experiences and training to guide the therapy.
![Photo of Mary DiPaolo, MA, LLP, Limited Licensed Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f55617c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
My online blog at www.yourweeklysession.blogspot.com is my calling card. Consider taking a look to understand how I roll and approach the healing, positive change, and personal growth process. You can learn how to live in peace and not in pieces anymore. Regardless of what your issue(s) and/or real-life and right now problems actually are, there is a way up and out from your circumstances. My job is to come up along side you and assist you in recognizing what you need to learn, do, and let go of. You are the sole author of your own book of life. Make sure it's a good one! Let me help you with that process.
My online blog at www.yourweeklysession.blogspot.com is my calling card. Consider taking a look to understand how I roll and approach the healing, positive change, and personal growth process. You can learn how to live in peace and not in pieces anymore. Regardless of what your issue(s) and/or real-life and right now problems actually are, there is a way up and out from your circumstances. My job is to come up along side you and assist you in recognizing what you need to learn, do, and let go of. You are the sole author of your own book of life. Make sure it's a good one! Let me help you with that process.
See more therapy options for Northville
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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.