Chronic Pain Therapists in Royal Oak, MI

Photo of Megan S Oxley - Michigan Progressive Health- Ketamine Infusions, MD
Michigan Progressive Health- Ketamine Infusions
MD
Verified Verified
Royal Oak, MI 48067
IV KETAMINE INFUSIONS - Michigan Progressive Health is a ketamine infusion clinic under the care of Dr. Megan Oxley in Royal Oak, MI. We treat depression, chronic pain, PTSD, CRPS, OCD, bipolar disorder and fibromyalgia. Ketamine is used in low doses in our office to shut down overactive neurons and help make your brain healthier. Research studies show improvement in 70-80% of patients who are treated with this medication. A series of IV infusions is used to alleviate the symptoms of depression, chronic pain and other mood disorders. Visit our website for more information.
IV KETAMINE INFUSIONS - Michigan Progressive Health is a ketamine infusion clinic under the care of Dr. Megan Oxley in Royal Oak, MI. We treat depression, chronic pain, PTSD, CRPS, OCD, bipolar disorder and fibromyalgia. Ketamine is used in low doses in our office to shut down overactive neurons and help make your brain healthier. Research studies show improvement in 70-80% of patients who are treated with this medication. A series of IV infusions is used to alleviate the symptoms of depression, chronic pain and other mood disorders. Visit our website for more information.
(947) 800-5072 View (947) 800-5072
Photo of Susan Belaney, LMSW, ACSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Susan Belaney
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Royal Oak, MI 48067
In-Home Sessions; "I provide counseling to those who are homebound; living with emotional distress, chronic illness, pain or disability. The goal of counseling sessions is to assist you in developing coping techniques to better handle changes to your lifestyle. Common issues: anxiety/stress, depression, loss of independence, grief, life changes, problem solving & early memory loss". Geographic area for in-home sessions: south Oakland & Macomb counties. For non-homebound adults I offer video sessions.
In-Home Sessions; "I provide counseling to those who are homebound; living with emotional distress, chronic illness, pain or disability. The goal of counseling sessions is to assist you in developing coping techniques to better handle changes to your lifestyle. Common issues: anxiety/stress, depression, loss of independence, grief, life changes, problem solving & early memory loss". Geographic area for in-home sessions: south Oakland & Macomb counties. For non-homebound adults I offer video sessions.
(248) 841-8321 View (248) 841-8321
Photo of Emily Ehrlich, MA, TLLP, Limited Licensed Psychologist
Emily Ehrlich
Limited Licensed Psychologist, MA, TLLP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Royal Oak, MI 48067
You are seeking a compassionate guide to navigate life's challenges and reclaim your mental well-being. You may be struggling with: anxiety, depression, trauma, lifestyle transitions, ADHD, anger management, grief and loss, trust concerns, a loss of purpose, stress reduction, somatic complaints, women's issues or chronic pain. You are on the brink of being ready to soar however, may feel uncertain where to begin.
You are seeking a compassionate guide to navigate life's challenges and reclaim your mental well-being. You may be struggling with: anxiety, depression, trauma, lifestyle transitions, ADHD, anger management, grief and loss, trust concerns, a loss of purpose, stress reduction, somatic complaints, women's issues or chronic pain. You are on the brink of being ready to soar however, may feel uncertain where to begin.
(313) 710-6036 View (313) 710-6036
Photo of Wendy Croll, MA, LPC, Counselor
Wendy Croll
Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Royal Oak, MI 48067
No matter how hard you try to move forward, you feel like your taking one step back. You’re a high performer with perfectionism tendencies and always put on a smile, which helps you forget your pain. You feel you will never be fully happy and never be able to fully enjoy life how others do, because of your many losses, attributing to your decreased self esteem. You may keep friends and family at a distance, to protect yourself from yet another inevitable loss. You may have stopped exercising and taking care of yourself the way you used to, since it takes too much work and you're just surviving at the end of another long day.
No matter how hard you try to move forward, you feel like your taking one step back. You’re a high performer with perfectionism tendencies and always put on a smile, which helps you forget your pain. You feel you will never be fully happy and never be able to fully enjoy life how others do, because of your many losses, attributing to your decreased self esteem. You may keep friends and family at a distance, to protect yourself from yet another inevitable loss. You may have stopped exercising and taking care of yourself the way you used to, since it takes too much work and you're just surviving at the end of another long day.
(248) 965-5289 View (248) 965-5289
Photo of Sarah R Brotsky - Dr. Sarah Brotsky & Associates, PLC, PsyD, LP, Psychologist
Dr. Sarah Brotsky & Associates, PLC
Psychologist, PsyD, LP
Verified Verified
Royal Oak, MI 48067  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I provide a free phone consultation and will address any questions you may have about the therapy process prior to us meeting. As a Clinical Psychologist for 23 years, I’ve dedicated my time and energy toward encouraging people to live their authentic self in a way that empowers them to create the life they would like to have by choice. I utilize a very conscious, client-centered, humanistic approach, that allows people like yourself to cope effectively with various concerns such as anxiety and depression, interpersonal relationship issues, PTSD, Closed Head Injury, chronic physical pain, and eating disorders.
I provide a free phone consultation and will address any questions you may have about the therapy process prior to us meeting. As a Clinical Psychologist for 23 years, I’ve dedicated my time and energy toward encouraging people to live their authentic self in a way that empowers them to create the life they would like to have by choice. I utilize a very conscious, client-centered, humanistic approach, that allows people like yourself to cope effectively with various concerns such as anxiety and depression, interpersonal relationship issues, PTSD, Closed Head Injury, chronic physical pain, and eating disorders.
(248) 955-4610 View (248) 955-4610
Photo of Linda Ellen Gold: Board Certified Psychoanalyst, LMSW, FABP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Linda Ellen Gold: Board Certified Psychoanalyst
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, FABP
Verified Verified
Royal Oak, MI 48067
Together we will work to identify patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that cause you pain or limit you and to create new and more fulfilling ways of feeling, thinking and behaving.
If you are suffering from emotional pain or relationship problems in any area of your life, I can help you. You may feel stuck and out of options, but you don't have to live with your pain for the rest of your life. As a highly trained psychoanalyst with many years of experience, I will create a safe, private and comfortable environment where a meaningful and effective therapeutic process can develop. Together we will explore the causes of your pain and work toward not only relief of pain, but greater happiness and fulfillment in your life.
Together we will work to identify patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that cause you pain or limit you and to create new and more fulfilling ways of feeling, thinking and behaving.
If you are suffering from emotional pain or relationship problems in any area of your life, I can help you. You may feel stuck and out of options, but you don't have to live with your pain for the rest of your life. As a highly trained psychoanalyst with many years of experience, I will create a safe, private and comfortable environment where a meaningful and effective therapeutic process can develop. Together we will explore the causes of your pain and work toward not only relief of pain, but greater happiness and fulfillment in your life.
(248) 419-2346 View (248) 419-2346
Photo of Dawn M Sandoval, LPC, CAADC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Dawn M Sandoval
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CAADC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Royal Oak, MI 48067  (Online Only)
You feel like you struggle to stay the course, and yet life continues to shift and change. You are searching for higher ground, but often feel like you are sinking. No matter how hard you dig in, you may have an underlying feeling of fear or uneasiness. Regardless of what you are going through, you put on a mask that speaks differently than how you feel. Some days you walk through the pain, and look for the sunshine, while other days it can feel overcast. Motivation to continue responsibilities is difficult. Self- care is an unfamiliar concept that applies to others, but not for you. Walking through each day feels redundant.
You feel like you struggle to stay the course, and yet life continues to shift and change. You are searching for higher ground, but often feel like you are sinking. No matter how hard you dig in, you may have an underlying feeling of fear or uneasiness. Regardless of what you are going through, you put on a mask that speaks differently than how you feel. Some days you walk through the pain, and look for the sunshine, while other days it can feel overcast. Motivation to continue responsibilities is difficult. Self- care is an unfamiliar concept that applies to others, but not for you. Walking through each day feels redundant.
(248) 916-0397 View (248) 916-0397
Photo of Colleen Tavor, MA, LPC, NCC, CCTP, Counselor
Colleen Tavor
Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, CCTP
Verified Verified
Royal Oak, MI 48067
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.
(248) 817-8307 View (248) 817-8307
Photo of Patricia Tattrie, PsyD, Psychologist
Patricia Tattrie
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Royal Oak, MI 48073
I have a well rounded practice, supporting crisis/grief management, pain management, trauma, recovery for addicts, alcoholics and their families, navigating midlife events such as career changes or caregiving for parents, adjustments and struggles experienced at varying stages of life such as divorce, infertility and elders with dementia.
I offer coaching, compassionate insight and trust in my work with young/midlife adults and elders struggling with anxiety, depression, chronic pain, trauma, substance abuse, obesity and identity issues. I provide unique perspectives considering my own diverse background involving a career change from the corporate arena to clinical psychology. I work in private practice and have conducted research on adult children caring for elder parents. I assist individuals moving through life changing events believing that the path to happiness is self defined and achievement is most rewarding when created from internal wisdom.
I have a well rounded practice, supporting crisis/grief management, pain management, trauma, recovery for addicts, alcoholics and their families, navigating midlife events such as career changes or caregiving for parents, adjustments and struggles experienced at varying stages of life such as divorce, infertility and elders with dementia.
I offer coaching, compassionate insight and trust in my work with young/midlife adults and elders struggling with anxiety, depression, chronic pain, trauma, substance abuse, obesity and identity issues. I provide unique perspectives considering my own diverse background involving a career change from the corporate arena to clinical psychology. I work in private practice and have conducted research on adult children caring for elder parents. I assist individuals moving through life changing events believing that the path to happiness is self defined and achievement is most rewarding when created from internal wisdom.
(248) 556-2194 View (248) 556-2194
Photo of Nancy Jaafar, MA, CHT, TLLP, NLP, LifeCoa
Nancy Jaafar
MA, CHT, TLLP, NLP, LifeCoa
Not Verified Not Verified
Royal Oak, MI 48068
This work is very effective in alleviating pain, improving physical and mental performance, enhancing energy, and so much more.
I hold a Master’s degree in Psychology with over 18 years of experience in the field of Mental Health and is a Board-Certified Hypnotherapist. My training in Hypnotherapy, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Neuro-Emotional Technique and Life Coaching, has further afforded me the opportunity to incorporate therapy on both the conscious and subconscious levels. I have customized an extremely dynamic emotional detox program which has resulted in unprecedented successes for clients, at significantly faster rates than traditional therapy alone and has left clients raving.
This work is very effective in alleviating pain, improving physical and mental performance, enhancing energy, and so much more.
I hold a Master’s degree in Psychology with over 18 years of experience in the field of Mental Health and is a Board-Certified Hypnotherapist. My training in Hypnotherapy, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Neuro-Emotional Technique and Life Coaching, has further afforded me the opportunity to incorporate therapy on both the conscious and subconscious levels. I have customized an extremely dynamic emotional detox program which has resulted in unprecedented successes for clients, at significantly faster rates than traditional therapy alone and has left clients raving.
(313) 263-5118 View (313) 263-5118
Photo of Stephanie P Williams - Transcendence Behavioral Health, PhD, Psychologist
Transcendence Behavioral Health
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Royal Oak, MI 48067
We have over 19 years experience in helping people with depression, anxiety, bipolar, addictions, chronic illness, HIV/AIDS, grief, death/dying, Post Traumatic Stress, Adjustment to Disability, Dissociative Disorder and sexual and gender identity issues (LGBTQIA).
We are a group of compassionate psychologists and licensed psychotherapists under the supervision of Stephanie Williams, PhD, LP who are dedicated to helping clients on their journey through life's multiple challenges. We strive to empower clients and to help them find their own personal path to self-fulfillment. Our goal is to assist clients in getting to the root of their challenges to make lasting changes in their lives and to help them help themselves over a lifetime. We believe it is never too late to accomplish your life goals.
We have over 19 years experience in helping people with depression, anxiety, bipolar, addictions, chronic illness, HIV/AIDS, grief, death/dying, Post Traumatic Stress, Adjustment to Disability, Dissociative Disorder and sexual and gender identity issues (LGBTQIA).
We are a group of compassionate psychologists and licensed psychotherapists under the supervision of Stephanie Williams, PhD, LP who are dedicated to helping clients on their journey through life's multiple challenges. We strive to empower clients and to help them find their own personal path to self-fulfillment. Our goal is to assist clients in getting to the root of their challenges to make lasting changes in their lives and to help them help themselves over a lifetime. We believe it is never too late to accomplish your life goals.
(248) 826-2184 View (248) 826-2184
Photo of Samantha Cook, MS, LLP, Limited Licensed Psychologist
Samantha Cook
Limited Licensed Psychologist, MS, LLP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Royal Oak, MI 48067  (Online Only)
My primary focus is helping adults explore the issues at the core of their depression, anxiety, stress, relationship problems, and chronic illness or pain.
I am so glad that you are taking this step towards mental health! I actively work to maintain a safe, open environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. My approach is to work together to help you lead your life in accordance with your values. I also like to incorporate psychoeducation into my practice to help build coping skills for a number of stressors.
My primary focus is helping adults explore the issues at the core of their depression, anxiety, stress, relationship problems, and chronic illness or pain.
I am so glad that you are taking this step towards mental health! I actively work to maintain a safe, open environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. My approach is to work together to help you lead your life in accordance with your values. I also like to incorporate psychoeducation into my practice to help build coping skills for a number of stressors.
(313) 246-8844 View (313) 246-8844
Photo of Shannon Geneen Kelly, LCSW-S, MPA, LCDC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Shannon Geneen Kelly
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S, MPA, LCDC
Verified Verified
Royal Oak, MI 48067  (Online Only)
Do people believe you have it all together, or do you put on a brave face to conceal the pain? Your feelings are valid, and your healing journey is important. I specialize in healing from trauma, enhancing self-esteem, and mending relationships, employing EMDR, IFS, CPT, and DBT, alongside mindfulness, somatic work, and creative expression. Guiding you through increasing your confidence, fostering healthy relationships, and cultivating a positive self-view for lasting well-being
Do people believe you have it all together, or do you put on a brave face to conceal the pain? Your feelings are valid, and your healing journey is important. I specialize in healing from trauma, enhancing self-esteem, and mending relationships, employing EMDR, IFS, CPT, and DBT, alongside mindfulness, somatic work, and creative expression. Guiding you through increasing your confidence, fostering healthy relationships, and cultivating a positive self-view for lasting well-being
(269) 225-3737 View (269) 225-3737
Photo of Amanda Kearns, LLMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Amanda Kearns
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified Verified
Royal Oak, MI 48067  (Online Only)
Navigating anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and gender/sexuality concerns might be isolating and associated with feelings of shame and grief.
Perhaps you are at a crossroads in life and are struggling to find your path. You are a perfectionist with high achieving tendencies however, feel unable to calm your anxiety, depression, or negative self-talk. Your successes are undermined by a voice in your head stating, “I don’t think I’m good enough or I don’t have anything left to give.” You have successfully navigated many of life’s difficult decisions yet, your self-esteem and confidence are holding you back.
Navigating anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and gender/sexuality concerns might be isolating and associated with feelings of shame and grief.
Perhaps you are at a crossroads in life and are struggling to find your path. You are a perfectionist with high achieving tendencies however, feel unable to calm your anxiety, depression, or negative self-talk. Your successes are undermined by a voice in your head stating, “I don’t think I’m good enough or I don’t have anything left to give.” You have successfully navigated many of life’s difficult decisions yet, your self-esteem and confidence are holding you back.
(231) 216-6519 View (231) 216-6519
Photo of Missy Davis, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Missy Davis
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Royal Oak, MI 48067  (Online Only)
I work with adults with anxiety, chronic pain, chronic illness, grief/loss and trauma.
My ideal client may have to deal with anxiety or health issues or not being accepted by those around you for your gender/sexuality adds another challenge to navigating life. Working together using holistic somatic approaches like Brainspotting and EMDR I want to provide you with a safe, affirming and non-judgmental space for you to heal and grow from harmful life experiences. Together we can work toward your goals using trauma informed interventions in individual counseling sessions. Schedule a free consultation here www.therapyportal.com/p/misfitsregrowth/
I work with adults with anxiety, chronic pain, chronic illness, grief/loss and trauma.
My ideal client may have to deal with anxiety or health issues or not being accepted by those around you for your gender/sexuality adds another challenge to navigating life. Working together using holistic somatic approaches like Brainspotting and EMDR I want to provide you with a safe, affirming and non-judgmental space for you to heal and grow from harmful life experiences. Together we can work toward your goals using trauma informed interventions in individual counseling sessions. Schedule a free consultation here www.therapyportal.com/p/misfitsregrowth/
(248) 218-9662 View (248) 218-9662
Photo of Jeff King, MSW, MD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jeff King
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, MD
Verified Verified
Royal Oak, MI 48068
I have helped many people in pain from anxiety, from depression, from medical illness, and from a wide variety of different challenges.
I can help you navigate the challenges of life! You might be in pain or you might be in a good place and want to move to a better place. Whatever your desire, I can help you move where you want to go. I have endured challenges myself and have moved to a very peaceful place. This has taught me a huge number of ways that I can help you to move to where you want to go. I can help you with whatever you desire!
I have helped many people in pain from anxiety, from depression, from medical illness, and from a wide variety of different challenges.
I can help you navigate the challenges of life! You might be in pain or you might be in a good place and want to move to a better place. Whatever your desire, I can help you move where you want to go. I have endured challenges myself and have moved to a very peaceful place. This has taught me a huge number of ways that I can help you to move to where you want to go. I can help you with whatever you desire!
(248) 547-8083 View (248) 547-8083
Photo of Destiny Peterson, PhD, Psychologist
Destiny Peterson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Royal Oak, MI 48067
I am a licensed psychologist specializing in clinical health and neuropsychology. I provide a combination of treatment and evaluation/assessment services to individuals with a wide range of presenting conditions including, but not limited to: general mental health, chronic pain, traumatic brain injury, neurological conditions, and chronic medical conditions. I practice from a cognitive-behavioral theoretical orientation while working with patient's to ensure that their specific treatment needs are being met. In addition to my direct clinical work, I am the Clinical Director at Life Skills Village.
I am a licensed psychologist specializing in clinical health and neuropsychology. I provide a combination of treatment and evaluation/assessment services to individuals with a wide range of presenting conditions including, but not limited to: general mental health, chronic pain, traumatic brain injury, neurological conditions, and chronic medical conditions. I practice from a cognitive-behavioral theoretical orientation while working with patient's to ensure that their specific treatment needs are being met. In addition to my direct clinical work, I am the Clinical Director at Life Skills Village.
(248) 516-2838 View (248) 516-2838
Photo of Chad B Cubberly, LLMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Chad B Cubberly
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified Verified
Royal Oak, MI 48067
Hospital to address many types of mental illness and substance use disorders.
Chad B. Cubberly received his Master of Social Work degree from Eastern Michigan University with a Concentration in Mental Health and Chemical Dependency. Chad believes that talking with a therapist or counselor can help you deal with thoughts, behaviors, symptoms, stresses, goals, past experiences and other areas that can promote your recovery. Chad understands that talking with a therapist about personal issues can be difficult but knows it can help people to address problems they may be experiencing in their lives. It can also offer an emotional release and a sense of really being heard, understood and supported.
Hospital to address many types of mental illness and substance use disorders.
Chad B. Cubberly received his Master of Social Work degree from Eastern Michigan University with a Concentration in Mental Health and Chemical Dependency. Chad believes that talking with a therapist or counselor can help you deal with thoughts, behaviors, symptoms, stresses, goals, past experiences and other areas that can promote your recovery. Chad understands that talking with a therapist about personal issues can be difficult but knows it can help people to address problems they may be experiencing in their lives. It can also offer an emotional release and a sense of really being heard, understood and supported.
(810) 957-8334 View (810) 957-8334
Photo of Dr. Jolin B. Yamin, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Jolin B. Yamin
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Royal Oak, MI 48068  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
You can expect to talk about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and to learn new ways to manage your anxiety, stress, and pain.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist dedicated to working collaboratively with individuals to navigate life’s stressors and transitions, improve their mood and relationships, and find fulfillment in their life experiences. I have special expertise in treating anxiety, trauma- and stress-related symptoms, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, chronic pain, and mind-body disorders. I will work with you to understand your symptoms, develop coping skills, and create a plan for recovery.
You can expect to talk about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and to learn new ways to manage your anxiety, stress, and pain.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist dedicated to working collaboratively with individuals to navigate life’s stressors and transitions, improve their mood and relationships, and find fulfillment in their life experiences. I have special expertise in treating anxiety, trauma- and stress-related symptoms, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, chronic pain, and mind-body disorders. I will work with you to understand your symptoms, develop coping skills, and create a plan for recovery.
(734) 562-6930 View (734) 562-6930
Photo of Rosemary A Jozwiak, MA, LPC, LMSW, CCBT, CDVC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rosemary A Jozwiak
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LPC, LMSW, CCBT, CDVC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Royal Oak, MI 48067  (Online Only)
I offer easy practical strategies that you will be able to immediately utilize. My heart centered non-judgmental approach creates a safe environment for you to begin transforming your life situation utilizing methods that encompasses the whole person. As a therapist with over 20 years of experience working with people, these strategies will allow you to move forward with your life situation and take charge of your life.
I offer easy practical strategies that you will be able to immediately utilize. My heart centered non-judgmental approach creates a safe environment for you to begin transforming your life situation utilizing methods that encompasses the whole person. As a therapist with over 20 years of experience working with people, these strategies will allow you to move forward with your life situation and take charge of your life.
(248) 546-9402 View (248) 546-9402
1
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.