Chronic Pain Therapists in Alpine, NJ
![Photo of Dr. Lori Crowson, DBH, LPC, PLLC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4be6ad21-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/8/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Lori Crowson
Licensed Professional Counselor, DBH, LPC, PLLC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Alpine, NJ 07620 (Online Only)
I have a passion to help people overcome trials of life, go in the direction of grace and acceptance, and come to terms with their shortcomings without feeling condemnation. My aim is to help people learn how to be hospitable rather than exist in a state of hostility or loneliness. While we cannot change difficult situations of our past, we can work together to better understand and resolve the resulting challenges in our life. We all share a common need to express emotions and learn new ways to cope effectively.
I have a passion to help people overcome trials of life, go in the direction of grace and acceptance, and come to terms with their shortcomings without feeling condemnation. My aim is to help people learn how to be hospitable rather than exist in a state of hostility or loneliness. While we cannot change difficult situations of our past, we can work together to better understand and resolve the resulting challenges in our life. We all share a common need to express emotions and learn new ways to cope effectively.
![Photo of Kimberly C Agresta, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f8f7010-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
The Agresta Psychotherapy group has been providing psychotherapeutic services in the Metropolitan area for over thirty years. I, personally, have worked in the mental health profession in various capacities for over 20 years. My specialties include anxiety disorders, relationship counseling, women's issues and family and group therapy. I established a division of APG called Women's Wellness. Women's Wellness specializes in problems commonly associated with women, such as postpartum depression, fertility, adoption and surrogacy, women's cancers, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, parenting skills and couples issues.
The Agresta Psychotherapy group has been providing psychotherapeutic services in the Metropolitan area for over thirty years. I, personally, have worked in the mental health profession in various capacities for over 20 years. My specialties include anxiety disorders, relationship counseling, women's issues and family and group therapy. I established a division of APG called Women's Wellness. Women's Wellness specializes in problems commonly associated with women, such as postpartum depression, fertility, adoption and surrogacy, women's cancers, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, parenting skills and couples issues.
![Photo of Erick D Rubel, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c1dd39a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Each of us is a truly original, unrepeatable, irreplaceable, unique, sacred, precious, creative, talented and healthy self that through a process of nature and nurture spends each moment of time evolving and expressing ourselves through love, compassion, caring, empathy and other virtuous relationships.
Therapy is a process of celebrating the evolution of each person's true self. It is our way, modern and ancient, eastern and western, artistic and technological, spiritual and practical of Self development. Therapy is also our newest and oldest path of protecting, nurturing, supporting and upholding all that is virtuous, positive, meritorious, innocent, ethical, benevolent and philanthropic in ourselves while learning to handle, manage, cope, organize, and select our purpose, meaning and priorities in life. Therapy teaches us the surivival skills that help us become efficacious and masterful in life. We establish, goals we wish to achieve, priorities we wish to establish, a clear plan of action, which evolves as we evolve, with the help of a trained professional who respects both our free will and our fate, our unique mission and our destiny.
Each of us is a truly original, unrepeatable, irreplaceable, unique, sacred, precious, creative, talented and healthy self that through a process of nature and nurture spends each moment of time evolving and expressing ourselves through love, compassion, caring, empathy and other virtuous relationships.
Therapy is a process of celebrating the evolution of each person's true self. It is our way, modern and ancient, eastern and western, artistic and technological, spiritual and practical of Self development. Therapy is also our newest and oldest path of protecting, nurturing, supporting and upholding all that is virtuous, positive, meritorious, innocent, ethical, benevolent and philanthropic in ourselves while learning to handle, manage, cope, organize, and select our purpose, meaning and priorities in life. Therapy teaches us the surivival skills that help us become efficacious and masterful in life. We establish, goals we wish to achieve, priorities we wish to establish, a clear plan of action, which evolves as we evolve, with the help of a trained professional who respects both our free will and our fate, our unique mission and our destiny.
![Photo of Heather S, MA, LAC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f501c144-708a-40e0-9bc1-e128b3a38ba6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hi! I am a licensed therapist working with female adolescents, teens and adults in the state of New Jersey through virtual sessions. I use a humanistic approach to therapy where I treat every patient the way I would my own friends and family - with a healthy dose of humor and rapport :) I believe our relationship is key to the therapeutic process! My specialities are in anxiety, depression, PTSD, and sport psychology. With my person-centered approach, I use a mix of modalities tailored specifically to each individual's needs and goals. I combine my education, along with over a decade of experience, to best treat each individual.
Hi! I am a licensed therapist working with female adolescents, teens and adults in the state of New Jersey through virtual sessions. I use a humanistic approach to therapy where I treat every patient the way I would my own friends and family - with a healthy dose of humor and rapport :) I believe our relationship is key to the therapeutic process! My specialities are in anxiety, depression, PTSD, and sport psychology. With my person-centered approach, I use a mix of modalities tailored specifically to each individual's needs and goals. I combine my education, along with over a decade of experience, to best treat each individual.
![Photo of Suzanne Bergmann, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/985c2451-68d0-42b8-a2a7-67517cffd797/2/320x400.jpeg)
Suzanne Bergmann
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Alpine, NJ 07620 (Online Only)
I strive to provide realistic, meaningful ways to improve your life. My style is personalized, compassionate, focused, and flexible. I am devoted to helping people reconnect to what matters most in their lives and regain the energy and focus they need to achieve their goals. I formulate a clear idea of where therapy can go to address your concerns, and will share what to expect from each treatment option, session to session, so that the process is not vague or mysterious to you. I am currently able to provide teletherapy in New York, New Jersey, Maine, Vermont, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia, South Carolina, and Florida.
I strive to provide realistic, meaningful ways to improve your life. My style is personalized, compassionate, focused, and flexible. I am devoted to helping people reconnect to what matters most in their lives and regain the energy and focus they need to achieve their goals. I formulate a clear idea of where therapy can go to address your concerns, and will share what to expect from each treatment option, session to session, so that the process is not vague or mysterious to you. I am currently able to provide teletherapy in New York, New Jersey, Maine, Vermont, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia, South Carolina, and Florida.
![Photo of Adrienne Lee Smith, LCSW-R, LIMHP, CMSW, SIFI, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1e5e11f8-f3b9-4357-8c1b-e31f2ba4ffb1/3/320x400.png)
Adrienne Lee Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R, LIMHP, CMSW, SIFI
Verified Verified
Alpine, NJ 07620 (Online Only)
Adrienne is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW-R) practicing psychotherapy and providing clinical consultation in New York, New Jersey, Nebraska, and Florida. She is a warm, attentive therapist who works with you to determine your individual needs and goals and to help you move toward finding clarity, healing, and happiness. Adrienne’s interest in counseling began as a volunteer on The Trevor Project’s suicide prevention and crisis intervention lifeline. Her early career focused on working with LGBTQIA+ youth at The Ali Forney Center before transitioning to an outpatient hospital clinic for adolescents and adults with HIV/AIDS.
Adrienne is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW-R) practicing psychotherapy and providing clinical consultation in New York, New Jersey, Nebraska, and Florida. She is a warm, attentive therapist who works with you to determine your individual needs and goals and to help you move toward finding clarity, healing, and happiness. Adrienne’s interest in counseling began as a volunteer on The Trevor Project’s suicide prevention and crisis intervention lifeline. Her early career focused on working with LGBTQIA+ youth at The Ali Forney Center before transitioning to an outpatient hospital clinic for adolescents and adults with HIV/AIDS.
![Photo of Will Mills, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0c5039f6-21b3-4934-b368-7c069f87b5a7/7/320x400.png)
Will Mills
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Alpine, NJ 07620 (Online Only)
Will has over 10 years of experience providing mental health treatment to New Jerseyans. Having worked in all levels of care — from inpatient to residential programs/group homes to outpatient settings — Will is able to support an array of clients from all walks of life. As Lead Therapist and Owner of Will Inspire You Counseling, he is immensely passionate about supporting people of all ages. Will specializes in supporting individuals living with ADHD, Anxiety and other related disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as Eating Disorders and disordered eating. Within his repertoire is a particular focus on LGBTQ+ health.
Will has over 10 years of experience providing mental health treatment to New Jerseyans. Having worked in all levels of care — from inpatient to residential programs/group homes to outpatient settings — Will is able to support an array of clients from all walks of life. As Lead Therapist and Owner of Will Inspire You Counseling, he is immensely passionate about supporting people of all ages. Will specializes in supporting individuals living with ADHD, Anxiety and other related disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as Eating Disorders and disordered eating. Within his repertoire is a particular focus on LGBTQ+ health.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Nicole Mendicino, LCSW, CCTP, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7b464993-23e5-4236-b39d-30262e185d5f/2/320x400.png)
Nicole Mendicino
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCTP, LMSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Tenafly, NJ 07670 (Online Only)
It's nice to meet you! Does your mind ever get the better of you? Are your thoughts so consuming that you can't seem to slow them down? Are you feeling unsettled, tense, or like you've lost yourself? You may be experiencing the unwanted effects of anxiety, chronic pain, or ongoing distress. These can feel debilitating when we do not know what to do with it all. Collaboratively, let's work towards reclaiming the life you truly deserve! To learn more about my practice, please view my website at wholeheartedcnslng.com
It's nice to meet you! Does your mind ever get the better of you? Are your thoughts so consuming that you can't seem to slow them down? Are you feeling unsettled, tense, or like you've lost yourself? You may be experiencing the unwanted effects of anxiety, chronic pain, or ongoing distress. These can feel debilitating when we do not know what to do with it all. Collaboratively, let's work towards reclaiming the life you truly deserve! To learn more about my practice, please view my website at wholeheartedcnslng.com
![Photo of Jaime Elias, LCSW, PsyA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cbbe42e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/6/320x400.jpeg)
My areas of expertise incorporate all relationship, parenting and work issues, including divorce, grief, illness, anxiety and depression.
If you are struggling with relationship, parenting or career issues, or depression and anxiety, therapy can help you find a path to resolving problems and leading a fuller life. With the right therapist, therapy is a warm and supportive environment where you can explore issues without fear of being judged.
My areas of expertise incorporate all relationship, parenting and work issues, including divorce, grief, illness, anxiety and depression.
If you are struggling with relationship, parenting or career issues, or depression and anxiety, therapy can help you find a path to resolving problems and leading a fuller life. With the right therapist, therapy is a warm and supportive environment where you can explore issues without fear of being judged.
![Photo of Cayley Kasten, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/da8ce10a-c923-4de3-a942-a30d74b0bf17/1/320x400.jpeg)
Cayley Kasten
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Tenafly, NJ 07670 (Online Only)
Chronic pain and illness can have a significant impact on the lives of those living with it. They can take a toll on mental and emotional wellbeing, relationships, and the way we feel about ourselves. People often describe feeling frustrated with their body, unable to keep up with day to day tasks, or anxious for when they may feel unwell again. Interactions with the medical system and insurance companies can be exhausting and traumatic. Pain and illness can play a big part in our relationship dynamics; creating challenges with the people we care about most who want to help but don't seem to understand or know how.
Chronic pain and illness can have a significant impact on the lives of those living with it. They can take a toll on mental and emotional wellbeing, relationships, and the way we feel about ourselves. People often describe feeling frustrated with their body, unable to keep up with day to day tasks, or anxious for when they may feel unwell again. Interactions with the medical system and insurance companies can be exhausting and traumatic. Pain and illness can play a big part in our relationship dynamics; creating challenges with the people we care about most who want to help but don't seem to understand or know how.
![Photo of Donna Strauss, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c3823af-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Beyond individual, family and couples counseling we offer Men's, Teen, Anxiety, Grief, Social Skills, Women's, Cancer/Illness and other support groups as well as corporate training and LSW supervision.
Building on the clinical social work model of person-in-environment, Connect Counseling & Wellness offers services designed to create a healthy mind, body and spirit. Whether its stress, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, self-esteem or any of life's problems that impair functioning and impede happiness, we help our clients to better understand themselves and others and to implement solutions designed to feel better and become their best selves.
Beyond individual, family and couples counseling we offer Men's, Teen, Anxiety, Grief, Social Skills, Women's, Cancer/Illness and other support groups as well as corporate training and LSW supervision.
Building on the clinical social work model of person-in-environment, Connect Counseling & Wellness offers services designed to create a healthy mind, body and spirit. Whether its stress, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, self-esteem or any of life's problems that impair functioning and impede happiness, we help our clients to better understand themselves and others and to implement solutions designed to feel better and become their best selves.
![Photo of Joseph Carlozzo, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bef9a0d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/6/320x400.jpeg)
Are you looking for a different way to respond to situations in your life? Although we know that "HOW" we respond is critical...we often feel we have little control over our response. We can lose sight of our better judgment, our strengths, and miss opportunities to either make the situation better or our response better. In our efforts to get rid of our problems or shoo them away, they are on our minds even more...making us feel overwhelmed and helpless. Considering or imagining other ways, of responding or looking at situations, is a matter of training the mind.
Are you looking for a different way to respond to situations in your life? Although we know that "HOW" we respond is critical...we often feel we have little control over our response. We can lose sight of our better judgment, our strengths, and miss opportunities to either make the situation better or our response better. In our efforts to get rid of our problems or shoo them away, they are on our minds even more...making us feel overwhelmed and helpless. Considering or imagining other ways, of responding or looking at situations, is a matter of training the mind.
![Photo of Marianne Grace Dunn - Marianne G Dunn, PhD, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/593ed6be-4cfd-455a-a7cb-debf240a6553/3/320x400.jpeg)
I offer specialized, personalized, and confidential psychological services in person and virtually. I tailor treatment for you, and will work together with my clients to help them recover and live their best life. I am a licensed psychologist in NY & NJ, with ability to practice teletherapy in 30+ states.
I offer specialized, personalized, and confidential psychological services in person and virtually. I tailor treatment for you, and will work together with my clients to help them recover and live their best life. I am a licensed psychologist in NY & NJ, with ability to practice teletherapy in 30+ states.
![Photo of Joel Simon, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7ff4fe1c-2c6c-4694-9847-def22c74a769/2/320x400.jpeg)
Experienced New Jersey Licenced Psychotherapist, Offers a warm, caring and supportive environment, specializes in treating individuals of all ages with Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Bi Polar Disorder, Couples Relations, Anger Management, Stress Related Disorders, Parenting issues and more. I choose from a number of treatment modalities to best meet your needs, and just to name a few such as Cognitive Behavioral, Psycho Dynamics, Stress Reduction to get passed personal blocks and to achieve your desired goals such as improved relationships at home and better productivity at work. I am also a Certified Supervisor providing supervision to other LCSW Therapists in the area.
Experienced New Jersey Licenced Psychotherapist, Offers a warm, caring and supportive environment, specializes in treating individuals of all ages with Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Bi Polar Disorder, Couples Relations, Anger Management, Stress Related Disorders, Parenting issues and more. I choose from a number of treatment modalities to best meet your needs, and just to name a few such as Cognitive Behavioral, Psycho Dynamics, Stress Reduction to get passed personal blocks and to achieve your desired goals such as improved relationships at home and better productivity at work. I am also a Certified Supervisor providing supervision to other LCSW Therapists in the area.
![Photo of Iris Sher, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c7b4316-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Have you been feeling that life has become a struggle? Have you faced a traumatic or life changing event? Whatever the reason, the decision to see a therapist and talk about these issues can be difficult. Contacting a psychologist can be the first courageous step in a process of growth and healing. I am a licensed psychologist with 14 years of experience helping people deal with depression, anxiety, adjustment to life changes, immigration and acculturation, marital problems, aging, caregiving, and loss.
Have you been feeling that life has become a struggle? Have you faced a traumatic or life changing event? Whatever the reason, the decision to see a therapist and talk about these issues can be difficult. Contacting a psychologist can be the first courageous step in a process of growth and healing. I am a licensed psychologist with 14 years of experience helping people deal with depression, anxiety, adjustment to life changes, immigration and acculturation, marital problems, aging, caregiving, and loss.
![Photo of Susan L Goldman, LCSW, PsyA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4696037d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
You are seeking help from an experienced therapist and that is the first step toward feeling better! Whether worried, overwhelmed, resentful, and/or "down-in-the dumps," you are reaching out to a professional, with whom you can feel safe to be yourself and tell your story. Sometimes it is difficult to say out loud what you have not wanted to articulate; however healing takes place when you begin to share, feel understood and problem-solve. We may discover patterns of behavior that are not in your best interest, and explore ways to affect change toward a more satisfying life.
You are seeking help from an experienced therapist and that is the first step toward feeling better! Whether worried, overwhelmed, resentful, and/or "down-in-the dumps," you are reaching out to a professional, with whom you can feel safe to be yourself and tell your story. Sometimes it is difficult to say out loud what you have not wanted to articulate; however healing takes place when you begin to share, feel understood and problem-solve. We may discover patterns of behavior that are not in your best interest, and explore ways to affect change toward a more satisfying life.
![Photo of Dr. Melissa Jermann, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4285bdd1-4d4d-4e16-8a3e-de9ed08a6f87/1/320x400.png)
Do you feel trapped in cycles of anxiety and racing thoughts or burnt out from the stress of high expectations? Are you ready to try something different from talk therapy? I work collaboratively with my clients to guide them in reclaiming their lives back from tough emotions by reconnecting to their values. Together, we will figure out which approach works best for you. Whether that be ERP for OCD, ACT for anxiety, or understanding how past experiences influence your life. My integrative approach emphasizes a combination of modern evidence-based treatments and insight to make real, meaningful change.
Do you feel trapped in cycles of anxiety and racing thoughts or burnt out from the stress of high expectations? Are you ready to try something different from talk therapy? I work collaboratively with my clients to guide them in reclaiming their lives back from tough emotions by reconnecting to their values. Together, we will figure out which approach works best for you. Whether that be ERP for OCD, ACT for anxiety, or understanding how past experiences influence your life. My integrative approach emphasizes a combination of modern evidence-based treatments and insight to make real, meaningful change.
![Photo of Liana Sideri, LCSW, MSW, MS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0fb12ccd-8e16-4d4a-9d7e-8eeb1a5ed167/1/320x400.jpeg)
People usually seek therapy when they experience unhappiness. Reaching out for help when that occurs takes courage. With compassion, respect and care, we will work together to address your challenges, focusing on your feelings, thoughts and desires. We will explore how you function in the world and help you to connect insightfully to that part of your self in need of attention and support. Identifying and exploring patterns in your life, you can learn to manage emotional/behavioral barriers. We will be doing all this in a safe and comforting place.
People usually seek therapy when they experience unhappiness. Reaching out for help when that occurs takes courage. With compassion, respect and care, we will work together to address your challenges, focusing on your feelings, thoughts and desires. We will explore how you function in the world and help you to connect insightfully to that part of your self in need of attention and support. Identifying and exploring patterns in your life, you can learn to manage emotional/behavioral barriers. We will be doing all this in a safe and comforting place.
![Photo of Julie L Wien, LCSW, LMSW, ACSW, BCD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/548a460e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Julie L Wien
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LMSW, ACSW, BCD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Cresskill, NJ 07626
Are you feeling unfulfilled and struggling to express your emotions and needs? Anxiety and depression can hold you back from living a happy life. But with my interactive, compassionate, and non-judgmental counseling style, I can help you discover and utilize the resources you already possess. My priority is to provide a safe environment where you can feel comfortable. Together, we can work towards the courage to take risks and lead a more liberating life because you are not defined by a diagnosis or demographic. I individualize my approach to each client to help you achieve personal growth and acceptance.
Are you feeling unfulfilled and struggling to express your emotions and needs? Anxiety and depression can hold you back from living a happy life. But with my interactive, compassionate, and non-judgmental counseling style, I can help you discover and utilize the resources you already possess. My priority is to provide a safe environment where you can feel comfortable. Together, we can work towards the courage to take risks and lead a more liberating life because you are not defined by a diagnosis or demographic. I individualize my approach to each client to help you achieve personal growth and acceptance.
![Photo of James L Fosshage, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c32fb25-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/5/320x400.jpeg)
I believe that each of us is endowed with a fundamental striving to grow. However, in life's journey we encounter both joy and sorrow. What is important is how we negotiate these experiences. If you are feeling undermined from negative attitudes or facing difficult challenges, help is available through a safe, in-depth psychoanalytic psychotherapy experience. We will explore the relational origins of harmful self-feelings and painful experiences to seek new pathways to enhance your sense of wellbeing. In psychotherapy, we will embark on an in-depth reflective adventure together to facilitate your growth to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
I believe that each of us is endowed with a fundamental striving to grow. However, in life's journey we encounter both joy and sorrow. What is important is how we negotiate these experiences. If you are feeling undermined from negative attitudes or facing difficult challenges, help is available through a safe, in-depth psychoanalytic psychotherapy experience. We will explore the relational origins of harmful self-feelings and painful experiences to seek new pathways to enhance your sense of wellbeing. In psychotherapy, we will embark on an in-depth reflective adventure together to facilitate your growth to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
See more therapy options for Alpine
Nearby Chronic Pain Therapists Searches for Alpine
- Bergenfield
- Cresskill
- Englewood
- Fort Lee
- Hillsdale
- Leonia
- Oradell
- Paramus
- Teaneck
- Tenafly
- Westwood
- Woodcliff Lake
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.