Chronic Pain Therapists in Glen Rock, NJ
![Photo of Dr. Melissa L Donahue, DSW, LCSW, CST, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/26e22131-57ca-450d-9662-efc8abc48efd/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Melissa L Donahue
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LCSW, CST
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Glen Rock, NJ 07452
Patients who have benefitted struggled with differences in desire, arousal, orgasm challenges, & pain.
As a leader in sexual health and wellness, Dr. Donahue understands the complexities many people face in their lives and how it can impact their sexuality. All people are sexual beings, and their quality of life can suffer when experiencing challenges in this area. All ages, genders, ethnicities, and religious backgrounds can benefit from sex therapy. Dr. Donahue's broad spectrum of knowledge is advantageous when working with the whole patient, leaning into the body-mind connection.
Patients who have benefitted struggled with differences in desire, arousal, orgasm challenges, & pain.
As a leader in sexual health and wellness, Dr. Donahue understands the complexities many people face in their lives and how it can impact their sexuality. All people are sexual beings, and their quality of life can suffer when experiencing challenges in this area. All ages, genders, ethnicities, and religious backgrounds can benefit from sex therapy. Dr. Donahue's broad spectrum of knowledge is advantageous when working with the whole patient, leaning into the body-mind connection.
![Photo of Ranita Fooks - The Healthy Mind, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d96f9d4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Throughout our lives we may find ourselves pulled in many directions, especially between our friends and family, work and social expectations. It’s no wonder that we find ourselves struggling to keep up and experiencing a wide range of social-emotional difficulties. This can have a negative impact on the way we view ourselves and the world around us. We may then find ourselves stuck in a cycle, during which our negative thoughts result in increased feelings of anxiety, anger and depression. Psychotherapy can help you break out of this cycle and work towards establishing healthier thought patterns and feeling better overall.
Throughout our lives we may find ourselves pulled in many directions, especially between our friends and family, work and social expectations. It’s no wonder that we find ourselves struggling to keep up and experiencing a wide range of social-emotional difficulties. This can have a negative impact on the way we view ourselves and the world around us. We may then find ourselves stuck in a cycle, during which our negative thoughts result in increased feelings of anxiety, anger and depression. Psychotherapy can help you break out of this cycle and work towards establishing healthier thought patterns and feeling better overall.
![Photo of Paul Groenewal - Inspire Wellness Sport Psychology , Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1042a38b-9ce7-48c7-aa9c-a253ca46a737/2/320x400.jpeg)
Inspire Wellness is a multi-site group practice in Bergen County, New Jersey that offers psychological, educational, and performance services. We are a group of about 30 clinicians with different specialties. One of our areas of focus is Sport Psychology which encompasses a range of mental performance strategies for individual athletes, coaches, and teams. Our Inspire Wellness Sport Psychology team works with professional, colligate, and youth sport athletes. We provide athletes with mental performance strategies to improve their game and reach their full potential on and off the court.
Inspire Wellness is a multi-site group practice in Bergen County, New Jersey that offers psychological, educational, and performance services. We are a group of about 30 clinicians with different specialties. One of our areas of focus is Sport Psychology which encompasses a range of mental performance strategies for individual athletes, coaches, and teams. Our Inspire Wellness Sport Psychology team works with professional, colligate, and youth sport athletes. We provide athletes with mental performance strategies to improve their game and reach their full potential on and off the court.
![Photo of Dr. Paul Groenewal (Inspire Wellness), PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c6cd669-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Paul Groenewal (Inspire Wellness)
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glen Rock, NJ 07452
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and one of the owners of a group practice called Inspire Wellness. Inspire Wellness is made up of 25 clinicians with various specialties. We have offices throughout Bergen County offering therapy, Sport Psychology, Neuropsychological Testing, and Forensic Psychology. Working in a group decreases the likelihood that we run a waiting list and allows clients to find a clinician with the specialty and approach that fits their specific need. We have a full office staff that are able and willing to answer your questions and will assist you in dealing with your insurance needs.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and one of the owners of a group practice called Inspire Wellness. Inspire Wellness is made up of 25 clinicians with various specialties. We have offices throughout Bergen County offering therapy, Sport Psychology, Neuropsychological Testing, and Forensic Psychology. Working in a group decreases the likelihood that we run a waiting list and allows clients to find a clinician with the specialty and approach that fits their specific need. We have a full office staff that are able and willing to answer your questions and will assist you in dealing with your insurance needs.
![Photo of David Gluckstein, LCSW, ACSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/742d5391-6ded-482a-9fe1-891447a6e387/1/320x400.jpeg)
David Gluckstein
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
Glen Rock, NJ 07452 (Online Only)
I provide a supportive and non-judgmental approach to foster greater insight, self-awareness and growth. My treatment approach is eclectic, designed to meet the individual needs of my clients. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New York and New Jersey, I offer virtual sessions to children, adolescents, families and adults.
I provide a supportive and non-judgmental approach to foster greater insight, self-awareness and growth. My treatment approach is eclectic, designed to meet the individual needs of my clients. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New York and New Jersey, I offer virtual sessions to children, adolescents, families and adults.
![Photo of Frank Hoehne, MA, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bf4235a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
Would you like to manage the stressful issues and events of your life more effectively? Are everyday problems more difficult than they should be? Are the extraordinary or traumatic events completely overwhelming? Is your personal and professional life not as fulfilling as you want? Is alcohol or drug use exacerbating your problems? Are your usual methods of coping with problems failing to bring relief? Maybe it's time to try a new approach. Crisis, as traumatic as it may seem, can be an opportunity to examine and re-negotiate life events and life choices for a more fulfilling future.
Would you like to manage the stressful issues and events of your life more effectively? Are everyday problems more difficult than they should be? Are the extraordinary or traumatic events completely overwhelming? Is your personal and professional life not as fulfilling as you want? Is alcohol or drug use exacerbating your problems? Are your usual methods of coping with problems failing to bring relief? Maybe it's time to try a new approach. Crisis, as traumatic as it may seem, can be an opportunity to examine and re-negotiate life events and life choices for a more fulfilling future.
![Photo of Lauren Spodak, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fb60afd8-2de6-4b97-9666-a1ccd47bbbc8/1/320x400.png)
When you are experiencing stress, anxiety, depression or having other issues, talking to a professional can be very relieving. It is amazing the shift that can take place when you start to talk. I am a non-judgmental, interactive and supportive therapist who will listen to you and help you move towards positive change.
When you are experiencing stress, anxiety, depression or having other issues, talking to a professional can be very relieving. It is amazing the shift that can take place when you start to talk. I am a non-judgmental, interactive and supportive therapist who will listen to you and help you move towards positive change.
![Photo of John E. Macri, P, h, D, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f7b231b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
We take a comprehensive approach to understand the challenges our clients face on a daily basis. We strive to turn these challenges into positive and measurable outcomes. We help individuals by teaching evidence-based techniques which can be applied directly to the workplace, athletics and social/emotional functioning. Our clients learn how to perform effectively by increasing focus and attention, setting specific goals, decreasing negative emotions and increasing confidence. Whether you are an adolescent, professional in the workplace, competitive athlete, or an individual adapting to a life transition, we can help you to articulate and achieve your personal goals.
We take a comprehensive approach to understand the challenges our clients face on a daily basis. We strive to turn these challenges into positive and measurable outcomes. We help individuals by teaching evidence-based techniques which can be applied directly to the workplace, athletics and social/emotional functioning. Our clients learn how to perform effectively by increasing focus and attention, setting specific goals, decreasing negative emotions and increasing confidence. Whether you are an adolescent, professional in the workplace, competitive athlete, or an individual adapting to a life transition, we can help you to articulate and achieve your personal goals.
![Photo of Kristin Birchenough, LPC, LCADC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3a74ad2f-600c-437b-9bbc-4da9293cfd6d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kristin Birchenough
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCADC
Verified Verified
Glen Rock, NJ 07452
Crisis is defined as a crucial stage or turning point, and my goal is to help you to effectively navigate this turning point in your life. Often people struggle to manage their intense emotions and have difficulty with relationships and managing life issues. I work with individuals, couples, and families to help reduce overall distress, develop more effective communication, and build or improve relationships. I am intensively trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) through Behavioral Tech, and identify targets and teach skills to reduce stress and intense emotions to maintain balance and build a life worth living, and use a DBT-informed approach to treatment.
Crisis is defined as a crucial stage or turning point, and my goal is to help you to effectively navigate this turning point in your life. Often people struggle to manage their intense emotions and have difficulty with relationships and managing life issues. I work with individuals, couples, and families to help reduce overall distress, develop more effective communication, and build or improve relationships. I am intensively trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) through Behavioral Tech, and identify targets and teach skills to reduce stress and intense emotions to maintain balance and build a life worth living, and use a DBT-informed approach to treatment.
![Photo of Sarina Price, LPC, R-DMT, CCTP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/716b0620-9aff-4d15-b42e-262ecdc13e08/4/320x400.jpeg)
Sarina Price
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, R-DMT, CCTP
Verified Verified
Glen Rock, NJ 07452
Not accepting new clients
It takes strength and courage to seek help. I applaud you for making it this far. I am a lifespan LPC and expressive arts therapist. My work is primarily with children (and families), adolescents and young adults, though I do additionally see adults individually as well as couples. Parents and individual clients alike often come to me with concerns of anxiety, depression, self-regulation, behavioral issues, performance challenges (school, sports, work, etc.), and life transitions, just to name a few. I largely utilize mindfulness-based techniques as it is only with present awareness that we can change our lived experiences.
It takes strength and courage to seek help. I applaud you for making it this far. I am a lifespan LPC and expressive arts therapist. My work is primarily with children (and families), adolescents and young adults, though I do additionally see adults individually as well as couples. Parents and individual clients alike often come to me with concerns of anxiety, depression, self-regulation, behavioral issues, performance challenges (school, sports, work, etc.), and life transitions, just to name a few. I largely utilize mindfulness-based techniques as it is only with present awareness that we can change our lived experiences.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Victoria Ozerskaya, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/97cf7812-f2fe-460f-8803-c9765d8eb36b/2/320x400.jpeg)
If you are experiencing chronic pain, a lot of energy is spent just to "get through the day". That energy could be put to better use to achieve your goals, enrich your life and enjoy it. Neck and back pain, TMI, IBS, eczema, joint pain, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and autoimmune disorders have underlying emotional and psychological roots and most medical doctors don't pay attention to those "vitals". It often results in misdiagnosis and unsustainable treatments that bring temporary or no relief. It leaves you feeling misunderstood, frustrated with endless appointments, hopeless, lonely & desperate to try anything to feel better.
If you are experiencing chronic pain, a lot of energy is spent just to "get through the day". That energy could be put to better use to achieve your goals, enrich your life and enjoy it. Neck and back pain, TMI, IBS, eczema, joint pain, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and autoimmune disorders have underlying emotional and psychological roots and most medical doctors don't pay attention to those "vitals". It often results in misdiagnosis and unsustainable treatments that bring temporary or no relief. It leaves you feeling misunderstood, frustrated with endless appointments, hopeless, lonely & desperate to try anything to feel better.
![Photo of Nancy Just - Advanced Psychological Specialists, LLC, PhD, ABPP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5e3aa811-9f08-4539-9689-3a4b0ab3e2ea/2/320x400.jpeg)
Advanced Psychological Specialists, LLC
Psychologist, PhD, ABPP
Verified Verified
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
As one travels through the different stages of life, many challenges inevitably arise. These challenges can be the result of life circumstances, such as chronic pain, loss of a loved one, childhood/ parenting problems or relationship difficulties. These challenges can also be due to chronic or severe conditions such as depression, anxiety, cognitive disorder or thought disorder. A thorough assessment and psychological treatment plan can help you navigate all of these types of challenges and achieve optimal emotional health.
As one travels through the different stages of life, many challenges inevitably arise. These challenges can be the result of life circumstances, such as chronic pain, loss of a loved one, childhood/ parenting problems or relationship difficulties. These challenges can also be due to chronic or severe conditions such as depression, anxiety, cognitive disorder or thought disorder. A thorough assessment and psychological treatment plan can help you navigate all of these types of challenges and achieve optimal emotional health.
![Photo of Mary Beth Del Balzo, LCSW, CHT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ab9cdcb2-85e0-4f20-8722-9abe31cdfd21/1/320x400.jpeg)
Therapeutic specializations include adult and older adult transitions, catastrophic illness counseling, bereavement and grief, anxiety, depression, stress, women's issues, spirit based counseling, and caretaker issues and resources.
My mission is to patiently support people in seeking and finding joy that eludes them, helping them to empower themselves by using psychotherapy & hypnotherapy, working with the mind, body, emotions and our spirit that makes us unique and a part of the whole of humanity. Our therapeutic alliance encourages a look at the world in a new, safe way. Hypnosis and work in the subconscious is the eye to the soul. I'm an expert hypnotherapist with numerous hypnosis certifications, in private psychotherapy practice since 2005 and a practicing clinical hypnotherapist since 1995, located in NJ.
Therapeutic specializations include adult and older adult transitions, catastrophic illness counseling, bereavement and grief, anxiety, depression, stress, women's issues, spirit based counseling, and caretaker issues and resources.
My mission is to patiently support people in seeking and finding joy that eludes them, helping them to empower themselves by using psychotherapy & hypnotherapy, working with the mind, body, emotions and our spirit that makes us unique and a part of the whole of humanity. Our therapeutic alliance encourages a look at the world in a new, safe way. Hypnosis and work in the subconscious is the eye to the soul. I'm an expert hypnotherapist with numerous hypnosis certifications, in private psychotherapy practice since 2005 and a practicing clinical hypnotherapist since 1995, located in NJ.
![Photo of Nancy Fish, LCSW, MSW, MPH, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d14f85f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I cover several areas including anxiety, depression, cancer, infertility, anger management, chronic pain, grief, trauma, and individuals with special needs.
I have been in private practice for more than 20 years. I work in Northern New Jersey and provide short-term psychotherapy using psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, sensorimotor psychotherapy, EMDR and IFS. I feel using an integrated model produces the best results. Every client is different so it's necessary to use multiple modalities --a one size fits all model does not work in therapy. I like working in partnership with clients. I am approachable, warm, nurturing and active in my sessions. I believe it's essential to be available to clients and return phone calls and emails on a timely basis
I cover several areas including anxiety, depression, cancer, infertility, anger management, chronic pain, grief, trauma, and individuals with special needs.
I have been in private practice for more than 20 years. I work in Northern New Jersey and provide short-term psychotherapy using psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, sensorimotor psychotherapy, EMDR and IFS. I feel using an integrated model produces the best results. Every client is different so it's necessary to use multiple modalities --a one size fits all model does not work in therapy. I like working in partnership with clients. I am approachable, warm, nurturing and active in my sessions. I believe it's essential to be available to clients and return phone calls and emails on a timely basis
![Photo of Jessica S Williams, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/78d1e603-66db-40af-bdc4-2eb3f7514a7c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica S Williams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Wyckoff, NJ 07481 (Online Only)
Everyone should have access to quality mental health care, which is why I offer telehealth services for individuals who are not able to attend in-office appointments due to the time constraints of parenting, career, travel, illness, etc. My goals are to help guide, challenge, and teach essential skills to help my clients live fuller, more content, and well-adjusted lives. A focus of my career has been work with creatives, LGBTQ individuals, young adults, therapy novices, and people with medical challenges. I am a Health At Every Size practitioner, passionate about body acceptance and intuitive eating.
Everyone should have access to quality mental health care, which is why I offer telehealth services for individuals who are not able to attend in-office appointments due to the time constraints of parenting, career, travel, illness, etc. My goals are to help guide, challenge, and teach essential skills to help my clients live fuller, more content, and well-adjusted lives. A focus of my career has been work with creatives, LGBTQ individuals, young adults, therapy novices, and people with medical challenges. I am a Health At Every Size practitioner, passionate about body acceptance and intuitive eating.
![Photo of Victorie Valspirit Hypnotherapy, CMS-CHt, FIBH](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50e4fd2e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Our cumulative, customized modality is constructed to give each client maximum benefits & success to achieve their goals for all medical issues, surgery, pain management, weight management, bladder control, sports, test taking, focus, motivation, to aid in healing faster & more.
I Tori Valspirit, stand for my clients loving themselves, knowing their true values, expecting the best in life, being happy, healthy, strong and prosperous. Understanding that they can make a choice to transform and change their lives and make it all that it can be. As a result of my work as a Clinical Hypnotherapist, Teacher and Empowerment Coach knowing that we have the ability to create the lives that we were meant to have. Acknowledging the power within us because it is possible for human kind to experience Heaven on Earth.” Board Certification #F10319-600, Today we have a 93.4% success rate.
Our cumulative, customized modality is constructed to give each client maximum benefits & success to achieve their goals for all medical issues, surgery, pain management, weight management, bladder control, sports, test taking, focus, motivation, to aid in healing faster & more.
I Tori Valspirit, stand for my clients loving themselves, knowing their true values, expecting the best in life, being happy, healthy, strong and prosperous. Understanding that they can make a choice to transform and change their lives and make it all that it can be. As a result of my work as a Clinical Hypnotherapist, Teacher and Empowerment Coach knowing that we have the ability to create the lives that we were meant to have. Acknowledging the power within us because it is possible for human kind to experience Heaven on Earth.” Board Certification #F10319-600, Today we have a 93.4% success rate.
![Photo of Judith Glick, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d7068a9-27f3-485e-abc2-c7f22f33675b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Judith Glick
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 (Online Only)
As a therapist, I deal with depression, anxiety, grief/loss, chronic illness, life's challenges with an eclectic approach.
Are you having difficulty adjusting to changes in your life? Even re-entering life after Covid-19? Are you feeling isolated? Scared? Insecure? Overwhelmed? Have normal everyday problems become magnified? If you have answered YES to ANY of these questions, NOW is the time to call me. I am here to help. While we work together for positive outcomes, YOU are the link to begin this process.
As a therapist, I deal with depression, anxiety, grief/loss, chronic illness, life's challenges with an eclectic approach.
Are you having difficulty adjusting to changes in your life? Even re-entering life after Covid-19? Are you feeling isolated? Scared? Insecure? Overwhelmed? Have normal everyday problems become magnified? If you have answered YES to ANY of these questions, NOW is the time to call me. I am here to help. While we work together for positive outcomes, YOU are the link to begin this process.
![Photo of Erica Shreck, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9908c652-d79b-4399-a425-bf5ea8a7bb0b/2/320x400.jpeg)
I work across a broad spectrum of diagnostic presentations, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, adjustment issues, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, management of chronic medical illness, caregiver stress and perinatal mental health, with a particular emphasis on flexible application of evidence-based therapies (e.
Beginning therapy is a wonderful challenge and opportunity, one that I am committed to partnering in. My work often focuses on helping clients enact change, manage symptoms, cultivate meaning and live authentically. Additionally, my therapeutic stance is open, empathic and collaborative, creating a non-judgmental space to connect in the valued areas of your life. I am committed to considering the multifaceted aspects of your identity, in understanding your lived experience and moving towards your goals.
I work across a broad spectrum of diagnostic presentations, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, adjustment issues, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, management of chronic medical illness, caregiver stress and perinatal mental health, with a particular emphasis on flexible application of evidence-based therapies (e.
Beginning therapy is a wonderful challenge and opportunity, one that I am committed to partnering in. My work often focuses on helping clients enact change, manage symptoms, cultivate meaning and live authentically. Additionally, my therapeutic stance is open, empathic and collaborative, creating a non-judgmental space to connect in the valued areas of your life. I am committed to considering the multifaceted aspects of your identity, in understanding your lived experience and moving towards your goals.
![Photo of Steven Bottari, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/186517fd-eae2-4fe4-98ac-7cfc983485bf/2/320x400.jpeg)
After obtaining a Ph.D. in School Psychology, I completed a Post-Doctoral Internship in Clinical Psychology, working with adults. I subsequently entered private practice and worked with a very diverse client population. Issues I have treated include: depression, anxiety, PTSD/pain from accident and injury, ADHD, and relationship issues. After practicing for 15 years, I entered the business world and recently returned to clinical practice supplemented with years of business and life experience.
After obtaining a Ph.D. in School Psychology, I completed a Post-Doctoral Internship in Clinical Psychology, working with adults. I subsequently entered private practice and worked with a very diverse client population. Issues I have treated include: depression, anxiety, PTSD/pain from accident and injury, ADHD, and relationship issues. After practicing for 15 years, I entered the business world and recently returned to clinical practice supplemented with years of business and life experience.
![Photo of Susan First, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ef0b772-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am dedicated to helping individuals develop the skills to resolve interpersonal and psychological issues. I have specialty training in anxiety and depression, family therapy, grief/bereavement counseling, borderline personality disorder, and in health psychology; including pain and symptom management, anxiety reduction and adjustment to illness. I work with adolescents in the area of dealing with blended family issues, school avoidance, self harm and social anxiety. Regardless of the specific therapeutic issue, I take an individualized approach and focus on cultivating growth, insight and self-compassion.
I am dedicated to helping individuals develop the skills to resolve interpersonal and psychological issues. I have specialty training in anxiety and depression, family therapy, grief/bereavement counseling, borderline personality disorder, and in health psychology; including pain and symptom management, anxiety reduction and adjustment to illness. I work with adolescents in the area of dealing with blended family issues, school avoidance, self harm and social anxiety. Regardless of the specific therapeutic issue, I take an individualized approach and focus on cultivating growth, insight and self-compassion.
See more therapy options for Glen Rock
Nearby Chronic Pain Therapists Searches for Glen Rock
- Fair Lawn
- Franklin Lakes
- Hillsdale
- Midland Park
- Oradell
- Paramus
- Paterson
- Ridgewood
- Totowa
- Watchung
- Westwood
- Wyckoff
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.