Chronic Pain Therapists in Monroe Township, NJ
![Photo of Leigh Goldman - Leigh Goldman, LCSW, LLC, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/401c0c30-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Leigh Goldman, LCSW, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Monroe Township, NJ 08831
I am also available to provide support with those struggling with a loved one's mental or physical illness in a supportive environment.
I am a LCSW with 20+ years of experience, which has allowed me the privilege of providing services to adolescents and adults. I specialize in anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and coping skills. I strongly believe in finding the strengths within you, as to help in the process of change. My goal is to develop a therapeutic relationship in which you can have a safe place to work through meaningful solution oriented changes. My clients have benefited from various treatment approaches that are individualized to your needs. I look forward to the opportunity to help through your personal journey of change.
I am also available to provide support with those struggling with a loved one's mental or physical illness in a supportive environment.
I am a LCSW with 20+ years of experience, which has allowed me the privilege of providing services to adolescents and adults. I specialize in anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and coping skills. I strongly believe in finding the strengths within you, as to help in the process of change. My goal is to develop a therapeutic relationship in which you can have a safe place to work through meaningful solution oriented changes. My clients have benefited from various treatment approaches that are individualized to your needs. I look forward to the opportunity to help through your personal journey of change.
![Photo of Roberta Hantman, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44e7787f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Roberta Hantman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Monroe Township, NJ 08831 (Online Only)
Do you feel worried all the time? Do you feel sad? Are you struggling with a difficult relationship? Do you have low self-esteem? Do you have a chronic health condition? Do you need to learn helpful coping skills to manage life's difficult challenges and transitions? My passion is working with adults to help them feel happier, more confident and sociable, less lonely and stressed, and to improve their quality of life. Contact me and let me teach you techniques to help you feel better.
Do you feel worried all the time? Do you feel sad? Are you struggling with a difficult relationship? Do you have low self-esteem? Do you have a chronic health condition? Do you need to learn helpful coping skills to manage life's difficult challenges and transitions? My passion is working with adults to help them feel happier, more confident and sociable, less lonely and stressed, and to improve their quality of life. Contact me and let me teach you techniques to help you feel better.
![Photo of Melanie Pacheco, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/86b2fe37-6ecc-4d33-9c77-a5365db52384/2/320x400.png)
I love working with all different types of clients, and I find that I learn from those that I work with. I love working with anyone who wants to make a change or achieve a goal.
I love working with all different types of clients, and I find that I learn from those that I work with. I love working with anyone who wants to make a change or achieve a goal.
Marie Kifun Jones
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCN, QEEGD
Verified Verified
Monroe Township, NJ 08831
I work with adults, couples, children and adolescents combining a variety of approaches including talk therapy and neurotherapy. I emphasize the value of our relationship, building trust by listening and understanding your needs. Treatment is geared to removing barriers that prevent you from having a meaningful life, developing the skills to support your journey towards healing and free you from negative emotions such as guilt, shame, fear, anxiety and anger. Through a process of self- exploration, problem solving, skills development, you can learn to overcome obstacles, clarify your values and reach your goals..
I work with adults, couples, children and adolescents combining a variety of approaches including talk therapy and neurotherapy. I emphasize the value of our relationship, building trust by listening and understanding your needs. Treatment is geared to removing barriers that prevent you from having a meaningful life, developing the skills to support your journey towards healing and free you from negative emotions such as guilt, shame, fear, anxiety and anger. Through a process of self- exploration, problem solving, skills development, you can learn to overcome obstacles, clarify your values and reach your goals..
![Photo of Sarina A Mulleavey, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53626baf-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Sarina A Mulleavey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Monroe Township, NJ 08831
Waitlist for new clients
I am passionate about working with men and women ages 18 years-old to older adults who are navigating life’s challenges, who feel blue, overwhelmed, depressed, anxious, angry, who are not able to concentrate in college or at the workplace, who are unsettled due to their trauma and utilize bad coping skills. I help individuals grow while they feel stuck and shut down. I provide various forms of therapeutic treatment, not just talk therapy. My specialized experience and trainings are broad from: Gottman Marriage/Couples L1 L2 Psycho-education, CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, EMDR, Trauma, Gestalt , Hypnosis, Yoga, and Holistic Treatments.
I am passionate about working with men and women ages 18 years-old to older adults who are navigating life’s challenges, who feel blue, overwhelmed, depressed, anxious, angry, who are not able to concentrate in college or at the workplace, who are unsettled due to their trauma and utilize bad coping skills. I help individuals grow while they feel stuck and shut down. I provide various forms of therapeutic treatment, not just talk therapy. My specialized experience and trainings are broad from: Gottman Marriage/Couples L1 L2 Psycho-education, CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, EMDR, Trauma, Gestalt , Hypnosis, Yoga, and Holistic Treatments.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Leah Kremer, CHT, MSNH, REV, MA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c66391e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
The purpose of hypnosis as a therapeutic technique is to help you understand and gain more control over your behavior, emotions or physical well-being. I been successfully helping people for 20 years to overcome anxiety, pain, and addictions. Hypnotherapy is helpful to improve your performances and to have a better life.
The purpose of hypnosis as a therapeutic technique is to help you understand and gain more control over your behavior, emotions or physical well-being. I been successfully helping people for 20 years to overcome anxiety, pain, and addictions. Hypnotherapy is helpful to improve your performances and to have a better life.
![Photo of Jennifer Moss, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b42d91b9-d70e-4e5b-b5c1-1f794b4d96ab/2/320x400.jpeg)
In life, we are often confronted with numerous challenges such as the struggle to find balance in one’s life, the death or illness of a loved one or how to manage a major life transition. And current stressors could include the way to navigate the environment that the pandemic has created as well as the racial and political climate. As a clinical psychologist, I strive to assist you in working through the concerns that you present by building a strong rapport and working collaboratively. Essentially, my role is to help you define your goals and provide a supportive environment where you can achieve them!
In life, we are often confronted with numerous challenges such as the struggle to find balance in one’s life, the death or illness of a loved one or how to manage a major life transition. And current stressors could include the way to navigate the environment that the pandemic has created as well as the racial and political climate. As a clinical psychologist, I strive to assist you in working through the concerns that you present by building a strong rapport and working collaboratively. Essentially, my role is to help you define your goals and provide a supportive environment where you can achieve them!
![Photo of Rikki Zahler, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/beff03e5-694c-4f6c-8f84-fd9a68f53414/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rikki Zahler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
East Brunswick, NJ 08816 (Online Only)
When you’re ready to leave your pain behind, give me a call or send an email so we can schedule our first session and get you on a path to feeling better today.
Is waking up in the morning so painful that you can’t enjoy your cup of coffee? Maybe you cry throughout the day from the smallest triggers and feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. Or maybe you get so bogged down by excessive worry or chronic health concerns that you just can’t sleep anymore. Perhaps you’ve had a recent loss and feel like you’re being swallowed by grief on a daily basis, or maybe your emotions fluctuate so much between extremes that you feel out of control. I know how hopeless it can feel to cope with your day to day and you may just want to curl up in a ball to escape all your pain.
When you’re ready to leave your pain behind, give me a call or send an email so we can schedule our first session and get you on a path to feeling better today.
Is waking up in the morning so painful that you can’t enjoy your cup of coffee? Maybe you cry throughout the day from the smallest triggers and feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. Or maybe you get so bogged down by excessive worry or chronic health concerns that you just can’t sleep anymore. Perhaps you’ve had a recent loss and feel like you’re being swallowed by grief on a daily basis, or maybe your emotions fluctuate so much between extremes that you feel out of control. I know how hopeless it can feel to cope with your day to day and you may just want to curl up in a ball to escape all your pain.
![Photo of Christine Barsa del Alcazar - Christine Barsa del Alcazar, PhD, LCSW, PhD, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8215ed70-22d9-4719-8c96-e453d0e9dda2/2/320x400.jpeg)
Christine Barsa del Alcazar, PhD, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
East Brunswick, NJ 08816 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Another specialty is helping clients cope with the stress of chronic physical illness.
Are you struggling with emotional issues? Are life's stresses becoming overwhelming for you to handle on your own? You should not suffer alone. In my practice of individual, couple and family therapy, I use psychodynamic, cognitive, behavioral and family systems approaches to empower you so that you make better choices in order to solve life's problems. Considering the diversity of people and problems, I use multiple strategies in order to tailor my treatment approach to your specific issues.
If you reside/work in Central New Jersey, I am conveniently located off Rt 18, Rt 1 and the NJ Turnpike.
Another specialty is helping clients cope with the stress of chronic physical illness.
Are you struggling with emotional issues? Are life's stresses becoming overwhelming for you to handle on your own? You should not suffer alone. In my practice of individual, couple and family therapy, I use psychodynamic, cognitive, behavioral and family systems approaches to empower you so that you make better choices in order to solve life's problems. Considering the diversity of people and problems, I use multiple strategies in order to tailor my treatment approach to your specific issues.
If you reside/work in Central New Jersey, I am conveniently located off Rt 18, Rt 1 and the NJ Turnpike.
![Photo of Leslie Richmand, LCSW, CEDS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3db56201-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Leslie Richmand
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CEDS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Plainsboro, NJ 08536
I am a licensed clinical social worker in private practice for over 30 years. I have particular expertise in treating eating disorders and adolescent issues but also work with all ages seeking help for a variety of issues which includes depression, anxiety, self harm, oppositional disorder, trauma, chronic pain and divorce as well as school, family and work related stress. I see individuals, couples and families in my practice. I offer weekday, evening and Saturday appointments.
I am a licensed clinical social worker in private practice for over 30 years. I have particular expertise in treating eating disorders and adolescent issues but also work with all ages seeking help for a variety of issues which includes depression, anxiety, self harm, oppositional disorder, trauma, chronic pain and divorce as well as school, family and work related stress. I see individuals, couples and families in my practice. I offer weekday, evening and Saturday appointments.
![Photo of Sydney Pruett, MCP, LPC, LCMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/16a1404c-fa4e-46a8-a8f2-46a19a9c8fcc/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sydney Pruett
Licensed Professional Counselor, MCP, LPC, LCMHC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
New Brunswick, NJ 08902 (Online Only)
As an abuse survivor living with chronic illness & physical disabilities, I have a high level of empathy for marginalized communities & trauma clients.
I am passionate about helping clients with trauma, anxiety, & depression, & most enjoy working with clients aged 13-35. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, & compassion, regardless of background. Working with people from more marginalized populations & concerns related to these areas (2S-LGBTQIA+ populations, women's issues, religious trauma, racism, physical health concerns/ disabilities, adult children of immigrant families, etc.) is a passion of mine, but I am happy to work with those who are not part of these populations as well. NOTE: Email is the best way to reach me, as I am with clients most of the day!
As an abuse survivor living with chronic illness & physical disabilities, I have a high level of empathy for marginalized communities & trauma clients.
I am passionate about helping clients with trauma, anxiety, & depression, & most enjoy working with clients aged 13-35. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, & compassion, regardless of background. Working with people from more marginalized populations & concerns related to these areas (2S-LGBTQIA+ populations, women's issues, religious trauma, racism, physical health concerns/ disabilities, adult children of immigrant families, etc.) is a passion of mine, but I am happy to work with those who are not part of these populations as well. NOTE: Email is the best way to reach me, as I am with clients most of the day!
![Photo of Bob DiCuio, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/77246d94-9c88-471b-8bc5-eedb10bd4578/1/320x400.jpeg)
I focus on how I can help you achieve more in your life & career. My clients often identify the following problems: * Work stress * Feeling like a fraud at work * Frustration caused by relationship problems @ home or work * Depression which is hard to overcome * Compulsive, addictive behaviors that are causing health problems * Anxiety, panic attacks * Anger issues which are interfering with family & work relationships * Physical pain that is intensified by an inability to cope.
I focus on how I can help you achieve more in your life & career. My clients often identify the following problems: * Work stress * Feeling like a fraud at work * Frustration caused by relationship problems @ home or work * Depression which is hard to overcome * Compulsive, addictive behaviors that are causing health problems * Anxiety, panic attacks * Anger issues which are interfering with family & work relationships * Physical pain that is intensified by an inability to cope.
![Photo of Ali Longo, LAC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f057563d-a00b-4c14-93ff-486c874cf97c/1/320x400.jpeg)
As a queer and neurodivergent therapist, I assist clients in exploring and affirming their own neurodivergence, gender identity, sexual and romantic orientations, ability, and beliefs. I hold space for the “outcasts” and “outsiders” (and their special interests!). I am eager to meet with family of queer people to help provide support with coming out, transition, individuation, and creating queer community. I have a longstanding passion and practice to support the liberation, autonomy, and healing of survivors of complex trauma, abuse, sobriety, and mental and physical health struggles including suicidal ideation and chronic pain.
As a queer and neurodivergent therapist, I assist clients in exploring and affirming their own neurodivergence, gender identity, sexual and romantic orientations, ability, and beliefs. I hold space for the “outcasts” and “outsiders” (and their special interests!). I am eager to meet with family of queer people to help provide support with coming out, transition, individuation, and creating queer community. I have a longstanding passion and practice to support the liberation, autonomy, and healing of survivors of complex trauma, abuse, sobriety, and mental and physical health struggles including suicidal ideation and chronic pain.
![Photo of Stephen E Horgan - Horgan & Saling Counseling Services LLC, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c1bf0ce-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Horgan & Saling Counseling Services LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
South Brunswick, NJ 08810
I have extensive experience working with: Depression and anxiety, addictions, relationship difficulties, sexual issues, adults with stressful life-circumstances, those coping with aging family members, survivors of childhood abuse, veterans, rescue workers, medical trauma survivors and those living with a debilitating or terminal illness.
Are you not feeling or functioning the way you used to? Are you having trouble explaining what you're feeling to others? Has someone told you that you could use some help and support? I am helpful with the process of entering therapy because I respect the significance of that decision and see it as an opportunity for positive change.
I have extensive experience working with: Depression and anxiety, addictions, relationship difficulties, sexual issues, adults with stressful life-circumstances, those coping with aging family members, survivors of childhood abuse, veterans, rescue workers, medical trauma survivors and those living with a debilitating or terminal illness.
Are you not feeling or functioning the way you used to? Are you having trouble explaining what you're feeling to others? Has someone told you that you could use some help and support? I am helpful with the process of entering therapy because I respect the significance of that decision and see it as an opportunity for positive change.
Hilary Chaya Drucker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
New Brunswick, NJ 08902 (Online Only)
I'm passionate about helping all parents (including single, divorced, remarried/step-parents, adoptive parents, special needs/chronic illness) bond with their children and parent optimally, especially when they lacked a positive parent-child relationship themselves, growing up.
I focus on helping clients of all ages and backgrounds heal their pain, overcome their challenges, develop their strengths, resources and resilience and accomplish their goals. I provide a positive, integrative, comprehensive approach, treating a broad range of mood, behavioral and relationship challenges. I have 30 years experience with children and adults in individual, couples, family and parent/child modalities.
I'm passionate about helping all parents (including single, divorced, remarried/step-parents, adoptive parents, special needs/chronic illness) bond with their children and parent optimally, especially when they lacked a positive parent-child relationship themselves, growing up.
I focus on helping clients of all ages and backgrounds heal their pain, overcome their challenges, develop their strengths, resources and resilience and accomplish their goals. I provide a positive, integrative, comprehensive approach, treating a broad range of mood, behavioral and relationship challenges. I have 30 years experience with children and adults in individual, couples, family and parent/child modalities.
![Photo of Fidel Loverton - Psychotherapy; Addiction; Psychological Counseling, LCADC, LPC, CRS, FAPA, Drug & Alcohol Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3da98431-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Psychotherapy; Addiction; Psychological Counseling
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, LCADC, LPC, CRS, FAPA
Verified Verified
North Brunswick, NJ 08902
Practices that include modalities with Eclectic theoretical orientation. Counseling everyone regardless of background purely on presenting health issues. Using integrative approach to whole person restoration of functioning. Mindfulness, Cognitive,Logotherapy, Motivational Interviewing. Transfigurative Hypnotherapy is strictly for pain management, sleep disorder, anxiety and relaxation. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). We proudly embrace the ethical values of the APA, AACC, ACA and NBCC (National Board for Certified Counselors) that respectively advice counselor to practice within their competencies (training).
Practices that include modalities with Eclectic theoretical orientation. Counseling everyone regardless of background purely on presenting health issues. Using integrative approach to whole person restoration of functioning. Mindfulness, Cognitive,Logotherapy, Motivational Interviewing. Transfigurative Hypnotherapy is strictly for pain management, sleep disorder, anxiety and relaxation. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). We proudly embrace the ethical values of the APA, AACC, ACA and NBCC (National Board for Certified Counselors) that respectively advice counselor to practice within their competencies (training).
![Photo of Amy Burns, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/15059503-054a-4c0d-a3a2-8ab5cbe10bcd/3/320x400.jpeg)
I have 15+ years of clinical experience in group homes, hospitals, schools, community and private practice settings with treating adolescence, adults, and older persons with a variety of life challenges including mood disorders, personality disorders, attention/focus issues, grief/loss, trauma/PTSD, chronic illness, TBI, disabilities and life adjustments.
"The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new" - Socrates. Sharing your feelings, experiences, and challenges with others is not always an easy task. I admire you for seeking support in making changes in your life and want to provide a safe, welcoming place for great personal growth work. My style is person-centered and strengths-oriented with an eclectic approach. Not every strategy works for every person so I combine several different techniques (listed to the right) to give you options in your care. We work as a team to decide what works best for you!
I have 15+ years of clinical experience in group homes, hospitals, schools, community and private practice settings with treating adolescence, adults, and older persons with a variety of life challenges including mood disorders, personality disorders, attention/focus issues, grief/loss, trauma/PTSD, chronic illness, TBI, disabilities and life adjustments.
"The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new" - Socrates. Sharing your feelings, experiences, and challenges with others is not always an easy task. I admire you for seeking support in making changes in your life and want to provide a safe, welcoming place for great personal growth work. My style is person-centered and strengths-oriented with an eclectic approach. Not every strategy works for every person so I combine several different techniques (listed to the right) to give you options in your care. We work as a team to decide what works best for you!
![Photo of Sharon Sarno, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5047156e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
The pain of grief can completely disrupt your life making it difficult to sleep, eat or even think.
OFFERING TELEHEALTH SESSION. Have you ever thought of change as loss? Even positive change can trigger loss, like starting a new job, graduation or moving into a new home. When we move forward, we leave something behind. Adjust. Readjust. Grief is normal and is an entire emotional process of coping with a loss. Are you struggling with a stressful life transition, depression, anxiety, illness, divorce, work/life imbalance, loss of a pet, an empty nest, unsatisfying relationships? I would like to help you manage your struggles, learn self care and find your inner strength. The grief process doesn’t look or feel the same for anyone.
The pain of grief can completely disrupt your life making it difficult to sleep, eat or even think.
OFFERING TELEHEALTH SESSION. Have you ever thought of change as loss? Even positive change can trigger loss, like starting a new job, graduation or moving into a new home. When we move forward, we leave something behind. Adjust. Readjust. Grief is normal and is an entire emotional process of coping with a loss. Are you struggling with a stressful life transition, depression, anxiety, illness, divorce, work/life imbalance, loss of a pet, an empty nest, unsatisfying relationships? I would like to help you manage your struggles, learn self care and find your inner strength. The grief process doesn’t look or feel the same for anyone.
![Photo of Shamila Malik, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fdcf838-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Shamila Malik
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kendall Park, NJ 08824
My areas of specialization include older adults, persons with chronic illness and caregivers.
Whether you are dealing with the loss of a loved one, coping with an illness or disability, struggling with caregiver stress or adjusting to a life transition, my customized approach to psychotherapy can help you move forward to a brighter path. I offer an eclectic approach to psychotherapy, drawing upon a variety of different techniques to help you identify your goals and achieve a better quality of life.
My areas of specialization include older adults, persons with chronic illness and caregivers.
Whether you are dealing with the loss of a loved one, coping with an illness or disability, struggling with caregiver stress or adjusting to a life transition, my customized approach to psychotherapy can help you move forward to a brighter path. I offer an eclectic approach to psychotherapy, drawing upon a variety of different techniques to help you identify your goals and achieve a better quality of life.
![Photo of Elisa Acosta, LCSW , Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5369c679-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Elisa Acosta
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
East Brunswick, NJ 08816 (Online Only)
What do we get from therapy? We must get something, correct? The answer is not straightforward or simple, since each of us will have to assemble or even invent that answer ourselves. In therapy, an encounter emerges, a space, a singular one energized by the need we have to feel better. An encounter with words, sentences, signifiers, even memories that will help us approach the pain. Yes, the emotional pain that at this time is not letting you live at your fullest.
What do we get from therapy? We must get something, correct? The answer is not straightforward or simple, since each of us will have to assemble or even invent that answer ourselves. In therapy, an encounter emerges, a space, a singular one energized by the need we have to feel better. An encounter with words, sentences, signifiers, even memories that will help us approach the pain. Yes, the emotional pain that at this time is not letting you live at your fullest.
See more therapy options for Monroe Township
Nearby Chronic Pain Therapists Searches for Monroe Township
- Cranbury
- East Brunswick
- East Windsor
- Kendall Park
- Manalapan
- Marlboro
- Monmouth Junction
- North Brunswick
- Old Bridge
- Plainsboro
- Sayreville
- South Brunswick
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.