Chronic Pain Therapists in Old Bridge, NJ
![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 Liam Goldman, MSW, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6d441b2e-040c-4576-aca9-284778d03ff7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Liam Goldman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Old Bridge, NJ 08857 (Online Only)
Hello! I'm Liam, a Licensed Social Worker from Australia who is dedicated to helping individuals on their journey towards becoming their best selves. While my work focus is on the serious mental health community, though I specialize in working with individuals dealing with anxiety and depression, I also work with a wide range of populations and experiences.
Hello! I'm Liam, a Licensed Social Worker from Australia who is dedicated to helping individuals on their journey towards becoming their best selves. While my work focus is on the serious mental health community, though I specialize in working with individuals dealing with anxiety and depression, I also work with a wide range of populations and experiences.
![Photo of Melanie Pacheco, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bb6588f3-1518-4c3c-b90b-d3ce617fcb0a/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.
![Photo of Jacalyn Held - Center for Marriage and Family Therapy, P.C.](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3be1238a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
The Center For Marriage and Family Therapy has five offices throughout central New Jersey. Jackie Held, Karen Spiler and Jill Stein founded the Center in 1984. We refer to a large network of affiliated therapists whose specialties include relationship counseling, anxiety, depression, separation and divorce, gay and lesbian issues, child and adolescent therapy, grief therapy, sex therapy and substance abuse. Our offices are in Matawan, Freehold, Princeton, Toms River and Piscataway. Our network includes licensed professional counselors, licensed clinical social workers, substance abuse specialists, child and adolescent specialists and sex therapists.
The Center For Marriage and Family Therapy has five offices throughout central New Jersey. Jackie Held, Karen Spiler and Jill Stein founded the Center in 1984. We refer to a large network of affiliated therapists whose specialties include relationship counseling, anxiety, depression, separation and divorce, gay and lesbian issues, child and adolescent therapy, grief therapy, sex therapy and substance abuse. Our offices are in Matawan, Freehold, Princeton, Toms River and Piscataway. Our network includes licensed professional counselors, licensed clinical social workers, substance abuse specialists, child and adolescent specialists and sex therapists.
![Photo of James Fennessy, MA, MSW, JD, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f90f80c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
James Fennessy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, MSW, JD, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Old Bridge, NJ 08857
I have a background which includes many years of Post-Graduate education, knowledge and experience providing mental health care to those who need help dealing with a wide range of mental health issues or concerns. Whether you desire improved and better quality relationships, need help with feelings, with issues of daily life, or with reaching your goals, I can help you gain emotional health - the ability to love, work and play as you wish.
I have a background which includes many years of Post-Graduate education, knowledge and experience providing mental health care to those who need help dealing with a wide range of mental health issues or concerns. Whether you desire improved and better quality relationships, need help with feelings, with issues of daily life, or with reaching your goals, I can help you gain emotional health - the ability to love, work and play as you wish.
![Photo of Siobhan McDermott, MA, LPC, LCADC, SEP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4984a01f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Siobhan McDermott
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LCADC, SEP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Old Bridge, NJ 08857
Taking the first step to attend therapy can be nerve wrecking and intimidating but can also demonstrate great insight and self-empowerment. My belief and intention in providing therapy is to collaboratively work with individuals to meet their unique needs and to develop a healthy and positive sense of self in order to accomplish personal goals. I also believe the therapeutic process is most effective when a strong therapeutic relationship is established; therefore, I provide an empathic, supportive, open, direct, and nonjudgmental environment with some humor mixed in when appropriate.
Taking the first step to attend therapy can be nerve wrecking and intimidating but can also demonstrate great insight and self-empowerment. My belief and intention in providing therapy is to collaboratively work with individuals to meet their unique needs and to develop a healthy and positive sense of self in order to accomplish personal goals. I also believe the therapeutic process is most effective when a strong therapeutic relationship is established; therefore, I provide an empathic, supportive, open, direct, and nonjudgmental environment with some humor mixed in when appropriate.
![Photo of Lynne Zelch Butan, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5f12da0b-777b-4252-8a77-10a49f6ded68/2/320x400.png)
I am a Columbia University trained licensed social worker who has been in private practice since 2007. Throughout my development and training as a clinician, my priority has been to maintain a fresh and open empathic approach to helping individuals and couples. My ideal goal is to establish rapport and connect with others, so that they can ultimately help themselves. I value a safe, comfortable meeting space where people can relax and be themselves, so that they can feel better as soon as possible.
I am a Columbia University trained licensed social worker who has been in private practice since 2007. Throughout my development and training as a clinician, my priority has been to maintain a fresh and open empathic approach to helping individuals and couples. My ideal goal is to establish rapport and connect with others, so that they can ultimately help themselves. I value a safe, comfortable meeting space where people can relax and be themselves, so that they can feel better as soon as possible.
![Photo of Lynn D Dean, ACSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3db7285b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Lynn D Dean
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, ACSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Old Bridge, NJ 08857
Welcome to my webpage! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 30 years experience helping people deal with a variety of difficult life situations and problems. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or stress; have experienced a major loss, like death or divorce; or are adjusting to the pressure of being the primary caregiver to elderly parents or children, I will work with you to overcome all of these challenges.
Welcome to my webpage! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 30 years experience helping people deal with a variety of difficult life situations and problems. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or stress; have experienced a major loss, like death or divorce; or are adjusting to the pressure of being the primary caregiver to elderly parents or children, I will work with you to overcome all of these challenges.
![Photo of Altagracia Santana, MSW, LCSW, LCADC, LISW-CP, CASAC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/66b4402e-efc0-4370-a8b3-1f91f2cc68e9/3/320x400.jpeg)
Altagracia Santana
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LCADC, LISW-CP, CASAC
Verified Verified
Old Bridge, NJ 08857 (Online Only)
I am a bi-lingual, bi-cultural Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and I use evidence - based treatment to manage anxiety, depression, trauma and distress caused by life stressors. I work with young adults, adults across the life span and couples facing relationship conflicts. I also work with individuals and family members affected by substance use and co-dependence issues. I am a compassionate, empathetic and non-judgmental, with over 15 years of experience helping others. Each client is different. I begin with a thorough assessment, and then together, my client and I tailor a treatment plan of action.
I am a bi-lingual, bi-cultural Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and I use evidence - based treatment to manage anxiety, depression, trauma and distress caused by life stressors. I work with young adults, adults across the life span and couples facing relationship conflicts. I also work with individuals and family members affected by substance use and co-dependence issues. I am a compassionate, empathetic and non-judgmental, with over 15 years of experience helping others. Each client is different. I begin with a thorough assessment, and then together, my client and I tailor a treatment plan of action.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Yauhing Sally Lam, MA, LPC, ACS, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5215d916-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Yauhing Sally Lam
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, ACS, NCC
Verified Verified
Metuchen, NJ 08840 (Online Only)
Areas of experience include the treatment of anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, pain management, substance use disorders, and marital and career issues.
“Learning from hindsight, gaining insight, and developing foresight” This is the motto I focus on helping my clients to achieve. I’m a compassionate person who genuinely enjoys helping and working with people. I look forward to helping individuals and families who are seeking help coping with a range of psychological, emotional, or behavioral challenges.
Areas of experience include the treatment of anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, pain management, substance use disorders, and marital and career issues.
“Learning from hindsight, gaining insight, and developing foresight” This is the motto I focus on helping my clients to achieve. I’m a compassionate person who genuinely enjoys helping and working with people. I look forward to helping individuals and families who are seeking help coping with a range of psychological, emotional, or behavioral challenges.
![Photo of Margaret H Chan, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/54d83f1d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Short-term psychodynamic therapy in the area of Health Psychology including: Chronic pain management, Tension Myoneural Syndrome (TMS), Fibromyalgia, Lower Back, Neck and Shoulder Pain.
I treat chronic pain using Dr. John Sarno's work on Tension Myoneural Syndrome. TMS is due to unconscious repressed rage and conflicts developed during childhood. I deeply respect the human ability to surpass anger and strive to live life in a fuller capacity. I was trained under Dr. Arlene Feinblatt who had been the primary psychologist for Dr. Sarno since 1973 to do TMS treatment. I work alongside with a TMS physician, Dr. Paul Gwozdz at the Family Practice in Somerset, New Jersey. Together we help patients cope with chronic pain following Dr. Sarno's techniques.
Short-term psychodynamic therapy in the area of Health Psychology including: Chronic pain management, Tension Myoneural Syndrome (TMS), Fibromyalgia, Lower Back, Neck and Shoulder Pain.
I treat chronic pain using Dr. John Sarno's work on Tension Myoneural Syndrome. TMS is due to unconscious repressed rage and conflicts developed during childhood. I deeply respect the human ability to surpass anger and strive to live life in a fuller capacity. I was trained under Dr. Arlene Feinblatt who had been the primary psychologist for Dr. Sarno since 1973 to do TMS treatment. I work alongside with a TMS physician, Dr. Paul Gwozdz at the Family Practice in Somerset, New Jersey. Together we help patients cope with chronic pain following Dr. Sarno's techniques.
![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
New Brunswick, NJ 08901 (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 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.
Hilary Chaya Drucker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
Highland Park, NJ 08904 (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 Larry Fisch, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c3bc88d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Larry Fisch
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Highland Park, NJ 08904
I have advanced training in all these areas, and in Illness Management and Recovery.
Therapy is about feeling better. It's a learning process. It requires a comfortable atmosphere, conducive to talking and expressing inner feelings. I try to create this environment by offering respect, sensitivity and compassion. I bring enthusiasm, and hope to the therapeutic process, as well as insight and creativity. This, in turn, helps one to develop an understanding of one's self and one's circumstances, and thus, the process of change begins, where one can acquire an ability to tackle whatever the challenge may be.
I have advanced training in all these areas, and in Illness Management and Recovery.
Therapy is about feeling better. It's a learning process. It requires a comfortable atmosphere, conducive to talking and expressing inner feelings. I try to create this environment by offering respect, sensitivity and compassion. I bring enthusiasm, and hope to the therapeutic process, as well as insight and creativity. This, in turn, helps one to develop an understanding of one's self and one's circumstances, and thus, the process of change begins, where one can acquire an ability to tackle whatever the challenge may be.
![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 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 Irina B Stuchinsky, LCSW, CMHIMP, INHC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c46ff29-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Irina B Stuchinsky
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CMHIMP, INHC
Verified Verified
Manalapan, NJ 07726
After my own experience with trauma, physical, and emotional pain, I decided to become a therapist to inspire and guide my patients on their path to recovery.
I work with individuals struggling with complex chronic health conditions, body image, and self-esteem. I offer compassionate, whole-person, and solution-focused care based on your individual needs. I use trauma-focused mind-body therapies to ensure that you have the support and guidance that can transform your life. I value honesty, respect, and patience; these guide my practice and how I relate to my patients.
After my own experience with trauma, physical, and emotional pain, I decided to become a therapist to inspire and guide my patients on their path to recovery.
I work with individuals struggling with complex chronic health conditions, body image, and self-esteem. I offer compassionate, whole-person, and solution-focused care based on your individual needs. I use trauma-focused mind-body therapies to ensure that you have the support and guidance that can transform your life. I value honesty, respect, and patience; these guide my practice and how I relate to my patients.
![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 Norbert A Wetzel, ThD, MFT, licphi, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bf6301b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
I am assisting couples (of any ethnic or racial background, gender identity, or sexual orientation) to preserve intimacy and satisfaction during a lifetime together, even after infidelity; I am assisting families to weather the storms of adolescence and to maintain familial closeness; I am accompanying people diagnosed with "mental illness" or addiction on their journey back to wholeness and well being. I welcoming victims of trauma and racial oppression. I am available for phone consultations before or between sessions. I do assessments for immigration and prison release purposes and serve as expert in complex custody trials.
I am assisting couples (of any ethnic or racial background, gender identity, or sexual orientation) to preserve intimacy and satisfaction during a lifetime together, even after infidelity; I am assisting families to weather the storms of adolescence and to maintain familial closeness; I am accompanying people diagnosed with "mental illness" or addiction on their journey back to wholeness and well being. I welcoming victims of trauma and racial oppression. I am available for phone consultations before or between sessions. I do assessments for immigration and prison release purposes and serve as expert in complex custody trials.
See more therapy options for Old Bridge
Nearby Chronic Pain Therapists Searches for Old Bridge
- East Brunswick
- Hazlet
- Highland Park
- Holmdel
- Manalapan
- Marlboro
- Matawan
- Monroe Township
- New Brunswick
- North Brunswick
- Perth Amboy
- Sayreville
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.