Chronic Pain Therapists in Princeton, NJ
![Photo of Lauren M Fussner - Lauren M Fussner, PhD, MA, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2b0a1400-ca59-4c33-a454-b63498f78f83/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Fussner is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in working with children with a variety of health challenges and medical conditions such as toileting difficulties (e.g., constipation, frequent accidents), feeding concerns (e.g., selective eating, food allergies), and chronic/persistent pain (e.g., abdominal pain, migraines). Dr. Fussner utilizes a warm and supportive approach to intervention and works collaboratively with families to develop targeted treatment plans promoting improved coping and enhanced quality of life.
Dr. Fussner is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in working with children with a variety of health challenges and medical conditions such as toileting difficulties (e.g., constipation, frequent accidents), feeding concerns (e.g., selective eating, food allergies), and chronic/persistent pain (e.g., abdominal pain, migraines). Dr. Fussner utilizes a warm and supportive approach to intervention and works collaboratively with families to develop targeted treatment plans promoting improved coping and enhanced quality of life.
![Photo of Courtney Gable, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/487c7d6c-3637-4bd8-8b52-fdfca1ca59cc/1/320x400.jpeg)
Courtney Gable
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Princeton, NJ 08540
My inclusive work focuses on: Helping people to feel regulated and empowered, and to feel seen, safe, and valued for who they are in our process together; those struggling with trauma, PTSD, depression and anxiety; chronic pain, grief and loss, phobias, racing thoughts, crossroads and upheaval; as well as Body Image, with a specific focus on Body Neutrality and Health At Every Size (HAES) – all with mindfulness, compassion, and acceptance.
My inclusive work focuses on: Helping people to feel regulated and empowered, and to feel seen, safe, and valued for who they are in our process together; those struggling with trauma, PTSD, depression and anxiety; chronic pain, grief and loss, phobias, racing thoughts, crossroads and upheaval; as well as Body Image, with a specific focus on Body Neutrality and Health At Every Size (HAES) – all with mindfulness, compassion, and acceptance.
![Photo of Elana Kirsch, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2c64ae1c-908b-401c-8d83-8d4df601c88f/4/320x400.jpeg)
Elana Kirsch
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Princeton, NJ 08540 (Online Only)
My practice is called Moon View Therapy and I work with individuals, couples and families in New York and New Jersey. My expertise is in working with those experiencing anxiety and depression, PTSD, chronic pain, and relationship transitions.
My practice is called Moon View Therapy and I work with individuals, couples and families in New York and New Jersey. My expertise is in working with those experiencing anxiety and depression, PTSD, chronic pain, and relationship transitions.
![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
Princeton, NJ 08540
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.
![Photo of Lesley A Allen - Lesley A. Allen, Ph.D., PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c1e3d48-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/6/320x400.jpeg)
I work with individuals struggling with emotional distress (depression, anxiety, anger), health-related problems (eating disorders, weight loss, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, multiple chemical sensitivity, health anxiety, somatization, and psychosomatic conditions) and relationship difficulties.
Over the past 20+ years, I have been working with adults, adolescents, and children in individual, couples, and family therapy. I listen closely to my clients to understand their current problems and related symptoms, thoughts, and feelings. I work collaboratively with clients to investigate the history of their struggles and to create a plan for change. Using cognitive, behavioral, and emotion-focused approaches, I aim to facilitate healing, growth, and change. Having spent much of my career as a scientist-practitioner, my clinical work is informed by empirical findings. My treatment approach is reasoned, compassionate, and practical.
I work with individuals struggling with emotional distress (depression, anxiety, anger), health-related problems (eating disorders, weight loss, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, multiple chemical sensitivity, health anxiety, somatization, and psychosomatic conditions) and relationship difficulties.
Over the past 20+ years, I have been working with adults, adolescents, and children in individual, couples, and family therapy. I listen closely to my clients to understand their current problems and related symptoms, thoughts, and feelings. I work collaboratively with clients to investigate the history of their struggles and to create a plan for change. Using cognitive, behavioral, and emotion-focused approaches, I aim to facilitate healing, growth, and change. Having spent much of my career as a scientist-practitioner, my clinical work is informed by empirical findings. My treatment approach is reasoned, compassionate, and practical.
![Photo of Dr. Rebecca Boswell, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f62b7eea-332b-4abe-a9de-9060662a1510/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Rebecca Boswell
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Princeton, NJ 08542 (Online Only)
People often come to a therapist because they want to talk about being anxious, being lonely, feeling depressed, having difficulty in relationships, feeling stressed and burned out, or having a hard time taking care of themselves and others. I aim to help people to reduce symptoms (e.g., anxiety, pain) and, more generally, to engage in personal growth and to foster a more connected, meaningful life by focusing on mind and body wellness. I will work with you to help you cope more effectively; in doing so, I focus on your strengths and potential.
People often come to a therapist because they want to talk about being anxious, being lonely, feeling depressed, having difficulty in relationships, feeling stressed and burned out, or having a hard time taking care of themselves and others. I aim to help people to reduce symptoms (e.g., anxiety, pain) and, more generally, to engage in personal growth and to foster a more connected, meaningful life by focusing on mind and body wellness. I will work with you to help you cope more effectively; in doing so, I focus on your strengths and potential.
![Photo of Tracey L Post - The Princeton Center for MindBody Healing, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/30c0aed4-d4d8-4c03-bb58-238bb405c08d/2/320x400.png)
The Princeton Center for MindBody Healing
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Princeton, NJ 08540
We specialize in treating depression and anxiety; addiction; issues with sexuality; chronic health issues and pain; familial, romantic, and other interpersonal relationships; and intersectionally aware, trauma-informed care for marginalized people— with special attention given to individuals belonging to the BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and survivor communities.
The Princeton Center for MindBody Healing prioritizes holistic healing and walking with you to grow your best self: mind, body and soul. Our clinicians work on a wide range of issues with a wide range of therapeutic techniques, self-care tools and clinical styles. We offer traditional and non-traditional outpatient services for individuals, couples, and families of all forms and fashions including office and nature sessions, walking sessions, video, text and telephone. We believe in affirming & celebrating all people for who you truly are.
We specialize in treating depression and anxiety; addiction; issues with sexuality; chronic health issues and pain; familial, romantic, and other interpersonal relationships; and intersectionally aware, trauma-informed care for marginalized people— with special attention given to individuals belonging to the BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and survivor communities.
The Princeton Center for MindBody Healing prioritizes holistic healing and walking with you to grow your best self: mind, body and soul. Our clinicians work on a wide range of issues with a wide range of therapeutic techniques, self-care tools and clinical styles. We offer traditional and non-traditional outpatient services for individuals, couples, and families of all forms and fashions including office and nature sessions, walking sessions, video, text and telephone. We believe in affirming & celebrating all people for who you truly are.
![Photo of Amoha Bajaj, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ca1c671-3c88-472a-8e43-a813e5f0eff0/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed clinical and health psychologist. I have expertise in using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help clients make changes in their lives. Using this goal-driven and skills-based approach, I work collaboratively with clients to set treatment goals, provide structure, teach skills, and help them create behavior change. This approach is best suited for those struggling with depression, anxiety disorders, low self-esteem, perfectionism, difficulty with negative emotions, OCD, and general stress management. I also specialize in working with clients with pain, cancer, insomnia, and other chronic medical conditions.
I am a licensed clinical and health psychologist. I have expertise in using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help clients make changes in their lives. Using this goal-driven and skills-based approach, I work collaboratively with clients to set treatment goals, provide structure, teach skills, and help them create behavior change. This approach is best suited for those struggling with depression, anxiety disorders, low self-esteem, perfectionism, difficulty with negative emotions, OCD, and general stress management. I also specialize in working with clients with pain, cancer, insomnia, and other chronic medical conditions.
![Photo of Wendy Miriam Lafollette Wright, LCSW, MSW, PsyAnal, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/544b456b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
Wendy Miriam Lafollette Wright
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, PsyAnal
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Princeton, NJ 08540
Do you have relational conflicts? I help individuals, couples, and families to improve communications. In life we face challenging times: Loss, divorce, transitions and disappointments. Chronic pain, illness, grief and the loss of a loved one often compel individuals to seek therapy. I also specialize in adolescents and college students assisting them with growth and independence. Many issues occur, such as sexual identity, friendship conflicts, drugs and alcohol as well as academic challenges. Building trust in a safe place, may help you transform and grow. Therapy allows a new awareness of life and love can occur!
Do you have relational conflicts? I help individuals, couples, and families to improve communications. In life we face challenging times: Loss, divorce, transitions and disappointments. Chronic pain, illness, grief and the loss of a loved one often compel individuals to seek therapy. I also specialize in adolescents and college students assisting them with growth and independence. Many issues occur, such as sexual identity, friendship conflicts, drugs and alcohol as well as academic challenges. Building trust in a safe place, may help you transform and grow. Therapy allows a new awareness of life and love can occur!
![Photo of Amanda Cusa, MSW, LSW](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5132b5f0-7d10-4218-8f01-24596cb7b2a5/2/320x400.jpeg)
My specialties include working with adolescents and adult that are experiencing one of the following: life transitions that are difficult to cope with, trauma, chronic illness/pain, anxiety, depression, existential and stage-of-life issues, and stress that has been difficult to manage on your own.
I believe strongly that we all have the capacity for positive change, no matter where we start out. Therapy should provide a warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental space in which clients can explore new goals, solutions, and ways of being. I seek to empower clients by fostering greater awareness and understanding of their thoughts, behaviors, environments, and interpersonal patterns. My approach is tailored to each person and their needs, but often incorporates concepts from Cognitive-Behavioral, Interpersonal, and Person-Centered therapies, as well as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction techniques.
My specialties include working with adolescents and adult that are experiencing one of the following: life transitions that are difficult to cope with, trauma, chronic illness/pain, anxiety, depression, existential and stage-of-life issues, and stress that has been difficult to manage on your own.
I believe strongly that we all have the capacity for positive change, no matter where we start out. Therapy should provide a warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental space in which clients can explore new goals, solutions, and ways of being. I seek to empower clients by fostering greater awareness and understanding of their thoughts, behaviors, environments, and interpersonal patterns. My approach is tailored to each person and their needs, but often incorporates concepts from Cognitive-Behavioral, Interpersonal, and Person-Centered therapies, as well as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction techniques.
![Photo of Danna Drori, MSW, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c465ea35-de95-4d79-aeed-b006d01d9880/1/320x400.jpeg)
I approach my clients from a place of empathy and compassion for the issues that have led them to seek support. In a safe and non-judgmental way, I seek to partner with clients to work through their challenges, help them to develop better understandings of themselves, and empower them to make decisions. I can also help clients to understand how past experiences and relationships may inform and influence the present. I work with individuals around anxiety and depression, chronic illness, coping with grief and loss, parenting and reproductive issues, and a variety of other concerns and challenges that arise in our everyday lives.
I approach my clients from a place of empathy and compassion for the issues that have led them to seek support. In a safe and non-judgmental way, I seek to partner with clients to work through their challenges, help them to develop better understandings of themselves, and empower them to make decisions. I can also help clients to understand how past experiences and relationships may inform and influence the present. I work with individuals around anxiety and depression, chronic illness, coping with grief and loss, parenting and reproductive issues, and a variety of other concerns and challenges that arise in our everyday lives.
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![Photo of Christina D Reeg, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5261cb32-3428-4565-a59b-fbda055d7021/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have over 20 years of experience working with individuals ages 12 and up coping with depression and bipolar disorders, anxiety and panic disorders, chronic illness and pain, grief and loss, substance abuse and anger management.
Are you or your teen experiencing anxiety or depression? Are you finding it more difficult to cope with daily stress related to work, school, parenting, relationships or major life transitions? Looking for a professional yet casual environment to explore your thoughts and feelings while walking away with specific tools to manage your symptoms? I can help. Together we will work collaboratively to identify problem areas and obstacles and from there define practical steps to achieve your goals.
I have over 20 years of experience working with individuals ages 12 and up coping with depression and bipolar disorders, anxiety and panic disorders, chronic illness and pain, grief and loss, substance abuse and anger management.
Are you or your teen experiencing anxiety or depression? Are you finding it more difficult to cope with daily stress related to work, school, parenting, relationships or major life transitions? Looking for a professional yet casual environment to explore your thoughts and feelings while walking away with specific tools to manage your symptoms? I can help. Together we will work collaboratively to identify problem areas and obstacles and from there define practical steps to achieve your goals.
![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.
![Photo of Michael L Raskind - Serenity Psychotherapy LLC, LCSW](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/96eddfb7-38b3-4a47-a797-f8ce67838e34/3/320x400.jpeg)
Getting to the root of your pain, learning to deal with it, building upon your strengths then learning to act versus react to people and events is the goal of our approach. We have a long history of working with diverse populations, who have developed varied problems: Mental Health, Substance Abuse, Marital, Parenting, Occupational, grief and more Our approach is to work with your strengths; help you to develop new views and skills and then organize them into a plan that works in obtaining your goals. As a psychotherapy group practice, we can see just about anyone no matter what you're dealing with. Our Intake specialist will help
Getting to the root of your pain, learning to deal with it, building upon your strengths then learning to act versus react to people and events is the goal of our approach. We have a long history of working with diverse populations, who have developed varied problems: Mental Health, Substance Abuse, Marital, Parenting, Occupational, grief and more Our approach is to work with your strengths; help you to develop new views and skills and then organize them into a plan that works in obtaining your goals. As a psychotherapy group practice, we can see just about anyone no matter what you're dealing with. Our Intake specialist will help
![Photo of Christine Marie Agnese-Etzrodt, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42354916-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, eating disorders, body image dissatisfaction, chronic illness and trauma.
Welcome to finding peace and happiness in your life again. Sometimes it can feel like peace and happiness are out of your grasp, but I am here to remind you that healing is possible for you. We all have times in our lives when we are struggling and need to know that help and support is there for us. Together you and I can find that path for you. I will help you to feel good about yourself and your life. Here you will find a place where you are always accepted.
I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, eating disorders, body image dissatisfaction, chronic illness and trauma.
Welcome to finding peace and happiness in your life again. Sometimes it can feel like peace and happiness are out of your grasp, but I am here to remind you that healing is possible for you. We all have times in our lives when we are struggling and need to know that help and support is there for us. Together you and I can find that path for you. I will help you to feel good about yourself and your life. Here you will find a place where you are always accepted.
![Photo of Namhee Stokivs, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2e123df9-cdf6-4a08-b631-923ec0004f8c/4/320x400.jpeg)
Joy of life is always accompanied by pain, and there are times that you feel beaten and defeated. Psychological symptoms can surface and compromise your happiness and functioning during these struggles. Therapy can help you to stay on the right track or find the right directions to minimize unnecessary sufferings.
Joy of life is always accompanied by pain, and there are times that you feel beaten and defeated. Psychological symptoms can surface and compromise your happiness and functioning during these struggles. Therapy can help you to stay on the right track or find the right directions to minimize unnecessary sufferings.
![Photo of Julie Collins, MA, CHP, CRNC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53c3e2d1-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
As a mental health nutrition specialist, I provide powerful nutritional interventions to restore depleted biochemistry that contributes to chronic stress, mood states like depression/anxiety, chronic fatigue/pain, and substance dependencies.
As a body-centered practitioner, I bring a holistic, mindful approach- somatic, experiential and collaborative. My aim is helping you access wisdom and resources already existing in your body, heart, mind; blending them with new information and experience for a new way forward. Through various modalities, I'll help you deepen self-awareness; explore, study, discover, choose, embody and express yourself more genuinely and fully. Whether struggling with habitual thought/behavior patterns, chronic mood states or health concerns leaving you feeling confused, frustrated, or alone, I'll help you meet and transform these challenges into new possibilities for experiencing life in more satisfying, nourishing ways.
As a mental health nutrition specialist, I provide powerful nutritional interventions to restore depleted biochemistry that contributes to chronic stress, mood states like depression/anxiety, chronic fatigue/pain, and substance dependencies.
As a body-centered practitioner, I bring a holistic, mindful approach- somatic, experiential and collaborative. My aim is helping you access wisdom and resources already existing in your body, heart, mind; blending them with new information and experience for a new way forward. Through various modalities, I'll help you deepen self-awareness; explore, study, discover, choose, embody and express yourself more genuinely and fully. Whether struggling with habitual thought/behavior patterns, chronic mood states or health concerns leaving you feeling confused, frustrated, or alone, I'll help you meet and transform these challenges into new possibilities for experiencing life in more satisfying, nourishing ways.
![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 Barbara Cole-Kiernan, LCSW, BCD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e0b3ced-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Barbara Cole-Kiernan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCD
Verified Verified
Princeton, NJ 08540
Are you in transition? Feeling stuck in your life or relationship? Have your usual coping strategies become ineffective, leaving you feeling anxious, fearful, depressed or angry? Do you feel that there must be more to life than what you are presently experiencing? Are you experiencing emotional upheaval that is impacting the quality of your life as a result of critical or chronic illness ?
Are you in transition? Feeling stuck in your life or relationship? Have your usual coping strategies become ineffective, leaving you feeling anxious, fearful, depressed or angry? Do you feel that there must be more to life than what you are presently experiencing? Are you experiencing emotional upheaval that is impacting the quality of your life as a result of critical or chronic illness ?
![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
Princeton, NJ 08540
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.
See more therapy options for Princeton
Nearby Chronic Pain Therapists Searches for Princeton
- Cranbury
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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.