Chronic Pain Therapists in Saddle River, NJ

Photo of Mary Beth Del Balzo, LCSW, CHT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Mary Beth Del Balzo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CHT
Verified Verified
Saddle River, NJ 07458
Therapeutic specializations include adult and older adult transitions, catastrophic illness counseling, bereavement and grief, anxiety, depression, stress, women's issues, spirit based counseling, and caretaker issues and resources.
My mission is to patiently support people in seeking and finding joy that eludes them, helping them to empower themselves by using psychotherapy & hypnotherapy, working with the mind, body, emotions and our spirit that makes us unique and a part of the whole of humanity. Our therapeutic alliance encourages a look at the world in a new, safe way. Hypnosis and work in the subconscious is the eye to the soul. I'm an expert hypnotherapist with numerous hypnosis certifications, in private psychotherapy practice since 2005 and a practicing clinical hypnotherapist since 1995, located in NJ.
Therapeutic specializations include adult and older adult transitions, catastrophic illness counseling, bereavement and grief, anxiety, depression, stress, women's issues, spirit based counseling, and caretaker issues and resources.
My mission is to patiently support people in seeking and finding joy that eludes them, helping them to empower themselves by using psychotherapy & hypnotherapy, working with the mind, body, emotions and our spirit that makes us unique and a part of the whole of humanity. Our therapeutic alliance encourages a look at the world in a new, safe way. Hypnosis and work in the subconscious is the eye to the soul. I'm an expert hypnotherapist with numerous hypnosis certifications, in private psychotherapy practice since 2005 and a practicing clinical hypnotherapist since 1995, located in NJ.
(201) 292-5167 View (201) 292-5167
Photo of Laurie Engel, LCSW, LCADC, CCS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Laurie Engel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCADC, CCS
Verified Verified
Saddle River, NJ 07458  (Online Only)
Areas of specialty include: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, couples counseling, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, mood disorders, trauma, grief and loss, substance abuse relapse prevention, and chronic pain.
My 25 years of experience includes working with adults in the partial care, intensive outpatient and outpatient levels of care. In a comfortable, non-judgmental atmosphere, I work collaboratively with clients to help them improve their coping skills, problem solving skills and increase motivation for change. I support the change process whether it relates to such issues as substance abuse,marital problems, poor communication in the family, depression or anxiety. I offer practical strategies to cope with every day life such as anger management techniques, assertiveness skills training, and communication and relaxation techniques.
Areas of specialty include: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, couples counseling, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, mood disorders, trauma, grief and loss, substance abuse relapse prevention, and chronic pain.
My 25 years of experience includes working with adults in the partial care, intensive outpatient and outpatient levels of care. In a comfortable, non-judgmental atmosphere, I work collaboratively with clients to help them improve their coping skills, problem solving skills and increase motivation for change. I support the change process whether it relates to such issues as substance abuse,marital problems, poor communication in the family, depression or anxiety. I offer practical strategies to cope with every day life such as anger management techniques, assertiveness skills training, and communication and relaxation techniques.
(609) 770-4292 View (609) 770-4292
Photo of Jeff Firsichbaum, MSW, LCSW, LCADC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jeff Firsichbaum
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LCADC
Verified Verified
Saddle River, NJ 07458  (Online Only)
Over the years, I have treated many clients who are concerned about alcohol/substance abuse, intimacy, relationships, family dysfunction, divorce, re-marriage/step-parenting, chronic pain/illness, mood disorders, sexual trauma and concerns, grief and loss, and adjustment pertaining to issues of Military life.
As John Lennon wrote "Life is what happens when we're busy making other plans". Our lives have been changed significantly since March 2020. We may be still social distancing and feeling somewhat disconnected from family and friends. Many people continue to experience anxiety, depression and relationship issues as a result. Most of my clients had initial reservations about trying telehealth but, much like everything else lately, we’re resilient and go with the flow. The benefits of telehealth are that you don’t have to travel, scheduling is much easier and you can be seen wherever you have internet (must be in NJ during session).
Over the years, I have treated many clients who are concerned about alcohol/substance abuse, intimacy, relationships, family dysfunction, divorce, re-marriage/step-parenting, chronic pain/illness, mood disorders, sexual trauma and concerns, grief and loss, and adjustment pertaining to issues of Military life.
As John Lennon wrote "Life is what happens when we're busy making other plans". Our lives have been changed significantly since March 2020. We may be still social distancing and feeling somewhat disconnected from family and friends. Many people continue to experience anxiety, depression and relationship issues as a result. Most of my clients had initial reservations about trying telehealth but, much like everything else lately, we’re resilient and go with the flow. The benefits of telehealth are that you don’t have to travel, scheduling is much easier and you can be seen wherever you have internet (must be in NJ during session).
(732) 838-5531 View (732) 838-5531
Photo of Nina Garland - Footprints to Feel Better, Licensed Professional Counselor
Footprints to Feel Better
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Saddle River, NJ 07458
Footprints was started by a therapist who realized that often times the services provided to low socio-economic communities is lacking quality care. We noticed these communities were confronted with long wait times, disrespectful admins, and subpar treatment. The one and only purpose was to exploit the community for profit without providing the level of care deserved. Footprints began from the inspiration to provide quality mental health care to the poorest of communities and treating the clients of this community the same way a rich patient would be treated in a clinic treating affluent clients.
Footprints was started by a therapist who realized that often times the services provided to low socio-economic communities is lacking quality care. We noticed these communities were confronted with long wait times, disrespectful admins, and subpar treatment. The one and only purpose was to exploit the community for profit without providing the level of care deserved. Footprints began from the inspiration to provide quality mental health care to the poorest of communities and treating the clients of this community the same way a rich patient would be treated in a clinic treating affluent clients.
(646) 204-2295 View (646) 204-2295
Photo of Jeffrey D. Levine - Levine Counseling, MSW, LCSW-R, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Levine Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
Saddle River, NJ 07458
Highly experienced professional guiding motivated people through personal change for better relationships with self and others.
Highly experienced professional guiding motivated people through personal change for better relationships with self and others.
(845) 207-8180 View (845) 207-8180
Photo of Dr. Renai Kraytem, DrPH, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Dr. Renai Kraytem
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DrPH, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saddle River, NJ 07458  (Online Only)
In the most simplistic manner, life has a tendency to produce uncertain situations that divert our attention and challenges those of us with the best of intentions. Often times, as adults with professional careers, families, and home commitments, we are left contemplating (or second guessing) our role and purpose in life. Too often, individuals are left with the aching pit in their stomach, the feelings of rejection, and the fear of the unknown; however, despite such feelings, we press on because cognitively, our thinking has been programmed to fight through the nuances of life.
In the most simplistic manner, life has a tendency to produce uncertain situations that divert our attention and challenges those of us with the best of intentions. Often times, as adults with professional careers, families, and home commitments, we are left contemplating (or second guessing) our role and purpose in life. Too often, individuals are left with the aching pit in their stomach, the feelings of rejection, and the fear of the unknown; however, despite such feelings, we press on because cognitively, our thinking has been programmed to fight through the nuances of life.
(856) 517-5932 View (856) 517-5932
Photo of Jessica A. McCarthy - Elements Psychological Services, LLC, PsyD, Psychologist
Elements Psychological Services, LLC
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Saddle River, NJ 07458
Elements Psychological Services is a full-service in-person and virtual psychology practice servicing the neuropsychological assessment and psychotherapy needs of children, adults, and families in the greater New Jersey/New York areas, as well as 39 states across the country (virtually). Our team of doctoral-level neuropsychologists and clinical psychologists work with children, high school and college students, adults, parents, and high-level professionals to address emotional, behavioral, parenting, and performance needs at home, school, and work.
Elements Psychological Services is a full-service in-person and virtual psychology practice servicing the neuropsychological assessment and psychotherapy needs of children, adults, and families in the greater New Jersey/New York areas, as well as 39 states across the country (virtually). Our team of doctoral-level neuropsychologists and clinical psychologists work with children, high school and college students, adults, parents, and high-level professionals to address emotional, behavioral, parenting, and performance needs at home, school, and work.
(201) 879-6716 View (201) 879-6716

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Lana Tiersky - Bergen Psychotherapy & Neuropsychology, Inc., PhD, Psychologist
Bergen Psychotherapy & Neuropsychology, Inc.
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Ramsey, NJ 07446
Waitlist for new clients
These include, attention disorders, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Post-covid Syndrome, chronic pain, psychological issues related to medical illnesses and disability, unexplained illness, depression and anxiety.
Please note, I am only taking patients affected by the current war in Israel. I am doing this as a community service. As a PhD Clinical Psychologist for over 25 years, I have worked with a wide range of patients including executives, veterans, students and parents. While everyone is unique, my approach to treatment generally focuses on helping the patient understand the connections between their thoughts, feelings and behaviors so that they ultimately can gain better control over all of them and find the personal meaning in their life.
These include, attention disorders, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Post-covid Syndrome, chronic pain, psychological issues related to medical illnesses and disability, unexplained illness, depression and anxiety.
Please note, I am only taking patients affected by the current war in Israel. I am doing this as a community service. As a PhD Clinical Psychologist for over 25 years, I have worked with a wide range of patients including executives, veterans, students and parents. While everyone is unique, my approach to treatment generally focuses on helping the patient understand the connections between their thoughts, feelings and behaviors so that they ultimately can gain better control over all of them and find the personal meaning in their life.
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Photo of Marjorie Sommer, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Marjorie Sommer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Ramsey, NJ 07446
My clients tell me that I help make the therapeutic process easier by understanding their pain, while giving them hope.
Are you feeling that life is more difficult than it should be? Do you think you might be suffering from anxiety or depression? As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I understand these feelings can be very painful, scary, and all-consuming. That is why I use a collaborative, non-judgmental approach during the course of therapy. My work begins with listening to my clients with compassion. Once that connection is made with a therapist, I believe the client is on the road to having a brighter future. I look forward to speaking with you, and answering your questions.
My clients tell me that I help make the therapeutic process easier by understanding their pain, while giving them hope.
Are you feeling that life is more difficult than it should be? Do you think you might be suffering from anxiety or depression? As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I understand these feelings can be very painful, scary, and all-consuming. That is why I use a collaborative, non-judgmental approach during the course of therapy. My work begins with listening to my clients with compassion. Once that connection is made with a therapist, I believe the client is on the road to having a brighter future. I look forward to speaking with you, and answering your questions.
(201) 429-0624 View (201) 429-0624
Photo of Robert Galarowicz - Dr. Robert's Clinical Hypnosis & Mind/Body Therapy, ND, ACH, CH
Dr. Robert's Clinical Hypnosis & Mind/Body Therapy
ND, ACH, CH
Verified Verified
Ramsey, NJ 07446
Discover How My Clinical Hypnosis & Mind/Body Therapy Service Can Help You ... If You Want To Improve Your Anxiety, Depression, Boost Confidence, or Improve Other Mental/Emotional Problems or Life Challenges I Have The Service FOR YOU! I ENJOY to help people & your Children use hypnosis and many mind-body therapies to improve their health. Discover how I can help you ... lose weight, stop smoking & addictions, sleep better, end stress/fear, be happy, control thoughts, change/build habits, end pain, and MORE ... Visit my other website http://www.drrobertg.com for $187 of FREE Goodies! Plus a no-charge phone
Discover How My Clinical Hypnosis & Mind/Body Therapy Service Can Help You ... If You Want To Improve Your Anxiety, Depression, Boost Confidence, or Improve Other Mental/Emotional Problems or Life Challenges I Have The Service FOR YOU! I ENJOY to help people & your Children use hypnosis and many mind-body therapies to improve their health. Discover how I can help you ... lose weight, stop smoking & addictions, sleep better, end stress/fear, be happy, control thoughts, change/build habits, end pain, and MORE ... Visit my other website http://www.drrobertg.com for $187 of FREE Goodies! Plus a no-charge phone
(201) 425-6339 View (201) 425-6339
Photo of Karin Williams, MSW,  LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Karin Williams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677
She also focuses on pain management and women's issues, providing specialized support for those navigating midlife transitions and grief.
Karin Williams, LCSW, is a dedicated therapist at LifeStance Health, offering empathetic, client-centered care to individuals across New Jersey. She creates a safe and nonjudgmental environment, fostering therapeutic relationships that rekindle hope and help clients recognize their own strengths. Serving adults, seniors, and young adults aged 18 and up, Karin is committed to guiding her clients through their unique mental health journeys. Karin is particularly passionate about treating Adult ADHD, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
She also focuses on pain management and women's issues, providing specialized support for those navigating midlife transitions and grief.
Karin Williams, LCSW, is a dedicated therapist at LifeStance Health, offering empathetic, client-centered care to individuals across New Jersey. She creates a safe and nonjudgmental environment, fostering therapeutic relationships that rekindle hope and help clients recognize their own strengths. Serving adults, seniors, and young adults aged 18 and up, Karin is committed to guiding her clients through their unique mental health journeys. Karin is particularly passionate about treating Adult ADHD, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
(551) 210-4687 View (551) 210-4687
Photo of Rachel Kaplan, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rachel Kaplan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458  (Online Only)
I specialize in working with individuals dealing with anxiety, life transitions, relationship dynamics, chronic illness, and perfectionism.
Maybe you're unsure of what is bothering you, but are aware that something isn’t working for you anymore. Perhaps you're supportive and patient with others, but are self-critical, high-achieving, and set unrealistic expectations for yourself. Maybe you're tired of worrying all the time or feeling stuck in cycles of thinking about the same things. Until now, you've likely been pushing yourself to cope with what you’ve been feeling on your own. If you tend to prioritize others, you may be hoping to learn how to set healthy boundaries and communicate assertively, so you can better tend to your own needs.
I specialize in working with individuals dealing with anxiety, life transitions, relationship dynamics, chronic illness, and perfectionism.
Maybe you're unsure of what is bothering you, but are aware that something isn’t working for you anymore. Perhaps you're supportive and patient with others, but are self-critical, high-achieving, and set unrealistic expectations for yourself. Maybe you're tired of worrying all the time or feeling stuck in cycles of thinking about the same things. Until now, you've likely been pushing yourself to cope with what you’ve been feeling on your own. If you tend to prioritize others, you may be hoping to learn how to set healthy boundaries and communicate assertively, so you can better tend to your own needs.
(646) 846-7008 View (646) 846-7008
Photo of Stanley M Spergel, PsyD, Psychologist
Stanley M Spergel
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677
Dr Stanley M. Spergel is a licensed psychologist, certified school psychologist and fellow of the American Orthopsychiatric Association with offices in Teaneck and Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey. He is the founding director of the Family Resource Center and has been in both group and individual private practice since 1981. Dr Spergel specializes in treating children, adolescents and adults using a variety of treatment modalities and has a special interest in hypnotherapy.
Dr Stanley M. Spergel is a licensed psychologist, certified school psychologist and fellow of the American Orthopsychiatric Association with offices in Teaneck and Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey. He is the founding director of the Family Resource Center and has been in both group and individual private practice since 1981. Dr Spergel specializes in treating children, adolescents and adults using a variety of treatment modalities and has a special interest in hypnotherapy.
(201) 391-8778 View (201) 391-8778
Photo of Shaun Peter DeMauro - Summit Psychotherapy and Wellness Center. LLC, MA, PsyD, Psychologist
Summit Psychotherapy and Wellness Center. LLC
Psychologist, MA, PsyD
Verified Verified
Ramsey, NJ 07446
Summit Psychotherapy and Wellness Center LLC houses a unique combination of specialists supporting a holistic level of care through group and individual counseling sessions. We are comprised of two Licensed Doctoral Level professionals, a Registered Nurse, and a behaviorist. We look beyond the medical model and focus on positive psychological factors and strength based perspectives to assist in managing outcomes related to emotional, transitional, and cognitive developments. Our CEO, Dr. Shaun DeMauro Psy.D, will screen participants and will consult with our multidisciplinary team to ensure care is within our scope of practice.
Summit Psychotherapy and Wellness Center LLC houses a unique combination of specialists supporting a holistic level of care through group and individual counseling sessions. We are comprised of two Licensed Doctoral Level professionals, a Registered Nurse, and a behaviorist. We look beyond the medical model and focus on positive psychological factors and strength based perspectives to assist in managing outcomes related to emotional, transitional, and cognitive developments. Our CEO, Dr. Shaun DeMauro Psy.D, will screen participants and will consult with our multidisciplinary team to ensure care is within our scope of practice.
(551) 500-2040 View (551) 500-2040
Photo of Jill Essery, LCSW, LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jill Essery
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LLC
Verified Verified
Ramsey, NJ 07446
Do you experience anxiety, depression, grief/loss, stress? Together we will identify and explore the issues that cause distress in your life. This deeper understanding often provides opportunities for change. I will help you develop healthy coping skills to better manage emotions, reduce stress and improve your relationships.
Do you experience anxiety, depression, grief/loss, stress? Together we will identify and explore the issues that cause distress in your life. This deeper understanding often provides opportunities for change. I will help you develop healthy coping skills to better manage emotions, reduce stress and improve your relationships.
(917) 722-8665 View (917) 722-8665
Photo of Linda Goldmintz, LCSW, DSW, SEP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Linda Goldmintz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, DSW, SEP
Verified Verified
Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677
Life is filled with an array of demands and transitions which can often feel overwhelming. Perhaps you are struggling with a life change, a stressful relationship or trying to find greater personal fulfillment. Therapy can offer a supportive and containing space to explore what you want and need for yourself, as well as growing the relational connections in your life. By creating a safe space together, you can learn to identify your body's cues and thereby better master areas in your life that feel unsettled or stuck. The goal of our work together is to provide awareness, clarity, and healing thereby improving self regulated living.
Life is filled with an array of demands and transitions which can often feel overwhelming. Perhaps you are struggling with a life change, a stressful relationship or trying to find greater personal fulfillment. Therapy can offer a supportive and containing space to explore what you want and need for yourself, as well as growing the relational connections in your life. By creating a safe space together, you can learn to identify your body's cues and thereby better master areas in your life that feel unsettled or stuck. The goal of our work together is to provide awareness, clarity, and healing thereby improving self regulated living.
(201) 831-7836 View (201) 831-7836
Photo of Maggie Franzetti, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Maggie Franzetti
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677  (Online Only)
The complexities of our worlds create numerous opportunities for stress to overwhelm us. All stressors, regardless of intensity, can leave us feeling powerless and hopeless as they accumulate. This is especially true for children and adolescents, who are more susceptible to experiencing negative emotions. My role as a therapist is to help individuals identify their stressors, understand how these stressors impact their overall well-being, and learn how to heal.
The complexities of our worlds create numerous opportunities for stress to overwhelm us. All stressors, regardless of intensity, can leave us feeling powerless and hopeless as they accumulate. This is especially true for children and adolescents, who are more susceptible to experiencing negative emotions. My role as a therapist is to help individuals identify their stressors, understand how these stressors impact their overall well-being, and learn how to heal.
(551) 239-9880 View (551) 239-9880
Photo of Chris Henrici - Compete: Mental Performance Training, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Compete: Mental Performance Training
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Mental Performance Training (sometimes referred to as sport psychology) is the approach of harnessing the power of the mind to maximize performance. Mental skills have been used for decades. Any activity that requires performance can be enhanced through the knowledge and use of mental skills! So, what it boils down to is this: Do you believe that there is a mental side of performance? Have you ever experienced the phenomenon of being in the zone? Most athletes we work with do, yet few dedicate time toward training that aspect of their game. At Compete, we teach skills to hone the power of the mind to allow your thousands of hours of
Mental Performance Training (sometimes referred to as sport psychology) is the approach of harnessing the power of the mind to maximize performance. Mental skills have been used for decades. Any activity that requires performance can be enhanced through the knowledge and use of mental skills! So, what it boils down to is this: Do you believe that there is a mental side of performance? Have you ever experienced the phenomenon of being in the zone? Most athletes we work with do, yet few dedicate time toward training that aspect of their game. At Compete, we teach skills to hone the power of the mind to allow your thousands of hours of
(201) 331-6776 View (201) 331-6776
Photo of Roseanne C. Trapani, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Roseanne C. Trapani
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ramsey, NJ 07446
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Bergen County, working with individuals, couples, and families with a variety of treatment needs. Areas of treatment include: Relationship counseling, divorce adjustment, relational discernment counseling, loss and grief, stress management, anxiety, depression, high functioning Autism, and mood disorders. In addition, I specialize in working with adolescents who are dealing with anxiety, peer pressure, academic stress, and bullying, in order to help them to develop psychological awareness and insight. My approach is integrative. Building upon your strengths and resilience, we will find solutions and healing together. Please contact me for a complimentary 15 minute phone consultation.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Bergen County, working with individuals, couples, and families with a variety of treatment needs. Areas of treatment include: Relationship counseling, divorce adjustment, relational discernment counseling, loss and grief, stress management, anxiety, depression, high functioning Autism, and mood disorders. In addition, I specialize in working with adolescents who are dealing with anxiety, peer pressure, academic stress, and bullying, in order to help them to develop psychological awareness and insight. My approach is integrative. Building upon your strengths and resilience, we will find solutions and healing together. Please contact me for a complimentary 15 minute phone consultation.
(201) 331-6551 View (201) 331-6551
Photo of Doreen Maria H Greco - Doreen H. Greco, LCSW, LCADC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Doreen H. Greco
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCADC
Verified Verified
Ramsey, NJ 07446  (Online Only)
Welcome and thank you for considering to use my counseling services. Whether you are feeling life stress from work, family or friends, are struggling to understand yourself or how to feel better, together in a warm supportive confidential environment, we can explore your concerns and discover how to help you find the best solutions. I work with individuals that are adults, children or adolescents, couples and families. People come for help for a variety of issues such as dealing with stage of life adjustments, parenting, overcoming anxiety, depression and addictions, improving relationships and reaching personal and professional goals.
Welcome and thank you for considering to use my counseling services. Whether you are feeling life stress from work, family or friends, are struggling to understand yourself or how to feel better, together in a warm supportive confidential environment, we can explore your concerns and discover how to help you find the best solutions. I work with individuals that are adults, children or adolescents, couples and families. People come for help for a variety of issues such as dealing with stage of life adjustments, parenting, overcoming anxiety, depression and addictions, improving relationships and reaching personal and professional goals.
(201) 297-6939 View (201) 297-6939

See more therapy options for Saddle River

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.