Chronic Pain Therapists in South Brunswick, NJ

Photo of Stephen E Horgan - Horgan & Saling Counseling Services LLC, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Horgan & Saling Counseling Services LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
South Brunswick, NJ 08810
I have extensive experience working with: Depression and anxiety, addictions, relationship difficulties, sexual issues, adults with stressful life-circumstances, those coping with aging family members, survivors of childhood abuse, veterans, rescue workers, medical trauma survivors and those living with a debilitating or terminal illness.
Are you not feeling or functioning the way you used to? Are you having trouble explaining what you're feeling to others? Has someone told you that you could use some help and support? I am helpful with the process of entering therapy because I respect the significance of that decision and see it as an opportunity for positive change.
I have extensive experience working with: Depression and anxiety, addictions, relationship difficulties, sexual issues, adults with stressful life-circumstances, those coping with aging family members, survivors of childhood abuse, veterans, rescue workers, medical trauma survivors and those living with a debilitating or terminal illness.
Are you not feeling or functioning the way you used to? Are you having trouble explaining what you're feeling to others? Has someone told you that you could use some help and support? I am helpful with the process of entering therapy because I respect the significance of that decision and see it as an opportunity for positive change.
(201) 870-4087 View (201) 870-4087
Photo of Dr. Rakhee Krishna, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Rakhee Krishna
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South Brunswick, NJ 08810  (Online Only)
If you think that your quality of life is marred by anxiety, depression, relationship issues, parenting challenges, grief and pain from personnel or material losses or chronic physical conditions or if you see yourself getting into a pattern of making self- sabotaging choices in your life , give yourself the chance to experience life differently. Allow me to guide you make a break through. At Guiding Elements, I work with children, teens, adults, couples and families who are facing behavioral & emotional regulation issues, stress while navigating difficult relationships or life's challenges in general.
If you think that your quality of life is marred by anxiety, depression, relationship issues, parenting challenges, grief and pain from personnel or material losses or chronic physical conditions or if you see yourself getting into a pattern of making self- sabotaging choices in your life , give yourself the chance to experience life differently. Allow me to guide you make a break through. At Guiding Elements, I work with children, teens, adults, couples and families who are facing behavioral & emotional regulation issues, stress while navigating difficult relationships or life's challenges in general.
(732) 629-9809 View (732) 629-9809
Photo of Tracey L Post - The Princeton Center for MindBody Healing, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
The Princeton Center for MindBody Healing
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
South Brunswick, NJ 08810
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.
(609) 745-0676 View (609) 745-0676
Photo of Melanie Pacheco, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Melanie Pacheco
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
South Brunswick, NJ 08810
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.
(908) 460-7634 View (908) 460-7634

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Courtney Gable, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
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.
(215) 607-6969 View (215) 607-6969
Photo of Lauren M Fussner - Lauren M Fussner, PhD, MA, PhD, Psychologist
Lauren M Fussner, PhD
Psychologist, MA, PhD
Verified Verified
Princeton, NJ 08540  (Online Only)
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.
(215) 709-9374 View (215) 709-9374
Photo of Marsha N. Shapiro, MSW, LCSW, BCD, LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Marsha N. Shapiro
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, BCD, LLC
Verified Verified
North Brunswick, NJ 08902  (Online Only)
I offer respectful, affirmative treatment in a safe, comfortable environment. Establishing a trusting, caring relationship with the people I work with is of the utmost importance to me. I see Children, Adolescents and Adults. Depression and other Mood Disorders, Anxiety, Phobias, PTSD, Relationships, Parenting, Separation/Divorce, Adult Survivors of Incest/Sexual Abuse, Sexuality, Women's and LGBTQ issues, Stress and Anger Management, Loss/ Bereavement, Eating and other Compulsive Disorders, Learning/DevelopmentalChallenges and Acute/Chronic Illness, Life Coaching and Individual Consultation Services are my areas of specialization.
I offer respectful, affirmative treatment in a safe, comfortable environment. Establishing a trusting, caring relationship with the people I work with is of the utmost importance to me. I see Children, Adolescents and Adults. Depression and other Mood Disorders, Anxiety, Phobias, PTSD, Relationships, Parenting, Separation/Divorce, Adult Survivors of Incest/Sexual Abuse, Sexuality, Women's and LGBTQ issues, Stress and Anger Management, Loss/ Bereavement, Eating and other Compulsive Disorders, Learning/DevelopmentalChallenges and Acute/Chronic Illness, Life Coaching and Individual Consultation Services are my areas of specialization.
(732) 979-2767 View (732) 979-2767
Photo of Shamila Malik, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Shamila Malik
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Skillman, NJ 08558
My areas of specialization include older adults, persons with chronic illness and caregivers.
Whether you are dealing with the loss of a loved one, coping with an illness or disability, struggling with caregiver stress or adjusting to a life transition, my customized approach to psychotherapy can help you move forward to a brighter path. I offer an eclectic approach to psychotherapy, drawing upon a variety of different techniques to help you identify your goals and achieve a better quality of life.
My areas of specialization include older adults, persons with chronic illness and caregivers.
Whether you are dealing with the loss of a loved one, coping with an illness or disability, struggling with caregiver stress or adjusting to a life transition, my customized approach to psychotherapy can help you move forward to a brighter path. I offer an eclectic approach to psychotherapy, drawing upon a variety of different techniques to help you identify your goals and achieve a better quality of life.
(609) 436-9397 View (609) 436-9397
Photo of Elisa Acosta, LCSW , Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Elisa Acosta
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
East Brunswick, NJ 08816  (Online Only)
What do we get from therapy? We must get something, correct? The answer is not straightforward or simple, since each of us will have to assemble or even invent that answer ourselves. In therapy, an encounter emerges, a space, a singular one energized by the need we have to feel better. An encounter with words, sentences, signifiers, even memories that will help us approach the pain. Yes, the emotional pain that at this time is not letting you live at your fullest.
What do we get from therapy? We must get something, correct? The answer is not straightforward or simple, since each of us will have to assemble or even invent that answer ourselves. In therapy, an encounter emerges, a space, a singular one energized by the need we have to feel better. An encounter with words, sentences, signifiers, even memories that will help us approach the pain. Yes, the emotional pain that at this time is not letting you live at your fullest.
(848) 233-4904 View (848) 233-4904
Photo of Leigh Goldman - Leigh Goldman, LCSW, LLC, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Leigh Goldman, LCSW, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Monroe Township, NJ 08831
I am also available to provide support with those struggling with a loved one's mental or physical illness in a supportive environment.
I am a LCSW with 20+ years of experience, which has allowed me the privilege of providing services to adolescents and adults. I specialize in anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and coping skills. I strongly believe in finding the strengths within you, as to help in the process of change. My goal is to develop a therapeutic relationship in which you can have a safe place to work through meaningful solution oriented changes. My clients have benefited from various treatment approaches that are individualized to your needs. I look forward to the opportunity to help through your personal journey of change.
I am also available to provide support with those struggling with a loved one's mental or physical illness in a supportive environment.
I am a LCSW with 20+ years of experience, which has allowed me the privilege of providing services to adolescents and adults. I specialize in anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and coping skills. I strongly believe in finding the strengths within you, as to help in the process of change. My goal is to develop a therapeutic relationship in which you can have a safe place to work through meaningful solution oriented changes. My clients have benefited from various treatment approaches that are individualized to your needs. I look forward to the opportunity to help through your personal journey of change.
(609) 303-5031 View (609) 303-5031
Photo of Leslie Richmand, LCSW, CEDS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
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 am licensed in New Jersey, Virginia and can provide telehealth in Florida. 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 am licensed in New Jersey, Virginia and can provide telehealth in Florida. 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.
(609) 456-4482 View (609) 456-4482
Photo of Irina B Stuchinsky, LCSW, CMHIMP, INHC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Irina B Stuchinsky
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CMHIMP, INHC
Verified Verified
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
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.
(848) 271-5394 View (848) 271-5394
Photo of Bob DiCuio, PhD, Psychologist
Bob DiCuio
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cranbury, NJ 08512  (Online Only)
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.
(609) 860-6455 View (609) 860-6455
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.
(732) 943-0496 View (732) 943-0496
Photo of Larry Fisch, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
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.
(848) 777-4261 View (848) 777-4261
Photo of Rikki Zahler, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rikki Zahler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
East Brunswick, NJ 08816  (Online Only)
When you’re ready to leave your pain behind, give me a call or send an email so we can schedule our first session and get you on a path to feeling better today.
Is waking up in the morning so painful that you can’t enjoy your cup of coffee? Maybe you cry throughout the day from the smallest triggers and feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. Or maybe you get so bogged down by excessive worry or chronic health concerns that you just can’t sleep anymore. Perhaps you’ve had a recent loss and feel like you’re being swallowed by grief on a daily basis, or maybe your emotions fluctuate so much between extremes that you feel out of control. I know how hopeless it can feel to cope with your day to day and you may just want to curl up in a ball to escape all your pain.
When you’re ready to leave your pain behind, give me a call or send an email so we can schedule our first session and get you on a path to feeling better today.
Is waking up in the morning so painful that you can’t enjoy your cup of coffee? Maybe you cry throughout the day from the smallest triggers and feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. Or maybe you get so bogged down by excessive worry or chronic health concerns that you just can’t sleep anymore. Perhaps you’ve had a recent loss and feel like you’re being swallowed by grief on a daily basis, or maybe your emotions fluctuate so much between extremes that you feel out of control. I know how hopeless it can feel to cope with your day to day and you may just want to curl up in a ball to escape all your pain.
(856) 226-0264 View (856) 226-0264
Photo of Norbert A Wetzel, ThD, MFT, licphi, Psychologist
Norbert A Wetzel
Psychologist, ThD, MFT, licphi
Verified Verified
Princeton, NJ 08540
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.
(609) 277-3225 x2 View (609) 277-3225 x2
Photo of Sharon Sarno, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sharon Sarno
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
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.
(908) 341-1085 View (908) 341-1085
Photo of Amy Burns, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Amy Burns
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
North Brunswick, NJ 08902
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!
(732) 655-2178 View (732) 655-2178
Photo of Nina Williams, PsyD, Psychologist
Nina Williams
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Somerset, NJ 08873
If you are looking for a new perspective on a problem, a better relationship, or a greater sense of contentment and vitality in your life, I can help. With more than twenty years of practice and thirteen years of advanced training, I offer a seasoned, educated approach to psychotherapy with adolescents, adults, and couples. I have experience helping clients with depression, anxiety, trauma, sexual difficulties, physical illness, grief, life transitions, and problems with relationships.
If you are looking for a new perspective on a problem, a better relationship, or a greater sense of contentment and vitality in your life, I can help. With more than twenty years of practice and thirteen years of advanced training, I offer a seasoned, educated approach to psychotherapy with adolescents, adults, and couples. I have experience helping clients with depression, anxiety, trauma, sexual difficulties, physical illness, grief, life transitions, and problems with relationships.
(732) 800-4796 View (732) 800-4796

See more therapy options for South Brunswick

Chronic Pain Therapists

How does chronic pain therapy work?

Engaging with a psychotherapist to help treat chronic pain does not mean that one’s pain is all in their head. Therapy for chronic-pain patients has been shown to benefit both the mind and the body, targeting physical symptoms and increasing daily functioning. In other words, for many, addressing their emotional health through therapy affects their physical health. A therapist can help a client challenge unhelpful thoughts about pain and develop new ways to respond to it, such as distraction or calming breathing techniques. Studies have found that therapy can be as effective as surgery for certain cases of chronic pain and many doctors recommend trying psychotherapy in advance of considering invasive surgery.

What are the most effective treatment options for chronic pain?

Stress, anxiety, depression, catastrophizing, ruminating, lack of activity, and social withdrawal all make chronic pain worse. Addressing these issues, research shows, can help people gain control over their pain symptoms. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, and mindfulness-based stress reduction, along with greater pain-management education, have been found to help people reduce fear and disability.

Are there new treatments for chronic pain?

Many cases of chronic pain, particularly those involving back pain, remain medically unexplained. But there is evidence that changes in the brain or nervous system are caused by previous physical ailments such as tissue damage; in such cases, the brain may continue to send out pain signals despite the physical cause having healed. To aid patients under these circumstances, a recently developed treatment known as pain reprocessing therapy (PRT) is designed to help the brain “unlearn” this response. A PRT practitioner helps individuals to reduce the “threat value” of their ongoing pain signals until they can reappraise them as less threatening and fear-inducing. They also help an individual to develop new emotional regulation skills.

How long does therapy for chronic pain take?

There is no set timeline for recovery from chronic pain, especially as there may be a range of physical and psychological causes for any individual’s discomfort, but most patients should expect to see a therapist for a number of weeks or months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions. Studies of pain reprocessing therapy found that many individuals’ experience of pain lessened in eight sessions over four weeks.