Chronic Pain Therapists in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY

Photo of Christina Sarno Horner, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Christina Sarno Horner
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11242
Chronic Pain sufferers: I work from the perspective that chronic pain is constructed both physically and psychologically and that awareness of our unique emotions, ideas and expectations about our pain is a principal therapeutic ingredient toward healing.
Sometimes normal life challenges like changing careers, becoming a parent or changes in relationships can contribute to difficult emotions and result in behavior that make us feel stuck, unproductive or even self-destructive. For many, these experiences also leave us feeling anxious, depressed and sometimes struggling with chronic physical conditions. Exploring how your current challenges relate to your temperament, past experiences and needs can give you the tools to feel better. I can provide the support and guidance needed to help you explore, develop awareness and make informed decisions you can feel confident about.
Chronic Pain sufferers: I work from the perspective that chronic pain is constructed both physically and psychologically and that awareness of our unique emotions, ideas and expectations about our pain is a principal therapeutic ingredient toward healing.
Sometimes normal life challenges like changing careers, becoming a parent or changes in relationships can contribute to difficult emotions and result in behavior that make us feel stuck, unproductive or even self-destructive. For many, these experiences also leave us feeling anxious, depressed and sometimes struggling with chronic physical conditions. Exploring how your current challenges relate to your temperament, past experiences and needs can give you the tools to feel better. I can provide the support and guidance needed to help you explore, develop awareness and make informed decisions you can feel confident about.
(347) 587-8448 View (347) 587-8448
Photo of Veronica Dyer, LCSW, APHSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Veronica Dyer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, APHSW-C
Verified Verified
Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11201  (Online Only)
Grief, chronic illness, a cancer diagnosis, chronic pain, caregiving can change your life radically. You might be grieving the loss of normalcy and expectations you had about how your life should be. Sometimes grief can be traumatic or complex. Maybe you are grappling with uncertainty or questioning your meaning and purpose.
Grief, chronic illness, a cancer diagnosis, chronic pain, caregiving can change your life radically. You might be grieving the loss of normalcy and expectations you had about how your life should be. Sometimes grief can be traumatic or complex. Maybe you are grappling with uncertainty or questioning your meaning and purpose.
(747) 351-1242 View (747) 351-1242
Photo of Lisa Rosenzweig - Lisa Rosenzweig, PhD, PhD, Psychologist
Lisa Rosenzweig, PhD
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11201  (Online Only)
Chronic pain or illness didn't stop for the pandemic. In fact, it was harder to get to doctors, you may have felt more isolated, and you may have wanted to move on like everyone else but find yourself still struggling. And your physical health may still be affecting...everything. Are you having trouble managing symptoms of illness, side effects from treatment, chronic pain, infertility, or the emotional burden of your own or a loved one's diagnosis? Medical diagnoses and how we feel physically can profoundly impact our emotional health, family lives, and so much more. It can be a lot to handle on your own and you don't have to.
Chronic pain or illness didn't stop for the pandemic. In fact, it was harder to get to doctors, you may have felt more isolated, and you may have wanted to move on like everyone else but find yourself still struggling. And your physical health may still be affecting...everything. Are you having trouble managing symptoms of illness, side effects from treatment, chronic pain, infertility, or the emotional burden of your own or a loved one's diagnosis? Medical diagnoses and how we feel physically can profoundly impact our emotional health, family lives, and so much more. It can be a lot to handle on your own and you don't have to.
(917) 338-4798 View (917) 338-4798
Photo of Jennifer Brown, MFA, RDT, Pre-Licensed Professional
Jennifer Brown
Pre-Licensed Professional, MFA, RDT
Verified Verified
Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11249  (Online Only)
With a focus on diverse populations, addiction, and holistic pain management, I offer a unique blend of narradrama, music, and technology to help you reshape your narrative.
Are you seeking a therapist who empowers you to rewrite your own story? Imagine finding a space where your creativity thrives, guided by a therapist who understands the power of self-expression. I specialize in helping diverse clients – from survivors to adolescents – navigate their healing journeys. Using drama therapy, you become your own guide in reshaping your narrative, fostering supportive self-talk and self-image.
With a focus on diverse populations, addiction, and holistic pain management, I offer a unique blend of narradrama, music, and technology to help you reshape your narrative.
Are you seeking a therapist who empowers you to rewrite your own story? Imagine finding a space where your creativity thrives, guided by a therapist who understands the power of self-expression. I specialize in helping diverse clients – from survivors to adolescents – navigate their healing journeys. Using drama therapy, you become your own guide in reshaping your narrative, fostering supportive self-talk and self-image.
(929) 543-5823 View (929) 543-5823
Photo of Eddie Emma DeGrand, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Eddie Emma DeGrand
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11242
My experience is primarily focused on LGBTQIA+ adults and those facing a chronic illness, but all are welcome.
Maybe you are moving through a major life transition, a loss, or pain that you’re not sure you can bear. Maybe you have had to ignore your own needs in order to survive. We all hide the parts of ourselves that we have been made to believe are too much; when that approach stops working, if we have the right support, we can grow. Rather than suppressing symptoms, my approach is to work collaboratively to address the cause of your concerns. We have a path forward once we know what is making you feel so stuck.
My experience is primarily focused on LGBTQIA+ adults and those facing a chronic illness, but all are welcome.
Maybe you are moving through a major life transition, a loss, or pain that you’re not sure you can bear. Maybe you have had to ignore your own needs in order to survive. We all hide the parts of ourselves that we have been made to believe are too much; when that approach stops working, if we have the right support, we can grow. Rather than suppressing symptoms, my approach is to work collaboratively to address the cause of your concerns. We have a path forward once we know what is making you feel so stuck.
(646) 553-1747 View (646) 553-1747
Photo of Margo Miller, MSEd, LMHC
Margo Miller
MSEd, LMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11242
I specialize in working with adolescents and adults dealing with a wide range of challenges including but not limited to depression, anxiety, trauma, chronic pain, relationship issues, and overall stressors of daily life.
Do you ever let your anxiety get in the way of achieving the joy or productivity you want? Do you feel stuck? We cannot change what we are not aware of, therefore exploring the roots of our suffering allows us to have the opportunity to create positive change in order to have a better future. I aim to help my patients find awareness of their own suffering and individual ways to lean into it in order to ultimately work on letting go of what is no longer serving them. I cater individually to each and every patient often honing in on strengths-based and solution-oriented perspectives.
I specialize in working with adolescents and adults dealing with a wide range of challenges including but not limited to depression, anxiety, trauma, chronic pain, relationship issues, and overall stressors of daily life.
Do you ever let your anxiety get in the way of achieving the joy or productivity you want? Do you feel stuck? We cannot change what we are not aware of, therefore exploring the roots of our suffering allows us to have the opportunity to create positive change in order to have a better future. I aim to help my patients find awareness of their own suffering and individual ways to lean into it in order to ultimately work on letting go of what is no longer serving them. I cater individually to each and every patient often honing in on strengths-based and solution-oriented perspectives.
(347) 434-7253 View (347) 434-7253
Photo of Elisabeth (Lisa) Youngclaus, LCSW, SEP, JD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Elisabeth (Lisa) Youngclaus
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SEP, JD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11201
SE works to resolve symptoms and promote emotional healing and is particularly helpful in treating chronic anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD, dissociation, and somatic pain.
Therapy offers profound ways of responding more effectively to life's challenges: understanding and managing mental health symptoms and developing healthier, more adaptive coping strategies when facing problems; tools for resolving difficulties and finding more fulfillment in relationships; the possibility of working through past and present trauma, grief and loss; and the opportunity to recognize how our thoughts, beliefs and behaviors affect our relationships to ourselves and others and how self-awareness creates the possibility of change and new experiences.
SE works to resolve symptoms and promote emotional healing and is particularly helpful in treating chronic anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD, dissociation, and somatic pain.
Therapy offers profound ways of responding more effectively to life's challenges: understanding and managing mental health symptoms and developing healthier, more adaptive coping strategies when facing problems; tools for resolving difficulties and finding more fulfillment in relationships; the possibility of working through past and present trauma, grief and loss; and the opportunity to recognize how our thoughts, beliefs and behaviors affect our relationships to ourselves and others and how self-awareness creates the possibility of change and new experiences.
(646) 798-2919 View (646) 798-2919
Photo of Stephanie Leung, PhD, Psychologist
Stephanie Leung
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11242
Taking care of your emotions, thoughts, and inner world is an important and sacred journey. You may be seeking to overcome challenges, gain more confidence, and find meaning and value in life. I am passionate about working with adults on their paths to self-discovery. I have expertise and a strong interest in addressing emotional and behavioral issues related to chronic health conditions (e.g., diabetes, cancer, pain) or to health behaviors (e.g., sleeping, eating).
Taking care of your emotions, thoughts, and inner world is an important and sacred journey. You may be seeking to overcome challenges, gain more confidence, and find meaning and value in life. I am passionate about working with adults on their paths to self-discovery. I have expertise and a strong interest in addressing emotional and behavioral issues related to chronic health conditions (e.g., diabetes, cancer, pain) or to health behaviors (e.g., sleeping, eating).
(347) 252-9706 View (347) 252-9706
Photo of Alice MacDonald, MHC-LP
Alice MacDonald
MHC-LP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11242
I hold additional certifications in Pain Reprocessing Therapy for working with chronic and neuroplastic pain, as well as Mindbody Therapy, Alexander Technique, and Yoga.
Have you tried therapy before, but found that it didn't quite work for you? Maybe you stayed with one therapist for too long and never saw the results you were looking for. Or maybe you found that "just talking" about your problems was not moving you toward the change you were hoping to make. If you are hungry for personal growth and willing to work at it, the breakthrough you're seeking is within reach. At Brooklyn Somatic Therapy, we integrate a mindfulness-based, experiential and somatic approach to psychotherapy.
I hold additional certifications in Pain Reprocessing Therapy for working with chronic and neuroplastic pain, as well as Mindbody Therapy, Alexander Technique, and Yoga.
Have you tried therapy before, but found that it didn't quite work for you? Maybe you stayed with one therapist for too long and never saw the results you were looking for. Or maybe you found that "just talking" about your problems was not moving you toward the change you were hoping to make. If you are hungry for personal growth and willing to work at it, the breakthrough you're seeking is within reach. At Brooklyn Somatic Therapy, we integrate a mindfulness-based, experiential and somatic approach to psychotherapy.
(347) 647-6857 View (347) 647-6857
Photo of Sydney Berkowtiz, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sydney Berkowtiz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11242
Whether you are struggling with the pain of the past, worry for the future, or living through a difficult current moment, Sydney can help support you through this moment.
Sydney focuses on creating a strong therapeutic alliance in a safe and supportive environment. She curates and tailors treatment to meet the individual needs and preferences of each of her clients. Sydney’s approach integrates relational/psychodynamic therapy, CBT, emotionally focused therapy (EFT), and somatic exercises. For clients who are interested, she can also incorporate art and music into the therapeutic work.
Whether you are struggling with the pain of the past, worry for the future, or living through a difficult current moment, Sydney can help support you through this moment.
Sydney focuses on creating a strong therapeutic alliance in a safe and supportive environment. She curates and tailors treatment to meet the individual needs and preferences of each of her clients. Sydney’s approach integrates relational/psychodynamic therapy, CBT, emotionally focused therapy (EFT), and somatic exercises. For clients who are interested, she can also incorporate art and music into the therapeutic work.
(646) 759-9364 View (646) 759-9364
Photo of Emma Hare, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Emma Hare
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11201
I have always worked with couples and families through my experiences in child welfare, adopting families, and families facing a terminal illness.
I consider personal relationships to be at the core of a person's happiness. Relationships with family, loved ones, friends, and even co-workers need fostering and attention. Working to improve those relationships can be done through individual or couples and family therapy alike. I like to build on strengths already there, hear from you what has worked and not worked in the past, and build moments of connection during the session that can be carried to the time between sessions and strengthened at home with tools and insight. I am also able to do home studies for domestic, international, and seocnd-parent adoptions.
I have always worked with couples and families through my experiences in child welfare, adopting families, and families facing a terminal illness.
I consider personal relationships to be at the core of a person's happiness. Relationships with family, loved ones, friends, and even co-workers need fostering and attention. Working to improve those relationships can be done through individual or couples and family therapy alike. I like to build on strengths already there, hear from you what has worked and not worked in the past, and build moments of connection during the session that can be carried to the time between sessions and strengthened at home with tools and insight. I am also able to do home studies for domestic, international, and seocnd-parent adoptions.
(917) 721-1028 View (917) 721-1028
Photo of Meredith Korsen, LCSW-R, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Meredith Korsen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11242
Psychotherapy offers a way to identify one’s thoughts, feelings and behaviors that result from life's naturally occurring challenges. This collaborative work encourages self-awareness and development of new ways of being. While I work with people seeking therapy for a variety of reasons, my specialties include mood disorders, relationship issues, and chronic illness/ pain disorders. I integrate motivational, cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness-based approaches to help each person meet their goals. I also utilize a harm reduction framework to help individuals explore their substance use and identify opportunities for change.
Psychotherapy offers a way to identify one’s thoughts, feelings and behaviors that result from life's naturally occurring challenges. This collaborative work encourages self-awareness and development of new ways of being. While I work with people seeking therapy for a variety of reasons, my specialties include mood disorders, relationship issues, and chronic illness/ pain disorders. I integrate motivational, cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness-based approaches to help each person meet their goals. I also utilize a harm reduction framework to help individuals explore their substance use and identify opportunities for change.
(646) 791-3089 View (646) 791-3089
Photo of Emily Rose Cannon, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Emily Rose Cannon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11242
My therapeutic lens is informed by studies in social work, psychoanalysis, Applied Polyvagal Theory, Somatic Experiencing, & Pain Reprocessing Therapy.
Have you tried therapy before, but found that it didn't quite work for you? Maybe you stayed with one therapist for too long and never saw the results you were looking for. Or maybe you found that "just talking" about your problems was not moving you toward the change you were hoping to make. If you are hungry for personal growth and willing to work at it, the breakthrough you're seeking is within reach. At Brooklyn Somatic Therapy, we integrate a mindfulness-based, experiential and somatic approach to psychotherapy.
My therapeutic lens is informed by studies in social work, psychoanalysis, Applied Polyvagal Theory, Somatic Experiencing, & Pain Reprocessing Therapy.
Have you tried therapy before, but found that it didn't quite work for you? Maybe you stayed with one therapist for too long and never saw the results you were looking for. Or maybe you found that "just talking" about your problems was not moving you toward the change you were hoping to make. If you are hungry for personal growth and willing to work at it, the breakthrough you're seeking is within reach. At Brooklyn Somatic Therapy, we integrate a mindfulness-based, experiential and somatic approach to psychotherapy.
(347) 431-0767 View (347) 431-0767
Photo of Shale Maulana, MPH, LMSW
Shale Maulana
Licensed Master Social Worker, MPH, LMSW
Verified Verified
Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Waitlist for new clients
I understand pain and suffering because I too have suffered and struggled.
I establish trust with the people I have the honor of working with. I ask for consent, and I use tools and techniques with gentleness and mindfulness. I work collaboratively, I ask about goals, dreams and aspirations, and am transparent about what I am doing and why and how I intend to support. If something is not working or doesn't feel good, I am always open to trying a different way or bringing in additional support as needed. Part of my commitment to doing this work is doing my own work, and I remain active in building my own ability to be present, resourceful, skilled, and energized to provide support.
I understand pain and suffering because I too have suffered and struggled.
I establish trust with the people I have the honor of working with. I ask for consent, and I use tools and techniques with gentleness and mindfulness. I work collaboratively, I ask about goals, dreams and aspirations, and am transparent about what I am doing and why and how I intend to support. If something is not working or doesn't feel good, I am always open to trying a different way or bringing in additional support as needed. Part of my commitment to doing this work is doing my own work, and I remain active in building my own ability to be present, resourceful, skilled, and energized to provide support.
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Photo of Rachel Harlich, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rachel Harlich
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11201  (Online Only)
I work with expansive individuals, couples, and polycules who are tired of being pathologized or having to educate their providers. I specialize in working with all kinds of people on the margins: LGBTQIA+ folks, polyamory/non-monogamy and kink/BDSM-involved clients, sex workers, neurodivergent folks, fat people, and folks impacted by disability, chronic illness and pain, as well as complex trauma and attachment wounding survivors. It's possible to build safety, presence, pleasure, and joy within yourself and your partnerships. Our sessions together will feature warmth, humor, learning, and empathy.
I work with expansive individuals, couples, and polycules who are tired of being pathologized or having to educate their providers. I specialize in working with all kinds of people on the margins: LGBTQIA+ folks, polyamory/non-monogamy and kink/BDSM-involved clients, sex workers, neurodivergent folks, fat people, and folks impacted by disability, chronic illness and pain, as well as complex trauma and attachment wounding survivors. It's possible to build safety, presence, pleasure, and joy within yourself and your partnerships. Our sessions together will feature warmth, humor, learning, and empathy.
(929) 295-7758 View (929) 295-7758
Photo of Lili E Feldman, LCSW-R, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lili E Feldman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11242
The most important part of therapy is the relationship between the therapist and client. I pride myself in building strong, caring therapeutic alliances. I have expertise in treating anxiety, depression, chronic illness, phobias, and PTSD. Nobody likes to admit that they need help, but sometimes it can be a life transforming opportunity.
The most important part of therapy is the relationship between the therapist and client. I pride myself in building strong, caring therapeutic alliances. I have expertise in treating anxiety, depression, chronic illness, phobias, and PTSD. Nobody likes to admit that they need help, but sometimes it can be a life transforming opportunity.
(646) 798-2271 View (646) 798-2271
Photo of Kimberly Michaud, LCAT, ATR, Cert, Brnsptr, Art Therapist
Kimberly Michaud
Art Therapist, LCAT, ATR, Cert, Brnsptr
Verified Verified
Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11242
I have extensive experience working with the LGBTQAI community, as well as persons with addictions, depression, serious mental illness.
Let’s re-wire your brain together! Let me help you access your brain's self-healing capabilities. I am a certified Brainspotter and a licensed Creative Arts Therapist, (LCAT) whose goal is to create a safe and supportive therapeutic alliance to facilitate your healing and to assist you to reach your full potential. Using a range of specialized therapies - including Brainspotting, EMDR, art therapy, mindfulness, and person-centered talk therapy, I will guide you to uncover and utilize your innate strengths to move forward at your own pace. I will individualize our therapy session to suit your needs and comfort level.
I have extensive experience working with the LGBTQAI community, as well as persons with addictions, depression, serious mental illness.
Let’s re-wire your brain together! Let me help you access your brain's self-healing capabilities. I am a certified Brainspotter and a licensed Creative Arts Therapist, (LCAT) whose goal is to create a safe and supportive therapeutic alliance to facilitate your healing and to assist you to reach your full potential. Using a range of specialized therapies - including Brainspotting, EMDR, art therapy, mindfulness, and person-centered talk therapy, I will guide you to uncover and utilize your innate strengths to move forward at your own pace. I will individualize our therapy session to suit your needs and comfort level.
(914) 350-3277 View (914) 350-3277
Photo of Jennifer Wolfe, LCSW-R, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jennifer Wolfe
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11201  (Online Only)
My practice focuses on individuals and couples, ranging in age from 18 to elderly. I strive to create a safe environment in which to explore life stressors, patterns of relating with others, and how past experiences impact the present. Areas of professional practice include anxiety/depression, chronic illness including HIV, grief/loss, relationships, sexual issues, separation/divorce, LGBTQ, family planning, career transition, and finances. I have extensive experience with addictions, and work collaboratively with clients, whether the goal is safer substance use, reducing use, or abstinence.
My practice focuses on individuals and couples, ranging in age from 18 to elderly. I strive to create a safe environment in which to explore life stressors, patterns of relating with others, and how past experiences impact the present. Areas of professional practice include anxiety/depression, chronic illness including HIV, grief/loss, relationships, sexual issues, separation/divorce, LGBTQ, family planning, career transition, and finances. I have extensive experience with addictions, and work collaboratively with clients, whether the goal is safer substance use, reducing use, or abstinence.
(646) 600-8129 View (646) 600-8129
Photo of Zan (Alexandra) Jacobus - Zan Jacobus Insight Psychotherapy, MA, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Zan Jacobus Insight Psychotherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11201
It is a privilege to be a therapist because patients entrust you with closely held and often pained parts of themselves, along with parts of themselves they are excited about and proud of. I see our work as the creation of a place where these different parts of the patient's self can come into the room and be acknowledged and recognized. Therapy is also a place where you, as the patient, can use my listening ear to help you withstand pain and anxiety. Please see my website: zanjacobusinsightpsychotherapy.com
It is a privilege to be a therapist because patients entrust you with closely held and often pained parts of themselves, along with parts of themselves they are excited about and proud of. I see our work as the creation of a place where these different parts of the patient's self can come into the room and be acknowledged and recognized. Therapy is also a place where you, as the patient, can use my listening ear to help you withstand pain and anxiety. Please see my website: zanjacobusinsightpsychotherapy.com
(718) 569-7881 View (718) 569-7881
Photo of Elizabeth Ezra, LCSW-R, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Elizabeth Ezra
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11202
I have worked with individuals and families facing serious illness like Cancer, Alzheimer's and MS.
Reaching out for help is a sign of strength. My approach is to help you identify your strengths and help you utilize them to achieve greater harmony in your day to day interactions. I have over 20 years of experience, working side by side with clients, dealing with a multitude of issues that create challenges and obstacles that can be avoidable or reduced.
I have worked with individuals and families facing serious illness like Cancer, Alzheimer's and MS.
Reaching out for help is a sign of strength. My approach is to help you identify your strengths and help you utilize them to achieve greater harmony in your day to day interactions. I have over 20 years of experience, working side by side with clients, dealing with a multitude of issues that create challenges and obstacles that can be avoidable or reduced.
(917) 909-5913 View (917) 909-5913

See more therapy options for Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn

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.