Chronic Pain Therapists in South Slope, Brooklyn, NY
![Photo of Gretta Keene, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c3a5d29-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Gretta Keene
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
South Slope, Brooklyn, NY 11215 (Online Only)
I offer a safe, comfortable place to bring your hopes, fears, pain, confusion and excitement; where your thoughts and feelings will be respected and heard and your strengths acknowledged and utilized.
Together, we will work to understand and transform the areas of suffering and/or concern. I am not afraid to go to where you need to travel.
I work with trauma, grief, unhappy relationships, problematic behaviors, feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness or those who want to make their life "better."
I have a large "toolbox" of techniques and approaches that help to create an experience suited to you.
I offer a safe, comfortable place to bring your hopes, fears, pain, confusion and excitement; where your thoughts and feelings will be respected and heard and your strengths acknowledged and utilized.
Together, we will work to understand and transform the areas of suffering and/or concern. I am not afraid to go to where you need to travel.
I work with trauma, grief, unhappy relationships, problematic behaviors, feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness or those who want to make their life "better."
I have a large "toolbox" of techniques and approaches that help to create an experience suited to you.
![Photo of Lauri Nagel, LCSW-R, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/df89664b-fd77-42de-93ce-21258c9f296d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lauri Nagel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South Slope, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Drawing from my background in psychoanalytic psychotherapy, CBT, mindfulness, somatic therapy, and dance/movement therapy, I use an eclectic approach tailored to your individual needs to help you overcome obstacles to leading a richer, more satisfying, and more meaningful life. Some of the things I can help you with are: anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family stressors, managing chronic illness, caregiver stress, body image, self-esteem, life transitions, artist's issues and creative blocks, panic attacks, trauma, and life changes.
Drawing from my background in psychoanalytic psychotherapy, CBT, mindfulness, somatic therapy, and dance/movement therapy, I use an eclectic approach tailored to your individual needs to help you overcome obstacles to leading a richer, more satisfying, and more meaningful life. Some of the things I can help you with are: anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family stressors, managing chronic illness, caregiver stress, body image, self-esteem, life transitions, artist's issues and creative blocks, panic attacks, trauma, and life changes.
![Photo of William Murray, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c3a5de4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I offer a safe, respectful, collaborative and creative environment where we can explore both individual and relationship issues. The two are deeply connected, since our individual personalities are formed in relationship and expressed in relationship.
Your concerns, whether they are distressing emotions, problematic patterns of behavior, or interpersonal conflict, are the starting place for a process of investigation, understanding, and change.
Together we will find ways to use who you are to change how you are.
I offer a safe, respectful, collaborative and creative environment where we can explore both individual and relationship issues. The two are deeply connected, since our individual personalities are formed in relationship and expressed in relationship.
Your concerns, whether they are distressing emotions, problematic patterns of behavior, or interpersonal conflict, are the starting place for a process of investigation, understanding, and change.
Together we will find ways to use who you are to change how you are.
![Photo of Marni Brand, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d2f5b84-d3b7-4e4f-adc8-0609e212d63b/1/320x400.png)
Marni Brand
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
South Slope, Brooklyn, NY 11215 (Online Only)
Would you like to work collaboratively to gain important insights, make real changes in how you relate to yourself and others, move toward emotional freedom, and reach your desired goals so that you can grow into the person you are truly meant to be? I have over 20 years of experience working with individuals, families and groups in multiple spaces including schools and colleges, behavioral health centers and community based settings and am here to help. I have experience with a range of concerns including but not limited to grief, anxiety, depression, infertility, postpartum, parenting and relationship challenges
Would you like to work collaboratively to gain important insights, make real changes in how you relate to yourself and others, move toward emotional freedom, and reach your desired goals so that you can grow into the person you are truly meant to be? I have over 20 years of experience working with individuals, families and groups in multiple spaces including schools and colleges, behavioral health centers and community based settings and am here to help. I have experience with a range of concerns including but not limited to grief, anxiety, depression, infertility, postpartum, parenting and relationship challenges
![Photo of Briana Weiner, MBA, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/640c4a8c-540e-4aa9-8b5e-59d658fecfa0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Searching for a therapist can feel discouraging at times and raise endless questions. What exactly am I looking for? Will I feel understood? Would I even benefit from therapy? I believe that once you find the right fit, the transformative nature of the therapy relationship can help you find your voice and a true sense of direction. I approach therapy from a place of humor, curiosity and an honest desire to help you uncover those places where you feel most stuck in order to build the life that you want.
Searching for a therapist can feel discouraging at times and raise endless questions. What exactly am I looking for? Will I feel understood? Would I even benefit from therapy? I believe that once you find the right fit, the transformative nature of the therapy relationship can help you find your voice and a true sense of direction. I approach therapy from a place of humor, curiosity and an honest desire to help you uncover those places where you feel most stuck in order to build the life that you want.
![Photo of Nora Zimbler, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e2725af-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Nora Zimbler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South Slope, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Being human is a wondrous and challenging endeavor. Most of us walk around each day feeling inadequate, lost, anxious or depressed. And yet something inside us yearns for more. It takes tremendous courage to slow down and listen to this voice. To turn towards the painful feelings and try to understand them. I believe that with the right support, the hard stuff is actually the gateway to a life that is more purposeful, meaningful, integrated and peace-filled. In my office I create a warm and engaging space for clients to build self-awareness, heal old wounds and reflect on patterns that may not be helping them.
Being human is a wondrous and challenging endeavor. Most of us walk around each day feeling inadequate, lost, anxious or depressed. And yet something inside us yearns for more. It takes tremendous courage to slow down and listen to this voice. To turn towards the painful feelings and try to understand them. I believe that with the right support, the hard stuff is actually the gateway to a life that is more purposeful, meaningful, integrated and peace-filled. In my office I create a warm and engaging space for clients to build self-awareness, heal old wounds and reflect on patterns that may not be helping them.
![Photo of Benaifer Bhadha, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e1875820-98ce-4496-832c-8a136a2d199c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Benaifer Bhadha
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South Slope, Brooklyn, NY 11215 (Online Only)
My guiding principle as a therapist is deep listening without judgment (acknowledgement plus acceptance) so that people can feel the freedom to express themselves, explore their experiences and create authentic connection. I believe that listening is an essential tool in healing and feeling valued. My approach is trauma-informed and client-centered, with an anti-oppression lens. I am committed to the lifelong unlearning of colonial structures that are deeply rooted in mental health, and to holding space for others to unpack how societal and institutional structures have impacted their mental health and wellness.
My guiding principle as a therapist is deep listening without judgment (acknowledgement plus acceptance) so that people can feel the freedom to express themselves, explore their experiences and create authentic connection. I believe that listening is an essential tool in healing and feeling valued. My approach is trauma-informed and client-centered, with an anti-oppression lens. I am committed to the lifelong unlearning of colonial structures that are deeply rooted in mental health, and to holding space for others to unpack how societal and institutional structures have impacted their mental health and wellness.
![Photo of Gabriel Most, LCSW, RN, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/99d9cce6-856c-4a97-9129-3b826dc19999/3/320x400.jpeg)
Gabriel Most
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RN
Verified Verified
South Slope, Brooklyn, NY 11215 (Online Only)
These are challenging fast-moving times. The demands from family, career, social and romantic relationships can feel overwhelming and unmanageable. How do we find the time to excel in our professional lives and simultaneously make room for healthy loving connections with those that are important to us? How do we manage our anxiety, sadness, and grief in real-time when we are feeling angry, confused, isolated, and perhaps abusing alcohol, drugs to numb the overwhelming sense of fear, depression, or frustration we feel in our lives? How do we live our best lives and gravitate toward healthier connections and decision making?
These are challenging fast-moving times. The demands from family, career, social and romantic relationships can feel overwhelming and unmanageable. How do we find the time to excel in our professional lives and simultaneously make room for healthy loving connections with those that are important to us? How do we manage our anxiety, sadness, and grief in real-time when we are feeling angry, confused, isolated, and perhaps abusing alcohol, drugs to numb the overwhelming sense of fear, depression, or frustration we feel in our lives? How do we live our best lives and gravitate toward healthier connections and decision making?
![Photo of Billy Parker, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d00196ee-68a0-4f6d-a19f-5cc23f7525ff/2/320x400.jpeg)
Billy Parker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
South Slope, Brooklyn, NY 11232 (Online Only)
Therapy is like any other relationship - it's important to find someone whose values and approach resonate with you. In my practice, therapy is a collaborative process between therapist and client. I see my role as that of a non-judgemental companion, someone who holds space and reflects you back to you. I am here to bear witness to your journey without judgment. My hope is to support you in exploring how the stories we are told, and tell ourselves, inform our worldview - our sense of self, relationships, and even our mood.
Therapy is like any other relationship - it's important to find someone whose values and approach resonate with you. In my practice, therapy is a collaborative process between therapist and client. I see my role as that of a non-judgemental companion, someone who holds space and reflects you back to you. I am here to bear witness to your journey without judgment. My hope is to support you in exploring how the stories we are told, and tell ourselves, inform our worldview - our sense of self, relationships, and even our mood.
![Photo of Shandelle Hether-Gray, MA, LMHC, LCPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b38f3173-a63b-4da3-97d1-b09899032b93/1/320x400.jpeg)
Shandelle Hether-Gray
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LMHC, LCPC
Verified Verified
South Slope, Brooklyn, NY 11215
I am trained in using CBT, EMDR, and other evidence-based approaches to help people make lasting changes to their self-image that lead to real changes in their lives. My approach is hands on, goal-oriented, strengths based, and gender/identity affirming. I help clients challenge unrealistic patterns of thinking, deconstruct who they are from who they have learned to be, learn how to feel safe and regulated in their body, identify options for difficult life situations that align with their values, and learn the skills to meet their needs e.g. assertiveness, boundary setting, communication, mindfulness, relaxation and grounding.
I am trained in using CBT, EMDR, and other evidence-based approaches to help people make lasting changes to their self-image that lead to real changes in their lives. My approach is hands on, goal-oriented, strengths based, and gender/identity affirming. I help clients challenge unrealistic patterns of thinking, deconstruct who they are from who they have learned to be, learn how to feel safe and regulated in their body, identify options for difficult life situations that align with their values, and learn the skills to meet their needs e.g. assertiveness, boundary setting, communication, mindfulness, relaxation and grounding.
![Photo of Avery Klotsche, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d28cd791-6dc9-4228-8841-3e06b2fdd432/2/320x400.jpeg)
Avery Klotsche
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
South Slope, Brooklyn, NY 11215 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Life transitions often lead us to feel overwhelmed. While people close to us may be supportive, we may not always feel able to share with them our doubts and discomfort. Whether we’re holding our own or a loved one's sexuality or gender identity; navigating changes in our primary relationships, or reflecting on adverse experiences, having a safe space to reflect and process is invaluable. My practice serves adult clients who have struggled with anxiety, live with trauma or grief, or who experience the world as members or allies of the LGBTQ+ community. My approach is conversational, strengths-based, and results-oriented.
Life transitions often lead us to feel overwhelmed. While people close to us may be supportive, we may not always feel able to share with them our doubts and discomfort. Whether we’re holding our own or a loved one's sexuality or gender identity; navigating changes in our primary relationships, or reflecting on adverse experiences, having a safe space to reflect and process is invaluable. My practice serves adult clients who have struggled with anxiety, live with trauma or grief, or who experience the world as members or allies of the LGBTQ+ community. My approach is conversational, strengths-based, and results-oriented.
![Photo of Shanzy Carter-Martinez, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/727bc110-fc41-494f-97a7-546d12736687/1/320x400.jpeg)
Shanzy Carter-Martinez
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
South Slope, Brooklyn, NY 11215 (Online Only)
Welcome! Healing is a process that is unique to each of us. I bring an eclectic approach to therapy in order to help you find the healing path that best fits you and your needs. As a therapist, I believe that the therapeutic relationship is critical to assisting you in being able to create the life you most want. You will find a non-judgmental safe space in which you are welcome as the person you are and the person you hope to be. Are you a veteran looking for a group to process your experiences, work through reintegration, reduce substance use or learn skills to help you in your day to day life? Join our support group.
Welcome! Healing is a process that is unique to each of us. I bring an eclectic approach to therapy in order to help you find the healing path that best fits you and your needs. As a therapist, I believe that the therapeutic relationship is critical to assisting you in being able to create the life you most want. You will find a non-judgmental safe space in which you are welcome as the person you are and the person you hope to be. Are you a veteran looking for a group to process your experiences, work through reintegration, reduce substance use or learn skills to help you in your day to day life? Join our support group.
![Photo of Zeynep Catay Caliskan, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1bd310a6-822d-4440-b545-b52d7d940cbf/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 18 years of experience working with adults, adolescents and children. In psychotherapy, I believe in creating a safe and collaborative environment that can serve as a catalyst for self-understanding and change. Through open self-expression and close listening, I seek to shed light on the multilayered nature of problems and clarify various relational, emotional and thought processes that are involved. Depending on your individual needs the work of psychotherapy may include elements of deepening insight, strengthening coping abilities or implementing life style changes.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 18 years of experience working with adults, adolescents and children. In psychotherapy, I believe in creating a safe and collaborative environment that can serve as a catalyst for self-understanding and change. Through open self-expression and close listening, I seek to shed light on the multilayered nature of problems and clarify various relational, emotional and thought processes that are involved. Depending on your individual needs the work of psychotherapy may include elements of deepening insight, strengthening coping abilities or implementing life style changes.
![Photo of Jerry Sachs, LCSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b884e55-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Jerry Sachs
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
South Slope, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Group Therapy - My Groups help individuals overcome the following issues: 1. Low Self Esteem and Insecurities. 2. Stuckness in Work and Career. 3. Excessive and Unproductive Anger . I help couples with 1. Seemingly Unresolvable Relationship Conflict. 2. Infidelity. 3. Moving Toward Separation and Divorce.
Group Therapy - My Groups help individuals overcome the following issues: 1. Low Self Esteem and Insecurities. 2. Stuckness in Work and Career. 3. Excessive and Unproductive Anger . I help couples with 1. Seemingly Unresolvable Relationship Conflict. 2. Infidelity. 3. Moving Toward Separation and Divorce.
![Photo of Vasu Chikkatur Murthy - Tri State Counseling and MediatIon, LCSWR, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bc77629-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/6/320x400.jpeg)
Tri State Counseling and MediatIon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSWR, LCSW
Verified Verified
South Slope, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Trained in CBT, prefer to use a rational living approach with behavior modification and assist the client. Use DBT, CBT, Behavioral approach in Psychotherapy to achieve practical results, measurable and beneficial to the client. Short term treatment focus on result oriented approach with focus on cognitive or insight or behavioral modification is my style. Specialist in children, work with families and a fair mix of all age groups. I accept major health insurances & accept private pay.
ANGER MANAGEMENT, AUTISM, ADHD, MOOD DISORDERS, ANXIETY SUBSTANCE ABUSE, ALCOHOL DOMESTIC RELATIONS/VIOLENCE ISSUES AND FORENSIC EVALUATIONS HANDLED AS WELL.
Trained in CBT, prefer to use a rational living approach with behavior modification and assist the client. Use DBT, CBT, Behavioral approach in Psychotherapy to achieve practical results, measurable and beneficial to the client. Short term treatment focus on result oriented approach with focus on cognitive or insight or behavioral modification is my style. Specialist in children, work with families and a fair mix of all age groups. I accept major health insurances & accept private pay.
ANGER MANAGEMENT, AUTISM, ADHD, MOOD DISORDERS, ANXIETY SUBSTANCE ABUSE, ALCOHOL DOMESTIC RELATIONS/VIOLENCE ISSUES AND FORENSIC EVALUATIONS HANDLED AS WELL.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Alyssa Freeman, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/08ec7a93-1d44-4bd5-946c-159ed6c20a20/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a practicing psychotherapist based in Brooklyn, NY. I work with adults across the lifespan, adolescents and children. I also provide parent-infant therapy, designed to support early bonding and secure attachment. I have a specialization in working with adults and children diagnosed with a chronic or life threatening illness as well as supporting their family members. I have experience in grief work and support those struggling with complex grief.
I am a practicing psychotherapist based in Brooklyn, NY. I work with adults across the lifespan, adolescents and children. I also provide parent-infant therapy, designed to support early bonding and secure attachment. I have a specialization in working with adults and children diagnosed with a chronic or life threatening illness as well as supporting their family members. I have experience in grief work and support those struggling with complex grief.
![Photo of Heather Quinn, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f4171e21-acf7-4a59-9b4e-56592f2c2672/1/320x400.jpeg)
With any concern, I work with the client and at times, their family, to develop an individualized plan for treatment. I work with clients facing a variety of mental health concerns including, but not limited to ADHD, ODD, anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma, and behavioral dysregulation. I also specialize in working with individuals/families experiencing serious illness or medical issues. I work with my clients to develop and implement coping strategies to improve their emotional and behavioral wellbeing.
With any concern, I work with the client and at times, their family, to develop an individualized plan for treatment. I work with clients facing a variety of mental health concerns including, but not limited to ADHD, ODD, anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma, and behavioral dysregulation. I also specialize in working with individuals/families experiencing serious illness or medical issues. I work with my clients to develop and implement coping strategies to improve their emotional and behavioral wellbeing.
![Photo of Matthew Morse, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/79250a47-aea1-43fa-9bce-4733019f3595/3/320x400.jpeg)
Email me today to set up a free 30-minute consult so that you can get unstuck from your emotional and mental pain and start to move forward again.
Do you suffer from runaway anxiety and stress? Perhaps you feel too "on edge" or irritable and physically tense? If so, you also probably don't sleep well at night. Maybe in order to function, you've also developed an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, weed, or another substance and would like to learn to enjoy your drug(s) of choice in a measured and less harmful manner? Maybe you're struggling with a major life transition, such as starting a new career, a serious medical diagnosis, a divorce or the death of a loved one? Life can be wildly unfair, and sometimes the piling on of stressors can be overwhelming.
Email me today to set up a free 30-minute consult so that you can get unstuck from your emotional and mental pain and start to move forward again.
Do you suffer from runaway anxiety and stress? Perhaps you feel too "on edge" or irritable and physically tense? If so, you also probably don't sleep well at night. Maybe in order to function, you've also developed an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, weed, or another substance and would like to learn to enjoy your drug(s) of choice in a measured and less harmful manner? Maybe you're struggling with a major life transition, such as starting a new career, a serious medical diagnosis, a divorce or the death of a loved one? Life can be wildly unfair, and sometimes the piling on of stressors can be overwhelming.
![Photo of Melanie R. Nevis, MA, LCAT, ACC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5fd805fd-0ba0-46aa-9aa1-7c0bf114a693/1/320x400.jpeg)
Melanie R. Nevis
Creative Arts Therapist, MA, LCAT, ACC
Not Verified Not Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11238 (Online Only)
I help people CHRONIC PAIN, STRESS OR ANXIETY who have had limited success in seeking help, with powerful leading edge mind- body and neuroscience approaches to heal and decrease symptoms.
Welcome! I know that finding the right therapist or coach can feel confusing or overwhelming. I offer a safe and supportive environment for you to explore your challenges and move towards fully embracing yourself and living the life you desire. My approach brings together Gestalt, Mind-Body Somatic approaches, and over 30 years of therapeutic work with children and adults. I have a passion and expertise for helping HIGHLY SENSITIVE PEOPLE understand and embrace both the gifts and challenges of their heightened receptivity, that can lead to overwhelm, overstimulation, and other challenges.
I help people CHRONIC PAIN, STRESS OR ANXIETY who have had limited success in seeking help, with powerful leading edge mind- body and neuroscience approaches to heal and decrease symptoms.
Welcome! I know that finding the right therapist or coach can feel confusing or overwhelming. I offer a safe and supportive environment for you to explore your challenges and move towards fully embracing yourself and living the life you desire. My approach brings together Gestalt, Mind-Body Somatic approaches, and over 30 years of therapeutic work with children and adults. I have a passion and expertise for helping HIGHLY SENSITIVE PEOPLE understand and embrace both the gifts and challenges of their heightened receptivity, that can lead to overwhelm, overstimulation, and other challenges.
![Photo of Carolyn Gartner - The Center for Integrated Grief, LCSW, FT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/beebb0be-4eb3-43e1-b6be-69ae98155398/1/320x400.jpeg)
The Center for Integrated Grief
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, FT
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11201 (Online Only)
Are you seeking relief for loss of a loved one? Do you feel deep in grief? Are you a stressed out caregiver? Coping with chronic illness? Processing feelings in a safe environment can improve your improve your sleep and help you find a feeling of security. I have an advanced certification in grief counseling and am a fellow in Thanatology, the study of death, dying and bereavement. Thanatology encompasses grief models and theories.
Are you seeking relief for loss of a loved one? Do you feel deep in grief? Are you a stressed out caregiver? Coping with chronic illness? Processing feelings in a safe environment can improve your improve your sleep and help you find a feeling of security. I have an advanced certification in grief counseling and am a fellow in Thanatology, the study of death, dying and bereavement. Thanatology encompasses grief models and theories.
See more therapy options for South Slope, Brooklyn
Nearby Chronic Pain Therapists Searches for South Slope, Brooklyn
- Boerum Hill
- Carroll Gardens
- Clinton Hill
- Cobble Hill
- Downtown
- Gowanus
- Greenwood
- Park Slope
- Prospect Heights
- Red Hook
- Sunset Park
- Windsor Terrace
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.