Therapists in Burton, OH
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![Photo of Gail Papay, LPCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b4d28f2-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I focus on concerns relative to grief, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, stress tolerance, chronic pain management, difficult relationships, self-esteem, parenting challenges, concerns of the aging, military issues, and trauma.
As a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, I am committed to providing a safe environment where self-exploration and insight are achieved, to offering the support and empathy necessary for clients to resolve their own problems, and to enabling clients to empower themselves with confidence to reach their own self-defined goals and potentials.
I focus on concerns relative to grief, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, stress tolerance, chronic pain management, difficult relationships, self-esteem, parenting challenges, concerns of the aging, military issues, and trauma.
As a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, I am committed to providing a safe environment where self-exploration and insight are achieved, to offering the support and empathy necessary for clients to resolve their own problems, and to enabling clients to empower themselves with confidence to reach their own self-defined goals and potentials.
![Photo of Juliane Belisle, LISW-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/17fbf6d2-89de-4552-8861-b22bf72c86a8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Juliane specializes in treating issues such as trauma, coping with terminal and long term illness, compassion fatigue/burnout, anxiety, depression, end of life issues, and grief/ bereavement.
Juliane has a master’s degree from University of Kentucky and is a supervising licensed independent social worker with 25 years of experience. She has experience working with individuals, families and couples ranging from age 5 to 99 in a variety of settings including hospitals, schools, homes, residential treatment facilities, outpatient community mental health and adolescent detention centers. Most recently Juliane has worked with people coping with major illness (particularly cancer).
Juliane specializes in treating issues such as trauma, coping with terminal and long term illness, compassion fatigue/burnout, anxiety, depression, end of life issues, and grief/ bereavement.
Juliane has a master’s degree from University of Kentucky and is a supervising licensed independent social worker with 25 years of experience. She has experience working with individuals, families and couples ranging from age 5 to 99 in a variety of settings including hospitals, schools, homes, residential treatment facilities, outpatient community mental health and adolescent detention centers. Most recently Juliane has worked with people coping with major illness (particularly cancer).
![Photo of Monica Myers, LISW-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c256b9f5-a0a8-4973-b3a3-7567c0526fc1/2/320x400.png)
As a therapist I always aim to provide a safe, caring, confidential space for people to come to share their struggles and goals. I want to provide an environment that will help people work through their struggles to obtain their goals. I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker with a Supervisory Designation and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. I graduated from the University of Akron with a Master of Social Work. I have more than 15 years of experience in the field. I enjoy working with adults and there is no cap on age!
As a therapist I always aim to provide a safe, caring, confidential space for people to come to share their struggles and goals. I want to provide an environment that will help people work through their struggles to obtain their goals. I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker with a Supervisory Designation and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. I graduated from the University of Akron with a Master of Social Work. I have more than 15 years of experience in the field. I enjoy working with adults and there is no cap on age!
![Photo of Roseann D'Agati, LISW-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/aaf48eb6-546a-43b8-84d9-1feb2f0b050c/2/320x400.jpeg)
My goal as a therapist is to provide you with a safe, comfortable, and friendly environment to work through your individual or family challenges. I aim to help you navigate the complex world that we live in. Whether the challenges you and your family face are related to the current stressors in your life, or past trauma you have experienced, I will work with you to identify the core issue and obtain the skills needed to help you develop a healthy and rewarding life. My primary focus is currently working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families, but I also have experience working with adults.
My goal as a therapist is to provide you with a safe, comfortable, and friendly environment to work through your individual or family challenges. I aim to help you navigate the complex world that we live in. Whether the challenges you and your family face are related to the current stressors in your life, or past trauma you have experienced, I will work with you to identify the core issue and obtain the skills needed to help you develop a healthy and rewarding life. My primary focus is currently working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families, but I also have experience working with adults.
![Photo of Lauren Kustec, LPCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1265acd3-2347-4255-b808-dc37c8a3fd52/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lauren Kustec
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Chagrin Falls, OH 44023
Lauren Kustec is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The University of Akron and her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Franciscan University of Steubenville. Lauren has experience working with individuals, couples, and families from various backgrounds and of all ages. Lauren has provided treatment to individuals with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, adjustment disorders, PTSD, personality disorders, and other mental health issues that impact daily living.
Lauren Kustec is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The University of Akron and her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Franciscan University of Steubenville. Lauren has experience working with individuals, couples, and families from various backgrounds and of all ages. Lauren has provided treatment to individuals with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, adjustment disorders, PTSD, personality disorders, and other mental health issues that impact daily living.
![Photo of Ron Leonard, PCC, MBA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ce75e76-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Christian Counselor seeing clients for marital, emotional, and family issues. I like to work with serious and deep issues in a safe and laid-back atmosphere. I've been doing this for eight years and enjoy it immensely. I use primarily Cognitive-Behavioral and Biblical approaches to get to the root of your issues so they can be dealt with convincingly. It is hard to believe, but the things you have carried around for YEARS can be minimized and often resolved. Some work is required, but results are a lot more possible than they presently feel.
I am a Christian Counselor seeing clients for marital, emotional, and family issues. I like to work with serious and deep issues in a safe and laid-back atmosphere. I've been doing this for eight years and enjoy it immensely. I use primarily Cognitive-Behavioral and Biblical approaches to get to the root of your issues so they can be dealt with convincingly. It is hard to believe, but the things you have carried around for YEARS can be minimized and often resolved. Some work is required, but results are a lot more possible than they presently feel.
Online Therapists
![Photo of John A Glovan, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f66006e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT PROGRAM (IOP) Exhausted, stressed, overwhelmed? Unable to accomplish day to day activities, your job or schoolwork? Struggling with pain, stomach issues, high blood pressure or diabetes? Can't sleep, concentrate or have changes in your appetite or weight? Been more frustrated and irritable? Are you depressed and anxious and don't know where to turn? You don't need to suffer in silence anymore. I developed the Health and Wellness Intensive Outpatient Program with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and proven coping skills to help you reclaim yourself and your life!
INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT PROGRAM (IOP) Exhausted, stressed, overwhelmed? Unable to accomplish day to day activities, your job or schoolwork? Struggling with pain, stomach issues, high blood pressure or diabetes? Can't sleep, concentrate or have changes in your appetite or weight? Been more frustrated and irritable? Are you depressed and anxious and don't know where to turn? You don't need to suffer in silence anymore. I developed the Health and Wellness Intensive Outpatient Program with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and proven coping skills to help you reclaim yourself and your life!
![Photo of Beth M Shapiro, PhD, MSSA, LISW-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ecf6b90-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Beth M Shapiro
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, MSSA, LISW-S
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Beachwood, OH 44122
I have special interest in working with clients/families dealing with issues such as: trauma, adjustment to illness; end-of-life; anticipatory, disenfranchised & general grief/loss; pet loss; caregiver stress & fatigue; relationships; adjustment & mood disorders; adoption; LGBTQ+ issues & life transitions.
I am a licensed independent social worker with a PhD in psychology (academic degree). My humanistic approach engages clients in active collaboration on the content/direction of therapy. I strive to make the therapeutic space & time warm, welcoming, & safe, to provide clients the ability to focus on problems. I have extensive experience working within healthcare & hospice environments, & have a strong understanding of medical issues. I utilize strengths-based approaches in counseling individuals, couples, & families. Techniques are based on therapies including; EMDR, mindfulness, acceptance, cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, narrative, motivational interviewing, psychodynamic, & client-centered therapy. My dissertation focused on existential suffering at end of life.
I have special interest in working with clients/families dealing with issues such as: trauma, adjustment to illness; end-of-life; anticipatory, disenfranchised & general grief/loss; pet loss; caregiver stress & fatigue; relationships; adjustment & mood disorders; adoption; LGBTQ+ issues & life transitions.
I am a licensed independent social worker with a PhD in psychology (academic degree). My humanistic approach engages clients in active collaboration on the content/direction of therapy. I strive to make the therapeutic space & time warm, welcoming, & safe, to provide clients the ability to focus on problems. I have extensive experience working within healthcare & hospice environments, & have a strong understanding of medical issues. I utilize strengths-based approaches in counseling individuals, couples, & families. Techniques are based on therapies including; EMDR, mindfulness, acceptance, cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, narrative, motivational interviewing, psychodynamic, & client-centered therapy. My dissertation focused on existential suffering at end of life.
![Photo of Christopher Zalewski, MSW, LSCSW, LISW-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/92308878-4c2f-4f74-8360-da656059ea02/2/320x400.jpeg)
Christopher Zalewski
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSCSW, LISW-S
Verified Verified
Cleveland Heights, OH 44106 (Online Only)
My primary specialty is working with individuals diagnosed with a long-term illness and their care partners.
"The only thing constant is change." Life is full of moments that require major adjustments to how we live, think, and act in the world. These times of adjustment can often be stressful, even painful. On the other hand, there exists enormous opportunity for growth during these times of change.
My primary specialty is working with individuals diagnosed with a long-term illness and their care partners.
"The only thing constant is change." Life is full of moments that require major adjustments to how we live, think, and act in the world. These times of adjustment can often be stressful, even painful. On the other hand, there exists enormous opportunity for growth during these times of change.
![Photo of Lee Strouse, MA, LPCC, RN, MSN](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d408bd9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lee Strouse
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC, RN, MSN
Verified Verified
Avon Lake, OH 44012
The stresses of life can sometimes accumulate, causing anxiety, depression, and anger. Relationships can become confusing and complicated. If you, a friend, or a family member are struggling with daily coping, I would like to help. I support clients and teach them skills to manage the daily stresses and joys of life. I care about you and offer an objective, accepting viewpoint. I also offer a peaceful, confidential, supportive environment to help men, women, and couples learn skills to manage life. I have a medical background, and I like helping the elderly and people with various illnesses and chronic pain.
The stresses of life can sometimes accumulate, causing anxiety, depression, and anger. Relationships can become confusing and complicated. If you, a friend, or a family member are struggling with daily coping, I would like to help. I support clients and teach them skills to manage the daily stresses and joys of life. I care about you and offer an objective, accepting viewpoint. I also offer a peaceful, confidential, supportive environment to help men, women, and couples learn skills to manage life. I have a medical background, and I like helping the elderly and people with various illnesses and chronic pain.
![Photo of Casey Elliott, LSW](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d235094f-f9f1-4a81-8034-b35fd2e708fe/1/320x400.png)
Hi, welcome! I am so happy you’re here! My name is Casey, and I am a Licensed Social Worker. I have worked with a variety of populations throughout my career. I started off working with teens and adolescents who struggled with behavioral issues at home and in the school setting. I have since ventured into working with adults and older adults who suffer from chronic illnesses. Whether you suffer from a chronic illness, chronic pain, have dealt with depression and anxiety, or you just feel like life could be better I want to assist you in developing healthy coping skills in order to improve your quality of life.
Hi, welcome! I am so happy you’re here! My name is Casey, and I am a Licensed Social Worker. I have worked with a variety of populations throughout my career. I started off working with teens and adolescents who struggled with behavioral issues at home and in the school setting. I have since ventured into working with adults and older adults who suffer from chronic illnesses. Whether you suffer from a chronic illness, chronic pain, have dealt with depression and anxiety, or you just feel like life could be better I want to assist you in developing healthy coping skills in order to improve your quality of life.
![Photo of Jennifer Franck, MSSA, LISW-S, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/898fb404-7749-4f5d-a7cf-be3fdf75e0eb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer Franck
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSA, LISW-S, LICSW
Verified Verified
Mentor, OH 44060 (Online Only)
Do you want to break free of the cycle of depression, anxiety, and trauma? I help by working through your "toolbox" of coping skills, and add new ones, tune up old ones, and get rid of what is no longer helping. My name is Jennifer Franck and I have been a Social Worker for over 25 years. I have worked in many settings addressing many different concerns. I work with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and self-confidence issues. I have also worked with those facing life-limiting illness as a Social Worker for hospice.
Do you want to break free of the cycle of depression, anxiety, and trauma? I help by working through your "toolbox" of coping skills, and add new ones, tune up old ones, and get rid of what is no longer helping. My name is Jennifer Franck and I have been a Social Worker for over 25 years. I have worked in many settings addressing many different concerns. I work with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and self-confidence issues. I have also worked with those facing life-limiting illness as a Social Worker for hospice.
Life can overwhelm each of us with illness within the family, financial strain and feelings of disconnect in ourselves.
I am passionate about working to connect with clients from all walks of life. I know how difficult finding a balance in work and home life can be, as I navigate being a wife and a mother to an energetic child. With my clients I focus on providing a safe space for each individual to express and honor their voice to help establish and reconnect with each client’s own voice to honor your story and regain a better understanding of self with compassion. I received MS in Counseling &Art Therapy from Ursuline College. In 15 years, including in Cleveland Clinic hospitals, I have been inspired by my clients’ resilience even in dark times.
Life can overwhelm each of us with illness within the family, financial strain and feelings of disconnect in ourselves.
I am passionate about working to connect with clients from all walks of life. I know how difficult finding a balance in work and home life can be, as I navigate being a wife and a mother to an energetic child. With my clients I focus on providing a safe space for each individual to express and honor their voice to help establish and reconnect with each client’s own voice to honor your story and regain a better understanding of self with compassion. I received MS in Counseling &Art Therapy from Ursuline College. In 15 years, including in Cleveland Clinic hospitals, I have been inspired by my clients’ resilience even in dark times.
![Photo of Genaye Ladousier - Genaye Ladousier, MSW, LCSW, LISW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/478a5278-a042-4176-95b8-bfea85db1ed0/3/320x400.png)
Genaye Ladousier
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LISW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wooster, OH 44691
Do you struggle with unmanageable emotions, self criticism, burnout, relationship problems, or pain related to physical ailments? Perhaps you are feeling stuck, or like your best is not good enough. Maybe you are seeking guidance to help meet your goals. I am dedicated to supporting your journey home - to yourself. This journey of life is not about arriving anywhere specific but more about acquiring awareness and tools to support you on your path. The therapeutic connection I offer supports the uncovering of whatever isn’t you so that your most authentic, joyful self can emerge and thrive.
Do you struggle with unmanageable emotions, self criticism, burnout, relationship problems, or pain related to physical ailments? Perhaps you are feeling stuck, or like your best is not good enough. Maybe you are seeking guidance to help meet your goals. I am dedicated to supporting your journey home - to yourself. This journey of life is not about arriving anywhere specific but more about acquiring awareness and tools to support you on your path. The therapeutic connection I offer supports the uncovering of whatever isn’t you so that your most authentic, joyful self can emerge and thrive.
![Photo of Barbara Kappus Ward, MSW, LISW, ERYT, CMHIMP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46aeb6b1-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Barbara Kappus Ward
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW, ERYT, CMHIMP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rocky River, OH 44116
Creating balance in mind, body and spirit is my personal and professional mission. I have been in the counseling field for over two decades. My experience has been very extensive from working with young children in a psychiatric setting to counseling the Geriatric population in hospital and nursing home settings to educating clients on integrative therapeutic approaches like yoga. Currently, my focus has been treating women issues, depression and anxiety issues, physical illness and traumas, parenting issues, cognitive impairment and life transitions. I prefer adults but have been skilled in working with children.
Creating balance in mind, body and spirit is my personal and professional mission. I have been in the counseling field for over two decades. My experience has been very extensive from working with young children in a psychiatric setting to counseling the Geriatric population in hospital and nursing home settings to educating clients on integrative therapeutic approaches like yoga. Currently, my focus has been treating women issues, depression and anxiety issues, physical illness and traumas, parenting issues, cognitive impairment and life transitions. I prefer adults but have been skilled in working with children.
![Photo of Kailey A Bradley, MA, LPCC-S, NCC, FT, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49a2ed06-7c04-4f52-b021-e2e143409130/2/320x400.jpeg)
It is not easy to say "I am not okay," but please know my deepest desire is for you to know that it is okay to not be okay! We don't have many spaces to talk about loss, illness, and grief in our culture so I hope the counseling space can provide that for you.
Hello, my name is Kailey. I am a licensed professional clinical counselor, but do not consider myself the expert on what you need, you are the expert on you! I am a companion and guide as you navigate grief. I focus on transitions and loss. I am a certified thanatologist which means I have additional training in best practices for supportive grief counseling and end of life care. With a background working in a Hospice setting, I am equipped to help with end of life decision making. I love working with children and families and am currently the president-elect of the Association for Child and Adolescent Counseling Ohio Branch.
It is not easy to say "I am not okay," but please know my deepest desire is for you to know that it is okay to not be okay! We don't have many spaces to talk about loss, illness, and grief in our culture so I hope the counseling space can provide that for you.
Hello, my name is Kailey. I am a licensed professional clinical counselor, but do not consider myself the expert on what you need, you are the expert on you! I am a companion and guide as you navigate grief. I focus on transitions and loss. I am a certified thanatologist which means I have additional training in best practices for supportive grief counseling and end of life care. With a background working in a Hospice setting, I am equipped to help with end of life decision making. I love working with children and families and am currently the president-elect of the Association for Child and Adolescent Counseling Ohio Branch.
![Photo of Derek Stegner, LPCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7541804b-64e4-4c71-848f-cfaabd0828c4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Derek Stegner
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor , LPCC
Verified Verified
Hudson, OH 44236 (Online Only)
I have many years of experience working with early childhood trauma and severe, persistent mental illness, varying from ages of 5 years to 70+. My goal is to empower and advocate for positive change within you, as the individual, and the system as a whole. The place that we will create together is a safe and judgement free space. I work through an Existential foundation, to help those I work with seek meaning and purpose, with skills built from experience with Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Cognitive Behavior Therapy, all within the context of a trauma-informed approach.
I have many years of experience working with early childhood trauma and severe, persistent mental illness, varying from ages of 5 years to 70+. My goal is to empower and advocate for positive change within you, as the individual, and the system as a whole. The place that we will create together is a safe and judgement free space. I work through an Existential foundation, to help those I work with seek meaning and purpose, with skills built from experience with Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Cognitive Behavior Therapy, all within the context of a trauma-informed approach.
![Photo of Ryan L Dunn - New Life Counseling, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43b47ebf-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Services offered include treatment for Depression & Anxiety, Marriage & Family Problems, Parenting & Child Behavioral Problems, Post-Trauma Problems, Pain Management, and Attention-Deficit & Hyperactivity.
Dr. Dunn is a licensed clinical psychologist with experience and expertise in providing treatment to adults. He was born and raised in Holmes County, Ohio. He served as a U.S. Air Force Psychologist for four years before establishing a private practice in Columbus, and then in 1998 opened New Life Counseling in Dover. In addition to treatment of depression, anxiety, and marital and family problems, he provides more specialized treatment in pain management. He lives with his wife and two children near Dover, and they are active in a local church.
Services offered include treatment for Depression & Anxiety, Marriage & Family Problems, Parenting & Child Behavioral Problems, Post-Trauma Problems, Pain Management, and Attention-Deficit & Hyperactivity.
Dr. Dunn is a licensed clinical psychologist with experience and expertise in providing treatment to adults. He was born and raised in Holmes County, Ohio. He served as a U.S. Air Force Psychologist for four years before establishing a private practice in Columbus, and then in 1998 opened New Life Counseling in Dover. In addition to treatment of depression, anxiety, and marital and family problems, he provides more specialized treatment in pain management. He lives with his wife and two children near Dover, and they are active in a local church.
![Photo of Rosanna O Zavarella, PhD, BCC, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bf93fe5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
I believe we have the innate ability to heal ourselves, whether the issue is fear, anxiety, relationship difficulties, communication problems, chronic illness, or even a major life transition. Whether it is emotional / psychological / relationship, I view these as a call for change, growth and development. My approach with my clients is through a partnership and collaboration that fosters a healing journey, new skills, and a plan for wellness and self development. As a life coach, my specialty areas are: individuals experiencing major life transitions, promoting health and wellness, and recovery from childhood trauma.
I believe we have the innate ability to heal ourselves, whether the issue is fear, anxiety, relationship difficulties, communication problems, chronic illness, or even a major life transition. Whether it is emotional / psychological / relationship, I view these as a call for change, growth and development. My approach with my clients is through a partnership and collaboration that fosters a healing journey, new skills, and a plan for wellness and self development. As a life coach, my specialty areas are: individuals experiencing major life transitions, promoting health and wellness, and recovery from childhood trauma.
![Photo of Casey Elliott, LSW](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8869bed1-37c1-4182-83c8-3f817cdbbdc4/1/320x400.png)
Hi, welcome! I am so happy you’re here! My name is Casey, and I am a Licensed Social Worker. I have worked with a variety of populations throughout my career. I started off working with teens and adolescents who struggled with behavioral issues at home and in the school setting. I have since ventured into working with adults and older adults who suffer from chronic illnesses. Whether you suffer from a chronic illness, chronic pain, have dealt with depression and anxiety, or you just feel like life could be better I want to assist you in developing healthy coping skills in order to improve your quality of life.
Hi, welcome! I am so happy you’re here! My name is Casey, and I am a Licensed Social Worker. I have worked with a variety of populations throughout my career. I started off working with teens and adolescents who struggled with behavioral issues at home and in the school setting. I have since ventured into working with adults and older adults who suffer from chronic illnesses. Whether you suffer from a chronic illness, chronic pain, have dealt with depression and anxiety, or you just feel like life could be better I want to assist you in developing healthy coping skills in order to improve your quality of life.
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.