Chronic Pain Therapists in Westport, OR
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Check out therapists located nearby or offering teletherapy in Oregon below.Online Therapists
![Photo of Andie Whittaker, BSW , MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f215d7c-2fff-49ec-a912-88c71fe29420/1/320x400.jpeg)
Andie Whittaker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, BSW , MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97203 (Online Only)
I am genderqueer, white, neurodivergent, and live in a body with chronic pain.
Calling neurodivergent people, weirdos, feelers, people who speak to the wind, the ones who are also very logical, people who speak in noises and movement. Queer people, trans people, and all the other magical people who fall under LGBTQIA identities. The ones who seek to understand the wildest and hardest parts of being a human, the philosophers, the ones who speak to plants, etc. AND also humans who just wanna talk to someone who is also a human. I welcome you to reach out.
I am genderqueer, white, neurodivergent, and live in a body with chronic pain.
Calling neurodivergent people, weirdos, feelers, people who speak to the wind, the ones who are also very logical, people who speak in noises and movement. Queer people, trans people, and all the other magical people who fall under LGBTQIA identities. The ones who seek to understand the wildest and hardest parts of being a human, the philosophers, the ones who speak to plants, etc. AND also humans who just wanna talk to someone who is also a human. I welcome you to reach out.
![Photo of Sara Rapaport, ND, LMT, BCB](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50952360-aff4-489a-b914-064c35587aa5/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a naturopathic doctor and biofeedback provider that specializes in mind-body medicine. I have a passion for working in an integrative mental health care setting with people that are dealing with chronic stress, burnout, anxiety, depression, chronic pain and more. My visits have a counseling focused approach that helps to address the underlying cause of your symptoms to help you obtain greater wellness and vitality in your life. I bring a non-judgmental, trauma-aware lens to my work. My approach is highly relational, focusing on developing understanding through connection and compassion.
I am a naturopathic doctor and biofeedback provider that specializes in mind-body medicine. I have a passion for working in an integrative mental health care setting with people that are dealing with chronic stress, burnout, anxiety, depression, chronic pain and more. My visits have a counseling focused approach that helps to address the underlying cause of your symptoms to help you obtain greater wellness and vitality in your life. I bring a non-judgmental, trauma-aware lens to my work. My approach is highly relational, focusing on developing understanding through connection and compassion.
![Photo of Carolyn S Hughes, PhD, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a275fa6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Carolyn S Hughes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
Lake Oswego, OR 97034 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I currently specialize in treating trauma of all kinds, depression, anxiety, women’s issues and pain management.
I enjoy working with individuals who are seeking a real change in their life. Sometimes you are "tired of the rut I am in" or feeling that "something needs to change..I do not want to feel like this anymore." Sometimes you are struggling with "old issues" and sometimes it is more current stresses like anxiety, relationships, or just do not know what to do next; I believe when you are ready to make a change, having a supportive push can really work!
I currently specialize in treating trauma of all kinds, depression, anxiety, women’s issues and pain management.
I enjoy working with individuals who are seeking a real change in their life. Sometimes you are "tired of the rut I am in" or feeling that "something needs to change..I do not want to feel like this anymore." Sometimes you are struggling with "old issues" and sometimes it is more current stresses like anxiety, relationships, or just do not know what to do next; I believe when you are ready to make a change, having a supportive push can really work!
![Photo of Carol S Marcus, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8523a169-ca39-4c16-ab42-ad6c34a136d5/2/320x400.jpeg)
People I have worked with have found these treatment approaches successful in transforming emotional burdens such as trauma, difficult relational patterns, old beliefs about ourselves, and others, and discomfort/pain in the body while working towards shifting their relationships with themselves and others.
I am available for in person sessions in Portland, OR only. While I continue to practice in New Jersey, it is through online sessions. I approach therapy with the belief that we all have an inherent ability to grow and heal, wired deep inside ourselves. I have great faith in this capacity to heal and transform. My approach is collaborative and respectful. I am certified in Somatic Experiencing; a body-based naturalistic approach to healing trauma and also training in IFS; Internal Family Systems therapy and EMDR. Currently, I am licensed in Oregon and New Jersey.
People I have worked with have found these treatment approaches successful in transforming emotional burdens such as trauma, difficult relational patterns, old beliefs about ourselves, and others, and discomfort/pain in the body while working towards shifting their relationships with themselves and others.
I am available for in person sessions in Portland, OR only. While I continue to practice in New Jersey, it is through online sessions. I approach therapy with the belief that we all have an inherent ability to grow and heal, wired deep inside ourselves. I have great faith in this capacity to heal and transform. My approach is collaborative and respectful. I am certified in Somatic Experiencing; a body-based naturalistic approach to healing trauma and also training in IFS; Internal Family Systems therapy and EMDR. Currently, I am licensed in Oregon and New Jersey.
![Photo of Lisa Penny, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8476a0a7-d034-4715-ad9b-fbed6b900293/1/320x400.png)
I support families, couples, and individuals. Whatever the problem, challenge, trauma or pain, the power to change exists within you and your family. I believe that an effective therapist's job is to support a "shift," not to create it for you. Together, we can make progress toward your goals and desires. I am also trained and certified in hypnotherapy.
I support families, couples, and individuals. Whatever the problem, challenge, trauma or pain, the power to change exists within you and your family. I believe that an effective therapist's job is to support a "shift," not to create it for you. Together, we can make progress toward your goals and desires. I am also trained and certified in hypnotherapy.
![Photo of Nicole Lapotin, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f6deeae-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am passionate about supporting people as they grow into their best selves, learn to be seen for who they are rather than what they look like, and strive to accept imperfections and pain with greater self-compassion. I treat eating disorders (binge eating, bulimia, anorexia, exercise addiction), anxiety, depression, traits of borderline personality, interpersonal trauma, and relationship problems in families and couples. I believe that a collaborative and accepting relationship is needed for people to change and heal.
I am passionate about supporting people as they grow into their best selves, learn to be seen for who they are rather than what they look like, and strive to accept imperfections and pain with greater self-compassion. I treat eating disorders (binge eating, bulimia, anorexia, exercise addiction), anxiety, depression, traits of borderline personality, interpersonal trauma, and relationship problems in families and couples. I believe that a collaborative and accepting relationship is needed for people to change and heal.
![Photo of Stephen Arnold, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4709262e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Stephen Arnold
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Astoria, OR 97103 (Online Only)
I have worked with people facing severe mental illness, serious health issues, trauma, and substance use, incarcerated young men, and transsexual and gender non-binary adults.
What I offer you: Companionship through a hard time, Social/emotional skills, Insights that can help change thoughts and feelings. How do I do this? With online counseling/psychotherapy: Actively listening to you, Reviewing events in your life, Helping you learn new ways to address situations. Techniques I use: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy - mindfully acting from values, Internal Family Systems - harmonious, non-judgmental internal conversations, Narrative Therapy - changing your stories in order to move forward, Trauma Informed Therapy - changing the relationship with your traumas.
I have worked with people facing severe mental illness, serious health issues, trauma, and substance use, incarcerated young men, and transsexual and gender non-binary adults.
What I offer you: Companionship through a hard time, Social/emotional skills, Insights that can help change thoughts and feelings. How do I do this? With online counseling/psychotherapy: Actively listening to you, Reviewing events in your life, Helping you learn new ways to address situations. Techniques I use: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy - mindfully acting from values, Internal Family Systems - harmonious, non-judgmental internal conversations, Narrative Therapy - changing your stories in order to move forward, Trauma Informed Therapy - changing the relationship with your traumas.
![Photo of Stephanie Gallian - Wishing Wellness Counseling and Coaching, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44f71193-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Wishing Wellness Counseling and Coaching
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gresham, OR 97030
Email is best, not calls! I work with any age, any need. I work most often with anxiety, depression, interpersonal relationships, life changes, work-related stress, and chronic pain. I take a very practical approach to helping you find peace and healing with your struggles. This is a safe, non-judgmental place to receive validation, support, feedback, and proactive help. Email is best to reach me, not phone, as phone calls disturb sessions.
Email is best, not calls! I work with any age, any need. I work most often with anxiety, depression, interpersonal relationships, life changes, work-related stress, and chronic pain. I take a very practical approach to helping you find peace and healing with your struggles. This is a safe, non-judgmental place to receive validation, support, feedback, and proactive help. Email is best to reach me, not phone, as phone calls disturb sessions.
![Photo of Brad Creel, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45efdfda-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Brad Creel
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97215
Waitlist for new clients
I also specialize in men's issues and recovering from chronic pain.
My practice is currently full, please reach out you would like to be added to the waiting list (est. 1-2 months). I offer a compassionate, non-judgmental, therapeutic environment where my clients can feel welcome and safe. As a psychodynamic therapist, I believe that healing can happen through accessing the realm of the unconscious. This process of exploring thoughts and images can be daunting, but also immensely satisfying and life changing.
I also specialize in men's issues and recovering from chronic pain.
My practice is currently full, please reach out you would like to be added to the waiting list (est. 1-2 months). I offer a compassionate, non-judgmental, therapeutic environment where my clients can feel welcome and safe. As a psychodynamic therapist, I believe that healing can happen through accessing the realm of the unconscious. This process of exploring thoughts and images can be daunting, but also immensely satisfying and life changing.
![Photo of Dr. Arianna Gerry, PhD, MPH, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1cdb90b5-8696-4f8b-b395-8870c7d67b48/3/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in helping individuals cope and transcend some of life's most difficult stressors that often cause anxiety and depression. I work with clients who are caregivers, as well as those dealing with loss and grief. I work with clients facing chronic and terminal illness to find meaning and purpose in their lives. I specialize in working with clients suffering with pain, sleep problems, and experiencing insomnia. I also specialize in health behavior change, whether your goals are to improve your physical health via diet, exercise, and adaptive thinking, I will help motivate you to take action and ascend!
I specialize in helping individuals cope and transcend some of life's most difficult stressors that often cause anxiety and depression. I work with clients who are caregivers, as well as those dealing with loss and grief. I work with clients facing chronic and terminal illness to find meaning and purpose in their lives. I specialize in working with clients suffering with pain, sleep problems, and experiencing insomnia. I also specialize in health behavior change, whether your goals are to improve your physical health via diet, exercise, and adaptive thinking, I will help motivate you to take action and ascend!
![Photo of Varsha Ruparel, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46309aa1-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Varsha Ruparel
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97214 (Online Only)
My clients have developed healthy boundaries, ability to deal with conflicting situations, frustration/dilemmas, issues adjusting to life changes of various types, ability to address pain, working through losses and finally adding meaning to life.
CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENT! Are you living your best life? Do you sense your life has become unmanageable? Do you struggle in relationships? If your story contains themes of depression, anxiety, addiction, interpersonal issues or just "seem to be stuck right now"; lets have a conversation to see how I can help you to create a better story. I'm a therapist, but I'm also a parent and wife who makes plenty of mistakes. Luckily, perfection isn't necessary or desirable. It often takes only small, positive changes to yield significant benefits. Things can get better, sometimes quickly, if you begin taking steps in the right direction.
My clients have developed healthy boundaries, ability to deal with conflicting situations, frustration/dilemmas, issues adjusting to life changes of various types, ability to address pain, working through losses and finally adding meaning to life.
CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENT! Are you living your best life? Do you sense your life has become unmanageable? Do you struggle in relationships? If your story contains themes of depression, anxiety, addiction, interpersonal issues or just "seem to be stuck right now"; lets have a conversation to see how I can help you to create a better story. I'm a therapist, but I'm also a parent and wife who makes plenty of mistakes. Luckily, perfection isn't necessary or desirable. It often takes only small, positive changes to yield significant benefits. Things can get better, sometimes quickly, if you begin taking steps in the right direction.
![Photo of Ryn Rising, MA, LPCA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5ca592a4-dc57-48b2-8215-a5f251322568/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ryn Rising
Professional Counselor Associate, MA, LPCA
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97217 (Online Only)
Trans and Queer folks deserve affirming care from counselors with lived experience. I am passionate about holding a collaborative and empowering space for folks who are in LGBTQIA+ community, and their families. I have experience with various identities, backgrounds, and difficulties including depression, anxiety, trauma, autism (and the unmasking process), ADHD, non-traditional relationships, people coping with chronic pain, or really anyone who seeks help understanding themselves or discovering more fulfilling ways to live.
Trans and Queer folks deserve affirming care from counselors with lived experience. I am passionate about holding a collaborative and empowering space for folks who are in LGBTQIA+ community, and their families. I have experience with various identities, backgrounds, and difficulties including depression, anxiety, trauma, autism (and the unmasking process), ADHD, non-traditional relationships, people coping with chronic pain, or really anyone who seeks help understanding themselves or discovering more fulfilling ways to live.
![Photo of Alexander N Rassekh, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/71e39614-02c4-4448-ac58-0f0fc22aed25/2/320x400.jpeg)
You may have experienced disturbing and painful events in your life that make it difficult to move forward, release your true potential and reach your life goals. You may often feel unsafe and untrusting in your own body, mind, or environment with frequent worry, stress and emotional pain that impacts your relationships, sense of self-worth and overall functioning in important areas of your life. The good news is that the human mind and body can have a remarkable capacity to heal given the right conditions. The possibility of improving our lives is a real one that begins with the choice to take a step forward.
You may have experienced disturbing and painful events in your life that make it difficult to move forward, release your true potential and reach your life goals. You may often feel unsafe and untrusting in your own body, mind, or environment with frequent worry, stress and emotional pain that impacts your relationships, sense of self-worth and overall functioning in important areas of your life. The good news is that the human mind and body can have a remarkable capacity to heal given the right conditions. The possibility of improving our lives is a real one that begins with the choice to take a step forward.
![Photo of Dr. Peter H. Addy, PhD, LMHC, LPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50d20bbc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Peter H. Addy
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, PhD, LMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97215
I specialize in guiding psychedelic-curious individuals with chronic health issues to prepare with confidence and courage. My ideal client is someone who has been struggling with chronic health issues, like fibromyalgia, and is looking for a transformative experience to help them heal. They may feel overwhelmed by information about psychedelics and are unsure about the process, or may have lost hope after failed treatments.
I specialize in guiding psychedelic-curious individuals with chronic health issues to prepare with confidence and courage. My ideal client is someone who has been struggling with chronic health issues, like fibromyalgia, and is looking for a transformative experience to help them heal. They may feel overwhelmed by information about psychedelics and are unsure about the process, or may have lost hope after failed treatments.
![Photo of Elizabeth D Smith, PhD, MSW, MA, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47f20b44-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Elizabeth D Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, MSW, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
Gladstone, OR 97027 (Online Only)
Most of my clients come to me in the midst of some sort of transition--a difficult relationship, a new job, divorce, retirement, a move, etc.--that they are unable to navigate alone. I also see many persons confronting cancer, chronic pain or a crisis of faith. When we first meet, we will explore what brings you into therapy at this time. We will create a plan together to achieve the outcome you would like best. Many times, I find that transitions involve a certain amount of loss and grief that has not yet been acknowledged. Our goal would be to fit this transition, or life condition, large or small, into your overall life journey.
Most of my clients come to me in the midst of some sort of transition--a difficult relationship, a new job, divorce, retirement, a move, etc.--that they are unable to navigate alone. I also see many persons confronting cancer, chronic pain or a crisis of faith. When we first meet, we will explore what brings you into therapy at this time. We will create a plan together to achieve the outcome you would like best. Many times, I find that transitions involve a certain amount of loss and grief that has not yet been acknowledged. Our goal would be to fit this transition, or life condition, large or small, into your overall life journey.
![Photo of Emily Ann Overland, LPC, RYT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/668a2ab3-7af3-46f2-bddf-f7748caa2a2f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Emily Ann Overland
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, RYT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97214 (Online Only)
There is something magical that happens in therapy; the ability to be fully present and vulnerable with another human being while transmuting pain into comfort, joy, healing, and power has always amazed me.
Accepting new Telehealth clients in OR, MO, and KS. Good change is still change and can be difficult to navigate alone. Are you someone who has come to the other side of survival mode but has not figured out how to thrive? Are old patterns of behavior still impacting your overall ability to have a healthy relationship with yourself and with others? Are you struggling to increase wanted behaviors and decrease unwanted behaviors? Are you able to be unmindful of worry? I help those who are doing “everything right” but aren’t living the life they want. The ones who have survived much but are not sure how to move and heal forward.
There is something magical that happens in therapy; the ability to be fully present and vulnerable with another human being while transmuting pain into comfort, joy, healing, and power has always amazed me.
Accepting new Telehealth clients in OR, MO, and KS. Good change is still change and can be difficult to navigate alone. Are you someone who has come to the other side of survival mode but has not figured out how to thrive? Are old patterns of behavior still impacting your overall ability to have a healthy relationship with yourself and with others? Are you struggling to increase wanted behaviors and decrease unwanted behaviors? Are you able to be unmindful of worry? I help those who are doing “everything right” but aren’t living the life they want. The ones who have survived much but are not sure how to move and heal forward.
![Photo of Stephanie Solar - Stephanie Solar, LMFT, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d280459-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Stephanie Solar, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97213 (Online Only)
Let's face it. Life is a juggling act between home, work, school, friends and family. Our bodies are bioenergetic systems geared for balance. When things go well, our energy flows and we feel good. When life happens and stress occurs, we can feel anxiety, depression and physical pain. We reach outside ourselves for relief when going inside is the answer. If you are ready for change and are committed to making that happen, please make an appointment today. My approach is wholistic and I use Energy Psychology (Tapping), Zen Buddhism and Mindfulness to achieve a client's goals.
Let's face it. Life is a juggling act between home, work, school, friends and family. Our bodies are bioenergetic systems geared for balance. When things go well, our energy flows and we feel good. When life happens and stress occurs, we can feel anxiety, depression and physical pain. We reach outside ourselves for relief when going inside is the answer. If you are ready for change and are committed to making that happen, please make an appointment today. My approach is wholistic and I use Energy Psychology (Tapping), Zen Buddhism and Mindfulness to achieve a client's goals.
![Photo of Justin Kram, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/be6f5e83-3b65-4418-a5fe-bd22a67e4328/1/320x400.jpeg)
You may identify as "highly sensitive" or feel "misunderstood" by those around you. You may not have a clear idea how to address the distress in your life. You may feel confused or exasperated by clashes you are experiencing in relationships. Maybe you are facing a life transition, including but not limited to: a move to a new place, a new or worsening illness, work problems, spiritual questioning, transitions into the workforce or retirement. Regardless, painful feelings such as longing, numbness or despair make it hard to step into your life. You are ready and open for a new collaboration in this "laboratory" of therapy. Welcome.
You may identify as "highly sensitive" or feel "misunderstood" by those around you. You may not have a clear idea how to address the distress in your life. You may feel confused or exasperated by clashes you are experiencing in relationships. Maybe you are facing a life transition, including but not limited to: a move to a new place, a new or worsening illness, work problems, spiritual questioning, transitions into the workforce or retirement. Regardless, painful feelings such as longing, numbness or despair make it hard to step into your life. You are ready and open for a new collaboration in this "laboratory" of therapy. Welcome.
![Photo of Amy Swallow - Opal & Sage Art Therapy, Amy Swallow, LPC, LCAT, ATR-BC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8b309e16-bb34-41bc-b440-9664c776cf16/1/320x400.jpeg)
Opal & Sage Art Therapy, Amy Swallow
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCAT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97206
If you are experiencing a difficult life transition or emotional pain, such as grief/loss, trauma, depression, anxiety, or illness, art therapy can be highly beneficial.
Opal & Sage offers individual and group art therapy and counseling services that are person-centered and strengths-based. I welcome adult clients of all ages and abilities, with any personal concerns and conflicts regarding mental health. I specialize in working with individuals with dementia, traumatic brain injury, developmental disabilities, and physical disabilities.
If you are experiencing a difficult life transition or emotional pain, such as grief/loss, trauma, depression, anxiety, or illness, art therapy can be highly beneficial.
Opal & Sage offers individual and group art therapy and counseling services that are person-centered and strengths-based. I welcome adult clients of all ages and abilities, with any personal concerns and conflicts regarding mental health. I specialize in working with individuals with dementia, traumatic brain injury, developmental disabilities, and physical disabilities.
![Photo of Mikayla Schmitz, CSWA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1a22abd4-9498-4686-b75c-76a956f76c30/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mikayla Schmitz
Clinical Social Work Associate, CSWA
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97214 (Online Only)
Hello, my name is Mikayla and I am accepting new clients in Oregon! I aim to provide a safe space where you can show up in your authenticity and truth, without fear of judgement. I bring a deep respect for all cultural and social identities, a commitment to social justice and tender empathy for all folx and their unique experiences. Through an anti-oppressive lens and with a variety of evidence-based therapy modalities, I’ll help you develop healthy coping skills to move through life more easily even amid pain and struggle.
Hello, my name is Mikayla and I am accepting new clients in Oregon! I aim to provide a safe space where you can show up in your authenticity and truth, without fear of judgement. I bring a deep respect for all cultural and social identities, a commitment to social justice and tender empathy for all folx and their unique experiences. Through an anti-oppressive lens and with a variety of evidence-based therapy modalities, I’ll help you develop healthy coping skills to move through life more easily even amid pain and struggle.
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.