Chronic Pain Therapists in Berwyn, PA
![Photo of Juliana Bowland, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f0839d14-5083-433e-93ee-4f50eafb8733/1/320x400.jpeg)
I also conduct psychological evaluations for bariatric surgery, pain management, and job candidacy.
I provide comprehensive neuropsychological and psychoeducational evaluations for individuals across the lifespan to better understand their cognitive and academic abilities. I take careful note of the intertwined relationship between brain functioning and psychiatric conditions to improve diagnostic clarity. The goal for our work together would be to gain insight into your strengths and weaknesses to develop a personalized treatment plan. My area of speciality is in children, adolescents, and young adults with AD/HD, learning differences, mental health conditions, and behavioral and mood concerns.
I also conduct psychological evaluations for bariatric surgery, pain management, and job candidacy.
I provide comprehensive neuropsychological and psychoeducational evaluations for individuals across the lifespan to better understand their cognitive and academic abilities. I take careful note of the intertwined relationship between brain functioning and psychiatric conditions to improve diagnostic clarity. The goal for our work together would be to gain insight into your strengths and weaknesses to develop a personalized treatment plan. My area of speciality is in children, adolescents, and young adults with AD/HD, learning differences, mental health conditions, and behavioral and mood concerns.
![Photo of Jeffrey Faude, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bb4332c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
In addition to my work with addictions, I have had many years of experience (both as a researcher and clinician) working with depression of all types, anxiety disorders, chronic and acute pain conditions, trauma, issues around aging, and bereavement.
I focus a great deal on helping people expand their awareness of aspects of themselves and their important relationships that they have difficulty paying attention to and feeling. This increased awareness helps people feel more flexible and free to navigate the obstacles and cross-currents they find facing them in their lives, rather than remain stuck in repetitive cycles of suffering.
In addition to my work with addictions, I have had many years of experience (both as a researcher and clinician) working with depression of all types, anxiety disorders, chronic and acute pain conditions, trauma, issues around aging, and bereavement.
I focus a great deal on helping people expand their awareness of aspects of themselves and their important relationships that they have difficulty paying attention to and feeling. This increased awareness helps people feel more flexible and free to navigate the obstacles and cross-currents they find facing them in their lives, rather than remain stuck in repetitive cycles of suffering.
![Photo of Linda Hershman - Couples and Family Wellness Center, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b0c9f1d5-7b7c-4f2c-8cb0-8350a60fc722/2/320x400.jpeg)
Couples and Family Wellness Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berwyn, PA 19312
Are your partner, parents or children driving you crazy? Our counselors can show you how to enjoy the best of your family while learning to let go of the parts that interfere with your happiness. If you struggle with anxiety, depression, or make the same self-defeating relationship mistakes repeatedly, we'd like to work with you to break these cycles and enjoy life. Are you a first responder or veteran? Talk therapy won't help. We provide evidence-based EMDR. You deserve a counselor with the training and experience to help resolve the problems that bring you to therapy, heal old wounds and deepen the bonds you already share.
Are your partner, parents or children driving you crazy? Our counselors can show you how to enjoy the best of your family while learning to let go of the parts that interfere with your happiness. If you struggle with anxiety, depression, or make the same self-defeating relationship mistakes repeatedly, we'd like to work with you to break these cycles and enjoy life. Are you a first responder or veteran? Talk therapy won't help. We provide evidence-based EMDR. You deserve a counselor with the training and experience to help resolve the problems that bring you to therapy, heal old wounds and deepen the bonds you already share.
![Photo of Matthew Weldon Gelber, MS](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5285d927-a0f0-4f4a-a438-4ef0cfb95efb/4/320x400.jpeg)
As a certified Master’s Level psychotherapist with over 19 years experience and “face of therapy and counseling” 2024 Main Line Today Magazine, I’m able to offer experience and understanding that gets to the heart of the issue for my clients.Are you unhappy, stressed or depressed at home? At Work? At School? Do you find yourself yet again in another relationship doomed for failure? Is Intimacy or trust or sex lacking in your relationship? I am a compassionate therapist who helps individuals, couples and families achieve favorable outcomes in different areas of their lives. My focus is specific to your needs and your goals.
As a certified Master’s Level psychotherapist with over 19 years experience and “face of therapy and counseling” 2024 Main Line Today Magazine, I’m able to offer experience and understanding that gets to the heart of the issue for my clients.Are you unhappy, stressed or depressed at home? At Work? At School? Do you find yourself yet again in another relationship doomed for failure? Is Intimacy or trust or sex lacking in your relationship? I am a compassionate therapist who helps individuals, couples and families achieve favorable outcomes in different areas of their lives. My focus is specific to your needs and your goals.
![Photo of Melanie Coupland, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e4b099f8-4819-496e-818e-993a0453c177/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mell Coupland is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Pennsylvania who has been practicing since 2016. She has a Masters in Social Work and Political Science. Therapy is an avenue for change, growth, and development. Mell is here to help individuals with what is happening in the here and now. She incorporates mindfulness with cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing techniques. Outside of work, Mell loves going to the gym, spending time outside, and her two pugs.
Mell Coupland is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Pennsylvania who has been practicing since 2016. She has a Masters in Social Work and Political Science. Therapy is an avenue for change, growth, and development. Mell is here to help individuals with what is happening in the here and now. She incorporates mindfulness with cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing techniques. Outside of work, Mell loves going to the gym, spending time outside, and her two pugs.
![Photo of Sarah Whalen, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/36714f60-2cdc-4552-b7e3-6d3661ccef12/3/320x400.jpeg)
Are your relationships strained or disappointing? Is it difficult to manage your thoughts, feelings, or behaviors? Do you feel stuck, worry, feel sad, or have thoughts that you’re not good enough? Whatever you are struggling with, you do not need to suffer alone. We can work together to change things that are not working for you. I provide a supportive, accepting, judgment-free space where you can heal and grow. Therapy makes change possible and facilitates deeply meaningful growth so that you may experience greater joy, have more fulfilling relationships, be more productive, and feel more satisfied.
Are your relationships strained or disappointing? Is it difficult to manage your thoughts, feelings, or behaviors? Do you feel stuck, worry, feel sad, or have thoughts that you’re not good enough? Whatever you are struggling with, you do not need to suffer alone. We can work together to change things that are not working for you. I provide a supportive, accepting, judgment-free space where you can heal and grow. Therapy makes change possible and facilitates deeply meaningful growth so that you may experience greater joy, have more fulfilling relationships, be more productive, and feel more satisfied.
![Photo of Jenna Rosenau, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/184d3fc7-c269-4298-bac6-7f981a0f1881/1/320x400.png)
Jenna Rosenau
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Berwyn, PA 19312 (Online Only)
Whether you're going through a life transition, struggling in a relationship, or experiencing anxiety, it takes courage to seek help. Regardless of what you're going through, I want you to recognize that your resilience in life has brought you this far. I would like to help you from here by guiding you through this therapeutic process, as it may relate to personal trauma, early life experiences, and/or unhealthy patterns. I will help you unlock old patterns and beliefs about yourself that are no longer serving you or your relationships. I will support you in tapping into a deeper understanding of who you are at your core.
Whether you're going through a life transition, struggling in a relationship, or experiencing anxiety, it takes courage to seek help. Regardless of what you're going through, I want you to recognize that your resilience in life has brought you this far. I would like to help you from here by guiding you through this therapeutic process, as it may relate to personal trauma, early life experiences, and/or unhealthy patterns. I will help you unlock old patterns and beliefs about yourself that are no longer serving you or your relationships. I will support you in tapping into a deeper understanding of who you are at your core.
![Photo of Linda Falasco - Linda Falasco, LCSW, LCSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/28f0c044-ecf9-4ba5-92ed-3d97df090c60/2/320x400.jpeg)
Linda Falasco, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Berwyn, PA 19312
At some point in life's journey you may experience a time where you feel you may benefit from some extra support and guidance, let me help you on the road to hope and healing. The following are some common issues that I am able to assist you with: anxiety, depression, divorce, loss and grief, trauma work, parenting and co-parenting issues, relationship issues, stress, sports and work performance and teen issues. I have extensive training in grief and trauma. Helping individuals, families and couples find hope, healing and strength during life's difficult times.
At some point in life's journey you may experience a time where you feel you may benefit from some extra support and guidance, let me help you on the road to hope and healing. The following are some common issues that I am able to assist you with: anxiety, depression, divorce, loss and grief, trauma work, parenting and co-parenting issues, relationship issues, stress, sports and work performance and teen issues. I have extensive training in grief and trauma. Helping individuals, families and couples find hope, healing and strength during life's difficult times.
![Photo of Melissa Roberts, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/535d55b0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Melissa Roberts
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Berwyn, PA 19312 (Online Only)
I have experience and enjoy working with individuals, couples, and families. I offer support for adults, children, and adolescents and work to create a genuine, trusting relationship where clients feel safe, and comfortable to be themselves. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/loss, relationship conflict, parenting, self-esteem, and overall everyday stressors. I have extensive training and experience working with high conflict families as well as children and adolescents with severe behavioral issues. I also enjoy working with couples to assist with barriers in communication, connectedness, and intimacy.
I have experience and enjoy working with individuals, couples, and families. I offer support for adults, children, and adolescents and work to create a genuine, trusting relationship where clients feel safe, and comfortable to be themselves. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/loss, relationship conflict, parenting, self-esteem, and overall everyday stressors. I have extensive training and experience working with high conflict families as well as children and adolescents with severe behavioral issues. I also enjoy working with couples to assist with barriers in communication, connectedness, and intimacy.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Reinhild Draeger-Muenke, PsyD, LMFT, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ac70282f-6975-4fc5-b284-e3b9e95adcaa/1/320x400.jpeg)
Consider this: "Pain is unavoidable, but suffering is optional!" If you are hurting right now, physically and/or emotionally, you may not believe that it is possible not to suffer.
You may have considered finding a therapist for a while, wondering whether it's worth the risk. Are you struggling with physical symptoms, feelings or behaviors you don't particularly like, but can't seem to control? Have you found it difficult to make changes in your life, although you have tried many times on your own? Are you dissatisfied with how your relationships are going? Perhaps you wish you could be a more effective parent? Or maybe you already know there is "stuff" you haven't wanted to touch on your own, but it's not going away......., and you are ready to invest in healing whatever hurts? Then therapy can help.
Consider this: "Pain is unavoidable, but suffering is optional!" If you are hurting right now, physically and/or emotionally, you may not believe that it is possible not to suffer.
You may have considered finding a therapist for a while, wondering whether it's worth the risk. Are you struggling with physical symptoms, feelings or behaviors you don't particularly like, but can't seem to control? Have you found it difficult to make changes in your life, although you have tried many times on your own? Are you dissatisfied with how your relationships are going? Perhaps you wish you could be a more effective parent? Or maybe you already know there is "stuff" you haven't wanted to touch on your own, but it's not going away......., and you are ready to invest in healing whatever hurts? Then therapy can help.
![Photo of Sasikala Raman, MS, LPC, LMT, CPT, CES, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4cd92171-19d3-4cd7-a927-0708dcbf870f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sasikala Raman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, LMT, CPT, CES
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Paoli, PA 19301
People with chronic pain, anger, anxiety, internal conflicts, distractability, depression seem to heal faster through these approaches using more of their own ability to heal wounds.
In therapy you are my co-worker where you bring what you know about living your life. We bring your family members to help support your therapy when we see that as helpful to you. We also set up support for you through your community of human and non-human life.
People with chronic pain, anger, anxiety, internal conflicts, distractability, depression seem to heal faster through these approaches using more of their own ability to heal wounds.
In therapy you are my co-worker where you bring what you know about living your life. We bring your family members to help support your therapy when we see that as helpful to you. We also set up support for you through your community of human and non-human life.
![Photo of Tari Lyn Getz, LPC, CHT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/06b7390b-5666-40d8-83e7-7a0d91ee2f54/2/320x400.jpeg)
In addition to coaching parents and supporting all types of families, I have a strong background in trauma and offer hypnotherapy for anxiety/phobias, desired behavioral changes (weight loss, addictions), pain and stress management, surgery/injury, insomnia, sports and academic performance, relationship improvement, and esteem- and confidence-building.
I began my career as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Certified Hypnotherapist (CHT) later in life, and I have great passion for the work I do. I have 10+ years of experience as a therapist for children/teens, adults, and families. I have worked in outpatient, school-based, in-home, and community settings. With younger children and parents, I use the principles of Parent-Child Interactive Therapy, focusing on relationship-building through play. For family therapy, I use a relational approach based on positive communication, mutual respect, and active listening skills. I enjoy guiding my clients toward desired change.
In addition to coaching parents and supporting all types of families, I have a strong background in trauma and offer hypnotherapy for anxiety/phobias, desired behavioral changes (weight loss, addictions), pain and stress management, surgery/injury, insomnia, sports and academic performance, relationship improvement, and esteem- and confidence-building.
I began my career as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Certified Hypnotherapist (CHT) later in life, and I have great passion for the work I do. I have 10+ years of experience as a therapist for children/teens, adults, and families. I have worked in outpatient, school-based, in-home, and community settings. With younger children and parents, I use the principles of Parent-Child Interactive Therapy, focusing on relationship-building through play. For family therapy, I use a relational approach based on positive communication, mutual respect, and active listening skills. I enjoy guiding my clients toward desired change.
![Photo of John J. Novielli, MS, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b8093da-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/5/320x400.jpeg)
My approach is practical, focused and down-to-earth with the specific intent of helping clients maximize their emotional resources and minimize their emotional pain as they learn to resolve their problems successfully.
Have the life you want, not the one you live. Develop with your partner the relationship you always desired and stop living the one that keeps you stuck. I am a Clinical Psychologist with over thirty years of experience specializing in marital and family relationships and in dismantling the black holes that minimize our lives. Whatever your marital or family situation, my experience allows me to help you develop a plan of change (one or two sessions), and then implement this plan. I serve as your Psychologist and Coaching guide from the start.
My approach is practical, focused and down-to-earth with the specific intent of helping clients maximize their emotional resources and minimize their emotional pain as they learn to resolve their problems successfully.
Have the life you want, not the one you live. Develop with your partner the relationship you always desired and stop living the one that keeps you stuck. I am a Clinical Psychologist with over thirty years of experience specializing in marital and family relationships and in dismantling the black holes that minimize our lives. Whatever your marital or family situation, my experience allows me to help you develop a plan of change (one or two sessions), and then implement this plan. I serve as your Psychologist and Coaching guide from the start.
![Photo of Lee A. Bowers, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b6cadea-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Are you anxious, depressed, maybe diagnosed with a serious illness? Are you losing sleep, in pain, scared, not knowing who to talk to? Maybe you’re confused about information your doctor or friends are giving you. I’d like to help.
Would you like to find natural ways to reduce your physical and/or emotional symptoms, or bolster your immune system without interfering with what you and your health team are already doing? I work with people who have emotional or physical health concerns: anxiety, depression, relationship problems, cancer, autoimmune disorders, heart disease, and chronic pain.
Are you anxious, depressed, maybe diagnosed with a serious illness? Are you losing sleep, in pain, scared, not knowing who to talk to? Maybe you’re confused about information your doctor or friends are giving you. I’d like to help.
Would you like to find natural ways to reduce your physical and/or emotional symptoms, or bolster your immune system without interfering with what you and your health team are already doing? I work with people who have emotional or physical health concerns: anxiety, depression, relationship problems, cancer, autoimmune disorders, heart disease, and chronic pain.
![Photo of Raena - Bryn Mawr Mental Health And Wellness, MD](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/98f9d4ee-fe7c-400f-93d9-b53519ba82a3/2/320x400.jpeg)
It is our mission to promote holistic well-being and to empower individuals to flourish beyond the treatment of mental illness.
At Bryn Mawr Mental Health and Wellness, Dr. Raena Khorram, a Harvard trained psychiatrist and her team of expert therapists offers comprehensive psychiatric treatment. We use a combination of individual psychotherapy, EMDR, couples therapy and medication management to treat depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, anxiety, ADHD, eating and addiction disorders. We believe the combination of psychotherapy, or talk therapy, medication management and healthy lifestyle improvements is key in successful the treatment. We see patients in our office and remotely using a HIPAA compliant video platform.
It is our mission to promote holistic well-being and to empower individuals to flourish beyond the treatment of mental illness.
At Bryn Mawr Mental Health and Wellness, Dr. Raena Khorram, a Harvard trained psychiatrist and her team of expert therapists offers comprehensive psychiatric treatment. We use a combination of individual psychotherapy, EMDR, couples therapy and medication management to treat depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, anxiety, ADHD, eating and addiction disorders. We believe the combination of psychotherapy, or talk therapy, medication management and healthy lifestyle improvements is key in successful the treatment. We see patients in our office and remotely using a HIPAA compliant video platform.
![Photo of Kristine Boward - The Centered Brain, PsyD, BCN, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c45f8913-0cb1-4e21-939f-0523e6f53b06/1/320x400.png)
The Centered Brain offers a unique integrated approach using therapy, heart rate variability, and neurofeedback. We work to regulate your physiology to help you make the most out of treatment. Most clients experience significant improvement in focus, brain fog, sleep, anxiety, rumination, hypervigilance, migraine pain, and elevated fight/flight freeze response.
The Centered Brain offers a unique integrated approach using therapy, heart rate variability, and neurofeedback. We work to regulate your physiology to help you make the most out of treatment. Most clients experience significant improvement in focus, brain fog, sleep, anxiety, rumination, hypervigilance, migraine pain, and elevated fight/flight freeze response.
![Photo of Dr. Laurane McGlynn, PsyD, MS, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dbdf8dfe-e6f5-459b-96e1-f07ed94d3a2c/1/320x400.jpeg)
My practice offers treatment that is individually created for your specific needs and issues. I am devoted to creating a safe and caring environment to support your emotional, physical, spiritual and psychological well-being. I focus on guiding individuals toward health and healing using modern clinical practice, holistic therapeutic approaches, mindfulness and mind/body techniques. Our model is based on a functional medicine approach which seeks to identify and address the root causes of psychological conditions and medical illnesses using a strength-based approach that treats the whole person, not a collection of symptoms.
My practice offers treatment that is individually created for your specific needs and issues. I am devoted to creating a safe and caring environment to support your emotional, physical, spiritual and psychological well-being. I focus on guiding individuals toward health and healing using modern clinical practice, holistic therapeutic approaches, mindfulness and mind/body techniques. Our model is based on a functional medicine approach which seeks to identify and address the root causes of psychological conditions and medical illnesses using a strength-based approach that treats the whole person, not a collection of symptoms.
![Photo of Paul Kesselman - Kesselman Clinical Associates, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ab06b26-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
At Kesselman Clinical Associates, we are creating a community where you and your family can find understanding and support. We have clinicians who specialize in an array of areas, from anxiety, depression, and personality disorders to parenting and family issues, addiction, trauma, ADD/ADHD, ASD, and impulse control disorders. We provide individual treatment for children, teens, and adults, as well as group, couples, and family therapy, and we offer in-person or telehealth sessions.
At Kesselman Clinical Associates, we are creating a community where you and your family can find understanding and support. We have clinicians who specialize in an array of areas, from anxiety, depression, and personality disorders to parenting and family issues, addiction, trauma, ADD/ADHD, ASD, and impulse control disorders. We provide individual treatment for children, teens, and adults, as well as group, couples, and family therapy, and we offer in-person or telehealth sessions.
![Photo of Kristin Page, LPC, MSEd, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5f6b00b4-5667-42c4-959e-597ce9e9e13e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kristin Page
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MSEd, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Devon, PA 19333
I am dedicated to helping you gain insight and develop tools to cultivate personal growth and relief from symptoms. You don’t have to face your struggles alone. I work holistically, meaning I consider the mind, body, and spirit. We will work together in a safe, compassionate, curious, and healing environment to understand yourself better and begin to feel connected, whole, and healthy. You can feel free to share your life and whatever you are facing. This type of work creates deep and lasting change.
I am dedicated to helping you gain insight and develop tools to cultivate personal growth and relief from symptoms. You don’t have to face your struggles alone. I work holistically, meaning I consider the mind, body, and spirit. We will work together in a safe, compassionate, curious, and healing environment to understand yourself better and begin to feel connected, whole, and healthy. You can feel free to share your life and whatever you are facing. This type of work creates deep and lasting change.
![Photo of Fran Neall, RN, MSN, CS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4028a71d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Fran Neall
Marriage & Family Therapist, RN, MSN, CS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Wayne, PA 19087 (Online Only)
Do you find yourself having the same fights over and over again? Do you feel alone in your relationship? Are you experiencing a major life transition, crisis or loss, or simply feel that there is something missing in your life?
I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist (MFT) with over 15 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families. MFTs are relationship specialists trained to assess and treat individuals, couples and families to achieve more satisfying relationships in their personal and work life as well as their general social functioning.
Do you find yourself having the same fights over and over again? Do you feel alone in your relationship? Are you experiencing a major life transition, crisis or loss, or simply feel that there is something missing in your life?
I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist (MFT) with over 15 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families. MFTs are relationship specialists trained to assess and treat individuals, couples and families to achieve more satisfying relationships in their personal and work life as well as their general social functioning.
See more therapy options for Berwyn
Nearby Chronic Pain Therapists Searches for Berwyn
- Broomall
- Bryn Mawr
- Devon
- King Of Prussia
- Malvern
- Newtown Square
- Paoli
- Phoenixville
- Radnor
- Rosemont
- Villanova
- Wayne
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.