Chronic Pain Therapists in Blue Bell, PA
![Photo of Courtney Gable, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/487c7d6c-3637-4bd8-8b52-fdfca1ca59cc/1/320x400.jpeg)
Courtney Gable
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Blue Bell, PA 19422
My inclusive work focuses on: Helping people to feel regulated and empowered, and to feel seen, safe, and valued for who they are in our process together; those struggling with trauma, PTSD, depression and anxiety; chronic pain, grief and loss, phobias, racing thoughts, crossroads and upheaval; as well as Body Image, with a specific focus on Body Neutrality and Health At Every Size (HAES) – all with mindfulness, compassion, and acceptance.
My inclusive work focuses on: Helping people to feel regulated and empowered, and to feel seen, safe, and valued for who they are in our process together; those struggling with trauma, PTSD, depression and anxiety; chronic pain, grief and loss, phobias, racing thoughts, crossroads and upheaval; as well as Body Image, with a specific focus on Body Neutrality and Health At Every Size (HAES) – all with mindfulness, compassion, and acceptance.
![Photo of Ira Bilofsky - Ira L Bilofsky LCSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/73ac3f85-7033-4df3-94cd-5491d5cba4a7/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have been in practice for 30+ years. I graduated from Temple University in 1988 with a Master's Degree in Social Work. During my College studies I studied the theories of Salvador Minuchin, Jay Haley, and Carl Whitaker. I utilize that training in order to make my work with Individuals, Families and Couples the best it can be. I am a recognized authority on the diagnosis and treatment for ADHD and OCD. I am known for my expertise in helping Adults deal with depression, anxiety, diabetes & pain management. I consider all options in treatment planning.
I have been in practice for 30+ years. I graduated from Temple University in 1988 with a Master's Degree in Social Work. During my College studies I studied the theories of Salvador Minuchin, Jay Haley, and Carl Whitaker. I utilize that training in order to make my work with Individuals, Families and Couples the best it can be. I am a recognized authority on the diagnosis and treatment for ADHD and OCD. I am known for my expertise in helping Adults deal with depression, anxiety, diabetes & pain management. I consider all options in treatment planning.
![Photo of Mallory Grivner, MSS, LCSW, ACHP-SW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c404bed-243f-4f7a-b57b-f2f5f4cc7413/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mallory Grivner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSS, LCSW, ACHP-SW
Verified Verified
Blue Bell, PA 19422 (Online Only)
I have experience supporting individuals who are experiencing life transitions, caregiver stress, chronic and terminal illness and grief and loss.
We all struggle at times and life can feel overwhelming and unmanageable. I am so happy that you are taking the first steps in determining what you need to lead a happier, more fulfilled life. I know how difficult it can be to acknowledge that your life may not what you envisioned and it is a privilege to work through these challenges with you. My goal is to help you transition from a place of struggle to a place of hope by providing a safe and comfortable environment to discuss these personal life challenges. I provide a warm and collaborative approach offering guidance, support, insight, and hope for a more meaningful life.
I have experience supporting individuals who are experiencing life transitions, caregiver stress, chronic and terminal illness and grief and loss.
We all struggle at times and life can feel overwhelming and unmanageable. I am so happy that you are taking the first steps in determining what you need to lead a happier, more fulfilled life. I know how difficult it can be to acknowledge that your life may not what you envisioned and it is a privilege to work through these challenges with you. My goal is to help you transition from a place of struggle to a place of hope by providing a safe and comfortable environment to discuss these personal life challenges. I provide a warm and collaborative approach offering guidance, support, insight, and hope for a more meaningful life.
![Photo of Gerald F Bellettirie, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3beeb15d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Ph.D. Psychologist with over 25 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families to improve the quality of their lives.I am a member of the American Psychological Association, Fellow of the Pennsylvania Psychological Association and Listed in the National Register of Health Services Providers in Psychology. In addition to my Ph.D. I also completed a full time Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Behavioral Medicine and Behavior Therapy to evaluate and treat disabling anxiety such as panic attacks and OCD in addition to stress reactions that create health problems such as migraine headache, irritable bowel syndrome, sleep and eating disorders and chronic pain. I help people in dealing with challenging life stress and eliminate the need to use alcohol and substances to cope. I develop behavioral plans for parents and for divorced parents I offer co-parenting counseling. I evaluate and treat ADHD. For those seeking help, I offer a comprehensive evaluation and a goal oriented personal treatment plan in an empathic and compassionate enviornment. I personally provide all treatment in a comfortable environment with the complete privacy of a private exit.
I am a Ph.D. Psychologist with over 25 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families to improve the quality of their lives.I am a member of the American Psychological Association, Fellow of the Pennsylvania Psychological Association and Listed in the National Register of Health Services Providers in Psychology. In addition to my Ph.D. I also completed a full time Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Behavioral Medicine and Behavior Therapy to evaluate and treat disabling anxiety such as panic attacks and OCD in addition to stress reactions that create health problems such as migraine headache, irritable bowel syndrome, sleep and eating disorders and chronic pain. I help people in dealing with challenging life stress and eliminate the need to use alcohol and substances to cope. I develop behavioral plans for parents and for divorced parents I offer co-parenting counseling. I evaluate and treat ADHD. For those seeking help, I offer a comprehensive evaluation and a goal oriented personal treatment plan in an empathic and compassionate enviornment. I personally provide all treatment in a comfortable environment with the complete privacy of a private exit.
I specialize in treating anxiety disorders and depression for all age groups including children and adults.
I specialize in treating anxiety disorders and depression for all age groups including children and adults.
![Photo of Sarah Schneider, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5ea9dadf-c4cd-4c58-ad54-3faa2e9c49fe/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sarah Schneider
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Blue Bell, PA 19422 (Online Only)
At various points in life, we all encounter moments of feeling stuck or struggling. I am a firm believer that every individual possesses an inner wisdom capable of navigating life’s greatest challenges. However, undue stress and prolonged overwhelm can sometimes hinder our ability to access this inner resource on our own. As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, I recognize that meaningful progress requires safety and grounding. I will guide you in sharing and exploring at a pace that feels secure for you and your nervous system within a compassionate, judgment-free space.
At various points in life, we all encounter moments of feeling stuck or struggling. I am a firm believer that every individual possesses an inner wisdom capable of navigating life’s greatest challenges. However, undue stress and prolonged overwhelm can sometimes hinder our ability to access this inner resource on our own. As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, I recognize that meaningful progress requires safety and grounding. I will guide you in sharing and exploring at a pace that feels secure for you and your nervous system within a compassionate, judgment-free space.
![Photo of Lucy S. Raizman - Council for Relationships, LCSW, LMFT, CST, AAMFT-A, Supervi, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e1139ff-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Council for Relationships
Marriage & Family Therapist, LCSW, LMFT, CST, AAMFT-A, Supervi
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Blue Bell, PA 19422
Lucy S. Raizman, MSW, LCSW. LMFT, is a licensed Clinical Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist and AASECT-certified Sex Therapist for the Council for Relationships, a well-respected not-for-profit counseling organization that offers expertise in individual and couple relationship and intimacy issues and offers a sliding fee scale. I am a therapist with more than 20+ years of experience working with individuals and couples in the suburban offices of Blue Bell, Pa. Montgomery County outside Philadelphia, Pa.
Lucy S. Raizman, MSW, LCSW. LMFT, is a licensed Clinical Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist and AASECT-certified Sex Therapist for the Council for Relationships, a well-respected not-for-profit counseling organization that offers expertise in individual and couple relationship and intimacy issues and offers a sliding fee scale. I am a therapist with more than 20+ years of experience working with individuals and couples in the suburban offices of Blue Bell, Pa. Montgomery County outside Philadelphia, Pa.
![Photo of Veronica Haggerty, MA, RN, MFT](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1b11fb27-5bc2-4b01-9590-e18b5cadb3e6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are you in crisis? Do you feel stuck? I work with many people who feel this way and have helped them to understand and embrace their experiences. As a marriage and family therapist, I can help you figure things out. I will work with you to explore the stresses in your life and sort out what makes you feel happy and fulfilled. You owe this to yourself and the people who care about you to act now. Most people wait 7 years to seek help. Don't be that person. www.NewHopeForYourRelationships.com
Are you in crisis? Do you feel stuck? I work with many people who feel this way and have helped them to understand and embrace their experiences. As a marriage and family therapist, I can help you figure things out. I will work with you to explore the stresses in your life and sort out what makes you feel happy and fulfilled. You owe this to yourself and the people who care about you to act now. Most people wait 7 years to seek help. Don't be that person. www.NewHopeForYourRelationships.com
![Photo of John Gentry, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/959443c0-1586-4171-abba-e1eb51d126da/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. John Gentry, PsyD is a licensed psychologist who received his doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Denver, and previously a master's degree in counseling psychology from Texas Technological University. He combines both Humanistic-Existential and Cognitive-Behavioral orientations to provide a safe and non-judgmental place for learning how to have a happier and better quality of life, with peace of mind and fulfillment.
Dr. John Gentry, PsyD is a licensed psychologist who received his doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Denver, and previously a master's degree in counseling psychology from Texas Technological University. He combines both Humanistic-Existential and Cognitive-Behavioral orientations to provide a safe and non-judgmental place for learning how to have a happier and better quality of life, with peace of mind and fulfillment.
![Photo of Marsha Schwartz Klein, MEd, LPC, CCMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e5686af-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Marsha Schwartz Klein
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, CCMHC
Verified Verified
Blue Bell, PA 19422
Everyone seeks love and happiness in their lives, but for many of us, this requires work. Although being intimately attached to another can bring healing and joy, sometimes we begin to question our relationships. For over 38 years, I have been helping couples restore those relationships that have hit a rough patch. It is my goal to help couples find their way back to each other by empowering them with the tools to understand each other and heal themselves and their relationships.
Everyone seeks love and happiness in their lives, but for many of us, this requires work. Although being intimately attached to another can bring healing and joy, sometimes we begin to question our relationships. For over 38 years, I have been helping couples restore those relationships that have hit a rough patch. It is my goal to help couples find their way back to each other by empowering them with the tools to understand each other and heal themselves and their relationships.
![Photo of Jennifer Benjamin, PhD, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/436aedcf-8641-43e7-990d-97bf7b939306/4/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer Benjamin
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Blue Bell, PA 19424
I believe in providing intervention for clients and families that is purposeful. This means the client will be taught to understand what they need to do to reach their goals. This includes understanding the complexity of their emotional distress, obtaining skills and strategies, and getting feedback and support on applying these strategies effectively.
I believe in providing intervention for clients and families that is purposeful. This means the client will be taught to understand what they need to do to reach their goals. This includes understanding the complexity of their emotional distress, obtaining skills and strategies, and getting feedback and support on applying these strategies effectively.
![Photo of Maria Procopio-Moser, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1d635195-92e7-473a-a39d-beca22b283d8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Maria Procopio-Moser
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Blue Bell, PA 19422
Not accepting new clients
Do you ever feel stuck engaging in the same behavioral patterns and wonder if your outcomes would change only if you could change? Sometimes we feel that our lives are predetermined, and we have no control over our own destiny. Allow me to guide you through your journey of change and healing through evidence-based methods that will help you regain personal agency, so that you may live your life to your fullest potential. I am a licensed-clinical social worker with decades of experience helping people.
Do you ever feel stuck engaging in the same behavioral patterns and wonder if your outcomes would change only if you could change? Sometimes we feel that our lives are predetermined, and we have no control over our own destiny. Allow me to guide you through your journey of change and healing through evidence-based methods that will help you regain personal agency, so that you may live your life to your fullest potential. I am a licensed-clinical social worker with decades of experience helping people.
![Photo of Deborah McKnight, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c05bae6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Deborah McKnight
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Blue Bell, PA 19422 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Over the last 15+ years, I have helped adults, teens, children, couples and families cope with the issues and circumstances of life that trouble them. With kindness and respect, I work with clients to improve their coping skills and quality of life. I welcome the opportunity to work with you to meet your needs and goals.
Over the last 15+ years, I have helped adults, teens, children, couples and families cope with the issues and circumstances of life that trouble them. With kindness and respect, I work with clients to improve their coping skills and quality of life. I welcome the opportunity to work with you to meet your needs and goals.
![Photo of Katie Suchniak, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f6d2befc-a422-4038-919e-ad9b75d6a8e9/2/320x400.png)
Katie Suchniak
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Blue Bell, PA 19422
Not accepting new clients
Are you trying to find a better way to truly live and experience your life in the present moment? Are you going through a difficult time? Are you stuck living everyday in the past? Whatever the reason that is bringing you here today, welcome! You are here for a reason, and I want to help you change your life. I believe in a collaborative technique, and through our work together, we will create a road map for your life and journey to help make you happy, healthy, and whole.
Are you trying to find a better way to truly live and experience your life in the present moment? Are you going through a difficult time? Are you stuck living everyday in the past? Whatever the reason that is bringing you here today, welcome! You are here for a reason, and I want to help you change your life. I believe in a collaborative technique, and through our work together, we will create a road map for your life and journey to help make you happy, healthy, and whole.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Susan Bendersky Sacks, MSN, PMHCNS, BC, RN](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/049294b9-aeff-45d4-9248-48100ab70e73/3/320x400.png)
I am a published author & speaker with 42 years of experience in Clinical Hypnosis, Individual, Couples & Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with a BSN & MSN from University of Pennsylvania, and on their teaching faculty. I have advanced training in CISD, Certified in REBT & Clinical Hypnosis, working with weight loss, disordered eating, smoking cessation, anxiety, IBS, psychogenic pain, stress, self esteem, anger, depression, shame and guilt, and self-sabotaging emotions, intrusive thoughts. Clients average 1-3 sessions. I am down to earth, easy to talk to, organized, evidenced based & compassionate.
I am a published author & speaker with 42 years of experience in Clinical Hypnosis, Individual, Couples & Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with a BSN & MSN from University of Pennsylvania, and on their teaching faculty. I have advanced training in CISD, Certified in REBT & Clinical Hypnosis, working with weight loss, disordered eating, smoking cessation, anxiety, IBS, psychogenic pain, stress, self esteem, anger, depression, shame and guilt, and self-sabotaging emotions, intrusive thoughts. Clients average 1-3 sessions. I am down to earth, easy to talk to, organized, evidenced based & compassionate.
![Photo of Kate Deatrich, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b54c75c-301d-443a-9470-1ed256e940f8/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am an experienced psychologist who helps adolescents and adults overcome a variety of mental health and life challenges. I specialize in adolescent and adult survivors of abuse and trauma. This includes childhood abuse, sexual abuse/assault, complex PTSD, and medical trauma. Another specialty of mine is chronic pain and illness, including syndromes that are difficult to diagnose and treat. I also particularly enjoy working with folks in the LGBTQ+ community. Lastly, I provide psychological assessment for ADHD in adults, as well as IQ and personality/diagnostic testing.
I am an experienced psychologist who helps adolescents and adults overcome a variety of mental health and life challenges. I specialize in adolescent and adult survivors of abuse and trauma. This includes childhood abuse, sexual abuse/assault, complex PTSD, and medical trauma. Another specialty of mine is chronic pain and illness, including syndromes that are difficult to diagnose and treat. I also particularly enjoy working with folks in the LGBTQ+ community. Lastly, I provide psychological assessment for ADHD in adults, as well as IQ and personality/diagnostic testing.
![Photo of Nina Sidell - Nina Sidell, M.A. Expressive Arts Therapy, MA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/22195f8a-33ed-4c16-9cee-099dfca676a0/3/320x400.jpeg)
I accept most insurances. I will help you with your anxiety, help solve your problems and make decisions, feel less overwhelmed, and manage your emotional pain. I will help you organize your life, thoughts, and decisions. I have over 3o years of experience working successfully with children, women, and couples. You deserve a safe place to be heard, and to discover your feelings and needs as a healing formula for you and your relationships. Find clarity, support, empowerment, and peace now. I am also an experienced Keynote Speaker.
I accept most insurances. I will help you with your anxiety, help solve your problems and make decisions, feel less overwhelmed, and manage your emotional pain. I will help you organize your life, thoughts, and decisions. I have over 3o years of experience working successfully with children, women, and couples. You deserve a safe place to be heard, and to discover your feelings and needs as a healing formula for you and your relationships. Find clarity, support, empowerment, and peace now. I am also an experienced Keynote Speaker.
![Photo of Eve DeSimone - Everly Counseling, MS, MEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7ffdb8de-e897-45d5-ade2-9ea79bfb9d56/2/320x400.png)
Everly Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ambler, PA 19002
Welcome! At Everly Counseling we provide therapy to teens, (14+), adults and families. Using compassionate and supportive care we partner with you to navigate life’s challenges. Our ultimate goal is to help you overcome difficulties, improve your mental well-being and discover your path to wellness.
Welcome! At Everly Counseling we provide therapy to teens, (14+), adults and families. Using compassionate and supportive care we partner with you to navigate life’s challenges. Our ultimate goal is to help you overcome difficulties, improve your mental well-being and discover your path to wellness.
![Photo of Amy B. Young - CBT Center for Anxiety & OCD, PsyD](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/509e96c6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
The CBT Center for Anxiety and OCD believes in providing the community with the most cutting-edge, expert Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for anxiety, OCD, OC Spectrum Disorders and related conditions. We successfully treat clients with generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, social anxiety, phobias and panic. The Center also treats all OC Spectrum conditions including Body Dysmorphic Disorder, hoarding, caretakers of people who hoard, Trichotillomania (hair pulling), Excoriation (skin picking) and tics. We treat ALL forms of OCD including many of the lesser known types: relationship, existential, just right, pedophile, harm/violence, sexual orientation, hit & run, magical thinking, postpartum, moral scrupulosity/religious, symmetry/equalizing, health anxiety/hypochondriasis, olfactory reference syndrome (fear of body odor), muscle dysmorphia (obsessive focus on muscles), emotional contamination, PANS/PANDAS, orthorexia (obsession with healthy eating), sensorimotor/hyperawareness and hyper-responsibility. The Center also specializes in working with people who have anxiety co-occurring with introversion, giftedness, people-pleasing and perfectionism as well as Sensory Processing Disorder, Developmental Coordination Disorder, Dyslexia and medical conditions. We frequently treat individuals with comorbid depression, ADHD and Bipolar Disorder. Specializing in anxiety, OCD and related conditions allows us to stay on top of the latest scientific research and utilize the most effective strategies for you.
The CBT Center for Anxiety and OCD believes in providing the community with the most cutting-edge, expert Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for anxiety, OCD, OC Spectrum Disorders and related conditions. We successfully treat clients with generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, social anxiety, phobias and panic. The Center also treats all OC Spectrum conditions including Body Dysmorphic Disorder, hoarding, caretakers of people who hoard, Trichotillomania (hair pulling), Excoriation (skin picking) and tics. We treat ALL forms of OCD including many of the lesser known types: relationship, existential, just right, pedophile, harm/violence, sexual orientation, hit & run, magical thinking, postpartum, moral scrupulosity/religious, symmetry/equalizing, health anxiety/hypochondriasis, olfactory reference syndrome (fear of body odor), muscle dysmorphia (obsessive focus on muscles), emotional contamination, PANS/PANDAS, orthorexia (obsession with healthy eating), sensorimotor/hyperawareness and hyper-responsibility. The Center also specializes in working with people who have anxiety co-occurring with introversion, giftedness, people-pleasing and perfectionism as well as Sensory Processing Disorder, Developmental Coordination Disorder, Dyslexia and medical conditions. We frequently treat individuals with comorbid depression, ADHD and Bipolar Disorder. Specializing in anxiety, OCD and related conditions allows us to stay on top of the latest scientific research and utilize the most effective strategies for you.
![Photo of Robert J Moore, MDiv, PsyD, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3efee10a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Robert J Moore
Licensed Professional Counselor, MDiv, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
Having extensive experience, I use empirically supported therapies, and have treated a wide range of ages as well as the most serious disorders. It is my belief that salient therapy treats a client in 3 different directions: top-down (spiritual dimension), inside out (healing of memories), and outside-in (Cognitive-Behavioral and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy). After a thorough assessment, I would identify with my client, determine problems on which to work, set appropriate goals, and determine the correct therapeutic intervention(s) to be used. Meeting those goals would be a therapeutic benchmark throughout the therapy.
Having extensive experience, I use empirically supported therapies, and have treated a wide range of ages as well as the most serious disorders. It is my belief that salient therapy treats a client in 3 different directions: top-down (spiritual dimension), inside out (healing of memories), and outside-in (Cognitive-Behavioral and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy). After a thorough assessment, I would identify with my client, determine problems on which to work, set appropriate goals, and determine the correct therapeutic intervention(s) to be used. Meeting those goals would be a therapeutic benchmark throughout the therapy.
See more therapy options for Blue Bell
Nearby Chronic Pain Therapists Searches for Blue Bell
- Ambler
- Conshohocken
- Dresher
- Flourtown
- Glenside
- Horsham
- King Of Prussia
- Lafayette Hill
- Lansdale
- Norristown
- North Wales
- Plymouth Meeting
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.