Chronic Pain Therapists in Lower Merion, PA
![Photo of Aviva Gaskill - Aviva Gaskill, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d6f8c234-2637-4852-bfe8-abf35c1c0ce9/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have extensive experience helping individuals & caregivers cope with chronic medical problems including cancer, pain, autoimmune, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, insomnia, gastrointestinal issues, Parkinsons & multiple sclerosis along with medically-induced trauma.
Do you find it hard to sleep at night because thoughts race through your head? Have you been feeling down, not like the old you? Perhaps you are finding it tough to deal with your boss, co-workers or your loved ones. Whatever difficulties and distress you may be facing, you have just taken the first steps towards improving your life. By working together, you & I can develop a collaborative relationship full of warmth & lacking in judgment. We will develop an environment of safety & trust to foster your growth & experience of more fulfilling connections.
I have extensive experience helping individuals & caregivers cope with chronic medical problems including cancer, pain, autoimmune, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, insomnia, gastrointestinal issues, Parkinsons & multiple sclerosis along with medically-induced trauma.
Do you find it hard to sleep at night because thoughts race through your head? Have you been feeling down, not like the old you? Perhaps you are finding it tough to deal with your boss, co-workers or your loved ones. Whatever difficulties and distress you may be facing, you have just taken the first steps towards improving your life. By working together, you & I can develop a collaborative relationship full of warmth & lacking in judgment. We will develop an environment of safety & trust to foster your growth & experience of more fulfilling connections.
![Photo of Sarah Lobb, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/124d4b03-66e5-4bf0-95c2-7d4c71fa8612/1/320x400.jpeg)
What brings you to seek therapy is personal, important, and deserving of attention. I offer a non-judgmental and safe space to learn, grow, and share. I support adults as they confront transformation and change, such as relationship issues, grief and loss, and adjustment to illness. I have extensive experience helping people cultivate and maintain recovery from using substances.
What brings you to seek therapy is personal, important, and deserving of attention. I offer a non-judgmental and safe space to learn, grow, and share. I support adults as they confront transformation and change, such as relationship issues, grief and loss, and adjustment to illness. I have extensive experience helping people cultivate and maintain recovery from using substances.
With over 30 years experience, I am a child & adult psyciatrist practicing primarily psychotherapy, addressing a full range of issues from emotional strains, anxiety, depression and trauma, to developmental issues including gender development, autistic spectrum and psychosis. I am former Chair of the Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Training Program at the Psychoanalytic Center of Philadelphia. Since the time of COVID and with the myriad of changes in our world, lives become unsettled at home, work, in our families and our personal relationships. I work with children, adults, couples, families, parents and infants.
With over 30 years experience, I am a child & adult psyciatrist practicing primarily psychotherapy, addressing a full range of issues from emotional strains, anxiety, depression and trauma, to developmental issues including gender development, autistic spectrum and psychosis. I am former Chair of the Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Training Program at the Psychoanalytic Center of Philadelphia. Since the time of COVID and with the myriad of changes in our world, lives become unsettled at home, work, in our families and our personal relationships. I work with children, adults, couples, families, parents and infants.
![Photo of Dr. Sophia Brandstetter - Virtual Psychedelic Integration Group: The Ko-Op, LCSW, PsyD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a89fb1c5-09ab-40db-8db2-b2c15662f304/1/320x400.jpeg)
Virtual Psychedelic Integration Group: The Ko-Op
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lower Merion, PA 19083 (Online Only)
Integration is a process in which a person revisits and actively engages in making sense of, working through, translating, and processing the content of their psychedelic experience. Through intentional and supportive practices, this process allows one to gradually capture and incorporate the emergent lessons and insights into their lives, thus moving toward greater balance and wholeness, both internally and externally.
Integration is a process in which a person revisits and actively engages in making sense of, working through, translating, and processing the content of their psychedelic experience. Through intentional and supportive practices, this process allows one to gradually capture and incorporate the emergent lessons and insights into their lives, thus moving toward greater balance and wholeness, both internally and externally.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Lauren M Fussner - Lauren M Fussner, PhD, MA, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2b0a1400-ca59-4c33-a454-b63498f78f83/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Fussner is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in working with children with a variety of health challenges and medical conditions such as toileting difficulties (e.g., constipation, frequent accidents), feeding concerns (e.g., selective eating, food allergies), and chronic/persistent pain (e.g., abdominal pain, migraines). Dr. Fussner utilizes a warm and supportive approach to intervention and works collaboratively with families to develop targeted treatment plans promoting improved coping and enhanced quality of life.
Dr. Fussner is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in working with children with a variety of health challenges and medical conditions such as toileting difficulties (e.g., constipation, frequent accidents), feeding concerns (e.g., selective eating, food allergies), and chronic/persistent pain (e.g., abdominal pain, migraines). Dr. Fussner utilizes a warm and supportive approach to intervention and works collaboratively with families to develop targeted treatment plans promoting improved coping and enhanced quality of life.
![Photo of Jane K Rosen, LCSW, MSW, BCD, MEd, RYT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3be7f8bc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jane K Rosen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, BCD, MEd, RYT
Verified Verified
Ardmore, PA 19003
I am also a pain management specialist and have worked with individuals experiencing chronic pain related to headaches, fibromyalgia, arthritis, IBS, lupus, and back pain.
My practice style is problem-solving and goal-oriented. I utilize a psychodynamic/cognitive behavioral treatment methodology and incorporate a systems approach when dealing with individual and family psychopathology. I design and develop treatment plans tailored to individual needs while establishing short and long-term goals. With all of my clients, I provide a warm, sensitive, and supportive environment so that we can work together in a problem-solving way and find solutions to interpersonal difficulties. My style tends to be positive, interactive, direct, and empowering.
I am also a pain management specialist and have worked with individuals experiencing chronic pain related to headaches, fibromyalgia, arthritis, IBS, lupus, and back pain.
My practice style is problem-solving and goal-oriented. I utilize a psychodynamic/cognitive behavioral treatment methodology and incorporate a systems approach when dealing with individual and family psychopathology. I design and develop treatment plans tailored to individual needs while establishing short and long-term goals. With all of my clients, I provide a warm, sensitive, and supportive environment so that we can work together in a problem-solving way and find solutions to interpersonal difficulties. My style tends to be positive, interactive, direct, and empowering.
![Photo of Nancy Roth, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c261fb4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Many of my clients are interested in improving their health through weight management, smoking cessation, pain management or other behavior changes.
I believe that everyone has strengths--and that everyone encounters challenges. During difficult times, I can help you find new ways of understanding what's happening, additional resources for support and enhanced coping skills that build on your existing strengths. I work primarily with adults, individually, in couples or as families.
Many of my clients are interested in improving their health through weight management, smoking cessation, pain management or other behavior changes.
I believe that everyone has strengths--and that everyone encounters challenges. During difficult times, I can help you find new ways of understanding what's happening, additional resources for support and enhanced coping skills that build on your existing strengths. I work primarily with adults, individually, in couples or as families.
![Photo of Kristi Annette West, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9ab85e49-8f48-4463-b2a1-9c965921ae87/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kristi Annette West
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Lansdowne, PA 19050 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I have over 18 years experience supporting people in crisis, traumatic loss and grief, chronic illness, complex caregiver issues, Veteran care, single parenting, domestic abuse, caregiver burnout and end of life.
Do you ever find yourself overwhelmed by multiple worries and anxious thoughts? Perhaps you even think, “If only I can have one day of happiness and peace?”It may be that the demands of caregiving are causing you to neglect your own health and well being.” The good news is that you do not have to struggle in isolation. I would love to partner with you and together build skills to weather life’s storms.
I have over 18 years experience supporting people in crisis, traumatic loss and grief, chronic illness, complex caregiver issues, Veteran care, single parenting, domestic abuse, caregiver burnout and end of life.
Do you ever find yourself overwhelmed by multiple worries and anxious thoughts? Perhaps you even think, “If only I can have one day of happiness and peace?”It may be that the demands of caregiving are causing you to neglect your own health and well being.” The good news is that you do not have to struggle in isolation. I would love to partner with you and together build skills to weather life’s storms.
![Photo of Catherine Mcnally, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/58570f55-ee2a-45fa-935d-43a85ddea617/1/320x400.jpeg)
Cathy McNally is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who received her MSW as well as an MPH from the University of California at Berkeley. She treats adults (preferably age 22 and up) and has well over three decades of experience as a clinician in a variety of different settings. She specializes in treating adults with anxiety, depression, chronic and acute illness, infertility, pregnancy loss, grief and loss issues and challenges related to geriatrics and aging.
Cathy McNally is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who received her MSW as well as an MPH from the University of California at Berkeley. She treats adults (preferably age 22 and up) and has well over three decades of experience as a clinician in a variety of different settings. She specializes in treating adults with anxiety, depression, chronic and acute illness, infertility, pregnancy loss, grief and loss issues and challenges related to geriatrics and aging.
![Photo of Tia Pinkson-Burke, MSS, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1f36c382-e387-46fa-a946-20070cb44656/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tia Pinkson-Burke
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSS, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
My specialties include: sexuality/gender identity development, LGBTQIA+, emerging adulthood, young adults, trauma, survivors of sexual violence, kink/BDSM, non-traditional relationship and family structures, family of origin concerns, chronic health and pain concerns, sex work(ers), radical fat liberation, and positive body esteem development.
I utilize an eclectic, psychoanalytic, and relational approach while employing a strong racial justice, feminist, and queer theory lens. I practice from a fat-lib, sex-positive, and intersectional feminist perspective. I believe that one's past informs how they interact with and experience the world. Healing takes place as one fosters empathy and consideration for their past and present selves. The therapeutic relationship allows for gaining deeper perspective and understanding of oneself. I strive to build genuine and earnest rapport with my clients by being deeply nonjudgmental and always practicing with respect.
My specialties include: sexuality/gender identity development, LGBTQIA+, emerging adulthood, young adults, trauma, survivors of sexual violence, kink/BDSM, non-traditional relationship and family structures, family of origin concerns, chronic health and pain concerns, sex work(ers), radical fat liberation, and positive body esteem development.
I utilize an eclectic, psychoanalytic, and relational approach while employing a strong racial justice, feminist, and queer theory lens. I practice from a fat-lib, sex-positive, and intersectional feminist perspective. I believe that one's past informs how they interact with and experience the world. Healing takes place as one fosters empathy and consideration for their past and present selves. The therapeutic relationship allows for gaining deeper perspective and understanding of oneself. I strive to build genuine and earnest rapport with my clients by being deeply nonjudgmental and always practicing with respect.
![Photo of Hilary Sweedler Chentow, LCSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/63289dbd-3ace-456e-ad7d-0f1f8bcb5005/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hilary Sweedler Chentow
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Havertown, PA 19083 (Online Only)
Hilary Chentow is a therapist licensed in WA, PA and DE. Hilary works with clients from a wide range of backgrounds, situations, and mental health goals. She is passionate about supporting LGBTQ folks, especially those who would like to explore their gender. Many clients work with Hilary to find a sense of meaning as they go through major life transitions, which could include marriage, divorce, becoming a parent, switching careers, or moving to a new place. She also supports clients who struggle with chronic illness, the negative impacts of trauma, or coping with infertility, abortion and miscarriage.
Hilary Chentow is a therapist licensed in WA, PA and DE. Hilary works with clients from a wide range of backgrounds, situations, and mental health goals. She is passionate about supporting LGBTQ folks, especially those who would like to explore their gender. Many clients work with Hilary to find a sense of meaning as they go through major life transitions, which could include marriage, divorce, becoming a parent, switching careers, or moving to a new place. She also supports clients who struggle with chronic illness, the negative impacts of trauma, or coping with infertility, abortion and miscarriage.
![Photo of Angela York Crane, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/71f3abeb-3d34-42bd-a559-c4d83e616610/3/320x400.png)
I work with those who feel disconnected from their original self, to reconnect and experience full-body, heartfelt, vibrancy in their life. I work from the perspective that our psyche is purposeful and always working to heal us. Often, our inner voice, innate wisdom, and desire to move toward greater connection with ourselves and others gets lost in the pain and struggle of life. Instead of being a strength, we lose contact with our deepest, truest self. I seek to co-create a therapeutic space where clients can explore their lives, deepen their self-awareness, create a sense of inner spaciousness, and reconnect with forgotten parts
I work with those who feel disconnected from their original self, to reconnect and experience full-body, heartfelt, vibrancy in their life. I work from the perspective that our psyche is purposeful and always working to heal us. Often, our inner voice, innate wisdom, and desire to move toward greater connection with ourselves and others gets lost in the pain and struggle of life. Instead of being a strength, we lose contact with our deepest, truest self. I seek to co-create a therapeutic space where clients can explore their lives, deepen their self-awareness, create a sense of inner spaciousness, and reconnect with forgotten parts
![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 Brian M. Berman, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f5d513a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Chronic pain, loss and insomnia can also severely impact quality of life.
Are you emotionally or physically hurting? Do racing thoughts or intrusive thoughts prevent you from being present in your life? I have 22 years of experience helping clients improve their anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationships, addiction (chemical, gambling, video game addiction) and more. As a licensed clinical psychologist, I use a skills-based approach to help you manage your racing thoughts, regulate difficult emotions, and overcome your trauma.
Chronic pain, loss and insomnia can also severely impact quality of life.
Are you emotionally or physically hurting? Do racing thoughts or intrusive thoughts prevent you from being present in your life? I have 22 years of experience helping clients improve their anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationships, addiction (chemical, gambling, video game addiction) and more. As a licensed clinical psychologist, I use a skills-based approach to help you manage your racing thoughts, regulate difficult emotions, and overcome your trauma.
![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 Megan M. Moore, PsyD, ABPP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7649d53f-11fc-4473-82f5-ea2b5d7bd28d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Megan M. Moore
Psychologist, PsyD, ABPP
Verified Verified
Upper Darby, PA 19082
Waitlist for new clients
I believe that the key to change in psychotherapy is creating a safe environment in which you can explore the issues that brought you into therapy, and developing new ways of coping with them. This is facilitated by my focus on building a strong and mutually trusting therapeutic relationship. I utilize an insight-oriented approach when underlying factors are contributing to emotional pain, but I also use cognitive behavioral strategies, mindfulness/relaxation, and problem solving to help people find the right solutions for them.
I believe that the key to change in psychotherapy is creating a safe environment in which you can explore the issues that brought you into therapy, and developing new ways of coping with them. This is facilitated by my focus on building a strong and mutually trusting therapeutic relationship. I utilize an insight-oriented approach when underlying factors are contributing to emotional pain, but I also use cognitive behavioral strategies, mindfulness/relaxation, and problem solving to help people find the right solutions for them.
![Photo of Renee Freilich, MSN, CNS, RN](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d8b04ab-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am inspired by my clients' achievements in overcoming their pain from anxiety, depression, grief and loss, relationship conflicts, trauma and loneliness. The process of being truly heard and believed in has enabled my clients to feel empowered to make changes in their lives. By focusing on family patterns, personal history, and cognitive and behavioral interventions, clients develop the tools to find happiness within themselves and with their family, friends and colleagues.
I am inspired by my clients' achievements in overcoming their pain from anxiety, depression, grief and loss, relationship conflicts, trauma and loneliness. The process of being truly heard and believed in has enabled my clients to feel empowered to make changes in their lives. By focusing on family patterns, personal history, and cognitive and behavioral interventions, clients develop the tools to find happiness within themselves and with their family, friends and colleagues.
![Photo of Steve Bisgaier, PsyD, BCB, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/864a50e4-466a-4f0d-bdf4-52e89081b7f6/2/320x400.jpeg)
I work from a validating and empowering approach that acknowledges that being a human is difficult and that many of our symptoms and struggles are the product of normal, innate attempts to deal with stress, discomfort, and pain.
I help people who are struggling with the full range of psychological issues (including anxiety in all of its forms, depression, OCD, chronic health issues, substance use, and adjustment issues) find an easier, more satisfying, and more fulfilling path. I believe that good therapy should feel like progress from day one, and will help you identify the strategies needed to make that progress. This approach to therapy generates long-term improvements for people suffering from the broad spectrum of painful human emotions and challenges.
I work from a validating and empowering approach that acknowledges that being a human is difficult and that many of our symptoms and struggles are the product of normal, innate attempts to deal with stress, discomfort, and pain.
I help people who are struggling with the full range of psychological issues (including anxiety in all of its forms, depression, OCD, chronic health issues, substance use, and adjustment issues) find an easier, more satisfying, and more fulfilling path. I believe that good therapy should feel like progress from day one, and will help you identify the strategies needed to make that progress. This approach to therapy generates long-term improvements for people suffering from the broad spectrum of painful human emotions and challenges.
![Photo of Linda Molmen, MS, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/451c5a02-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
My clinical focus also includes grief therapy, managing chronic pain, coping with fertility issues, and life transitions such as divorce and caring for aging parents.
As a psychologist with over 30 years of clinical experience, I offer compassion, acceptance and support. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety or stress, or if life pressures are leading to feelings of being overwhelmed and frustrated, together we will work toward a healthy and positive outcome. I utilize diverse therapeutic approaches including CBT, with an emphasis on support and empathy.
My clinical focus also includes grief therapy, managing chronic pain, coping with fertility issues, and life transitions such as divorce and caring for aging parents.
As a psychologist with over 30 years of clinical experience, I offer compassion, acceptance and support. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety or stress, or if life pressures are leading to feelings of being overwhelmed and frustrated, together we will work toward a healthy and positive outcome. I utilize diverse therapeutic approaches including CBT, with an emphasis on support and empathy.
![Photo of Stephanie Newberg, MEd, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c4f1ccc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Stephanie Newberg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MEd, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Ardmore, PA 19003
I work with loss issues surrounding divorce, infertility, and chronic illness.
I am dedicated to providing each individual, couple, and family with quality, individualized care. I strive to help my clients feel heard, and to learn new coping strategies and relationship skills so that they can lead more meaningful, healthy, and intimate lives. I work with clients who are dedicated to their own personal growth and self-awareness and who want to work on decreasing stress, depression, anxiety, and family conflict in their lives. I value helping my clients to have quality relationships in which they can feel accepted and understood.
I work with loss issues surrounding divorce, infertility, and chronic illness.
I am dedicated to providing each individual, couple, and family with quality, individualized care. I strive to help my clients feel heard, and to learn new coping strategies and relationship skills so that they can lead more meaningful, healthy, and intimate lives. I work with clients who are dedicated to their own personal growth and self-awareness and who want to work on decreasing stress, depression, anxiety, and family conflict in their lives. I value helping my clients to have quality relationships in which they can feel accepted and understood.
See more therapy options for Lower Merion
Nearby Chronic Pain Therapists Searches for Lower Merion
- Ardmore
- Broomall
- Bryn Mawr
- Haverford
- Havertown
- Lansdowne
- Merion Station
- Narberth
- Rosemont
- Springfield
- Upper Darby
- Wynnewood
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.