Chronic Pain Therapists in Dallas, TX

Photo of Molly Cook, LCSW-S, LCDC, RYT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Molly Cook
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S, LCDC, RYT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75243
Waitlist for new clients
You just want to feel happy, healthy, and confident. Instead you often feel overwhelmed, unsure, or disconnected. Fully connecting with our authentic self and others seems impossible. Sometimes our stress levels are too high or our traumatic life experiences get in the way of finding peace & fulfillment. I'm a firm believer that every person has the capacity for transformational healing. If you're ready to navigate the complexities of life including things like trauma, addiction, chronic pain, or dysfunctional family dynamics with a compassionate guide, you're in the right place.
You just want to feel happy, healthy, and confident. Instead you often feel overwhelmed, unsure, or disconnected. Fully connecting with our authentic self and others seems impossible. Sometimes our stress levels are too high or our traumatic life experiences get in the way of finding peace & fulfillment. I'm a firm believer that every person has the capacity for transformational healing. If you're ready to navigate the complexities of life including things like trauma, addiction, chronic pain, or dysfunctional family dynamics with a compassionate guide, you're in the right place.
(469) 382-4407 View (469) 382-4407
Photo of Claudia Espinosa - Behavioral Health Providers, PsyD, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Behavioral Health Providers
Licensed Professional Counselor, PsyD, LPC
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75243
I am available to help individuals address concerns such as anxiety, depression, career stress, chronic pain, and insomnia utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy .
My ideal client is willing to put forth effort to make changes, address their issues, and have a more fulfilled life. I like to help patients maintain their motivation to make specific changes in their life so that they can reach their full potential. I am a Licensed Counselor and Licensed Psychological Associate with Behavioral Health Providers. I have 18 years of experience. I graduated with a Master’s degree in Community Counseling from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, TX and a Doctorate degree (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University in Dallas, TX.
I am available to help individuals address concerns such as anxiety, depression, career stress, chronic pain, and insomnia utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy .
My ideal client is willing to put forth effort to make changes, address their issues, and have a more fulfilled life. I like to help patients maintain their motivation to make specific changes in their life so that they can reach their full potential. I am a Licensed Counselor and Licensed Psychological Associate with Behavioral Health Providers. I have 18 years of experience. I graduated with a Master’s degree in Community Counseling from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, TX and a Doctorate degree (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University in Dallas, TX.
(469) 300-5999 View (469) 300-5999
Photo of Jo Anne Sheehan Spears, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jo Anne Sheehan Spears
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75204
I also have expertise in EMDR, emotional recovery from sexual assault, incest, chronic illness, adoption issues and HIV+.
Life is too short to live in pain, fear or without joy. I love to help clients resolve issues, improve relationships and find the joy in their life. If you are ready to work to discover why you keep repeating the same problems or situations or you struggle with feeling down or anxious, then I am ready to help you find solutions.
I also have expertise in EMDR, emotional recovery from sexual assault, incest, chronic illness, adoption issues and HIV+.
Life is too short to live in pain, fear or without joy. I love to help clients resolve issues, improve relationships and find the joy in their life. If you are ready to work to discover why you keep repeating the same problems or situations or you struggle with feeling down or anxious, then I am ready to help you find solutions.
(214) 296-0101 View (214) 296-0101
Photo of Anna W Stowell - Anna W. Stowell, PhD, PLLC, PhD, Psychologist
Anna W. Stowell, PhD, PLLC
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75230
I also have a special interest in helping clients develop strategies for coping with chronic pain and medical illness, whether for themselves or for those caretaking for family members and friends with chronic pain.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, stuck or unsure of who you can talk to? These days, many people who have never struggled, or who have had ups and downs, are finding themselves to be in greater need of having a supportive sounding board. Primarily utilizing a cognitive behavioral approach, I focus on finding solutions for goals identified together in therapy, within a supportive, non-judgmental space. I work exclusively with individual adults, ages 18 and up.
I also have a special interest in helping clients develop strategies for coping with chronic pain and medical illness, whether for themselves or for those caretaking for family members and friends with chronic pain.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, stuck or unsure of who you can talk to? These days, many people who have never struggled, or who have had ups and downs, are finding themselves to be in greater need of having a supportive sounding board. Primarily utilizing a cognitive behavioral approach, I focus on finding solutions for goals identified together in therapy, within a supportive, non-judgmental space. I work exclusively with individual adults, ages 18 and up.
(214) 736-1910 View (214) 736-1910
Photo of Sara Black - Life Navigation Counseling, LPC-S, LCDC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Life Navigation Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, LCDC
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75248
You may be experiencing chronic pain or illness, or you might have become so disconnected from your body that you are not aware of physical sensations.
Trauma and stress have an emotional, psychological and physical impact. We see clients who are experiencing PTSD and other common co-occurring disorders including Functional Neurological Disorders (FND), Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES), chronic pain, illness, and addiction. All of these issues can be addressed using empirically proven techniques that address the whole person - body, mind and spirit. You and your therapist will work together to select from a number of specialties and treatment approaches.
You may be experiencing chronic pain or illness, or you might have become so disconnected from your body that you are not aware of physical sensations.
Trauma and stress have an emotional, psychological and physical impact. We see clients who are experiencing PTSD and other common co-occurring disorders including Functional Neurological Disorders (FND), Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES), chronic pain, illness, and addiction. All of these issues can be addressed using empirically proven techniques that address the whole person - body, mind and spirit. You and your therapist will work together to select from a number of specialties and treatment approaches.
(972) 236-7744 View (972) 236-7744
Photo of Janet L. Wisinger - Brain Integration Therapies - Janet L. Wisinger, LPC, LMHC, BCB, NCC, CCTP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Brain Integration Therapies - Janet L. Wisinger
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMHC, BCB, NCC, CCTP
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75246  (Online Only)
The full Behavioral Pain Management Program is now available in these states.
Immerse yourself in a program designed specifically for your needs. Behavioral Pain Management includes evidence-based techniques for physical and emotional pain, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and trauma. Developed over more than a decade of practice at leading hospitals across the country and in conjunction with teams of health care providers, you will experience the essential techniques needed to regain control of your pain. Learn to quiet the chaos - in your mind and body, in your life, and in your world. Integrate your brain - Eliminate the chaos.
The full Behavioral Pain Management Program is now available in these states.
Immerse yourself in a program designed specifically for your needs. Behavioral Pain Management includes evidence-based techniques for physical and emotional pain, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and trauma. Developed over more than a decade of practice at leading hospitals across the country and in conjunction with teams of health care providers, you will experience the essential techniques needed to regain control of your pain. Learn to quiet the chaos - in your mind and body, in your life, and in your world. Integrate your brain - Eliminate the chaos.
(214) 466-2521 View (214) 466-2521
Photo of Marian Zimmerman, PhD, Psychologist
Marian Zimmerman
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75240
I provide cognitive behavioral therapy, motivation enhancement, stress management, behavioral sleep medicine, chronic pain management, relaxation training, mindfulness practice, and psychological testing, as well as individual psychotherapy.
I take a whole body approach to health and illness with a focus on how the mind influences the body just as the body influences the mind. Anxiety, depression, and stress can impact health and exacerbate chronic pain, heart disease, insomnia, and other medical problems. However, addressing the emotional aspects of medical conditions can improve quality of life and physical health. Also, psychological principles can help enhance wellness and lead to lasting behavioral changes. As a health psychologist, I can help you emotionally cope with medical conditions, make healthy lifestyle choices, and learn skills to move forward with your life.
I provide cognitive behavioral therapy, motivation enhancement, stress management, behavioral sleep medicine, chronic pain management, relaxation training, mindfulness practice, and psychological testing, as well as individual psychotherapy.
I take a whole body approach to health and illness with a focus on how the mind influences the body just as the body influences the mind. Anxiety, depression, and stress can impact health and exacerbate chronic pain, heart disease, insomnia, and other medical problems. However, addressing the emotional aspects of medical conditions can improve quality of life and physical health. Also, psychological principles can help enhance wellness and lead to lasting behavioral changes. As a health psychologist, I can help you emotionally cope with medical conditions, make healthy lifestyle choices, and learn skills to move forward with your life.
(214) 935-3975 View (214) 935-3975
Photo of Nancy A. Didriksen, PhD, Psychologist
Nancy A. Didriksen
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75231
I have specialized in the evaluation and treatment of patients with chemical / environmental sensitivity and/or who have been exposed to neurotoxic substances for more than 30 years. I conduct neuropsychological evaluations for litigation and/or disability issues (private or Social Security disability). I also evaluate patients with ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, MS and chronic pain. The goal of therapy is to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression associated with chronic physical illness and improve coping ability.                                                                
I have specialized in the evaluation and treatment of patients with chemical / environmental sensitivity and/or who have been exposed to neurotoxic substances for more than 30 years. I conduct neuropsychological evaluations for litigation and/or disability issues (private or Social Security disability). I also evaluate patients with ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, MS and chronic pain. The goal of therapy is to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression associated with chronic physical illness and improve coping ability.                                                                
(972) 528-9081 View (972) 528-9081
Photo of Jennifer Wilson, PhD, Psychologist
Jennifer Wilson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75205  (Online Only)
I have a knack for helping people get "unstuck" after becoming immobilized or discouraged in therapy, perplexed about with decision-making, or in the tough situations life brings us. I have had good success with clients with residual symptoms from PTSD, and helping patients manage the intersection between chronic pain and PTSD. I have worked with clients and families adjusting to disabilities/chronic medical conditions, addressing mood symptoms, trauma symptoms, anger, grief, couples, family parenting, & divorce, for school age children through older adults. Clients actively engaging in therapy report progress within 2-3 sessions.
I have a knack for helping people get "unstuck" after becoming immobilized or discouraged in therapy, perplexed about with decision-making, or in the tough situations life brings us. I have had good success with clients with residual symptoms from PTSD, and helping patients manage the intersection between chronic pain and PTSD. I have worked with clients and families adjusting to disabilities/chronic medical conditions, addressing mood symptoms, trauma symptoms, anger, grief, couples, family parenting, & divorce, for school age children through older adults. Clients actively engaging in therapy report progress within 2-3 sessions.
(210) 796-3889 View (210) 796-3889
Photo of Cherie Spellman, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cherie Spellman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75201
Get unstuck, heal from trauma, and find relief from physical pain and tension. I provide individualized therapy to every unique person, helping you to find new ways to grow, change, and connect to yourself and others. I help clients with physical and emotional trauma, anxiety, depression, sport injury and sport performance, PTSD, stuck patterns of behavior, unwanted emotional reactions, and performance and creativity enhancement. Client's response to the body/brain approach is awe in noticing things they never have and making new connections that are felt in a way that they can actually take action on.
Get unstuck, heal from trauma, and find relief from physical pain and tension. I provide individualized therapy to every unique person, helping you to find new ways to grow, change, and connect to yourself and others. I help clients with physical and emotional trauma, anxiety, depression, sport injury and sport performance, PTSD, stuck patterns of behavior, unwanted emotional reactions, and performance and creativity enhancement. Client's response to the body/brain approach is awe in noticing things they never have and making new connections that are felt in a way that they can actually take action on.
(682) 228-3790 View (682) 228-3790
Photo of Allison Ray Benavides, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Allison Ray Benavides
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75225  (Online Only)
If you have a body & heart that hurts, I’m here to hold, help & hear your pain.
If you’re in chronic pain (physical or emotional), feel left out of life, or find yourself doubting your value or ability, I could be a good fit. My clients often find me due to the severity of their feelings. They hurt & are often depressed, anxious & isolating, with insomnia, grief or panic. They can struggle at work, home, socially & in their own headspace & heart. There can be layers of trauma. All of my clients come to me with hope, seeking a higher quality of life. I love my work because I get to watch this happen - the models I teach are effective & work. If you want out of pain's downward spiral, I can teach you how too.
If you have a body & heart that hurts, I’m here to hold, help & hear your pain.
If you’re in chronic pain (physical or emotional), feel left out of life, or find yourself doubting your value or ability, I could be a good fit. My clients often find me due to the severity of their feelings. They hurt & are often depressed, anxious & isolating, with insomnia, grief or panic. They can struggle at work, home, socially & in their own headspace & heart. There can be layers of trauma. All of my clients come to me with hope, seeking a higher quality of life. I love my work because I get to watch this happen - the models I teach are effective & work. If you want out of pain's downward spiral, I can teach you how too.
(210) 971-4414 View (210) 971-4414
Photo of Kelly Knight, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kelly Knight
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75214  (Online Only)
I also live with chronic pain and illness, and I personally understand the challenges and complexities of treatment.
Chronic pain and illness can impact all aspects of a person’s life. They can be physically and mentally debilitating and directly affect relationships, work, finances, confidence, and ability to complete even simple daily tasks. If you are having trouble managing symptoms of pain, illness, side effects from treatment, or feeling stressed, worried, or isolated, you are not alone. Millions of people are struggling with health issues, and those around them don’t always understand, don’t know how to help, or both. It can be overwhelming and difficult to handle on your own.
I also live with chronic pain and illness, and I personally understand the challenges and complexities of treatment.
Chronic pain and illness can impact all aspects of a person’s life. They can be physically and mentally debilitating and directly affect relationships, work, finances, confidence, and ability to complete even simple daily tasks. If you are having trouble managing symptoms of pain, illness, side effects from treatment, or feeling stressed, worried, or isolated, you are not alone. Millions of people are struggling with health issues, and those around them don’t always understand, don’t know how to help, or both. It can be overwhelming and difficult to handle on your own.
(469) 608-2346 View (469) 608-2346
Photo of Stacy J. Thomas, MA, LPC, SEP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Stacy J. Thomas
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, SEP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75214
What is SE? Somatic Experiencing® method is a body-oriented approach to the healing of trauma, chronic pain and other stress disorders.
My clients often come to counseling feeling broken and lost from grief and unresolved trauma, struggling with anxiety, fear and depression. Past experiences may have led them to believe they are only their brokenness, clouding any other awareness of who they are or what their life holds. I offer a safe, supportive environment to begin to explore those experiences and discover strength, healing, and resilience.
What is SE? Somatic Experiencing® method is a body-oriented approach to the healing of trauma, chronic pain and other stress disorders.
My clients often come to counseling feeling broken and lost from grief and unresolved trauma, struggling with anxiety, fear and depression. Past experiences may have led them to believe they are only their brokenness, clouding any other awareness of who they are or what their life holds. I offer a safe, supportive environment to begin to explore those experiences and discover strength, healing, and resilience.
(972) 435-7224 View (972) 435-7224
Photo of Sharla Austin, MS, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sharla Austin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75251
Relationships are complicated and often bring emotional pain, loneliness, anxiety, and discouragement. Committing to someone requires courage and strength. I work with couples, families, and individuals applying the principles of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) which is a research-based treatment for clients seeking emotional connection and fulfillment in relationships. EFT helps clients understand the interactional patterns that cause emotional disconnection. I would love to offer you these tools, deeper understanding, and helpful insight as you seek to repair your most important relationships.
Relationships are complicated and often bring emotional pain, loneliness, anxiety, and discouragement. Committing to someone requires courage and strength. I work with couples, families, and individuals applying the principles of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) which is a research-based treatment for clients seeking emotional connection and fulfillment in relationships. EFT helps clients understand the interactional patterns that cause emotional disconnection. I would love to offer you these tools, deeper understanding, and helpful insight as you seek to repair your most important relationships.
(469) 284-0618 View (469) 284-0618
Photo of Whitney Worzer, PhD, LPC, CRC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Whitney Worzer
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, CRC
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75231
I have specialized in mood disorders and chronic illness, adjustment to disability issues and provide career and vocational exploration and direction for many.
If you are having trouble dealing with relationship issues, or need a little help defining your direction in life, or balancing the seemingly overwhelming and endless daily stressors that lead to depression and anxiety, then I am the right person for you.
I have specialized in mood disorders and chronic illness, adjustment to disability issues and provide career and vocational exploration and direction for many.
If you are having trouble dealing with relationship issues, or need a little help defining your direction in life, or balancing the seemingly overwhelming and endless daily stressors that lead to depression and anxiety, then I am the right person for you.
(469) 489-3960 x3 View (469) 489-3960 x3
Photo of Phil Bohart, MS, CRC, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Phil Bohart
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, CRC, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75243
Accepts most health insurance plans, Medicare, and I am currently taking new clients. As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Nationally Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, I am specifically trained in using evidence based, empirically supported cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with clients who are facing challenges of medical disability, depression, anxiety, trauma, chronic pain, and sleep related disorders.
Accepts most health insurance plans, Medicare, and I am currently taking new clients. As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Nationally Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, I am specifically trained in using evidence based, empirically supported cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with clients who are facing challenges of medical disability, depression, anxiety, trauma, chronic pain, and sleep related disorders.
(214) 857-6022 View (214) 857-6022
Photo of Dave Lee Morris - Human Settings Institute, LLC, CMT, CCH, CH
Human Settings Institute, LLC
CMT, CCH, CH
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75243
Our clients almost always come to us because they feel "blocked" by something inside. Something prevents them from moving forward, and they don't know what it is. We show them in the first session exactly what the brand new fMRI research shows is stopping them from change and how we will overcome it with hypnosis. Stress, fears, sleep problems, chronic pain, sexual problems, depression, bad habits, addictions, all result from the fact that our subconscious mind is out of tune with our conscious desires. Hypnotism is uniquely qualified to address that very quickly, without months and months of talking with no results.
Our clients almost always come to us because they feel "blocked" by something inside. Something prevents them from moving forward, and they don't know what it is. We show them in the first session exactly what the brand new fMRI research shows is stopping them from change and how we will overcome it with hypnosis. Stress, fears, sleep problems, chronic pain, sexual problems, depression, bad habits, addictions, all result from the fact that our subconscious mind is out of tune with our conscious desires. Hypnotism is uniquely qualified to address that very quickly, without months and months of talking with no results.
(817) 241-2540 View (817) 241-2540
Photo of Chris Hinds, MRC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Chris Hinds
Licensed Professional Counselor, MRC, LPC
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75206
I have specialized experience with pain issues and brain injury.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and I received a master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from University Texas Southwestern Medical Center. I work with mental health struggles for adults of all ages including depression, anxiety, adjustment issues, trauma, and stress. Having received counseling services in the past myself, I know how difficult it can be to take the steps necessary to ask for help. I believe building a good relationship between therapist and client, along with concrete strategies, can help set people back on the road to recovery.
I have specialized experience with pain issues and brain injury.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and I received a master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from University Texas Southwestern Medical Center. I work with mental health struggles for adults of all ages including depression, anxiety, adjustment issues, trauma, and stress. Having received counseling services in the past myself, I know how difficult it can be to take the steps necessary to ask for help. I believe building a good relationship between therapist and client, along with concrete strategies, can help set people back on the road to recovery.
(214) 974-4643 View (214) 974-4643
Photo of Julie Euseppi - Euseppi Mind Body, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Euseppi Mind Body
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75206
Therapy can help us all navigate the river of life. I have had success working with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, coping with agitation, addictions, codependency, relationship and interpersonal issues, building self-esteem and self-worth, coping with crisis and grief issues. I enjoy helping clients navigate transitions in life such as, marriage, divorce, career or other curve balls often thrown at us. Many of my clients are working through a past history of abuse. I have a strong belief in the mind body connection, so I also find success working with individuals experiencing pain and fatigue.
Therapy can help us all navigate the river of life. I have had success working with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, coping with agitation, addictions, codependency, relationship and interpersonal issues, building self-esteem and self-worth, coping with crisis and grief issues. I enjoy helping clients navigate transitions in life such as, marriage, divorce, career or other curve balls often thrown at us. Many of my clients are working through a past history of abuse. I have a strong belief in the mind body connection, so I also find success working with individuals experiencing pain and fatigue.
(469) 208-4344 View (469) 208-4344
Photo of Yaffa Podbilewicz-Weinberg, PhD, Psychologist
Yaffa Podbilewicz-Weinberg
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75248  (Online Only)
As a Licensed Psychologist passionate about Health Psychology for more than 20 years, I work collaboratively with clients to improve their quality of life and overall health. We work by first understanding the nuances of the challenges you face in the context of your unique situation, priorities, and values. Your individual program is created to expand strategies to manage your condition, assuage emotions like fear, confusion, despair, anger, or sadness, while growing your tool kit for dealing with the many aspects of illness, strengthening effective coping skills, improving relationships and building resilience.
As a Licensed Psychologist passionate about Health Psychology for more than 20 years, I work collaboratively with clients to improve their quality of life and overall health. We work by first understanding the nuances of the challenges you face in the context of your unique situation, priorities, and values. Your individual program is created to expand strategies to manage your condition, assuage emotions like fear, confusion, despair, anger, or sadness, while growing your tool kit for dealing with the many aspects of illness, strengthening effective coping skills, improving relationships and building resilience.
(469) 551-5113 View (469) 551-5113
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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.