Your doctor has recommended that you speak to a therapist or consider cognitive
behavioral therapy (CBT). Unlike traditional talk therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
for chronic pain is practical and focuses on your present challenges and upon skill-
building. It is not considered a cure for your physical sensation of pain, but it is an
effective tool to retrain how the brain processes and responds to pain signals. It
examines how you conceptualize and react to pain and stressors cognitively and
behaviorally. You will explore the mind-body connection and learn to reduce triggers
and responses to pain.
 

Pain has real life consequences impacting upon every area of your life. CBT looks at
those patterns and seeks practical solutions promoting a better quality of life. It focuses
on helping you learn additional ways to adapt your thoughts, beliefs and behaviors to
better cope with situational stressors and pain, and to create a more positive and
constructive inner dialogue. It encourages behavioral changes to bring about better
results, for example learning to focus on ‘what you can do rather than on what you can
no longer do’ and changing ‘all or nothing' thinking. CBT provides an opportunity to
explore learning and accepting circumstances, and push the envelope when
emotions or fears get in the way, while also learning to embrace a new normal. It
encompasses learning specific stress reduction, pain management and emotional
relaxation techniques, self- hypnosis, regulated breathing, muscle relaxation and
changing the inner dialog. And finally, learning to set boundaries consistent with who
you are, and not to be impacted by others’ expectations, so that you achieve a
comfortable balance in your life.
 

We can help you determine if therapy is for you and provide direction if desired.