Therapy as a Form of Pain Management

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that helps people identify and develop skills to change negative thoughts and behaviors. CBT says that individuals—not outside situations and events—create their own experiences, pain included. And by changing their negative thoughts and behaviors, people can change their awareness of pain and develop better coping skills, even if the actual level of pain stays the same.

Cognitive behavioral therapy helps provide pain relief in a few ways. First, it changes the way people view their pain. CBT can change the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors related to pain, improve coping strategies, and putting the discomfort in a better context.

CBT can also change the physical response in the brain that makes pain worse. Pain causes stress, and stress affects pain control chemicals in the brain, such as norepinephrine and serotonin. CBT reduces the arousal that impacts these chemicals. This, in effect, can make the body’s natural pain relief response more powerful.

Partner with a therapist who truly understands…

Our specialists are not only trained in these therapeutic techniques, but use them daily to manage their own chronic illness. Trust me – WE GET IT! We’re here to help you overcome these additional symptoms and take back control of your life!