Chronic pain can be a source of depression, anxiety, frustration, fatigue, poor work performance and concentration, and relationship difficulties. Psychological services such as psychotherapy can help people to better understand how the pain impacts their thoughts, feelings, and relationships and to develop effective coping strategies.
Manhattan Pain Medicine’s pain psychologist, Jennifer Wolkin, PhD, works with patients to to reframe longstanding maladaptive patterns of thinking in order to improve coping and functionality. Dr. Wolkin also introduces a mindfulness-based therapeutic approach which promotes psychological flexibility through teaching mindfulness practice, identifying and reconnecting with personal values, and developing acceptance of unwanted experiences which are not in one’s control.