Photo of Sam Hopper, PhD, Psychologist
Sam Hopper
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
My ideal client is aware that some primary positive feeling has changed. The positive feeling has suddenly, or over time, become negative and painful. Because of this change, he or she may have reluctantly given up on a long term goal, or may be in the midsts of a divorce where there was once loving contentment that has disappeared. Sometimes the pain is so severe that the Client considers ending his or her life. No matter what the circumstance, this Client is longing for relief from the pain. The Client needs a Therapist who can, incrementally over time, help to alleviate the pain and begin a more positive approach to living life.
My ideal client is aware that some primary positive feeling has changed. The positive feeling has suddenly, or over time, become negative and painful. Because of this change, he or she may have reluctantly given up on a long term goal, or may be in the midsts of a divorce where there was once loving contentment that has disappeared. Sometimes the pain is so severe that the Client considers ending his or her life. No matter what the circumstance, this Client is longing for relief from the pain. The Client needs a Therapist who can, incrementally over time, help to alleviate the pain and begin a more positive approach to living life.
(424) 252-3280 View (424) 252-3280
Photo of Tracy A. Pollack, PsyD, MSEd, Psychologist
Tracy A. Pollack
Psychologist, PsyD, MSEd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with many years of experience providing psychotherapy to adults, couples and families. I offer a warm, collaborative and confidential place where you will feel heard and understood while working together to identify issues of conflict and remove the obstacles that are getting in the way of your life. My specialties include eating disorders, body image issues, also NSSI. My practice also focuses on women's issues such as those related to beginning a family, fertility challenges and perinatal and postpartum anxiety and depression. I am EMDR trained and include as needed.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with many years of experience providing psychotherapy to adults, couples and families. I offer a warm, collaborative and confidential place where you will feel heard and understood while working together to identify issues of conflict and remove the obstacles that are getting in the way of your life. My specialties include eating disorders, body image issues, also NSSI. My practice also focuses on women's issues such as those related to beginning a family, fertility challenges and perinatal and postpartum anxiety and depression. I am EMDR trained and include as needed.
(424) 322-6709 View (424) 322-6709
Photo of David Ibrahim, LMFT, LAADC, EMDR , EYRT500, ISTDP, Marriage & Family Therapist
David Ibrahim
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LAADC, EMDR , EYRT500, ISTDP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Are past traumatic experiences, being an adult child of a dysfunctional home, incest survival experiences, addiction issues, phobia, panic, anxiety, C-PTSD or depression affecting your success? Are distractions impacting your optimal performance abilities at work, in your intimate relationships, or in relationships with family members or with yourself? Are you surviving instead of thriving? I provide accelerated Psychotherapy for individuals and couples who are challenged by performance loss and emotional unhappiness. Also offer Diagnosis evaluation for addiction, mood, personality, and adult Autism spectrum. HSP and Kink friendly.
Are past traumatic experiences, being an adult child of a dysfunctional home, incest survival experiences, addiction issues, phobia, panic, anxiety, C-PTSD or depression affecting your success? Are distractions impacting your optimal performance abilities at work, in your intimate relationships, or in relationships with family members or with yourself? Are you surviving instead of thriving? I provide accelerated Psychotherapy for individuals and couples who are challenged by performance loss and emotional unhappiness. Also offer Diagnosis evaluation for addiction, mood, personality, and adult Autism spectrum. HSP and Kink friendly.
(805) 420-7531 View (805) 420-7531
Photo of Bruce Robertson Brodie - The Saturday Center for Psychotherapy, PhD, PsyD, MA, Psychologist
The Saturday Center for Psychotherapy
Psychologist, PhD, PsyD, MA
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
"Being listened to." That is the experience of being at the Saturday Center: intensely, deeply, actively, empathically listened to; seen, heard and understood. For over 30 years we have provided this type of counseling and psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and families. TSC is committed to dynamic psychotherapy and to providing treatment based on need rather than economics. The Center is staffed by advanced psychological interns, psychological assistants and marriage & family therapist interns who are supervised by a group of experienced, licensed private practitioners dedicated to the practice and teaching of psychotherapy.
"Being listened to." That is the experience of being at the Saturday Center: intensely, deeply, actively, empathically listened to; seen, heard and understood. For over 30 years we have provided this type of counseling and psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and families. TSC is committed to dynamic psychotherapy and to providing treatment based on need rather than economics. The Center is staffed by advanced psychological interns, psychological assistants and marriage & family therapist interns who are supervised by a group of experienced, licensed private practitioners dedicated to the practice and teaching of psychotherapy.
(310) 879-5804 View (310) 879-5804
Photo of Sally Hackman, PhD, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sally Hackman
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
People are my passion! Is life for you or your child not going the way you'd like? In a supportive and confidential environment we can work together to identify the obstacles that are in the way of life being all that you want for yourself, your relationships, or your child. There are many approaches to psychotherapy, but research indicates that the patient-therapist relationship is a crucial factor. The beginning of therapy is creating that relationship and building trust. My focus is the present but I use the past that lives inside you to free you from its influence.
People are my passion! Is life for you or your child not going the way you'd like? In a supportive and confidential environment we can work together to identify the obstacles that are in the way of life being all that you want for yourself, your relationships, or your child. There are many approaches to psychotherapy, but research indicates that the patient-therapist relationship is a crucial factor. The beginning of therapy is creating that relationship and building trust. My focus is the present but I use the past that lives inside you to free you from its influence.
(310) 846-8118 View (310) 846-8118
Photo of Yvonne Thomas, PhD, Psychologist
Yvonne Thomas
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Are you unhappy? Working together with the RIGHT therapist is key to changing that. It's also important to find a psychologist who can work within both your emotional and financial comfort zones. I provide an interactive, warm environment where clients feel comfortable and are productive. Having three psychology degrees, many specialties, and twenty+ years as a clinical expert, I identify and replace clients' negative patterns, thoughts, and feelings with more accurate, positive ones, and work through their deeper, "root" issues for more lasting effects. Change IS possible. Call me now to book a free phone consultation.
Are you unhappy? Working together with the RIGHT therapist is key to changing that. It's also important to find a psychologist who can work within both your emotional and financial comfort zones. I provide an interactive, warm environment where clients feel comfortable and are productive. Having three psychology degrees, many specialties, and twenty+ years as a clinical expert, I identify and replace clients' negative patterns, thoughts, and feelings with more accurate, positive ones, and work through their deeper, "root" issues for more lasting effects. Change IS possible. Call me now to book a free phone consultation.
(424) 294-8860 View (424) 294-8860
Photo of Albert Bonfil - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Los Angeles, PsyD, PhD, Psychologist
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Los Angeles
Psychologist, PsyD, PhD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
CBT Los Angeles is a nationally-recognized practice specializing in evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy. All of our therapists are doctoral-level experts in CBT, many having taught and supervised at top graduate clinical psychology programs and clinical training programs around the country. Our expert therapists are deeply experienced in treating a variety of psychological problems. At CBT Los Angeles, we bridge innovation science with state-of-the-art treatment.
CBT Los Angeles is a nationally-recognized practice specializing in evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy. All of our therapists are doctoral-level experts in CBT, many having taught and supervised at top graduate clinical psychology programs and clinical training programs around the country. Our expert therapists are deeply experienced in treating a variety of psychological problems. At CBT Los Angeles, we bridge innovation science with state-of-the-art treatment.
(424) 317-8205 View (424) 317-8205
Photo of Ronit Farzam - Center for Healing & Personal Growth, PhD
Center for Healing & Personal Growth
PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
We understand how frustrating it is to search for the right therapist who matches the criteria you’re looking for. We understand that you may have called and emailed so many therapists hoping to find one who accepts your insurance, is skilled and experienced, and has immediate openings. We are a team of humanistic, skilled psychologists, MFTs, social workers and hypnotherapy practitioners who are dedicated to help you connect with the right therapist. We accept most insurances, advocate for all our clients to get reimbursements from their insurance and offer sliding scale to make sure finances are not an obstacle for you to receive the help you need and deserve. Our mission is to provide genuine, authentic care to all our clients. We believe everyone has the capacity to heal from trauma and meet their potential in life. We value your commitment to show up in therapy and collaborate with you actively to get you one step closer to your goals and potential in life in every session. We are passionate about our work and don’t consider it a job or a career. For us, helping you to reach your goals and find the clarity, peace, or happiness you’re looking for is our mission and calling.
We understand how frustrating it is to search for the right therapist who matches the criteria you’re looking for. We understand that you may have called and emailed so many therapists hoping to find one who accepts your insurance, is skilled and experienced, and has immediate openings. We are a team of humanistic, skilled psychologists, MFTs, social workers and hypnotherapy practitioners who are dedicated to help you connect with the right therapist. We accept most insurances, advocate for all our clients to get reimbursements from their insurance and offer sliding scale to make sure finances are not an obstacle for you to receive the help you need and deserve. Our mission is to provide genuine, authentic care to all our clients. We believe everyone has the capacity to heal from trauma and meet their potential in life. We value your commitment to show up in therapy and collaborate with you actively to get you one step closer to your goals and potential in life in every session. We are passionate about our work and don’t consider it a job or a career. For us, helping you to reach your goals and find the clarity, peace, or happiness you’re looking for is our mission and calling.
(310) 971-9156 View (310) 971-9156
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.