Chronic Pain Therapists in Alameda, CA
I specialize in supportive counseling with those facing serious illness (chronic, life threatening or new diagnoses), coping with the challenges of caregiving and grief/loss, as well as dealing with other life transitions. I am also pleased to provide consultations regarding elder care and planning for increasing needs. I frequently facilitate caregiver support groups and groups to support hospice staff members as they provide care to those who are terminally ill. In addition, I offer workshops employing expressive arts to address issues of grief and life transitions (Example: Day of the Dead Altar-making in Honor of Lost Loved ones).
I specialize in supportive counseling with those facing serious illness (chronic, life threatening or new diagnoses), coping with the challenges of caregiving and grief/loss, as well as dealing with other life transitions. I am also pleased to provide consultations regarding elder care and planning for increasing needs. I frequently facilitate caregiver support groups and groups to support hospice staff members as they provide care to those who are terminally ill. In addition, I offer workshops employing expressive arts to address issues of grief and life transitions (Example: Day of the Dead Altar-making in Honor of Lost Loved ones).
With a background in health/medical psychology and biofeedback, I focus on mind-body health and chronic pain/illness management.
Therapy with me is a place of active change. I help people manage stress and reduce overwhelm, strengthen relationships, build resilience, and move from "stuckness" into growth. My patients come to me to shift thinking styles, improve communication, and increase productivity. I use evidence-based practices (such as CBT and mindfulness) to enhance self-awareness, build skills, and achieve targeted goals. We also explore core beliefs and behavior patterns to deepen self-understanding. With couples, my work is informed by Emotionally Focused Therapy and Gottman research. My office is located in a beautiful, peaceful marina setting.
With a background in health/medical psychology and biofeedback, I focus on mind-body health and chronic pain/illness management.
Therapy with me is a place of active change. I help people manage stress and reduce overwhelm, strengthen relationships, build resilience, and move from "stuckness" into growth. My patients come to me to shift thinking styles, improve communication, and increase productivity. I use evidence-based practices (such as CBT and mindfulness) to enhance self-awareness, build skills, and achieve targeted goals. We also explore core beliefs and behavior patterns to deepen self-understanding. With couples, my work is informed by Emotionally Focused Therapy and Gottman research. My office is located in a beautiful, peaceful marina setting.
People come to therapy with unique needs, concerns, and life circumstances. Through the process of self-inquiry, I help clients gain insight and develop effective coping skills to move through a challenge with greater ease and understanding. My therapeutic style is warm, compassionate and curious about one's experience. I use an attachment based, person-centered approach that offers individuals and couples clarity around repetitive patterns that cause pain, conflict, and limit growth.
People come to therapy with unique needs, concerns, and life circumstances. Through the process of self-inquiry, I help clients gain insight and develop effective coping skills to move through a challenge with greater ease and understanding. My therapeutic style is warm, compassionate and curious about one's experience. I use an attachment based, person-centered approach that offers individuals and couples clarity around repetitive patterns that cause pain, conflict, and limit growth.
Vanessa Garcia
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Alameda, CA 94501 (Online Only)
Challenges in life come to bring us lessons, wisdom, strength and growth. When you decide to face them, you courageously make a commitment to prioritize yourself amongst all the demands of every day life. Every step taken on your path to self discovery is empowering and worth it as it brings clarity to your authenticity. As we work together on your healing journey, we will recognize and respect all aspects of your mind, body, and spirit as we transform any difficult emotions into an inspirational force. It is a process I will guide you through to help you see the purpose in the pain and power in your story.
Challenges in life come to bring us lessons, wisdom, strength and growth. When you decide to face them, you courageously make a commitment to prioritize yourself amongst all the demands of every day life. Every step taken on your path to self discovery is empowering and worth it as it brings clarity to your authenticity. As we work together on your healing journey, we will recognize and respect all aspects of your mind, body, and spirit as we transform any difficult emotions into an inspirational force. It is a process I will guide you through to help you see the purpose in the pain and power in your story.
Melissa K Bowman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Alameda, CA 94501 (Online Only)
I love what I do! I have the pleasure of working with clients from five to 105-years-old! Having the opportunity to work with an expansive age range has taught me that at any age: we want to be loved and we want to love, we want to belong, we want to have purpose, we want to experience joy, and we don't want pain. My goal as a therapist, is to help my clients find ways to reduce, restructure, and remove obstacles that cause pain; while building on our individual resources to promote health, happiness and well-being.
I love what I do! I have the pleasure of working with clients from five to 105-years-old! Having the opportunity to work with an expansive age range has taught me that at any age: we want to be loved and we want to love, we want to belong, we want to have purpose, we want to experience joy, and we don't want pain. My goal as a therapist, is to help my clients find ways to reduce, restructure, and remove obstacles that cause pain; while building on our individual resources to promote health, happiness and well-being.
I am a non-judgmental, active therapist, specializing in substance use/addictions, anxiety, anger, depression, trauma, chronic pain and illness, ADHD, relationships, and work stress. Prior to private practice, I was the Clinical Director at a San Francisco non-profit serving veterans. I enjoy working with adults, older adults, older teens (16+) and couples. Whether you want to get support around new changes in your life that are causing you pain and worry, or work through problems that have been with you for years, my goal is to help you feel relief, feel empowered, and work through the things that are out of your control.
I am a non-judgmental, active therapist, specializing in substance use/addictions, anxiety, anger, depression, trauma, chronic pain and illness, ADHD, relationships, and work stress. Prior to private practice, I was the Clinical Director at a San Francisco non-profit serving veterans. I enjoy working with adults, older adults, older teens (16+) and couples. Whether you want to get support around new changes in your life that are causing you pain and worry, or work through problems that have been with you for years, my goal is to help you feel relief, feel empowered, and work through the things that are out of your control.
Katrina Sesline
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Alameda, CA 94501 (Online Only)
I specialize in treating adults living with a disabling health condition, caregivers who are supporting someone with a health condition, and those grieving the loss of a loved one. Living with a serious illness or grief can bring out difficult feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, depression and fear. I use an integrative approach with elements of narrative therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness. Together, let's create a safe space to help you cope while attending to your heart, mind, and body.
I specialize in treating adults living with a disabling health condition, caregivers who are supporting someone with a health condition, and those grieving the loss of a loved one. Living with a serious illness or grief can bring out difficult feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, depression and fear. I use an integrative approach with elements of narrative therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness. Together, let's create a safe space to help you cope while attending to your heart, mind, and body.
I see people with relationship problems, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, aging, self harm, low self esteem, etc.
I emphasize warmth, compassion and collaboration. I give feedback and listen to yours.
Together we look at what you do outside and what we do together. We use conversation, intuition, meditation and silence to discover what drives you, what nourishes you, what blocks you, and what helps you make changes that allow you to develop a fuller, more spontaneous life.
I see people with relationship problems, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, aging, self harm, low self esteem, etc.
I emphasize warmth, compassion and collaboration. I give feedback and listen to yours.
Together we look at what you do outside and what we do together. We use conversation, intuition, meditation and silence to discover what drives you, what nourishes you, what blocks you, and what helps you make changes that allow you to develop a fuller, more spontaneous life.
Healing and growth, which can be uncomfortable and painful, sometimes take time and support. These are shifts that we do not have to experience alone. Through authenticity, warmth and collaboration, I work with clients to cultivate understanding of their thoughts, feelings and behaviors and we work together to decrease stress and achieve defined goals. Whether it is anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues or health concerns, I integrate evidence-based practices to allow for the transformation of pain into growth.
Healing and growth, which can be uncomfortable and painful, sometimes take time and support. These are shifts that we do not have to experience alone. Through authenticity, warmth and collaboration, I work with clients to cultivate understanding of their thoughts, feelings and behaviors and we work together to decrease stress and achieve defined goals. Whether it is anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues or health concerns, I integrate evidence-based practices to allow for the transformation of pain into growth.
I enjoy working with adults who are interested in becoming more conscious. We all have reactions to things but there are some reactions or triggers that cause emotional pain. These triggers are usually a leftover piece of unprocessed pain. Unless they are understood and healed, they'll keep coming up. I enjoy working with clients who are motivated and curious about this process. The result is more peace of mind and a more fulfilling relationship with oneself and others.
I enjoy working with adults who are interested in becoming more conscious. We all have reactions to things but there are some reactions or triggers that cause emotional pain. These triggers are usually a leftover piece of unprocessed pain. Unless they are understood and healed, they'll keep coming up. I enjoy working with clients who are motivated and curious about this process. The result is more peace of mind and a more fulfilling relationship with oneself and others.
Madison Genovese
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, APCC
Verified Verified
Alameda, CA 94501
I specialize in my work with teens, young adults, parent coaching, as well as those experiencing chronic pain and infertility (PCOS, Endometriosis, IUI, & IVF).
Is your teen struggling but you’re not sure how to help? Are you having a hard time connecting with them? Or maybe you're an adult who had a particularly difficult childhood you'd like to work through? Our childhood can be filled with ups and downs, and we need someone we can trust to unpack it with. My approach is modern, honest, and empathetic. Together we'll challenge negative thinking patterns and build confidence, while also supporting you with the tools you need to feel more connected - to your teen, your parents, or yourself. I strive to build a welcoming environment that is worth your time and investment.
I specialize in my work with teens, young adults, parent coaching, as well as those experiencing chronic pain and infertility (PCOS, Endometriosis, IUI, & IVF).
Is your teen struggling but you’re not sure how to help? Are you having a hard time connecting with them? Or maybe you're an adult who had a particularly difficult childhood you'd like to work through? Our childhood can be filled with ups and downs, and we need someone we can trust to unpack it with. My approach is modern, honest, and empathetic. Together we'll challenge negative thinking patterns and build confidence, while also supporting you with the tools you need to feel more connected - to your teen, your parents, or yourself. I strive to build a welcoming environment that is worth your time and investment.
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I have worked with clients dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, domestic violence, women's issues, chronic illness & pain, substance use, relationship conflict, burnout, life transitions, caregiver stress, and more.
Hello and welcome, my name is Alejandra and I am a bilingual (Spanish) LCSW who specializes in mental health. I practice from a psychodynamic perspective, which means I pay attention to feelings and beliefs that emerge from one's lived experience. I work with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, work issues, and family issues and can include faith as a part of the healing process. I have experience providing mental health services to clients of all ages in a variety of settings such as schools, hospitals, behavioral health clinics, and non-profit faith-based organizations.
I have worked with clients dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, domestic violence, women's issues, chronic illness & pain, substance use, relationship conflict, burnout, life transitions, caregiver stress, and more.
Hello and welcome, my name is Alejandra and I am a bilingual (Spanish) LCSW who specializes in mental health. I practice from a psychodynamic perspective, which means I pay attention to feelings and beliefs that emerge from one's lived experience. I work with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, work issues, and family issues and can include faith as a part of the healing process. I have experience providing mental health services to clients of all ages in a variety of settings such as schools, hospitals, behavioral health clinics, and non-profit faith-based organizations.
I have a strong interest in supporting women of all ages, addressing trauma, helping manage chronic illness, aiding marginalized communities, and providing perinatal support.
I help clients navigate difficult life experiences by providing a safe and supportive space to understand their challenges and transitions. My approach is client-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive. I integrate different modalities such as psychodynamic therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy to meet each individual's immediate needs. Together, we’ll explore your past experiences to understand and address your current challenges, while using evidence-based techniques to improve your symptoms and overall well-being.
I have a strong interest in supporting women of all ages, addressing trauma, helping manage chronic illness, aiding marginalized communities, and providing perinatal support.
I help clients navigate difficult life experiences by providing a safe and supportive space to understand their challenges and transitions. My approach is client-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive. I integrate different modalities such as psychodynamic therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy to meet each individual's immediate needs. Together, we’ll explore your past experiences to understand and address your current challenges, while using evidence-based techniques to improve your symptoms and overall well-being.
“The best things in life are on the other side of fear.” You or your teen struggle with anxiety, OCD, or trauma. You spend hours worrying and feeling anxious. You feel tense and you're in a ton of pain. You’ve tried all kinds of ways to get rid of the problem - relaxation, meditation, etc. - and nothing has worked. You’re confused, frustrated, and nearly hopeless. You don’t understand why this is happening, how to make it go away, or even what to do next.
“The best things in life are on the other side of fear.” You or your teen struggle with anxiety, OCD, or trauma. You spend hours worrying and feeling anxious. You feel tense and you're in a ton of pain. You’ve tried all kinds of ways to get rid of the problem - relaxation, meditation, etc. - and nothing has worked. You’re confused, frustrated, and nearly hopeless. You don’t understand why this is happening, how to make it go away, or even what to do next.
Angela Riewe
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Alameda, CA 94501
I am a somatic trauma-informed psychotherapist. We'll look at how you get stuck, explore your sensitivities and needs, and create a safe space for healing. Using mindfulness and a kind, warm tone of voice, I invite you to bring a gentle nonjudgmental curiosity to where you're feeling stuck, frustrated, sad, or any other feelings creating some distress.
I am a somatic trauma-informed psychotherapist. We'll look at how you get stuck, explore your sensitivities and needs, and create a safe space for healing. Using mindfulness and a kind, warm tone of voice, I invite you to bring a gentle nonjudgmental curiosity to where you're feeling stuck, frustrated, sad, or any other feelings creating some distress.
I consider therapy a collaborative effort, guided by your needs. Through meaningful conversations I address your goals, your beliefs & their origins, and look at what's not working for you anymore. Therapy gives you the space you need to look at what is true to you by exploring your boundaries and willingness to go to uncomfortable places. I've been working in a private practice since 2008, first as an intern and now as a licensed clinician. I am attentive, warm, and compassionate. I take my work seriously & believe a little humor can aid in the healing process.
I consider therapy a collaborative effort, guided by your needs. Through meaningful conversations I address your goals, your beliefs & their origins, and look at what's not working for you anymore. Therapy gives you the space you need to look at what is true to you by exploring your boundaries and willingness to go to uncomfortable places. I've been working in a private practice since 2008, first as an intern and now as a licensed clinician. I am attentive, warm, and compassionate. I take my work seriously & believe a little humor can aid in the healing process.
Every individual has a unique life story that leads them to seek help. Each stage of life provides challenges that are opportunities for growth. I work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief and loss, and a variety of stress related medical conditions. I also have a special interest in working with men struggling with intimacy in their relationships and maintaining work-life balance. In over 20 years of experience as a therapist, I have learned that listening with empathy and developing trust with my clients are the most essential elements for healing and emotional growth.
Every individual has a unique life story that leads them to seek help. Each stage of life provides challenges that are opportunities for growth. I work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief and loss, and a variety of stress related medical conditions. I also have a special interest in working with men struggling with intimacy in their relationships and maintaining work-life balance. In over 20 years of experience as a therapist, I have learned that listening with empathy and developing trust with my clients are the most essential elements for healing and emotional growth.
learning differences
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, MA, BA
Verified Verified
Alameda, CA 94501
I can make a difference in your child's success in special education, IEPs, learning differences, navigating for parents whose children may need extra help in school, or having a negative effect on a young child who has lost their self-esteem and has a failure mentality and turns it into a child believing and feeling like they can succeed and has pride with knowing they can achieve success. Academic help is every child's right through a federal law that is already in place. Many parents do not know how to access these programs. These techniques or resources are tailored specifically for your child.
I can make a difference in your child's success in special education, IEPs, learning differences, navigating for parents whose children may need extra help in school, or having a negative effect on a young child who has lost their self-esteem and has a failure mentality and turns it into a child believing and feeling like they can succeed and has pride with knowing they can achieve success. Academic help is every child's right through a federal law that is already in place. Many parents do not know how to access these programs. These techniques or resources are tailored specifically for your child.
Virtual sessions ONLY. Taking this first step of looking for a therapist might feel difficult and overwhelming, yet it is crucial in order to begin to feel better. Fostering your healing will come from our ability to work together and our capacity for real dialogue on how effective our work is. I will strive to both support and challenge you as we strengthen your capacity for mindfulness, insight and greater joy in your life. We will collaborate to discover ways in which you are already resilient against challenges while encouraging you to tap into your capacity for growth and change.
Virtual sessions ONLY. Taking this first step of looking for a therapist might feel difficult and overwhelming, yet it is crucial in order to begin to feel better. Fostering your healing will come from our ability to work together and our capacity for real dialogue on how effective our work is. I will strive to both support and challenge you as we strengthen your capacity for mindfulness, insight and greater joy in your life. We will collaborate to discover ways in which you are already resilient against challenges while encouraging you to tap into your capacity for growth and change.
My main goal in the therapeutic relationship is to provide a safe, non-judgmental, trusting environment where individuals can explore their feelings in their search for a more fulfilling life. I provide therapy personalized to your unique situation and needs, treating each person’s problems within the context of each circumstance. I will work towards developing a relationship with you where you can feel safe to express your thoughts and feelings and what is holding you back from living life more fully. I am not just a passive listener, I will give you feedback in a direct and honest way.
My main goal in the therapeutic relationship is to provide a safe, non-judgmental, trusting environment where individuals can explore their feelings in their search for a more fulfilling life. I provide therapy personalized to your unique situation and needs, treating each person’s problems within the context of each circumstance. I will work towards developing a relationship with you where you can feel safe to express your thoughts and feelings and what is holding you back from living life more fully. I am not just a passive listener, I will give you feedback in a direct and honest way.
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Nearby Chronic Pain Therapists Searches for Alameda
- Albany
- Berkeley
- Castro Valley
- Emeryville
- Hayward
- Moraga
- Oakland
- Orinda
- Piedmont
- San Francisco
- San Leandro
- South San Francisco
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.