Chronic Pain Therapists in Culver City, CA

Photo of Anna Ayeroff, MA, AMFT, APCC
Anna Ayeroff
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Culver City, CA 90230  (Online Only)
Together we can explore what is possible and what you can make possible, when pain isn’t running the show! My body holds its own stories of chronic pain which informs why and how I do this work, and my practice is built on my alignment with reproductive, disability, and racial justice movements, and rooted in my life as an artist.
It's not all in your head! In a culture that marginalizes and dismisses people’s pain, many of us are left needing to feel heard. I specialize in work with individuals and couples navigating chronic pelvic pain and vulvovaginal pain for this reason. Here, your stories will be listened to, your experiences validated, and your pain believed. Whether you’re navigating pain caused by a condition like endometriosis or vulvodynia, or you’re a couple navigating illness, infertility, or pain during sex, I’m here to offer you support. This pain is not just a physical experience, it’s emotional and relational.
Together we can explore what is possible and what you can make possible, when pain isn’t running the show! My body holds its own stories of chronic pain which informs why and how I do this work, and my practice is built on my alignment with reproductive, disability, and racial justice movements, and rooted in my life as an artist.
It's not all in your head! In a culture that marginalizes and dismisses people’s pain, many of us are left needing to feel heard. I specialize in work with individuals and couples navigating chronic pelvic pain and vulvovaginal pain for this reason. Here, your stories will be listened to, your experiences validated, and your pain believed. Whether you’re navigating pain caused by a condition like endometriosis or vulvodynia, or you’re a couple navigating illness, infertility, or pain during sex, I’m here to offer you support. This pain is not just a physical experience, it’s emotional and relational.
(323) 417-9837 View (323) 417-9837
Photo of Marcia Margolis, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Marcia Margolis
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Culver City, CA 90230
Are you dealing with life threatening illness? Would you like to recapture sexual intimacy in your relationship? Are you having relationship, grief or divorce struggles? Having experienced the grief and loss brought forward by my spouse's terminal illness, I have developed strong insights to help my clients: * Live with illness * Recapture sexual intimacy * Live a full life after divorce or widowhood * Sustain deeper intimate relationships, and * Gain autonomy
Are you dealing with life threatening illness? Would you like to recapture sexual intimacy in your relationship? Are you having relationship, grief or divorce struggles? Having experienced the grief and loss brought forward by my spouse's terminal illness, I have developed strong insights to help my clients: * Live with illness * Recapture sexual intimacy * Live a full life after divorce or widowhood * Sustain deeper intimate relationships, and * Gain autonomy
(310) 945-2910 View (310) 945-2910
Photo of Alexandra Rudd-Barnard, PsyD, MA, Psychologist
Alexandra Rudd-Barnard
Psychologist, PsyD, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Culver City, CA 90230
I believe everyone can obtain mental stability and peak performance even during life transitions and crisis situations. At One Neuro our clinicians provide therapy, tailored evaluations, mindfulness, and neurofeedback, treatment for children and adults who experience low achievement, attentional challenges, learning difficulties, and developmental disorders. We also work with individuals who have complex medical conditions (e.g., tics, concussion, migraines, epilepsy, chronic pain, sleep difficulty, cancer, TBI, genetic conditions) that may be impacting their adaptive functioning.
I believe everyone can obtain mental stability and peak performance even during life transitions and crisis situations. At One Neuro our clinicians provide therapy, tailored evaluations, mindfulness, and neurofeedback, treatment for children and adults who experience low achievement, attentional challenges, learning difficulties, and developmental disorders. We also work with individuals who have complex medical conditions (e.g., tics, concussion, migraines, epilepsy, chronic pain, sleep difficulty, cancer, TBI, genetic conditions) that may be impacting their adaptive functioning.
(424) 361-0415 x1 View (424) 361-0415 x1
Photo of Sarah Cheedle, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sarah Cheedle
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Culver City, CA 90232  (Online Only)
We all go through times that are stressful and overwhelming. Certain behaviors and aspects of our personalities can cause us trouble as well. Whether it be work problems, relationship issues, illness or just a vague feeling of unhappiness or irritability, seeing a therapist can help. As a clinical social worker, I have been trained to assess the complex picture of your life and determine where changes can be made. As partners in the process of therapy we can address emotional, mental, physical and practical areas of your life that can be modified or healed to bring about relief and fulfillment.
We all go through times that are stressful and overwhelming. Certain behaviors and aspects of our personalities can cause us trouble as well. Whether it be work problems, relationship issues, illness or just a vague feeling of unhappiness or irritability, seeing a therapist can help. As a clinical social worker, I have been trained to assess the complex picture of your life and determine where changes can be made. As partners in the process of therapy we can address emotional, mental, physical and practical areas of your life that can be modified or healed to bring about relief and fulfillment.
(424) 254-1694 View (424) 254-1694
Photo of Denise A Gallagher - Denise Gallagher Hypnotherapy, CHT, MPA, BSN, RN
Denise Gallagher Hypnotherapy
CHT, MPA, BSN, RN
Verified Verified
Culver City, CA 90230  (Online Only)
Whether it's social or exam anxiety, chronic illness, finances, or other challenges that are holding you back, I can help you create meaningful change.
If anxiety is keeping you from succeeding in your career or preventing you from finding fulfilling relationships, you may feel desperate to start seeing improvement. Perhaps you have a large project you need to tackle or are tired of feeling awkward and overwhelmed while dating or with coworkers, even though you know you have so much to offer. And while you would like to get to the root of this anxiety to manage it once and for all, you also need to make changes quickly. Hypnotherapy can do just that: provide short-term symptom relief and long-term change.
Whether it's social or exam anxiety, chronic illness, finances, or other challenges that are holding you back, I can help you create meaningful change.
If anxiety is keeping you from succeeding in your career or preventing you from finding fulfilling relationships, you may feel desperate to start seeing improvement. Perhaps you have a large project you need to tackle or are tired of feeling awkward and overwhelmed while dating or with coworkers, even though you know you have so much to offer. And while you would like to get to the root of this anxiety to manage it once and for all, you also need to make changes quickly. Hypnotherapy can do just that: provide short-term symptom relief and long-term change.
(310) 361-1297 View (310) 361-1297
Photo of Dr. Ada del Rivero, MD, Therapy
Dr. Ada del Rivero
MD, Therapy
Verified Verified
Culver City, CA 90232
When we battle consistent feelings of emotional pain all alone, a very heavy inescapable sense of hopelessness can take over. In this isolation with the world feeling so far outside of us, the idea of feeling better becomes impossible to grasp. I believe the human sense of hope is linked to our overall sense of health. With over 30 years of experience working as a medical doctor, I became overwhelmed with how many patients came to me in this state, and how closely linked emotional and physical pain really are. This is what led me to pursue a post-doctorate in psychoanalysis, so as to integrate the mind and body in my work.
When we battle consistent feelings of emotional pain all alone, a very heavy inescapable sense of hopelessness can take over. In this isolation with the world feeling so far outside of us, the idea of feeling better becomes impossible to grasp. I believe the human sense of hope is linked to our overall sense of health. With over 30 years of experience working as a medical doctor, I became overwhelmed with how many patients came to me in this state, and how closely linked emotional and physical pain really are. This is what led me to pursue a post-doctorate in psychoanalysis, so as to integrate the mind and body in my work.
(424) 358-3420 View (424) 358-3420
Photo of Us Today - Access Healing Counseling and Associates
Access Healing Counseling and Associates
Verified Verified
Culver City, CA 90230
) / Addictions/ ADHD / ADD/ Adolescents/ Adoption Issues/ Adult Children Of Alcoholics/ Adults/ Aging/ Senior issues/ Anger Management/ Anxiety Disorders Art/ Therapy Asperger / Bipolar Disorder/ Career Transition/ Childhood Abuse/ Children/ Christian Counseling/ Chronic Illness/ Chronic Pain/ Co-Dependency Issues/ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/ Couples/ Crisis Intervention/ Depression/ Domestic Violence/ Eating Disorders/ EMDR/ Family Therapy/ Farsi/ Gay / Lesbian Issues / Gender Identity /Grief / Loss Group Therapy /Homeopathic Medicine/ Hungarian/ Learning Differences/ Life Transitions Marital / Couples Therapy /Memory Loss/ Men's Issues/ Minority / Cultural Issues/Mood Disorders /OCD/Obsessive Compulsive Disorder /Panic Disorders/Parenting Issues Performance Anxiety/ Phobias/ Play Therapy /Polish /Post Traumatic Stress Disorder// PTSD Post-Partum Depression/ Premarital Counseling/ Psychiatry/ Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Relationship Difficulties/ Separation and Divorce /Spanish /Spiritual/Religious Issues/ Stress Management /Substance Abuse/ Terminal Illness/ Transitional Stress /Trauma /Veterans Women's Issues/ Workplace Stress / EAP.
We are a group practice Network offering video and in person app Our vision is to connect you to a network of some of the most talented, highly qualified and compassionate professionals in the mental health field, each with a broad range of skills and unique personal style. Our therapists and psychiatrists are uniquely equipped to work with individuals, children, adolescents, couples and families. They will help you access the keys to your emotional/psychological healing, wholeness and sense of well being. Once you are connected with a therapist, all communication with them will be handled via their individual voice-mail or email.
) / Addictions/ ADHD / ADD/ Adolescents/ Adoption Issues/ Adult Children Of Alcoholics/ Adults/ Aging/ Senior issues/ Anger Management/ Anxiety Disorders Art/ Therapy Asperger / Bipolar Disorder/ Career Transition/ Childhood Abuse/ Children/ Christian Counseling/ Chronic Illness/ Chronic Pain/ Co-Dependency Issues/ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/ Couples/ Crisis Intervention/ Depression/ Domestic Violence/ Eating Disorders/ EMDR/ Family Therapy/ Farsi/ Gay / Lesbian Issues / Gender Identity /Grief / Loss Group Therapy /Homeopathic Medicine/ Hungarian/ Learning Differences/ Life Transitions Marital / Couples Therapy /Memory Loss/ Men's Issues/ Minority / Cultural Issues/Mood Disorders /OCD/Obsessive Compulsive Disorder /Panic Disorders/Parenting Issues Performance Anxiety/ Phobias/ Play Therapy /Polish /Post Traumatic Stress Disorder// PTSD Post-Partum Depression/ Premarital Counseling/ Psychiatry/ Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Relationship Difficulties/ Separation and Divorce /Spanish /Spiritual/Religious Issues/ Stress Management /Substance Abuse/ Terminal Illness/ Transitional Stress /Trauma /Veterans Women's Issues/ Workplace Stress / EAP.
We are a group practice Network offering video and in person app Our vision is to connect you to a network of some of the most talented, highly qualified and compassionate professionals in the mental health field, each with a broad range of skills and unique personal style. Our therapists and psychiatrists are uniquely equipped to work with individuals, children, adolescents, couples and families. They will help you access the keys to your emotional/psychological healing, wholeness and sense of well being. Once you are connected with a therapist, all communication with them will be handled via their individual voice-mail or email.
(323) 894-9314 View (323) 894-9314
Photo of Kenya Taylor, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kenya Taylor
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Culver City, CA 90232
I'm Kenya Tayor, a licensed marriage and family therapist. I work with individuals, families, and couples on things like reducing anxiety, depression, pain management, life transitions, and more. I will use empathy and build rapport, while we develop a plan to help you reach your goals. We may use CBT, Solution Focused, and Motivational Interviewing during your therapy. My diverse background makes it possible to build on the results you desire. I invite you to begin this journey with me. I want to support you to be your best self and maximize solutions for success.
I'm Kenya Tayor, a licensed marriage and family therapist. I work with individuals, families, and couples on things like reducing anxiety, depression, pain management, life transitions, and more. I will use empathy and build rapport, while we develop a plan to help you reach your goals. We may use CBT, Solution Focused, and Motivational Interviewing during your therapy. My diverse background makes it possible to build on the results you desire. I invite you to begin this journey with me. I want to support you to be your best self and maximize solutions for success.
(562) 262-5840 View (562) 262-5840
Photo of Pina Murcia, MA, LMFT, RYT 200, Marriage & Family Therapist
Pina Murcia
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, RYT 200
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Culver City, CA 90230
Healing is the capacity to navigate pain with gentle awareness.
What I know more than anything else is that you are the expert of yourself and you have access to an unlimited source of wisdom within you. I am here to hold the lantern as you explore and (re)discover the resources that live within. Are you constantly overthinking, overanalyzing, anxious, or worried? Are you having a difficult time managing the many challenges that have come over the last few years? Do you find yourself falling back into the same patterns repeatedly, even after resolving to change? Do you want to change aspects of your life, but feel stuck and unsure how to get there? You are in the right place.
Healing is the capacity to navigate pain with gentle awareness.
What I know more than anything else is that you are the expert of yourself and you have access to an unlimited source of wisdom within you. I am here to hold the lantern as you explore and (re)discover the resources that live within. Are you constantly overthinking, overanalyzing, anxious, or worried? Are you having a difficult time managing the many challenges that have come over the last few years? Do you find yourself falling back into the same patterns repeatedly, even after resolving to change? Do you want to change aspects of your life, but feel stuck and unsure how to get there? You are in the right place.
(310) 361-6886 View (310) 361-6886
Photo of Anne D. Panofsky, PhD, Psychologist
Anne D. Panofsky
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Culver City, CA 90230
HOW I WORK: During the first consultation, I learn about my client's primary concerns. If he or she wants to learn practical tools to cope better, I use cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, such as relaxation and assertiveness training. If the client wants to work more deeply on issues that interfere with living a happier, more fulfilling life, I use psychodynamic psychotherapy. STRENGTHS AND INTERESTS: I often work with people who have health problems because anxiety and depression cause or exacerbate many physical disabilities. Relaxation techniques and hypnosis can help minimize pain and anxiety.
HOW I WORK: During the first consultation, I learn about my client's primary concerns. If he or she wants to learn practical tools to cope better, I use cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, such as relaxation and assertiveness training. If the client wants to work more deeply on issues that interfere with living a happier, more fulfilling life, I use psychodynamic psychotherapy. STRENGTHS AND INTERESTS: I often work with people who have health problems because anxiety and depression cause or exacerbate many physical disabilities. Relaxation techniques and hypnosis can help minimize pain and anxiety.
(310) 895-9858 View (310) 895-9858
Photo of Lisa Penny, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lisa Penny
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Culver City, CA 90230
I support families, couples, and individuals. Whatever the problem, challenge, trauma or pain, the power to change exists within you and your family. I believe that an effective therapist's job is to support a "shift," not to create it for you. Together, we can make progress toward your goals and desires. I am also trained and certified in hypnotherapy.
I support families, couples, and individuals. Whatever the problem, challenge, trauma or pain, the power to change exists within you and your family. I believe that an effective therapist's job is to support a "shift," not to create it for you. Together, we can make progress toward your goals and desires. I am also trained and certified in hypnotherapy.
(310) 990-9164 View (310) 990-9164
Photo of Marc Edward Borkheim, PhD, Psychologist
Marc Edward Borkheim
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Culver City, CA 90232
I specialize in applying hypnotic techniques to a wide range of problems including habit and attitude change, pain management, depression and anxiety.
I am commited to understanding the limits of the scientific method in understanding human experience, and assisting you in discovering what is most meaningful and important as a unique individual. I provide a space for you to encounter your experience and personal insight, and provide the expertise of many years of clinical practice, training, and research for guidance. I work collaboratively with my clients to identify the goals of treatment, and ensure every session is allowing meaningful insight and direction. I am a Neuropsychologist with a deep appreciation for spiritual practice and meditation.
I specialize in applying hypnotic techniques to a wide range of problems including habit and attitude change, pain management, depression and anxiety.
I am commited to understanding the limits of the scientific method in understanding human experience, and assisting you in discovering what is most meaningful and important as a unique individual. I provide a space for you to encounter your experience and personal insight, and provide the expertise of many years of clinical practice, training, and research for guidance. I work collaboratively with my clients to identify the goals of treatment, and ensure every session is allowing meaningful insight and direction. I am a Neuropsychologist with a deep appreciation for spiritual practice and meditation.
(617) 682-9048 View (617) 682-9048
Photo of Lori Karny - Lori Karny LCSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lori Karny LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Culver City, CA 90230  (Online Only)
I enjoy assisting adults of all ages to explore relationship concerns, to develop personal autonomy, self-worth - and to explore individual and professional creativity. If you are depressed, anxious, angry, struggling or worried - I want to help you. For over 25 years, I have supported individuals of all ages to articulate and understand psychological problems, to develop insight and individual strategies to thrive in life. I specialize in helping people who are are struggling with trauma, identity, suicidal ideation, emotional pain, social changes, family dynamics, relationship loss, complex grief, and emotional life transitions.
I enjoy assisting adults of all ages to explore relationship concerns, to develop personal autonomy, self-worth - and to explore individual and professional creativity. If you are depressed, anxious, angry, struggling or worried - I want to help you. For over 25 years, I have supported individuals of all ages to articulate and understand psychological problems, to develop insight and individual strategies to thrive in life. I specialize in helping people who are are struggling with trauma, identity, suicidal ideation, emotional pain, social changes, family dynamics, relationship loss, complex grief, and emotional life transitions.
(310) 341-0721 View (310) 341-0721
Photo of Rebecca Schnee, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rebecca Schnee
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Culver City, CA 90066  (Online Only)
Welcome! Many people turn to therapy to pursue personal growth, find relief from emotional pain, and develop effective strategies to cope and thrive in the face of life challenges. I’m here to provide guidance in supporting you towards your personal goals. Many clients I work with are seeking relief from depression and anxiety, struggling with family or intimate partner conflict, or facing stress and uncertainty from major life transitions. They may struggle with self-defeating patterns, loneliness, poor self-esteem, codependency, or trauma.
Welcome! Many people turn to therapy to pursue personal growth, find relief from emotional pain, and develop effective strategies to cope and thrive in the face of life challenges. I’m here to provide guidance in supporting you towards your personal goals. Many clients I work with are seeking relief from depression and anxiety, struggling with family or intimate partner conflict, or facing stress and uncertainty from major life transitions. They may struggle with self-defeating patterns, loneliness, poor self-esteem, codependency, or trauma.
(424) 577-4739 View (424) 577-4739
Photo of Jenna Tso, MSW, ASW
Jenna Tso
Associate Clinical Social Worker, MSW, ASW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Culver City, CA 90232
I am an LGBTQ+ therapist with lived experience of chronic illness.
I have specific experience working with individuals with severe food allergies, asthma, autoimmune disorders, and chronic pain. As a therapist with personal experience living with food allergies and chronic disease, I love working with individuals who are navigating these complex challenges. I also enjoy working with tweens, teens, and adults who are struggling with anxiety, perfectionism, low self-esteem, life transitions, depression, fear of abandonment, and past traumas. I work through an intersectional lens, considering each client’s overlapping facets of identity better to understand their role in their experience.
I am an LGBTQ+ therapist with lived experience of chronic illness.
I have specific experience working with individuals with severe food allergies, asthma, autoimmune disorders, and chronic pain. As a therapist with personal experience living with food allergies and chronic disease, I love working with individuals who are navigating these complex challenges. I also enjoy working with tweens, teens, and adults who are struggling with anxiety, perfectionism, low self-esteem, life transitions, depression, fear of abandonment, and past traumas. I work through an intersectional lens, considering each client’s overlapping facets of identity better to understand their role in their experience.
(424) 484-9868 View (424) 484-9868
Photo of Denise Maratos, PhD, EdM, Pre-Licensed Professional
Denise Maratos
Pre-Licensed Professional, PhD, EdM
Verified Verified
Culver City, CA 90230
Do you need support finding your life’s purpose? Do you feel overwhelmed? Do you find it difficult to feel pain and face your shadows? While considering the whole person- heart, soul, mind and body, I trust that you enter therapy having the insight you need to navigate your distress. I use the term "depth emergence" to explain my orientation and approach. It stems from depth psychology, which emphasizes gaining access to the unconscious and bringing it into consciousness. While increasing awareness we derive meaning, evolve, and transform.
Do you need support finding your life’s purpose? Do you feel overwhelmed? Do you find it difficult to feel pain and face your shadows? While considering the whole person- heart, soul, mind and body, I trust that you enter therapy having the insight you need to navigate your distress. I use the term "depth emergence" to explain my orientation and approach. It stems from depth psychology, which emphasizes gaining access to the unconscious and bringing it into consciousness. While increasing awareness we derive meaning, evolve, and transform.
(323) 347-3849 View (323) 347-3849
Photo of Alan Dean, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Alan Dean
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Culver City, CA 90066  (Online Only)
Whether it’s due to genetics, difficult events in our childhood, unforeseen life circumstances, or painful relationships sometimes we feel like we have been forced into ways of being that are painful. Sometimes those traumas show up as depression or anxiety, sometimes as dissociation or feelings we don't belong. I’m passionate about working with folks who recognize the pain of big and small traumas alike, and care about making the world a better place for us all to exist in. Sometimes that means understanding what happened to us better, sometimes that means changing our relationships with others and/or ourselves.
Whether it’s due to genetics, difficult events in our childhood, unforeseen life circumstances, or painful relationships sometimes we feel like we have been forced into ways of being that are painful. Sometimes those traumas show up as depression or anxiety, sometimes as dissociation or feelings we don't belong. I’m passionate about working with folks who recognize the pain of big and small traumas alike, and care about making the world a better place for us all to exist in. Sometimes that means understanding what happened to us better, sometimes that means changing our relationships with others and/or ourselves.
(341) 999-2379 View (341) 999-2379
Photo of Kimberly Gibson, LPCC, ATR, Counselor
Kimberly Gibson
Counselor, LPCC, ATR
Verified Verified
Culver City, CA 90230
My specialities include: anxiety, mood disorders, thought disorders, ADHD, maternal mental health, chronic pain & illnesses.
Currently have daytime availability- Are you tired and stressed out from just how hard this past year has been? Do you find yourself getting hooked by negative thoughts? Or caught in an unhelpful pattern? Through a kind, creative and collaborative process, we can work together to challenge negative thoughts, make space for all feelings and identify behaviors or patterns that are keeping you stuck. We can work together to make positive changes. I enjoy working with middle schoolers, teens and adults and have over 20 years of clinical experience. I would be happy to help you or your loved one meet their goals.
My specialities include: anxiety, mood disorders, thought disorders, ADHD, maternal mental health, chronic pain & illnesses.
Currently have daytime availability- Are you tired and stressed out from just how hard this past year has been? Do you find yourself getting hooked by negative thoughts? Or caught in an unhelpful pattern? Through a kind, creative and collaborative process, we can work together to challenge negative thoughts, make space for all feelings and identify behaviors or patterns that are keeping you stuck. We can work together to make positive changes. I enjoy working with middle schoolers, teens and adults and have over 20 years of clinical experience. I would be happy to help you or your loved one meet their goals.
(424) 296-4927 View (424) 296-4927
Photo of Woodruff Johnson, PsyD, Psychologist
Woodruff Johnson
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Culver City, CA 90232  (Online Only)
Continued growth and wellness are issues central to quality living and happiness. Furthermore, potential actualization and wellness, to a large degree, are functions of the individual's ability to effectively deal with stress and stressors. These are the areas of human development training that Dr. Johnson has been involved with for many years. He is fully committed to supporting you to not only facilitate your healing but to help you create happiness in your life.
Continued growth and wellness are issues central to quality living and happiness. Furthermore, potential actualization and wellness, to a large degree, are functions of the individual's ability to effectively deal with stress and stressors. These are the areas of human development training that Dr. Johnson has been involved with for many years. He is fully committed to supporting you to not only facilitate your healing but to help you create happiness in your life.
(310) 340-1478 View (310) 340-1478
Photo of Emily Rus - Emily Rus - Somatic & Relationship Therapy, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Emily Rus - Somatic & Relationship Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Culver City, CA 90230
I am a somatic-based, trauma-informed therapist in Los Angeles, CA. I love assisting individuals in discovering how they can live the life they truly want. I combine somatic and experiential practices aimed at fostering greater self-awareness, self-healing capacities, and healthy relating. I also emphasize practical skills and actionable tools customized to reinforce learning between sessions.
I am a somatic-based, trauma-informed therapist in Los Angeles, CA. I love assisting individuals in discovering how they can live the life they truly want. I combine somatic and experiential practices aimed at fostering greater self-awareness, self-healing capacities, and healthy relating. I also emphasize practical skills and actionable tools customized to reinforce learning between sessions.
(424) 286-5186 View (424) 286-5186
1

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.