Chronic Pain Therapists in Kentfield, CA
I also assist individuals in life transitions, including adjustment to chronic pain syndromes and health challenges.
We all want to be happy, or at least free from emotional pain. If you're here, something in your life is causing emotional discomfort--and some part of you senses an invitation to explore your inner and relational worlds with understanding and compassion. I help adults and adolescents deal with obstacles to their preferred lives--unwanted symptoms, relationship challenges, difficulty adjusting to change and loss. My goal is to reinforce your strengths, while co-discovering with you new solutions to the issues blocking growth. I offer a creative and practical style, drawing on approaches specifically tailored to your needs.
I also assist individuals in life transitions, including adjustment to chronic pain syndromes and health challenges.
We all want to be happy, or at least free from emotional pain. If you're here, something in your life is causing emotional discomfort--and some part of you senses an invitation to explore your inner and relational worlds with understanding and compassion. I help adults and adolescents deal with obstacles to their preferred lives--unwanted symptoms, relationship challenges, difficulty adjusting to change and loss. My goal is to reinforce your strengths, while co-discovering with you new solutions to the issues blocking growth. I offer a creative and practical style, drawing on approaches specifically tailored to your needs.
Living with medical illness can bring stress and suffering on many levels, to the patient and caregivers. I work with my clients, consulting with their medical team as appropriate, to address this suffering in a holistic manner, keeping the client's priorities and definition of quality of life front and center.
Living with medical illness can bring stress and suffering on many levels, to the patient and caregivers. I work with my clients, consulting with their medical team as appropriate, to address this suffering in a holistic manner, keeping the client's priorities and definition of quality of life front and center.
So much of our pain has occurred or continues to occur in relationship to others.
Do you feel like you aren't good enough? Do you struggle with issues of self esteem or self worth? Do you want to explore mind-body connection & the way stress or emotional pain lives in our bodies? If these are themes for you or in your relationships, then perhaps we might work well together. I center my work around self compassion. Only from a place of self kindness can we feel grounded within ourselves to develop a compassionate relationship with others around us. I use mindfulness and somatic (body oriented) work in order to help us connect deeper with our self, our inner knowing and to be able to cultivate trust with ourselves.
So much of our pain has occurred or continues to occur in relationship to others.
Do you feel like you aren't good enough? Do you struggle with issues of self esteem or self worth? Do you want to explore mind-body connection & the way stress or emotional pain lives in our bodies? If these are themes for you or in your relationships, then perhaps we might work well together. I center my work around self compassion. Only from a place of self kindness can we feel grounded within ourselves to develop a compassionate relationship with others around us. I use mindfulness and somatic (body oriented) work in order to help us connect deeper with our self, our inner knowing and to be able to cultivate trust with ourselves.
I provide psychotherapy to people who would like to find healing, happiness and peace in the midst of life’s challenges. Critical elements of my approach are deep and persistent compassion, acceptance, collaboration and partnership. My goal is to help you develop strategies and coping skills, cultivate new attitudes and increase insight while all along holding space to honor your journey and inner strengths. This is done by exploring the functions behind emotions, thoughts, behaviors and beliefs, all of which are valid and important, but can be difficult to interpret in the chaos of everyday life.
I provide psychotherapy to people who would like to find healing, happiness and peace in the midst of life’s challenges. Critical elements of my approach are deep and persistent compassion, acceptance, collaboration and partnership. My goal is to help you develop strategies and coping skills, cultivate new attitudes and increase insight while all along holding space to honor your journey and inner strengths. This is done by exploring the functions behind emotions, thoughts, behaviors and beliefs, all of which are valid and important, but can be difficult to interpret in the chaos of everyday life.
Sometimes things are not quite working as we had hoped in our lives or relationships, or we feel stuck, confused or sad and we’re not sure what to do about it. Perhaps you’ve contemplated speaking to a therapist about your struggles or considered couples therapy with your partner but, naturally, feel hesitant. Reaching out to a psychologist is a big step that can have a positive impact on our current challenges, our relationships and on our lives as a whole. While we can do some part of untangling our conflicts on our own or with thoughtful friends, a deep healing process is one that often requires an experienced professional.
Sometimes things are not quite working as we had hoped in our lives or relationships, or we feel stuck, confused or sad and we’re not sure what to do about it. Perhaps you’ve contemplated speaking to a therapist about your struggles or considered couples therapy with your partner but, naturally, feel hesitant. Reaching out to a psychologist is a big step that can have a positive impact on our current challenges, our relationships and on our lives as a whole. While we can do some part of untangling our conflicts on our own or with thoughtful friends, a deep healing process is one that often requires an experienced professional.
I treat adults as well as adolescents and children, most frequently through individual therapy. I also work with couples. I work with people with a wide range of problems and especially enjoy working with people experiencing anxiety in relationships or at work . I also enjoy working with people who are unhappy and don't know why, and people who are repeating self-defeating patterns they feel unable to change. Meeting with a well-trained and experienced therapist can be a powerful and effective way of strengthening one's confidence and developing a personal sense of control over one's life.
I treat adults as well as adolescents and children, most frequently through individual therapy. I also work with couples. I work with people with a wide range of problems and especially enjoy working with people experiencing anxiety in relationships or at work . I also enjoy working with people who are unhappy and don't know why, and people who are repeating self-defeating patterns they feel unable to change. Meeting with a well-trained and experienced therapist can be a powerful and effective way of strengthening one's confidence and developing a personal sense of control over one's life.
Therapy can be a source of tremendous relief and gratification. Unhappiness and anxiety that feel unbearable can lessen and disappear when you have someone who can help you understand the reasons for your suffering. A good therapist can also help you more easily get your mind off upsetting thoughts that preoccupy you. Or if you find yourself acting in self-defeating ways, studying it with a therapist can be of enormous help. Ideally, you will leave an initial consultation with a new way of thinking about the problem that brought you in.
Therapy can be a source of tremendous relief and gratification. Unhappiness and anxiety that feel unbearable can lessen and disappear when you have someone who can help you understand the reasons for your suffering. A good therapist can also help you more easily get your mind off upsetting thoughts that preoccupy you. Or if you find yourself acting in self-defeating ways, studying it with a therapist can be of enormous help. Ideally, you will leave an initial consultation with a new way of thinking about the problem that brought you in.
I work with individuals, couples, and families, on facilitating communication, conflict resolution, and often healing old wounds from childhood that cause difficulties in present relationships. I also work with children and their families on parenting issues. I work with couples having infertility issues and adoption.
I work with individuals, couples, and families, on facilitating communication, conflict resolution, and often healing old wounds from childhood that cause difficulties in present relationships. I also work with children and their families on parenting issues. I work with couples having infertility issues and adoption.
J. Marc Wallis, LCSW, Psychotherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCD
Verified Verified
Kentfield, CA 94904
My approach is warm, collaborative and effective. With 30 years of clinical experience, I help adults, adolescents, couples and teams address a variety of concerns, including: emotional turmoil, unsatisyfing relationships, and ways you may unwittingly be doing things that get in your own way. The collaborative work of therapy helps people feel more alive, satisfied and engaged in work, relationships and their other pursuits.
My approach is warm, collaborative and effective. With 30 years of clinical experience, I help adults, adolescents, couples and teams address a variety of concerns, including: emotional turmoil, unsatisyfing relationships, and ways you may unwittingly be doing things that get in your own way. The collaborative work of therapy helps people feel more alive, satisfied and engaged in work, relationships and their other pursuits.
Michael W Vurek
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kentfield, CA 94914
Waitlist for new clients
Despite huge advances in modern technologies to extend life expectancy and increase physical comfort we have made only modest progress in relieving human psychological suffering that manifests as mood disorders and anxiety. It appears that many of our attempts to "fix" ourselves frequently backfire. My approach is highly collaborative and uses the most up to date discoveries in the field of behavioral science to help you "have a mind without your mind having you". Together we can help you gain flexibility that reduces suffering and learn skills that increase values-based living.
Despite huge advances in modern technologies to extend life expectancy and increase physical comfort we have made only modest progress in relieving human psychological suffering that manifests as mood disorders and anxiety. It appears that many of our attempts to "fix" ourselves frequently backfire. My approach is highly collaborative and uses the most up to date discoveries in the field of behavioral science to help you "have a mind without your mind having you". Together we can help you gain flexibility that reduces suffering and learn skills that increase values-based living.
I am a compassionate and caring therapist with 30 years of experience. My first priority in therapy is to lower your distress and give you hope for the future. Together, we uncover the triggers and negative patterns that lead to your unhappiness, and then build a personalized "tool kit" of coping skills, specifically designed around your life challenges. By doing so, you develop a stronger sense of self and compassion for your suffering. With this new understanding, you learn to honor and listen to your authentic self, which is the ultimate key to happiness.
I am a compassionate and caring therapist with 30 years of experience. My first priority in therapy is to lower your distress and give you hope for the future. Together, we uncover the triggers and negative patterns that lead to your unhappiness, and then build a personalized "tool kit" of coping skills, specifically designed around your life challenges. By doing so, you develop a stronger sense of self and compassion for your suffering. With this new understanding, you learn to honor and listen to your authentic self, which is the ultimate key to happiness.
Carolyn B Cooper
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, SEP, SAP, EMDR
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Kentfield, CA 94904
Somatic Experiencing (SE) takes healing to a deeper level. Combined with 'top-down' approaches, SE helps identify strengths and intentions beneath painful survival patterns. Shame, fear and anger transform into vital life energy. Surviving becomes thriving. As a private practice psychotherapist based in SF & Marin for several years, I was fortunate to work with people from a wide variety of backgrounds. During the pandemic, my practice shifted to primarily virtual.
Somatic Experiencing (SE) takes healing to a deeper level. Combined with 'top-down' approaches, SE helps identify strengths and intentions beneath painful survival patterns. Shame, fear and anger transform into vital life energy. Surviving becomes thriving. As a private practice psychotherapist based in SF & Marin for several years, I was fortunate to work with people from a wide variety of backgrounds. During the pandemic, my practice shifted to primarily virtual.
Sharon Laurenza LP/ Behavioral Design
Psychologist, EdD, MAEd, MAEd, Counsel, Admin
Verified Verified
Kentfield, CA 94914 (Online Only)
Hello! I am Dr. Sharon Laurenza, Licensed Psychologist. The name of my business is "BEHAVIORAL DESIGN-- Solution-Oriented Approaches To Change" as I believe you can develop the discipline needed to make the changes you desire to bring you closer to your personal and/or professional goals. I work as a psychologist who does psychotherapy, executive and personal coaching, counseling and consulting.
Counseling, Coaching and Psychotherapy all help you to become more in alignment, a better and more comfortable fit, with yourself (inside and out). This is done through your work on your identified concerns and desire for change.
Hello! I am Dr. Sharon Laurenza, Licensed Psychologist. The name of my business is "BEHAVIORAL DESIGN-- Solution-Oriented Approaches To Change" as I believe you can develop the discipline needed to make the changes you desire to bring you closer to your personal and/or professional goals. I work as a psychologist who does psychotherapy, executive and personal coaching, counseling and consulting.
Counseling, Coaching and Psychotherapy all help you to become more in alignment, a better and more comfortable fit, with yourself (inside and out). This is done through your work on your identified concerns and desire for change.
Ilene Ava Serlin
Psychologist, PhD, ADTR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kentfield, CA 94904
Not accepting new clients
Use words, imagery, movement to help people with illness and healing, surgery, life changes, loss, marriage and relationships, meaningful work, a life of meaning and purpose, spirituality.
I'm a very experienced psychotherapist with over 30 years experience in many settings. I'm warm and compassionate, but also practical. I work from a growth model that helps you access your own wisdom and make a commitment to change. My background in the arts and Jungian psychology attunes me to the dreams and imagery that can inform you about your life course, but I also help you bring these dreams into action. My experience with mind/body can help you prepare for and recover from surgery, develop resilience, stress reduction, confront mortality and life changes, find meaningful work, and appreciate relationships.
Use words, imagery, movement to help people with illness and healing, surgery, life changes, loss, marriage and relationships, meaningful work, a life of meaning and purpose, spirituality.
I'm a very experienced psychotherapist with over 30 years experience in many settings. I'm warm and compassionate, but also practical. I work from a growth model that helps you access your own wisdom and make a commitment to change. My background in the arts and Jungian psychology attunes me to the dreams and imagery that can inform you about your life course, but I also help you bring these dreams into action. My experience with mind/body can help you prepare for and recover from surgery, develop resilience, stress reduction, confront mortality and life changes, find meaningful work, and appreciate relationships.
Dr. Robyn Pearl
Psychologist, PsyD, QME
Verified Verified
Kentfield, CA 94904 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Overwhelmed and feeling isolated? Stressed and not sure how to get relief? People are resilient and innately driven to lead their best lives. Sometimes we forget mental health and physical health are deeply entwined and everyone needs support to attain wellness. Perhaps now more than ever.
Overwhelmed and feeling isolated? Stressed and not sure how to get relief? People are resilient and innately driven to lead their best lives. Sometimes we forget mental health and physical health are deeply entwined and everyone needs support to attain wellness. Perhaps now more than ever.
Golda Michelson, MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kentfield, CA 94904 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Are you finding that your relationships are not working so well? It can be your relationship to yourself (just not feeling good about your self), your relationship to work (such as difficulties with co-workers or a boss), or your relationships with your family and/ or partner or friends. I believe that we are always striving to move towards personal growth and health. Our work is to remove these blocks with compassion and understanding so that you can achieve the changes that you want to make. My style is an interactive,individualized one with warmth, support, insight and humor.
Are you finding that your relationships are not working so well? It can be your relationship to yourself (just not feeling good about your self), your relationship to work (such as difficulties with co-workers or a boss), or your relationships with your family and/ or partner or friends. I believe that we are always striving to move towards personal growth and health. Our work is to remove these blocks with compassion and understanding so that you can achieve the changes that you want to make. My style is an interactive,individualized one with warmth, support, insight and humor.
More Therapists Nearby
A passion is the work that I do with chronic pain (TMS) which can help even longtime sufferers reduce/eliminate pain.
Are you and your partner wanting help communicating? Feeling emotionally distant? Are you frustrated by the problems with your relationship? Has there been an affair or addiction? I am a Certified Gottman Couples therapist and I can help! I can offer you leading-edge tools and resources to kick-start change. If you both want the marriage to be saved, that's exactly what we will work toward. But, if one of you is uncertain if you want to save the marriage we can discuss "Discernment Counseling". You learn what it would take to turn it around before you decide to start couples therapy. Don't postpone getting help!
A passion is the work that I do with chronic pain (TMS) which can help even longtime sufferers reduce/eliminate pain.
Are you and your partner wanting help communicating? Feeling emotionally distant? Are you frustrated by the problems with your relationship? Has there been an affair or addiction? I am a Certified Gottman Couples therapist and I can help! I can offer you leading-edge tools and resources to kick-start change. If you both want the marriage to be saved, that's exactly what we will work toward. But, if one of you is uncertain if you want to save the marriage we can discuss "Discernment Counseling". You learn what it would take to turn it around before you decide to start couples therapy. Don't postpone getting help!
If you're ready to learn how you can resolve or better manage your pain in order to reconnect with the activities and people that can bring you joy, purpose and an improved quality of life.
Feeling Overwhelmed by Emotional Distress? You’re not alone, and seeking help is healthy. I specialize in helping individuals navigate the challenges that develop from chronic pain, illness, and sleep difficulties. With over 20 years of clinical experience, I understand the impact these conditions can have on your life - and I’m here to offer the information and support you need. I'm also a certified anxiety and trauma treatment provider.
If you're ready to learn how you can resolve or better manage your pain in order to reconnect with the activities and people that can bring you joy, purpose and an improved quality of life.
Feeling Overwhelmed by Emotional Distress? You’re not alone, and seeking help is healthy. I specialize in helping individuals navigate the challenges that develop from chronic pain, illness, and sleep difficulties. With over 20 years of clinical experience, I understand the impact these conditions can have on your life - and I’m here to offer the information and support you need. I'm also a certified anxiety and trauma treatment provider.
Are you or a loved one having difficulty coping with chronic illness (cancer, HIV, heart disease, diabetes, COPD, pain or other illness) or managing stress in your life? Health issues can affect every aspect of your life, including relationships, work, finances, mood, and sense of self. I have 2 decades of experience helping individuals, couples and families improve the quality of life and reduce suffering. As a Clinical Health Psychologist, I take an integrative approach to psychotherapy and will work with you to create a treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs and goals.
Are you or a loved one having difficulty coping with chronic illness (cancer, HIV, heart disease, diabetes, COPD, pain or other illness) or managing stress in your life? Health issues can affect every aspect of your life, including relationships, work, finances, mood, and sense of self. I have 2 decades of experience helping individuals, couples and families improve the quality of life and reduce suffering. As a Clinical Health Psychologist, I take an integrative approach to psychotherapy and will work with you to create a treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs and goals.
I am specialized in both pain management and addiction treatment.
As a psychologist, it is my goal to empower people to live fulfilled and happy lives. I work with individuals to help them become active participants in meeting their therapeutic goals. My experience includes treating individuals struggling with general psychiatric symptoms, life transitions and trauma.
I am specialized in both pain management and addiction treatment.
As a psychologist, it is my goal to empower people to live fulfilled and happy lives. I work with individuals to help them become active participants in meeting their therapeutic goals. My experience includes treating individuals struggling with general psychiatric symptoms, life transitions and trauma.
See more therapy options for Kentfield
Nearby Chronic Pain Therapists Searches for Kentfield
- Corte Madera
- Fairfax
- Greenbrae
- Larkspur
- Mill Valley
- Novato
- Richmond
- San Anselmo
- San Pablo
- San Rafael
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- Tiburon
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.