Chronic Pain Therapists in La Mesa, CA
I have been in private psychological practice for over 30 years specializing in Marital and Relational therapy, Family problem interventions, Adolescents, and in the treatment of Sexual and Substance Abuse, and family therapy related to these issues. I have a broad range of training and utilize multiple modalities in the course of assisting my clients toward growth and personal change. I also assist clients with value related questions and am helpful for those looking for a "Christian Therapist". Further, I have extensive experience in dealing with the issues of aging, serious health issue, terminal illness, and chronic pain.
I have been in private psychological practice for over 30 years specializing in Marital and Relational therapy, Family problem interventions, Adolescents, and in the treatment of Sexual and Substance Abuse, and family therapy related to these issues. I have a broad range of training and utilize multiple modalities in the course of assisting my clients toward growth and personal change. I also assist clients with value related questions and am helpful for those looking for a "Christian Therapist". Further, I have extensive experience in dealing with the issues of aging, serious health issue, terminal illness, and chronic pain.
My specialties are grief and loss, end of life issues, terminal illness, HIV, trauma, adults abused as children, foster care and adoption families, relational issues and couples.
I believe that everyone has wounded places in their hearts that could benefit from counseling. Many people at some point realize that the challenges of life are too much to manage on their own and decide to seek help from a professional that can support them as they navigate the challenges that life can bring at times. My work is based on helping people to heal from the wounds of the past and deal with present stressors in an environment of safety and acceptance. My passion is to provide support as they work toward fulfillment in their lives.
My specialties are grief and loss, end of life issues, terminal illness, HIV, trauma, adults abused as children, foster care and adoption families, relational issues and couples.
I believe that everyone has wounded places in their hearts that could benefit from counseling. Many people at some point realize that the challenges of life are too much to manage on their own and decide to seek help from a professional that can support them as they navigate the challenges that life can bring at times. My work is based on helping people to heal from the wounds of the past and deal with present stressors in an environment of safety and acceptance. My passion is to provide support as they work toward fulfillment in their lives.
Whether focusing on improving communication skills, problem-solving and coping skills, managing school and job stressors, chronic pain management, and managing depression and/or anxiety, it is always rewarding for me to be a part of your journey.
'It's never too late to have a happy childhood.' As a nurturing therapist, I believe my role is to provide support, guidance, and a SAFE place to share, vent, scream, cry, laugh or just sit quietly. I also believe it's not what happens to people that's most important, but what they do about it. Our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become. Though daunting, this realization can be extremely EMPOWERING--You are in charge of your life and your future happiness! With this knowledge, change can unfold.
Whether focusing on improving communication skills, problem-solving and coping skills, managing school and job stressors, chronic pain management, and managing depression and/or anxiety, it is always rewarding for me to be a part of your journey.
'It's never too late to have a happy childhood.' As a nurturing therapist, I believe my role is to provide support, guidance, and a SAFE place to share, vent, scream, cry, laugh or just sit quietly. I also believe it's not what happens to people that's most important, but what they do about it. Our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become. Though daunting, this realization can be extremely EMPOWERING--You are in charge of your life and your future happiness! With this knowledge, change can unfold.
A Mindful Spot
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
La Mesa, CA 91941 (Online Only)
Our therapists also have expertise in working with LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color, justice-impacted individuals, and those with chronic illness or disability.
At A Mindful Spot, our mission is to provide high-quality, integrated, compassionate care to help you nurture your mind and cultivate growth. We believe that quality, holistic behavioral health services should be accessible to everyone. We take a client-centered, holistic approach to therapy, focusing on the unique needs and goals of each individual in the context of their environment. Our team is trained in a variety of evidence-based techniques and tailor their approach to best meet the needs of their clients.
Our therapists also have expertise in working with LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color, justice-impacted individuals, and those with chronic illness or disability.
At A Mindful Spot, our mission is to provide high-quality, integrated, compassionate care to help you nurture your mind and cultivate growth. We believe that quality, holistic behavioral health services should be accessible to everyone. We take a client-centered, holistic approach to therapy, focusing on the unique needs and goals of each individual in the context of their environment. Our team is trained in a variety of evidence-based techniques and tailor their approach to best meet the needs of their clients.
Dr. Cody Gustaveson is a Psychologist in California who has been working in mental health since 2016. He has a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University, completed his Internship at Norton Sound Health Corporation, and his Post-Doc at Kaiser Permanente. Dr. Gustaveson is uniquely trained in health psychology and community mental health. This means that he has specialized training in treating individuals who experience depression, anxiety, or a whole host of other psychiatric disorders that occur with chronic illness as well as the entire spectrum of diagnoses.
Dr. Cody Gustaveson is a Psychologist in California who has been working in mental health since 2016. He has a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University, completed his Internship at Norton Sound Health Corporation, and his Post-Doc at Kaiser Permanente. Dr. Gustaveson is uniquely trained in health psychology and community mental health. This means that he has specialized training in treating individuals who experience depression, anxiety, or a whole host of other psychiatric disorders that occur with chronic illness as well as the entire spectrum of diagnoses.
While I consider myself a generalist practitioner, my specialties include depression, anxiety, chronic pain, psychosocial factors associated with diabetes and other health-related issues, healthy lifestyle changes, PTSD, substance use, and stress management.
Do you want to be heard, understood, and create positive changes in your life? People generally do, and these qualities are important when seeking out a therapist. Establishing rapport to ensure I am a good professional fit is central to my approach. The foundation of my approach is helping patients identify their strengths so they can utilize them in their daily lives. At the end of the day you're an expert in your own life and I collaborate with you to identify what's going on to help create change.
While I consider myself a generalist practitioner, my specialties include depression, anxiety, chronic pain, psychosocial factors associated with diabetes and other health-related issues, healthy lifestyle changes, PTSD, substance use, and stress management.
Do you want to be heard, understood, and create positive changes in your life? People generally do, and these qualities are important when seeking out a therapist. Establishing rapport to ensure I am a good professional fit is central to my approach. The foundation of my approach is helping patients identify their strengths so they can utilize them in their daily lives. At the end of the day you're an expert in your own life and I collaborate with you to identify what's going on to help create change.
I specialize in alcohol and substance addictions, as well as situations that lead to addictions, such as, chronic mental illness, PTSD, gambling, sex addiction, past trauma and abuse, chronic pain, and more.
Addiction is not a problem to be fixed, but rather a person. I have worked with many people with various addictions and realize that addressing one problem from one perspective is not enough. I specialize in getting to know a person first and then helping that person heal from past hurts, learn skills for problem-solving, improve communication, build strong relationships, practice ways to manage strong emotions, learn to slow down and change their harmful or intrusive thoughts, draw from their faith for strength, develop strong support systems, and with all this, hope of long-term recovery can become reality.
I specialize in alcohol and substance addictions, as well as situations that lead to addictions, such as, chronic mental illness, PTSD, gambling, sex addiction, past trauma and abuse, chronic pain, and more.
Addiction is not a problem to be fixed, but rather a person. I have worked with many people with various addictions and realize that addressing one problem from one perspective is not enough. I specialize in getting to know a person first and then helping that person heal from past hurts, learn skills for problem-solving, improve communication, build strong relationships, practice ways to manage strong emotions, learn to slow down and change their harmful or intrusive thoughts, draw from their faith for strength, develop strong support systems, and with all this, hope of long-term recovery can become reality.
Life is challenging. The landscape of our life picture is a continual work in progress. Sometimes we lose control of brushes, paints or both. The way out becomes muddy or messy. I work with individuals, couples, teens and children adjusting to life changes. You are not your problem. My passion; helping you separate yourself from harmful effects of blame, guilt or shame resulting from difficult experiences. I work with adjustment issues including, grief/ loss, military families, career changes, pain management and emotional distress. Whether moving through small challenges, life transitions or a difficult traumatic experience, my mission; to help you "Create a Life You Love."
Life is challenging. The landscape of our life picture is a continual work in progress. Sometimes we lose control of brushes, paints or both. The way out becomes muddy or messy. I work with individuals, couples, teens and children adjusting to life changes. You are not your problem. My passion; helping you separate yourself from harmful effects of blame, guilt or shame resulting from difficult experiences. I work with adjustment issues including, grief/ loss, military families, career changes, pain management and emotional distress. Whether moving through small challenges, life transitions or a difficult traumatic experience, my mission; to help you "Create a Life You Love."
Chronic pain is a false alarm. "Try putting ice on it. Try putting heat on it. Try sleeping on a giant magnet. Just ignore it." Some things are impossible to ignore. Pain is designed to be unignorable. When your body tells you there's a problem, it makes sure you listen. Pain helps protect our bodies from harm. Pain is like a conversation between body and brain. But as in any conversation, sometimes there are misunderstandings. You want your life back. Pain Reprocessing Therapy can help.
Chronic pain is a false alarm. "Try putting ice on it. Try putting heat on it. Try sleeping on a giant magnet. Just ignore it." Some things are impossible to ignore. Pain is designed to be unignorable. When your body tells you there's a problem, it makes sure you listen. Pain helps protect our bodies from harm. Pain is like a conversation between body and brain. But as in any conversation, sometimes there are misunderstandings. You want your life back. Pain Reprocessing Therapy can help.
Kenya Taylor has more than 20 years of experience in mental health while including anxiety and depression interventions for chronic health conditions, pain management, first responders and their families, women's health, and successful aging to enhance individual, couples and family therapy. She continues to promote wellness in urban, rural and suburban communities.
Kenya Taylor has more than 20 years of experience in mental health while including anxiety and depression interventions for chronic health conditions, pain management, first responders and their families, women's health, and successful aging to enhance individual, couples and family therapy. She continues to promote wellness in urban, rural and suburban communities.
Help Therapy offers therapy for 100+ diagnoses and life challenges, including depression, grief, chronic illness, and PTSD.
Since 1993, Help Therapy has been delivering top-tier mental health services. We offer both in-person and teletherapy options, supported by a team of over 150 licensed Psychologists, LCSW"s, LMFT's and Nurse Practitioner's. We'll match you with a provider who meets your specific needs. Serving adults, seniors, families, couples, and youth (ages 7 and up) across California, and accepting most insurances, we provide a range of services, including psychotherapy and psychological evaluations.
Help Therapy offers therapy for 100+ diagnoses and life challenges, including depression, grief, chronic illness, and PTSD.
Since 1993, Help Therapy has been delivering top-tier mental health services. We offer both in-person and teletherapy options, supported by a team of over 150 licensed Psychologists, LCSW"s, LMFT's and Nurse Practitioner's. We'll match you with a provider who meets your specific needs. Serving adults, seniors, families, couples, and youth (ages 7 and up) across California, and accepting most insurances, we provide a range of services, including psychotherapy and psychological evaluations.
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Positive Change Counseling Center
I know the pain.
My ideal client has an awareness of their presenting problem (unproductive thought pattern, emotions or behavior), and is ready to release it. The client realizes something is not working and ready to breakthrough their current situation. Many have often tried other traditional therapy or personal development and may even have hit a mental health crisis (anxiety, suicidal thoughts, depression, rage, etc.) Some clients simply want to level-up their mindset to further their personal, relational or career goals. Many choose to work with me with issues of self-love/confidence, emotional/relational instability, or behavioral change.
I know the pain.
My ideal client has an awareness of their presenting problem (unproductive thought pattern, emotions or behavior), and is ready to release it. The client realizes something is not working and ready to breakthrough their current situation. Many have often tried other traditional therapy or personal development and may even have hit a mental health crisis (anxiety, suicidal thoughts, depression, rage, etc.) Some clients simply want to level-up their mindset to further their personal, relational or career goals. Many choose to work with me with issues of self-love/confidence, emotional/relational instability, or behavioral change.
Kelly Engleson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
La Mesa, CA 91942 (Online Only)
I help adults who are struggling with issues of infertility, bereavement, grief and loss and life transitions. My clients are those who are yearning to be parents, have endured loss, sadness and anxiety while utilizing assisted reproductive technology in efforts to conceive and those facing multiple challenges on their path to parenthood. I also work with adults who have endured many different types of losses (death of a loved one, divorce, job loss, losses due to chronic illness...) and struggle to find ways to move forward. I work with young adults who are navigating issues of purpose and identity.
I help adults who are struggling with issues of infertility, bereavement, grief and loss and life transitions. My clients are those who are yearning to be parents, have endured loss, sadness and anxiety while utilizing assisted reproductive technology in efforts to conceive and those facing multiple challenges on their path to parenthood. I also work with adults who have endured many different types of losses (death of a loved one, divorce, job loss, losses due to chronic illness...) and struggle to find ways to move forward. I work with young adults who are navigating issues of purpose and identity.
Michelle Van Aken Certified Brainspotting Practitioner
Counselor, LMHC, LPCC
Verified Verified
La Mesa, CA 91942
As a compassionate and attuned therapist and Brainspotting practitioner, my mission is to provide a safe and supportive space for you to explore and transform the challenges you face. Together, we will unlock the power of your brain's natural healing abilities, leading you towards a more fulfilling and authentic life. I am a dedicated and empathic therapist with a passion for helping navigate emotional landscapes. With specialized training in Brainspotting, a cutting-edge approach in trauma and stress resolution, as well as other modalities, I offer you a unique therapeutic experience tailored to your specific needs.
As a compassionate and attuned therapist and Brainspotting practitioner, my mission is to provide a safe and supportive space for you to explore and transform the challenges you face. Together, we will unlock the power of your brain's natural healing abilities, leading you towards a more fulfilling and authentic life. I am a dedicated and empathic therapist with a passion for helping navigate emotional landscapes. With specialized training in Brainspotting, a cutting-edge approach in trauma and stress resolution, as well as other modalities, I offer you a unique therapeutic experience tailored to your specific needs.
Many people struggle with complex emotional issues and negative patterns of behavior and thought. I believe my clients are very powerful and brave to begin the journey of self-discovery and healing. As your therapist and partner in this work, I hold a safe space for you to approach your struggles by working together to understand your goals, develop greater insight and create the coping skills and strategies for a more satisfying and emotionally harmonious life.
Many people struggle with complex emotional issues and negative patterns of behavior and thought. I believe my clients are very powerful and brave to begin the journey of self-discovery and healing. As your therapist and partner in this work, I hold a safe space for you to approach your struggles by working together to understand your goals, develop greater insight and create the coping skills and strategies for a more satisfying and emotionally harmonious life.
As a Board Certified Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I often ask clients is your anxiety and depression taking the joy out of living each day? We are all living in times that are critical and hard to deal with, whether it is financial, health related issues, negative feelings about ourselves or family and relationship problems. I provide a holistic, integrative and collaborative approach through evidence-based practices in addressing and treating issues related to trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, family and couple concerns. When we deal with challenges, it can be a difficult undertaking.
As a Board Certified Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I often ask clients is your anxiety and depression taking the joy out of living each day? We are all living in times that are critical and hard to deal with, whether it is financial, health related issues, negative feelings about ourselves or family and relationship problems. I provide a holistic, integrative and collaborative approach through evidence-based practices in addressing and treating issues related to trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, family and couple concerns. When we deal with challenges, it can be a difficult undertaking.
Jacqueline Small
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
La Mesa, CA 91942
I have over 25 years experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families providing individual, couples and family therapy in both Philadelphia and San Diego. I managed a school based program in San Diego County for 15 years providing an array of mental health services to children and adolescents with severe emotional and behavior problems. I have also worked as a Medical Social Worker at Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego for the past 20 years providing supportive counseling to children and their families during a medical and/or health crisis.
I have over 25 years experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families providing individual, couples and family therapy in both Philadelphia and San Diego. I managed a school based program in San Diego County for 15 years providing an array of mental health services to children and adolescents with severe emotional and behavior problems. I have also worked as a Medical Social Worker at Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego for the past 20 years providing supportive counseling to children and their families during a medical and/or health crisis.
I will take an active, non-judgmental, and creative approach in treatment to support you in reaching your goals and sustaining meaningful growth, balance and change. In therapy, I prioritize strengths-based and client-centered approaches with respect for diverse backgrounds while offering humor, psychoeducation, and practical coping strategies to increase healthy behaviors, self-awareness, and self-compassion. I most often draw upon techniques and theories found in mindfulness, solution-focused therapy, art therapy, motivational interviewing, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
I will take an active, non-judgmental, and creative approach in treatment to support you in reaching your goals and sustaining meaningful growth, balance and change. In therapy, I prioritize strengths-based and client-centered approaches with respect for diverse backgrounds while offering humor, psychoeducation, and practical coping strategies to increase healthy behaviors, self-awareness, and self-compassion. I most often draw upon techniques and theories found in mindfulness, solution-focused therapy, art therapy, motivational interviewing, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Theresa Leal, LCSW...I am an older practitioner and have worked a lot with families, young adults, and teens. I am very goal-oriented and will work with clients to help them identify their needs and help them work toward solutions, I believe in being positive and looking for how to help my clients develop their own answers so they have ownership of them. I am currently working with a family and teenager, I am also working with two teens on their own and I have a number of young adults in their 20s I am working with. I have been working with Oppositional Defiant, PTSD, sexual abuse, racism, and gender issues.
Theresa Leal, LCSW...I am an older practitioner and have worked a lot with families, young adults, and teens. I am very goal-oriented and will work with clients to help them identify their needs and help them work toward solutions, I believe in being positive and looking for how to help my clients develop their own answers so they have ownership of them. I am currently working with a family and teenager, I am also working with two teens on their own and I have a number of young adults in their 20s I am working with. I have been working with Oppositional Defiant, PTSD, sexual abuse, racism, and gender issues.
Irenda Rios Immigration Evaluation Evaluaciones Inmigracion
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
La Mesa, CA 91942
Mental health, addiction and traumas can be treated with the appropriate psychotherapy. With thirteen years of experience in the field, I have had the opportunity to work with clients who have different problems, needs and objectives. People of all ages, ethnicities and cultures; therefore, giving me the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding on how to detect and treat various conditions. Psychotherapy helps people to go through a recovery process without problems.
Mental health, addiction and traumas can be treated with the appropriate psychotherapy. With thirteen years of experience in the field, I have had the opportunity to work with clients who have different problems, needs and objectives. People of all ages, ethnicities and cultures; therefore, giving me the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding on how to detect and treat various conditions. Psychotherapy helps people to go through a recovery process without problems.
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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.