Chronic Pain Therapists in Novato, CA
![Photo of Brit Lesnett - SOMA Hypnotherapy, CCHt](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3611c50b-3e66-498e-8457-52741dd500ed/1/320x400.jpeg)
I would like to help you find more comfort, ease and joy in your life. If you are suffering from anxiety and stress, chronic pain or illness, fears/phobias, or lack of motivation, we'll work together to find the best path forward, enabling you with tools and resources to sustain lifelong positive change.
I would like to help you find more comfort, ease and joy in your life. If you are suffering from anxiety and stress, chronic pain or illness, fears/phobias, or lack of motivation, we'll work together to find the best path forward, enabling you with tools and resources to sustain lifelong positive change.
![Photo of Deb Nelson - Deb Nelson, Psy.D., PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f93a8d5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
My chronic pain workshops were developed after years of working with chronic pain patients.
I am passionate about helping people find meaning, purpose, connection and joy (yes, joy!) in life while facing major health challenges, in particular chronic pain and illness.
My chronic pain workshops were developed after years of working with chronic pain patients.
I am passionate about helping people find meaning, purpose, connection and joy (yes, joy!) in life while facing major health challenges, in particular chronic pain and illness.
![Photo of Sandra Devine, MSW, LCSW, BCD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e50857a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sandra Devine
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, BCD
Verified Verified
Novato, CA 94949 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My goal as a therapist is for you to feel supported and inspired. Our work together is directed towards balancing and healing your health and life issues. When you come in to see me, we start where your concerns are. You may come to recognize your pain as an opportunity to expand your insight and empowerment. As you increase your self-awareness, you become more whole. Frequently, your concerns are designed to focus your energy upon imbalances that need attention, so you can discover your innate strength and wisdom.
My goal as a therapist is for you to feel supported and inspired. Our work together is directed towards balancing and healing your health and life issues. When you come in to see me, we start where your concerns are. You may come to recognize your pain as an opportunity to expand your insight and empowerment. As you increase your self-awareness, you become more whole. Frequently, your concerns are designed to focus your energy upon imbalances that need attention, so you can discover your innate strength and wisdom.
![Photo of Brenda Fishleder, LCSW, BCD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e0490cc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I also have expertise in treating eating disorders, and chronic pain, integrating concepts such as neuroplasticitty, mindfulness and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy).
I have been a practicing psychotherapist for over 40 years, and bring an eclectic blend of psychodynamic, neuropsychological, mindfulness-based and cognitive theoretical frameworks to my work. My emphasis is on creating a safe and compassionate environment for the healing of a wide range emotional and relationship issues, making every effort to tailor treatment to the specific needs of each individual(s) seeking my help. My work with couples focues on a positive approach to differences, providing insight, improving communication and increasing empathy. I am open to referrals of individuals, couples, families, adolescents and adults.
I also have expertise in treating eating disorders, and chronic pain, integrating concepts such as neuroplasticitty, mindfulness and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy).
I have been a practicing psychotherapist for over 40 years, and bring an eclectic blend of psychodynamic, neuropsychological, mindfulness-based and cognitive theoretical frameworks to my work. My emphasis is on creating a safe and compassionate environment for the healing of a wide range emotional and relationship issues, making every effort to tailor treatment to the specific needs of each individual(s) seeking my help. My work with couples focues on a positive approach to differences, providing insight, improving communication and increasing empathy. I am open to referrals of individuals, couples, families, adolescents and adults.
![Photo of Valerie Hinard, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c3c0330-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/5/320x400.jpeg)
I specialized in trauma, anxiety, depression, chronic and life threatening illness, and healthy relationship building.
Cultivating meaningful-healthy relationships may be especially difficult when our sense of self is overshadowed by traumatic and emotionally painful experiences. My approach to the therapy process focuses on helping foster your innate strengths and resiliency while exploring your vulnerabilities and concerns. Together we help you build a greater understanding of yourself through healing limiting patterns, fears, and beliefs. In this way, you become rooted in a life grounded in meaning, aliveness, and depth. I believe that building a stronger relationship with yourself can help cultivate healthier relationships with others, making them easier to initiate, maintain, and enjoy.
I specialized in trauma, anxiety, depression, chronic and life threatening illness, and healthy relationship building.
Cultivating meaningful-healthy relationships may be especially difficult when our sense of self is overshadowed by traumatic and emotionally painful experiences. My approach to the therapy process focuses on helping foster your innate strengths and resiliency while exploring your vulnerabilities and concerns. Together we help you build a greater understanding of yourself through healing limiting patterns, fears, and beliefs. In this way, you become rooted in a life grounded in meaning, aliveness, and depth. I believe that building a stronger relationship with yourself can help cultivate healthier relationships with others, making them easier to initiate, maintain, and enjoy.
![Photo of A. Raja Hornstein, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4406651a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
A. Raja Hornstein
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Novato, CA 94947 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I can help if you are struggling with: anxiety, depression or other mood issues; aging or life-threatening illness; or relationship difficulties; or the consequences of living with serious mental disorders. I help people affected by loss including people dealing with grief, facing death, or serious illness, but if you think of your own situation you might realize that loss is playing a role in your search for a therapist. I also work with people who aren't deeply troubled, but are searching for growth in their work, relationships, or who are feeling the absence of a spiritual center in their lives.
I can help if you are struggling with: anxiety, depression or other mood issues; aging or life-threatening illness; or relationship difficulties; or the consequences of living with serious mental disorders. I help people affected by loss including people dealing with grief, facing death, or serious illness, but if you think of your own situation you might realize that loss is playing a role in your search for a therapist. I also work with people who aren't deeply troubled, but are searching for growth in their work, relationships, or who are feeling the absence of a spiritual center in their lives.
![Photo of Brian King, PsyD, QME, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/508d0b98-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
, depression, anxiety, pain, self-destructive behaviors, substance use).
I seek to provide a thoughtful and reflective setting where clients develop greater understanding of their problems and limitations through honest exploration of themselves, and to bolster strengths/foster growth. I provide a friendly and open atmosphere to invite sharing of whatever thought or feeling that comes up so that they can be explored, analyzed and ultimately changed if you want. I work in a collaborative way and do not necessarily see my role as an advice giver, but as a thoughtful companion in helping you find your own solutions and understanding. I use a flexible blend of clinical techniques and theories.
, depression, anxiety, pain, self-destructive behaviors, substance use).
I seek to provide a thoughtful and reflective setting where clients develop greater understanding of their problems and limitations through honest exploration of themselves, and to bolster strengths/foster growth. I provide a friendly and open atmosphere to invite sharing of whatever thought or feeling that comes up so that they can be explored, analyzed and ultimately changed if you want. I work in a collaborative way and do not necessarily see my role as an advice giver, but as a thoughtful companion in helping you find your own solutions and understanding. I use a flexible blend of clinical techniques and theories.
![Photo of Shira Appell, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/355a8234-b530-4cde-8578-2fd0f5141658/3/320x400.jpeg)
So much of our pain occurs in relationship to others, and I believe it can be helpful to find healing in relationship as well.
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 occurs in relationship to others, and I believe it can be helpful to find healing in relationship as well.
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.
![Photo of Linda Dolan, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d73629b9-6d87-48e2-b387-9288881d5176/2/320x400.jpeg)
In my experience, what brings people to psychotherapy is a personal struggle, perhaps a sense of feeling stuck or that something is missing, though what specifically is missing is not known. I work with feelings of frustration or disappointment expressed as anxiety or fear, to explore and understand the origin of feelings that keep us from achieving personal goals. I am experienced with life transitions, such as a change in career, becoming a parent, diagnosis of a chronic illness or considerations for retirement. Bringing these challenges into therapy can be illuminating and productive and help us move out of anxiety.
In my experience, what brings people to psychotherapy is a personal struggle, perhaps a sense of feeling stuck or that something is missing, though what specifically is missing is not known. I work with feelings of frustration or disappointment expressed as anxiety or fear, to explore and understand the origin of feelings that keep us from achieving personal goals. I am experienced with life transitions, such as a change in career, becoming a parent, diagnosis of a chronic illness or considerations for retirement. Bringing these challenges into therapy can be illuminating and productive and help us move out of anxiety.
![Photo of Laura J Cabanski Dunning, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d7ee1a6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Are you anxious? Troubled? Stuck? I know how difficult it is to enjoy life when you feel trapped by stressful thoughts, feelings, circumstances, relationships. I work creatively with you as you work through difficulties and find new energy and inspiration in your life. We will work together to decrease your current distress as quickly as possible, while helping you to gain deeper insight and move forward positively in your life. I'll tailor my therapeutic approach to meet your specific needs, utilizing a variety of strategies such as hypnosis, EMDR, mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), stress management, relaxation, CBT.
Are you anxious? Troubled? Stuck? I know how difficult it is to enjoy life when you feel trapped by stressful thoughts, feelings, circumstances, relationships. I work creatively with you as you work through difficulties and find new energy and inspiration in your life. We will work together to decrease your current distress as quickly as possible, while helping you to gain deeper insight and move forward positively in your life. I'll tailor my therapeutic approach to meet your specific needs, utilizing a variety of strategies such as hypnosis, EMDR, mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), stress management, relaxation, CBT.
![Photo of Nancy Vierra, LMFT, MS, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c8a409d9-8c6e-402b-80cb-fb11ae4593de/2/320x400.jpeg)
Find Relief. Get Resourced. Get Empowered. Today. Imagine a respectful and unique relationship where you can finally break free of what has sabotaged your growth and success. The aim is to improve insight, perspective and performance by identifying obstacles holding you back and creating strategies to break through barriers. By unlocking your potential, treating issues, and collaborating, we will create a plan of action that will enable you to achieve your objectives.
Find Relief. Get Resourced. Get Empowered. Today. Imagine a respectful and unique relationship where you can finally break free of what has sabotaged your growth and success. The aim is to improve insight, perspective and performance by identifying obstacles holding you back and creating strategies to break through barriers. By unlocking your potential, treating issues, and collaborating, we will create a plan of action that will enable you to achieve your objectives.
![Photo of Joy A Fillman, PhD, MA, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c04a50d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
Joy A Fillman
Psychologist, PhD, MA
Verified Verified
Novato, CA 94945 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
If life events, relationships, performance, school or job stresses have brought you here, you deserve congratulations for having already done 50% of the work. Your willingness to consult and collaborate with a practiced professional means you have taken an all important first step in developing a lifelong plan toward a sense of well being and vitality. My practice combines a research degree in Developmental Psychology with PhD in Clinical Psychology to identify and disable hidden, often old, myths that have blocked or hindered my clients' access to happy, fulfilled lives at each stage of development. Together we can do it.
If life events, relationships, performance, school or job stresses have brought you here, you deserve congratulations for having already done 50% of the work. Your willingness to consult and collaborate with a practiced professional means you have taken an all important first step in developing a lifelong plan toward a sense of well being and vitality. My practice combines a research degree in Developmental Psychology with PhD in Clinical Psychology to identify and disable hidden, often old, myths that have blocked or hindered my clients' access to happy, fulfilled lives at each stage of development. Together we can do it.
![Photo of Jean Hayes, PhD, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c1c90ab-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/8/320x400.jpeg)
I successfully treat relationship breakdowns, alcohol, drug, eating problems, depression, dual-diagnosis, anxiety, trauma, bariatric surgery patients. Individuals and couples address how the misuse of substances impacts their lives in negative and unproductive ways. We seek solutions together to more satisfying lifestyles and relationships. I work with couples and individuals having difficulties in relationships, wanting to resolve problems rather than separating or divorcing as their only solution. I work to separate past hurts from present reality. As an Equine Therapist, I use horses and exotic farm animals as requested.
I successfully treat relationship breakdowns, alcohol, drug, eating problems, depression, dual-diagnosis, anxiety, trauma, bariatric surgery patients. Individuals and couples address how the misuse of substances impacts their lives in negative and unproductive ways. We seek solutions together to more satisfying lifestyles and relationships. I work with couples and individuals having difficulties in relationships, wanting to resolve problems rather than separating or divorcing as their only solution. I work to separate past hurts from present reality. As an Equine Therapist, I use horses and exotic farm animals as requested.
![Photo of Stacey Nelson, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51e98625-46d7-4f8a-9c57-2b6f26091cb6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome to my practice! I'm a licensed psychologist who specializes in psychological, psychoeducational, and neuropsychological evaluations of children, adolescents, and adults. You may be seeking an evaluation for yourself or your child in order to clarify areas of concern, formulate a set of recommendations, and/or determine eligibility for accommodations either in school or for standardized testing. An evaluation can serve to help better understand your challenges, highlight your strengths, and help you reach your potential in a variety of life domains.
Welcome to my practice! I'm a licensed psychologist who specializes in psychological, psychoeducational, and neuropsychological evaluations of children, adolescents, and adults. You may be seeking an evaluation for yourself or your child in order to clarify areas of concern, formulate a set of recommendations, and/or determine eligibility for accommodations either in school or for standardized testing. An evaluation can serve to help better understand your challenges, highlight your strengths, and help you reach your potential in a variety of life domains.
![Photo of Susan Kenny, LMFT, SEP, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8c3d61aa-62db-47fa-a92b-ba6394d3aa17/3/320x400.jpeg)
I work as a Somatic Psychotherapist helping adults understand and regulate their nervous system. I am trained as both a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and a Transforming Touch Therapist to help clients with developmental trauma as well as depression, anxiety, stress, and loss. I use a body based approach to understand sensations in the body, and my style is active, warm and empathic. I provide a safe environment to learn how to harness your inner resources, manage stress and emotions in both the mind and the nervous system, and help you create more balance and ease in you life.
I work as a Somatic Psychotherapist helping adults understand and regulate their nervous system. I am trained as both a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and a Transforming Touch Therapist to help clients with developmental trauma as well as depression, anxiety, stress, and loss. I use a body based approach to understand sensations in the body, and my style is active, warm and empathic. I provide a safe environment to learn how to harness your inner resources, manage stress and emotions in both the mind and the nervous system, and help you create more balance and ease in you life.
![Photo of Jenna Lane Marsala, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1ef76829-bb91-4257-8875-13fe41fb256e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jenna Lane Marsala
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Novato, CA 94945
Do you ever ask yourself, "Why do I keep doing the same things but expect different outcomes?" Or "Do I look at the world differently than all my family and friends?" Life can feel stressful, overwhelming, and out of control at times. I try to help life feel a little bit more manageable and work through issues at your own pace. Psychotherapy is about an exploration of self and the world around you. As a psychotherapist, I am here to provide guidance through this exploration in a safe place and to improve interaction with those you love.
Do you ever ask yourself, "Why do I keep doing the same things but expect different outcomes?" Or "Do I look at the world differently than all my family and friends?" Life can feel stressful, overwhelming, and out of control at times. I try to help life feel a little bit more manageable and work through issues at your own pace. Psychotherapy is about an exploration of self and the world around you. As a psychotherapist, I am here to provide guidance through this exploration in a safe place and to improve interaction with those you love.
![Photo of Joni Metolius, MS, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f2cfc2ab-2936-4c8a-b036-68fca74e2fce/2/320x400.jpeg)
My ideal clients want to resolve the stumbling blocks in a variety of areas. Those include facing or have a family member facing a life altering medical condition and their challenges, dealing with traumas. Clients often come to me with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues. We explore avenues to overcome or adapt to those conditions. Many clients determine as we work together that they need help with how they communicate - with themselves as well as with others.
My ideal clients want to resolve the stumbling blocks in a variety of areas. Those include facing or have a family member facing a life altering medical condition and their challenges, dealing with traumas. Clients often come to me with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues. We explore avenues to overcome or adapt to those conditions. Many clients determine as we work together that they need help with how they communicate - with themselves as well as with others.
![Photo of Christina Cowger, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a1df1650-0b40-4109-a605-966060d20553/1/320x400.jpeg)
Recognizing patterns and applying actionable techniques for change is the cornerstone of our work together. I customize an emotional insight approach, cognitive-behavior structure, and mind-body tools for each client. We can safely explore how trauma and family patterns may have seeded beliefs and feelings that no longer serve the life you are striving to live. My neurobehavioral training informs how I partner with you to shift thinking, feeling, and reactivity, positively impacting self-esteem and relationships. Between sessions, tools are offered for ongoing continuity.
Recognizing patterns and applying actionable techniques for change is the cornerstone of our work together. I customize an emotional insight approach, cognitive-behavior structure, and mind-body tools for each client. We can safely explore how trauma and family patterns may have seeded beliefs and feelings that no longer serve the life you are striving to live. My neurobehavioral training informs how I partner with you to shift thinking, feeling, and reactivity, positively impacting self-esteem and relationships. Between sessions, tools are offered for ongoing continuity.
![Photo of Ronnie J M Forbes - Ataraxis Care, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/04ad0055-23ac-4f9c-b022-adf949d6f224/2/320x400.jpeg)
As nonbinary, queer, immigrant of color, it has always been an intrinsic and essential part of my work to address the social determinants of well-being that populations face, and to use an intersectional lens when forming clinical assessments and interventions. I provide clinical supervision to master degree level clinicians working towards their California license. Ataraxis Care provides virtual (video) individual and group supervision for BBS registered associates. We welcome folks of different ages, sizes, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, creed, race, ethnicities, religions etc. anywhere in the state.
As nonbinary, queer, immigrant of color, it has always been an intrinsic and essential part of my work to address the social determinants of well-being that populations face, and to use an intersectional lens when forming clinical assessments and interventions. I provide clinical supervision to master degree level clinicians working towards their California license. Ataraxis Care provides virtual (video) individual and group supervision for BBS registered associates. We welcome folks of different ages, sizes, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, creed, race, ethnicities, religions etc. anywhere in the state.
![Photo of Katherine Taylor, PsyD, PMH-C, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2df3a54c-856a-4c70-9203-3173b0219fe3/3/320x400.jpeg)
I work with pregnant and postpartum people to manage anxiety and mood, and to explore ways to adjust to parenthood and expanding families. I often talk with clients about feeling exhausted, disconnected, overwhelmed, very worried, or sad, and we look for strategies to find some support, peace, excitement and joy in their day to day. I also love to help all people work to manage sleep behaviors using cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia.
I work with pregnant and postpartum people to manage anxiety and mood, and to explore ways to adjust to parenthood and expanding families. I often talk with clients about feeling exhausted, disconnected, overwhelmed, very worried, or sad, and we look for strategies to find some support, peace, excitement and joy in their day to day. I also love to help all people work to manage sleep behaviors using cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia.
See more therapy options for Novato
Nearby Chronic Pain Therapists Searches for Novato
- Corte Madera
- Fairfax
- Greenbrae
- Kentfield
- Larkspur
- Mill Valley
- Petaluma
- San Anselmo
- San Pablo
- San Rafael
- Sonoma
- 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.