Chronic Pain Therapists in Pacifica, CA

Photo of Fritz Bixler, AMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Fritz Bixler
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pacifica, CA 94044
My priority is helping you build a life beyond your wildest dreams. I am dedicated to meeting you where you’re at, and supporting you in carving out your own unique path towards healing and self-actualization. I believe everyone has the capacity to flourish, and I aim to create space for my clients to explore what wellness looks like for them. I really get intensity and emotional sensitivity, and understand the blessings and burdens that come with diverse ways of seeing the world. I am primarily a drama therapist specializing in creative play, but also provide straightforward talk therapy.
My priority is helping you build a life beyond your wildest dreams. I am dedicated to meeting you where you’re at, and supporting you in carving out your own unique path towards healing and self-actualization. I believe everyone has the capacity to flourish, and I aim to create space for my clients to explore what wellness looks like for them. I really get intensity and emotional sensitivity, and understand the blessings and burdens that come with diverse ways of seeing the world. I am primarily a drama therapist specializing in creative play, but also provide straightforward talk therapy.
(925) 966-3435 View (925) 966-3435
Photo of Heidi Pidcoke, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Heidi Pidcoke
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Pacifica, CA 94044
Sometimes in life we experience seasons of feeling adrift and lost. Other times we have faced immensely painful circumstances which have left a lingering impact on our thoughts, mood and behavior. Working together we can illuminate pathways to resolve these challenges and reach a sense of safety, connection and purpose. As a Somatic Psychotherapist, I specialize in restoring a mind/body connection along with focusing on overcoming the distress caused by a sudden transition, loss, violence, burnout and betrayal.
Sometimes in life we experience seasons of feeling adrift and lost. Other times we have faced immensely painful circumstances which have left a lingering impact on our thoughts, mood and behavior. Working together we can illuminate pathways to resolve these challenges and reach a sense of safety, connection and purpose. As a Somatic Psychotherapist, I specialize in restoring a mind/body connection along with focusing on overcoming the distress caused by a sudden transition, loss, violence, burnout and betrayal.
(626) 314-5517 View (626) 314-5517
Photo of Maggie B. de Vera, PsyD(c), LMFT, CCHT, CLC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Maggie B. de Vera
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD(c), LMFT, CCHT, CLC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pacifica, CA 94044
Maggie de Vera is a respected Holistic Practitioner, Therapist, Clinical Supervisor, Life Coach, Trainer & Consultant in the Bay Area. Backed with over 30+ years of extensive experience, education/training and leadership, Maggie is acclaimed in her field for effective work with the most challenging cases and runs a private practice as a Psychotherapist, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Sex Therapist, Life Coach, Speaker/Trainer, Consultant and also the Founder & President/CEO of a Non-profit Agency serving the disadvantaged & high-risk. Maggie focuses on supporting/ empowering her clients to heal and grow to create a healthy & positive life
Maggie de Vera is a respected Holistic Practitioner, Therapist, Clinical Supervisor, Life Coach, Trainer & Consultant in the Bay Area. Backed with over 30+ years of extensive experience, education/training and leadership, Maggie is acclaimed in her field for effective work with the most challenging cases and runs a private practice as a Psychotherapist, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Sex Therapist, Life Coach, Speaker/Trainer, Consultant and also the Founder & President/CEO of a Non-profit Agency serving the disadvantaged & high-risk. Maggie focuses on supporting/ empowering her clients to heal and grow to create a healthy & positive life
(415) 237-2396 View (415) 237-2396
Photo of Christina Marie Balistreri, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Christina Marie Balistreri
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pacifica, CA 94044  (Online Only)
I have worked with a wide variety of clients dealing with a range of symptoms. I enjoy working with different clients from adults to kids and individual, families, couples and groups and I believe we can all learn from each other. I enjoy offering my experiences and skills to help others better understand themselves and their relationships. I understand that life challenges, both big and small, can affect people's mood and productivity. I am caring, compassionate, understanding and a great listener. I provide a very non-judgmental and caring space for clients to explore the challenges they are faced with.
I have worked with a wide variety of clients dealing with a range of symptoms. I enjoy working with different clients from adults to kids and individual, families, couples and groups and I believe we can all learn from each other. I enjoy offering my experiences and skills to help others better understand themselves and their relationships. I understand that life challenges, both big and small, can affect people's mood and productivity. I am caring, compassionate, understanding and a great listener. I provide a very non-judgmental and caring space for clients to explore the challenges they are faced with.
(415) 855-7947 View (415) 855-7947
Photo of Deborah McCulley-Buckley, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Deborah McCulley-Buckley
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pacifica, CA 94044
Hello, my name is Deborah McCulley-Buckley, and I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Long Beach, California. I work with adults and couples, and I specialize in anxiety, stress, and intimate relationship conflicts using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focus Therapy to help my clients make progress and start feeling better.
Hello, my name is Deborah McCulley-Buckley, and I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Long Beach, California. I work with adults and couples, and I specialize in anxiety, stress, and intimate relationship conflicts using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focus Therapy to help my clients make progress and start feeling better.
(562) 662-5345 View (562) 662-5345
Photo of Shane David, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Shane David
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pacifica, CA 94044
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist providing integrative psychotherapy to adult individuals. I offer therapy for a variety of psychological and emotional issues and enjoy providing both depth-oriented therapy as well as short-term work and crisis intervention. I use relational, experiential, and somatic approaches to help people heal from difficult past experiences, to skillfully navigate the challenges of daily life, and to deepen personal growth.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist providing integrative psychotherapy to adult individuals. I offer therapy for a variety of psychological and emotional issues and enjoy providing both depth-oriented therapy as well as short-term work and crisis intervention. I use relational, experiential, and somatic approaches to help people heal from difficult past experiences, to skillfully navigate the challenges of daily life, and to deepen personal growth.
(510) 876-9447 View (510) 876-9447
Photo of CK Olivieri Blackmore, MFT, PhD, Marriage & Family Therapist
CK Olivieri Blackmore
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pacifica, CA 94044  (Online Only)
CK Olivieri Blackmore is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who approaches life with warmth, compassion, and creativity. CK specializes in relationship dynamics, post-traumatic stress disorders, and developmental life transitions. She is particularly adept at issues pertaining to the queer community and their loved ones. CK utilizes eclectic modalities such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, EFT, Gottman, and IFS to navigate the nuanced needs of her diverse clientele and the associated sexual and gendered concerns that arise. Blending insight-oriented and behavioral change practices, CK works from a quirky and truly innovative lens.
CK Olivieri Blackmore is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who approaches life with warmth, compassion, and creativity. CK specializes in relationship dynamics, post-traumatic stress disorders, and developmental life transitions. She is particularly adept at issues pertaining to the queer community and their loved ones. CK utilizes eclectic modalities such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, EFT, Gottman, and IFS to navigate the nuanced needs of her diverse clientele and the associated sexual and gendered concerns that arise. Blending insight-oriented and behavioral change practices, CK works from a quirky and truly innovative lens.
(518) 269-5458 View (518) 269-5458
Photo of Maxwell Sleep-Frankel, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Maxwell Sleep-Frankel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pacifica, CA 94044
My name is Max Sleep-Frankel, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW); I am also certified as a Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and a Grief Informed Professional (CGP). I have extensive experience working with older adults and adults with disabilities as they navigate the many life transitions that beset them during this time period. My approach to therapy is to serve as a guide to accomplishing your personal goals and living a more enriched life.
My name is Max Sleep-Frankel, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW); I am also certified as a Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and a Grief Informed Professional (CGP). I have extensive experience working with older adults and adults with disabilities as they navigate the many life transitions that beset them during this time period. My approach to therapy is to serve as a guide to accomplishing your personal goals and living a more enriched life.
(805) 510-7694 View (805) 510-7694
Photo of Nick Krieger, MA, LMFT, MFA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Nick Krieger
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, MFA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pacifica, CA 94044
I love working with queer and trans folks. Whether you are coming in to explore your identity, or you simply want a therapist you don’t have to educate, I am here to support you. I work with folks dealing with relationship challenges, familial difficulties, anxiety, depression, grief, and the impacts of trauma. I welcome people of all identities and work particularly well with people who have feel different from others.
I love working with queer and trans folks. Whether you are coming in to explore your identity, or you simply want a therapist you don’t have to educate, I am here to support you. I work with folks dealing with relationship challenges, familial difficulties, anxiety, depression, grief, and the impacts of trauma. I welcome people of all identities and work particularly well with people who have feel different from others.
(415) 903-4465 View (415) 903-4465
Photo of Patricia A Luken, MFT, RN, CDE, Marriage & Family Therapist
Patricia A Luken
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, RN, CDE
Verified Verified
Pacifica, CA 94044
Not accepting new clients
So you are looking for a therapist and I am happy that you have found my page. I know this is not an easy decision for you to consider coming to therapy. Therapy is a very individualized process and finding the right therapist for yourself is important. I conceptualize therapy as a collaborative process in which the therapist and client(s) work together to develop treatment content and goals. I can and do work in a solution-oriented fashion but can also go further beyond symptom relief to help clients create lasting change in their lives.
So you are looking for a therapist and I am happy that you have found my page. I know this is not an easy decision for you to consider coming to therapy. Therapy is a very individualized process and finding the right therapist for yourself is important. I conceptualize therapy as a collaborative process in which the therapist and client(s) work together to develop treatment content and goals. I can and do work in a solution-oriented fashion but can also go further beyond symptom relief to help clients create lasting change in their lives.
(925) 523-7364 View (925) 523-7364

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Pearl B Werfel, PhD, Psychologist
Pearl B Werfel
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
South San Francisco, CA 94080
I offer a safe and comforting place for you to more deeply connect with yourself, learn tools to mitigate stress and physical and emotional pain and allow yourself to heal.
Even the most capable and intelligent person will sometimes need help. My clients include professionals, supervisors, executives, and healthcare providers who seek to better manage the stressors of their professional and personal lives. I create a safe and comfortable environment where you can learn how to decrease stress and anxiety, sleep better, reduce or eliminate pain, live well with chronic illness, resolve past trauma and stop self-limiting behaviors. My over 25 years of experience and training enables me to tailor therapeutic interventions to your needs.
I offer a safe and comforting place for you to more deeply connect with yourself, learn tools to mitigate stress and physical and emotional pain and allow yourself to heal.
Even the most capable and intelligent person will sometimes need help. My clients include professionals, supervisors, executives, and healthcare providers who seek to better manage the stressors of their professional and personal lives. I create a safe and comfortable environment where you can learn how to decrease stress and anxiety, sleep better, reduce or eliminate pain, live well with chronic illness, resolve past trauma and stop self-limiting behaviors. My over 25 years of experience and training enables me to tailor therapeutic interventions to your needs.
(510) 665-5802 View (510) 665-5802
Photo of Pauline Wakeham, LCSW, SEP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Pauline Wakeham
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SEP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94127
I help people to heal that pain.
Are you having trouble getting over a past shock or trauma? Are you frequently in overwhelm/collapse? Are you constantly bracing against danger, ready to fight or run away? If you answered yes to any of these questions, I can help. I specialize in working with people who have experienced being overwhelmed by events and experiences that have shaken their very foundations. I take time to assess your personal stress/trauma history and provide guidance and support to assist you in your recovery. I also help couples create sustained improvement in their relationship, creating more effective communication and fulfilling relationships.
I help people to heal that pain.
Are you having trouble getting over a past shock or trauma? Are you frequently in overwhelm/collapse? Are you constantly bracing against danger, ready to fight or run away? If you answered yes to any of these questions, I can help. I specialize in working with people who have experienced being overwhelmed by events and experiences that have shaken their very foundations. I take time to assess your personal stress/trauma history and provide guidance and support to assist you in your recovery. I also help couples create sustained improvement in their relationship, creating more effective communication and fulfilling relationships.
(510) 377-1082 View (510) 377-1082
Photo of David Talavera, PhD, Psychologist
David Talavera
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94131
I'm an expert in treating chronic pain.
Hi, I’m Dr. David Talavera! I'm a licensed clinical psychologist who works with adults seeking growth, connection, and resilience. Whether you’re facing burnout, stress, anxiety, communication issues, comparisons challenges, grief, depression, or trauma, I am here to guide you through it with warmth and compassion. My approach to therapy is all about you. I take a client-centered approach, working with you to develop a deeper understanding of life's struggles and finding ways to overcome and grow stronger. Together, we’ll develop strategies to cope with hardships, promote healing, and ultimately empower you to be your own therapist.
I'm an expert in treating chronic pain.
Hi, I’m Dr. David Talavera! I'm a licensed clinical psychologist who works with adults seeking growth, connection, and resilience. Whether you’re facing burnout, stress, anxiety, communication issues, comparisons challenges, grief, depression, or trauma, I am here to guide you through it with warmth and compassion. My approach to therapy is all about you. I take a client-centered approach, working with you to develop a deeper understanding of life's struggles and finding ways to overcome and grow stronger. Together, we’ll develop strategies to cope with hardships, promote healing, and ultimately empower you to be your own therapist.
(805) 323-9492 View (805) 323-9492
Photo of Bayla G. Travis - Bayla Travis, Psy.D. - Pain Management Specialist, PsyD, Psychologist
Bayla Travis, Psy.D. - Pain Management Specialist
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110  (Online Only)
Using interventions like mindfulness, relaxation, behavior modification, thought substitution and education about the science of pain, I can help you decrease your symptoms and better care for yourself when symptoms do arise.
I work with individuals who have achieved success in many areas of their lives, yet struggle with chronic health issues that cause great levels of stress. For over a decade, I have helped people who have health challenges like headaches, back and neck pain, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s Disease. Often, these uncomfortable physical sensations lead to anxiety. And then the anxiety leads to an increase in physical symptoms. Which then leads to even greater levels of anxiety. I can help you interrupt this cycle, leading to you enjoying increased quality of life both personally and professionally.
Using interventions like mindfulness, relaxation, behavior modification, thought substitution and education about the science of pain, I can help you decrease your symptoms and better care for yourself when symptoms do arise.
I work with individuals who have achieved success in many areas of their lives, yet struggle with chronic health issues that cause great levels of stress. For over a decade, I have helped people who have health challenges like headaches, back and neck pain, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s Disease. Often, these uncomfortable physical sensations lead to anxiety. And then the anxiety leads to an increase in physical symptoms. Which then leads to even greater levels of anxiety. I can help you interrupt this cycle, leading to you enjoying increased quality of life both personally and professionally.
(510) 681-0018 View (510) 681-0018
Photo of Lucia C Cargill, PhD, MSN, MA, PHN, FNP-C
Lucia C Cargill
PhD, MSN, MA, PHN, FNP-C
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110
l am a cross-cultural specialist with a PhD in Medical Anthropology & a Family Nurse Practitioner with 15 years in psychiatric, pain & primary care practice.
Greetings! Welcome to our multidisciplinary, holistic, integrative mental health coaching practice. We are open to new ideas from Integrative/Functional Medicine, supportive care for your psychiatric needs, drug free care, and nutritional support. We believe whole body health is the best way to good brain health. Good brain health impacts mental health. We invite you to a different approach to brain health and mental health through coaching and support for referrals to the best functional medicine providers sourcing balance, resolution of inflammation & for all your whole body-mind-spirit healing. We invite you to join us for care.
l am a cross-cultural specialist with a PhD in Medical Anthropology & a Family Nurse Practitioner with 15 years in psychiatric, pain & primary care practice.
Greetings! Welcome to our multidisciplinary, holistic, integrative mental health coaching practice. We are open to new ideas from Integrative/Functional Medicine, supportive care for your psychiatric needs, drug free care, and nutritional support. We believe whole body health is the best way to good brain health. Good brain health impacts mental health. We invite you to a different approach to brain health and mental health through coaching and support for referrals to the best functional medicine providers sourcing balance, resolution of inflammation & for all your whole body-mind-spirit healing. We invite you to join us for care.
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Photo of Dr. Anna Yam, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Anna Yam
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94110
I'm a licensed clinical psychologist with over 15 years experience providing evidence-based care and support to individuals and couples. My areas of specialization include prenatal and postpartum (perinatal) mental health, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and chronic pain management, including pelvic pain conditions such as endometriosis, painful sex (dyspareunia), vulvodynia and vaginismus. I'm also certified in gerontology and work with older adults and caregivers. In addition to psychotherapy, I provide adult ADHD diagnostic assessment.
I'm a licensed clinical psychologist with over 15 years experience providing evidence-based care and support to individuals and couples. My areas of specialization include prenatal and postpartum (perinatal) mental health, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and chronic pain management, including pelvic pain conditions such as endometriosis, painful sex (dyspareunia), vulvodynia and vaginismus. I'm also certified in gerontology and work with older adults and caregivers. In addition to psychotherapy, I provide adult ADHD diagnostic assessment.
(858) 430-8069 View (858) 430-8069
Photo of Molly Garber - Molly Garber Therapy, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Molly Garber Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94131
I combine Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), motivational interviewing, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), and Solution-Focused Therapy to target feelings of dread, abandonment, isolation, anxiety, chronic pain, and the many other symptoms that may come up for you on a daily basis.
“Regardless of how long ago something happened, and regardless of how long symptoms have been there, it doesn’t need to be permanent.” - Getting Past Your Past (Shapiro, 2012) Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, interpersonal issues or other daily symptoms that leave you feeling discontent, there is a solution. By utilizing a client-centered approach, I meet you where you are from session-to-session in order to provide an environment focused on comfort, trust, and understanding. I see healing as a sine wave, with ups-and-downs but always on an upward trajectory. Together we will walk through your healing.
I combine Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), motivational interviewing, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), and Solution-Focused Therapy to target feelings of dread, abandonment, isolation, anxiety, chronic pain, and the many other symptoms that may come up for you on a daily basis.
“Regardless of how long ago something happened, and regardless of how long symptoms have been there, it doesn’t need to be permanent.” - Getting Past Your Past (Shapiro, 2012) Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, interpersonal issues or other daily symptoms that leave you feeling discontent, there is a solution. By utilizing a client-centered approach, I meet you where you are from session-to-session in order to provide an environment focused on comfort, trust, and understanding. I see healing as a sine wave, with ups-and-downs but always on an upward trajectory. Together we will walk through your healing.
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Photo of Dr. Emily Harrington - Health Psychology Center (for kids, teens, adults), Psychologist
Health Psychology Center (for kids, teens, adults)
Psychologist
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110
It can be overwhelming and exhausting to experience changes and fluctuations in your health, mood, sleep, and other areas of wellness. Dr. Emily Harrington, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, specializes in providing psychotherapy for kids, teens, & adults who are struggling with: chronic medical conditions, chronic pain, sleep difficulty, stress, anxiety, sadness, and difficulty adjusting to life transitions. At Health Psychology Center, we incorporate evidence-based techniques to help you navigate challenges with physical and mental health and move towards achieving your goals. Currently accepting a few new clients, ages 8 - adult!
It can be overwhelming and exhausting to experience changes and fluctuations in your health, mood, sleep, and other areas of wellness. Dr. Emily Harrington, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, specializes in providing psychotherapy for kids, teens, & adults who are struggling with: chronic medical conditions, chronic pain, sleep difficulty, stress, anxiety, sadness, and difficulty adjusting to life transitions. At Health Psychology Center, we incorporate evidence-based techniques to help you navigate challenges with physical and mental health and move towards achieving your goals. Currently accepting a few new clients, ages 8 - adult!
(510) 380-7139 View (510) 380-7139
Photo of Dr. Stephanie Randazzo, PsyD, Psychologist
Dr. Stephanie Randazzo
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94122  (Online Only)
My passion lies in supporting individuals with anxiety, panic attacks, and the impact of chronic pain.
As a clinical psychologist who treats chronic pain, anxiety disorders, and OCD, I am dedicated to helping adults navigate the complexities of these conditions. If you’re living with chronic pain, panic attacks, phobias, or persistent anxiety, you don’t have to face these challenges alone. Clients often reach out when they are looking for support in changing their actions to move towards their values in life. In our therapy sessions, we’ll focus on understanding your unique experiences and leveraging your strengths to achieve meaningful change.
My passion lies in supporting individuals with anxiety, panic attacks, and the impact of chronic pain.
As a clinical psychologist who treats chronic pain, anxiety disorders, and OCD, I am dedicated to helping adults navigate the complexities of these conditions. If you’re living with chronic pain, panic attacks, phobias, or persistent anxiety, you don’t have to face these challenges alone. Clients often reach out when they are looking for support in changing their actions to move towards their values in life. In our therapy sessions, we’ll focus on understanding your unique experiences and leveraging your strengths to achieve meaningful change.
(628) 313-5767 View (628) 313-5767
Photo of Shannon Hagan, PsyD, Psychologist
Shannon Hagan
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94116
I have worked extensively with couples and individuals, helping improve relationships, enhance spiritual practice, find greater joy and success, and improve pain management.
While life does have it's challenges, I am here to remind you that there is a path to a gentler, brighter, more playful future, both with our own selves and with our partners and loved one. Therapy can be a wonderful way to rediscover joy, aliveness and connectedness.
I have worked extensively with couples and individuals, helping improve relationships, enhance spiritual practice, find greater joy and success, and improve pain management.
While life does have it's challenges, I am here to remind you that there is a path to a gentler, brighter, more playful future, both with our own selves and with our partners and loved one. Therapy can be a wonderful way to rediscover joy, aliveness and connectedness.
(510) 949-5236 View (510) 949-5236
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.