Chronic Pain Therapists in Palo Alto, CA
![Photo of Sarah Parnow, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1798ad02-2107-465d-ad80-19a0d715a2ef/1/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in working with adults facing medical diagnosis, chronic illness, and life changes.
Does life feel unrecognizable right now? Maybe you are facing a new reality, one you did not expect to be facing now, or possibly ever. You heard what the doctors said, but it still doesn’t feel quite real, like tomorrow when you wake up you’ll realize this was all just a very bad dream. It feels terrifying, uncomfortable, and exhausting, and you are having a hard time focusing your attention on anything else. You may find your thoughts rapidly cycling between endless “what if” and “how did I get here?” spirals. You are definitely not alone in feeling this way.
I specialize in working with adults facing medical diagnosis, chronic illness, and life changes.
Does life feel unrecognizable right now? Maybe you are facing a new reality, one you did not expect to be facing now, or possibly ever. You heard what the doctors said, but it still doesn’t feel quite real, like tomorrow when you wake up you’ll realize this was all just a very bad dream. It feels terrifying, uncomfortable, and exhausting, and you are having a hard time focusing your attention on anything else. You may find your thoughts rapidly cycling between endless “what if” and “how did I get here?” spirals. You are definitely not alone in feeling this way.
![Photo of Roxanne Shooshani, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/825fdbc8-88d2-48d5-8657-87c9404a2bab/1/320x400.jpeg)
Roxanne Shooshani
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94301 (Online Only)
Are you struggling to cope with getting through the day? Feeling burnt out, anxious, depressed, and isolated? If you are experiencing emotional difficulties, you do not have to go through it alone. I can support you through life's many challenges - Whether it's the mental health impacts from chronic pain, medical illnesses, social isolation, questioning your gender and/or sexuality, trauma, difficulties in relationships, existential issues, grief, or the hardships that come along with being in different stages of life - from teenagehood to older age.
Are you struggling to cope with getting through the day? Feeling burnt out, anxious, depressed, and isolated? If you are experiencing emotional difficulties, you do not have to go through it alone. I can support you through life's many challenges - Whether it's the mental health impacts from chronic pain, medical illnesses, social isolation, questioning your gender and/or sexuality, trauma, difficulties in relationships, existential issues, grief, or the hardships that come along with being in different stages of life - from teenagehood to older age.
![Photo of Alina Liu, PsyD, MSW, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/401da17d-c975-4c87-8036-44ee8e3a5796/6/320x400.jpeg)
Anxiety and emotional pain are part of being human, but you don't have to suffer alone and I am here to help.
Are you burned out from "imposter syndrome" at work, stuck in an unfulfilling relationship, or feeling perpetually disconnected and isolated? Living inauthentically can feel exhausting. I work with individuals and couples to provide a range of therapy services from short-term evidence-based treatment for anxiety/depression to long-term relational work. Mental health is about having choices; in our first session, I am excited to get to know you and walk you through the process of therapy. My goal is to help you release painful emotions, reflect on patterns of thoughts and behaviors, and reconnect with a deeper sense of inner freedom.
Anxiety and emotional pain are part of being human, but you don't have to suffer alone and I am here to help.
Are you burned out from "imposter syndrome" at work, stuck in an unfulfilling relationship, or feeling perpetually disconnected and isolated? Living inauthentically can feel exhausting. I work with individuals and couples to provide a range of therapy services from short-term evidence-based treatment for anxiety/depression to long-term relational work. Mental health is about having choices; in our first session, I am excited to get to know you and walk you through the process of therapy. My goal is to help you release painful emotions, reflect on patterns of thoughts and behaviors, and reconnect with a deeper sense of inner freedom.
![Photo of Christopher Scott, PhD, Licensed Psychoanalyst](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/299174d4-c22e-4fd3-8054-154b1e3e68cd/3/320x400.jpeg)
I facilitate a process that helps you feel less pain and greater freedom in your life.
People come to see me when they are stuck. This painful experience of not being able to find a way forward shows up in many ways: anxiety, career stagnation, depression, grief, relationship difficulties, self-criticism, sexuality, trauma. Speaking offers a way out of this suffering. In our work together, I will invite you to speak about your life and what is on your mind in detail—past and present, fantasy and reality. I will help bring you closer to your desire, conflict, and pain so you can understand the meaning that hides behind your suffering. This work offers a way forward that is more alive.
I facilitate a process that helps you feel less pain and greater freedom in your life.
People come to see me when they are stuck. This painful experience of not being able to find a way forward shows up in many ways: anxiety, career stagnation, depression, grief, relationship difficulties, self-criticism, sexuality, trauma. Speaking offers a way out of this suffering. In our work together, I will invite you to speak about your life and what is on your mind in detail—past and present, fantasy and reality. I will help bring you closer to your desire, conflict, and pain so you can understand the meaning that hides behind your suffering. This work offers a way forward that is more alive.
![Photo of Dr. Katherine Plambeck, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a1db7c6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Katherine Plambeck
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94301 (Online Only)
I believe therapy is a collaborative process that can lead to powerful transformations and enrichment. Life presents us with many challenges and my aim is to help you live a meaningful life even when difficulties or pain are present. I use what matters to you most as a guide towards making changes in your life. I offer specific strategies and tools that help shift your relationship to difficult thoughts and feelings, and take steps towards your personal goals. I strive to create a space that is respectful, warm, and welcoming to all. I specialize in evidence-based and mindfulness approaches within a culturally sensitive framework.
I believe therapy is a collaborative process that can lead to powerful transformations and enrichment. Life presents us with many challenges and my aim is to help you live a meaningful life even when difficulties or pain are present. I use what matters to you most as a guide towards making changes in your life. I offer specific strategies and tools that help shift your relationship to difficult thoughts and feelings, and take steps towards your personal goals. I strive to create a space that is respectful, warm, and welcoming to all. I specialize in evidence-based and mindfulness approaches within a culturally sensitive framework.
![Photo of Anna Alper, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/569350da-d25d-4508-9805-62d9eb5a2f9f/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have extensive experience working in medical social work with patients who are battling cancer and helping with adjustment to illness, supporting caregivers, providing pre-bereavement & grief support.
I once heard this metaphor about the lotus flower: "The lotus flower grows deep in muddy waters, far away from the sun. In time the Lotus reaches the light and transforms into a beautiful flower." You may be faced with many challenges right now: stress, anxiety, a terminal diagnosis, or perhaps you are experiencing loss of a loved one. Like the lotus flower, it may seem that everything around you is dark and the light seems very distant. It is my passion to help get you through that muddy water and help you bloom into the beautiful lotus that I know you are.
I have extensive experience working in medical social work with patients who are battling cancer and helping with adjustment to illness, supporting caregivers, providing pre-bereavement & grief support.
I once heard this metaphor about the lotus flower: "The lotus flower grows deep in muddy waters, far away from the sun. In time the Lotus reaches the light and transforms into a beautiful flower." You may be faced with many challenges right now: stress, anxiety, a terminal diagnosis, or perhaps you are experiencing loss of a loved one. Like the lotus flower, it may seem that everything around you is dark and the light seems very distant. It is my passion to help get you through that muddy water and help you bloom into the beautiful lotus that I know you are.
![Photo of Nichole E Sperling - Sanctuary Counseling & Psychotherapy, MSW, LCSW, CCM, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d859cc35-2233-4adf-98b2-93dd224865d7/2/320x400.png)
Sanctuary Counseling & Psychotherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CCM
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94301 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Depression, anxiety, trauma, chronic illness, addictions and emotional challenges can disrupt our lives and everything we hold dear. I will work with you to develop a plan and set reachable goals to improve your quality of life.
Depression, anxiety, trauma, chronic illness, addictions and emotional challenges can disrupt our lives and everything we hold dear. I will work with you to develop a plan and set reachable goals to improve your quality of life.
![Photo of Marianna Krapivner, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49aa695e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Anyone who has ever experienced trauma cannot overlook the excruciating pain and fear it instills in the body and mind. Such pain, if left unattended may morph into depression, anxiety, chronic physical pain, and profound sense of loss and continuous grief. It can mask our identity and destroy our lifestyle. We turn out to be disoriented, stuck, and confined. Our lives become foreign to us. We find ourselves witnessing its broadcast, as opposed to fully experiencing it in the moment. Hence, we turn to our defenses in the form of compensatory behaviors, such as addiction and compulsions or lose the meaning of life.
Anyone who has ever experienced trauma cannot overlook the excruciating pain and fear it instills in the body and mind. Such pain, if left unattended may morph into depression, anxiety, chronic physical pain, and profound sense of loss and continuous grief. It can mask our identity and destroy our lifestyle. We turn out to be disoriented, stuck, and confined. Our lives become foreign to us. We find ourselves witnessing its broadcast, as opposed to fully experiencing it in the moment. Hence, we turn to our defenses in the form of compensatory behaviors, such as addiction and compulsions or lose the meaning of life.
![Photo of Angela Li - Angela Li: Brainspotting Anxiety Trauma Therapist, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/68336e67-4848-4df6-acfe-bef89b3823c4/3/320x400.jpeg)
Angela Li: Brainspotting Anxiety Trauma Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94301
I work with trauma/PTSD, anxiety, psychosomatic issues, chronic pain, medical injuries/anxiety, GAD, phobias, panic, social anxiety, OCD, life transitions, boundaries, inter-generational cultural problems, and depression.
Are trauma, anxiety and insecurity controlling your life, preventing you from pursuing your dreams and living life to the fullest? Do you relive the past as if it were happening right now? Your head knows better, but it fails to convince your heart otherwise. As horrible as those experiences were in the past, they continue to zap away your joy and confidence today. You might even avoid situations that trigger the feelings. Are there any lost part of you that you'd like to return to? Do others believe in your competence more than you believe in yourself? What would it be like if life was driven by passion and joy, not fear or shame?
I work with trauma/PTSD, anxiety, psychosomatic issues, chronic pain, medical injuries/anxiety, GAD, phobias, panic, social anxiety, OCD, life transitions, boundaries, inter-generational cultural problems, and depression.
Are trauma, anxiety and insecurity controlling your life, preventing you from pursuing your dreams and living life to the fullest? Do you relive the past as if it were happening right now? Your head knows better, but it fails to convince your heart otherwise. As horrible as those experiences were in the past, they continue to zap away your joy and confidence today. You might even avoid situations that trigger the feelings. Are there any lost part of you that you'd like to return to? Do others believe in your competence more than you believe in yourself? What would it be like if life was driven by passion and joy, not fear or shame?
![Photo of Griselda Garcilazo, LPCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d7bbd7b8-30f0-47e3-b881-641eec932425/2/320x400.jpeg)
Griselda Garcilazo
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94306
Griselda Garcilazo BA from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and an MS in Counseling with a dual specialization in Clinical Counseling and School Counseling from Loma Linda University. Griselda has worked with complex care patients including ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), Muscular Dystrophy, Parkinson’s, Headache, and Bariatric surgery patients. Griselda specializes in end-of-life, terminal, and progressive diagnoses, chronic health conditions, grief, PTSD, trauma, anxiety and mood disorders, crisis intervention, veteran, school counseling, and life transitions for individuals, couples, and families.
Griselda Garcilazo BA from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and an MS in Counseling with a dual specialization in Clinical Counseling and School Counseling from Loma Linda University. Griselda has worked with complex care patients including ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), Muscular Dystrophy, Parkinson’s, Headache, and Bariatric surgery patients. Griselda specializes in end-of-life, terminal, and progressive diagnoses, chronic health conditions, grief, PTSD, trauma, anxiety and mood disorders, crisis intervention, veteran, school counseling, and life transitions for individuals, couples, and families.
![Photo of Sheena Rogers - Canopy Counseling & EMDR, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/29615680-a801-401d-b0fd-441d647d4f0e/3/320x400.jpeg)
Canopy Counseling & EMDR
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94303 (Online Only)
My clients usually come to me with severe anxiety, depression, or relationship patterns that seem to keep repeating themselves. They might constantly feel like they are not good enough, or have trouble relaxing and unwinding. They might be triggered by seemingly minor things that send them spiraling into self-doubt and anxiety/depression. All of the above experiences are very common responses to trauma. Together, we’ll work through these triggers so you can feel more like you’re in the driver’s seat.
My clients usually come to me with severe anxiety, depression, or relationship patterns that seem to keep repeating themselves. They might constantly feel like they are not good enough, or have trouble relaxing and unwinding. They might be triggered by seemingly minor things that send them spiraling into self-doubt and anxiety/depression. All of the above experiences are very common responses to trauma. Together, we’ll work through these triggers so you can feel more like you’re in the driver’s seat.
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![Photo of Sara C Gifford, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e9ee67f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
NOTE: I am currently only seeing clients vis Telehealth due to COVID precautions. I provide a compassionate, collaborative approach to therapy, whether it be for depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship or parenting issues, or what has brought you to seek help. My practice involves tailoring the method to fit the client, in order to strengthen your resources and create the changes you are longing for. I believe that every person's journey through life is unique, but not without struggle, and am committed to helping you feel safe, engaged, and above all, to be a dedicated partner in navigating your healing process.
NOTE: I am currently only seeing clients vis Telehealth due to COVID precautions. I provide a compassionate, collaborative approach to therapy, whether it be for depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship or parenting issues, or what has brought you to seek help. My practice involves tailoring the method to fit the client, in order to strengthen your resources and create the changes you are longing for. I believe that every person's journey through life is unique, but not without struggle, and am committed to helping you feel safe, engaged, and above all, to be a dedicated partner in navigating your healing process.
![Photo of Rayna Hirst, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/af9578a1-8db2-4407-9fd2-ac76ea8c5b41/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Rayna Hirst is a licensed clinical neuropsychologist conducting neuropsychological evaluations, including dementia, psychiatric disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, ADHD), and medical/neurological diagnoses (e.g., multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, traumatic brain injury, neuro-oncology). Dr. Hirst is an Associate Professor and Director of the Neuropsychology Program at Palo Alto University, providing didactic and supervisory education to doctoral students who are training in clinical neuropsychology.
Dr. Rayna Hirst is a licensed clinical neuropsychologist conducting neuropsychological evaluations, including dementia, psychiatric disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, ADHD), and medical/neurological diagnoses (e.g., multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, traumatic brain injury, neuro-oncology). Dr. Hirst is an Associate Professor and Director of the Neuropsychology Program at Palo Alto University, providing didactic and supervisory education to doctoral students who are training in clinical neuropsychology.
![Photo of Saige Savannah Portera, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1f7371ad-19c8-4420-b209-15df0d665929/2/320x400.png)
Hi, my name is Dr. Saige and I am a licensed pediatric psychologist located in the Bay Area. I specialize in providing diagnostic evaluations for children aged 6-16 years old to better understand your child and how to best support them. Another passion is working with youths diagnosed with chronic illnesses. I look forward to supporting your family!
Hi, my name is Dr. Saige and I am a licensed pediatric psychologist located in the Bay Area. I specialize in providing diagnostic evaluations for children aged 6-16 years old to better understand your child and how to best support them. Another passion is working with youths diagnosed with chronic illnesses. I look forward to supporting your family!
![Photo of Naomi Brown, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/14f3f85c-9152-4921-b65c-c7b606f7f36e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Healing Self Esteem, Understanding self and learning to cope with challenging life situations; Healing relationships (couple, family, colleague, peer, friendships); Cultural and racial identity, coping with racism, BIPOC concerns, College and graduate student mental health; Eating disorders and body Image; Healing from depression and anxiety; Mindful living and meditation practice.
Healing Self Esteem, Understanding self and learning to cope with challenging life situations; Healing relationships (couple, family, colleague, peer, friendships); Cultural and racial identity, coping with racism, BIPOC concerns, College and graduate student mental health; Eating disorders and body Image; Healing from depression and anxiety; Mindful living and meditation practice.
![Photo of Gloria M Kardong, MD, DFAPA, DABPN](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8b92cb0f-df32-4e70-a052-8f6d2c1069ff/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a psychiatrist providing psychotherapy and/or psychopharmacology, depending on the client's needs. I believe it is important to offer individualized care based on the client's problems, concerns and preferences. My style is warm, collaborative and interactive. I can help with a practical, solution-focused approach for current problems. I also do exploratory therapy to address unresolved issues from the past that may be interfering with living your life as fully as possible. My clients also seek depth therapy to promote personal growth, insight and self awareness. LICENSED IN 20 STATES--Virtual therapy and med management.
I am a psychiatrist providing psychotherapy and/or psychopharmacology, depending on the client's needs. I believe it is important to offer individualized care based on the client's problems, concerns and preferences. My style is warm, collaborative and interactive. I can help with a practical, solution-focused approach for current problems. I also do exploratory therapy to address unresolved issues from the past that may be interfering with living your life as fully as possible. My clients also seek depth therapy to promote personal growth, insight and self awareness. LICENSED IN 20 STATES--Virtual therapy and med management.
![Photo of Melissa O'Donnell, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51f23d44-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
The decision to enter therapy can be a difficult one. For many, recent and/or previous stressors have begun to feel insurmountable, and seem to be getting in the way of living a full, meaningful life. I strive to provide a safe, supportive, and accepting atmosphere in order to truly understand each individual's lived-experience. I also work together with my clients, flexibly tailoring evidence-based interventions to best meet their unique needs and goals. In doing so, I help clients to develop greater awareness of their strengths, build resiliency, and learn new strategies for overcoming emotional suffering.
The decision to enter therapy can be a difficult one. For many, recent and/or previous stressors have begun to feel insurmountable, and seem to be getting in the way of living a full, meaningful life. I strive to provide a safe, supportive, and accepting atmosphere in order to truly understand each individual's lived-experience. I also work together with my clients, flexibly tailoring evidence-based interventions to best meet their unique needs and goals. In doing so, I help clients to develop greater awareness of their strengths, build resiliency, and learn new strategies for overcoming emotional suffering.
![Photo of Sarah Adler - Sarah Adler @ Wave Life, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b13d2cd-bcc4-495b-b1f4-2675544e9585/1/320x400.png)
If you are looking to feel better and live a life filled with meaning, we would love to help. I'm a Stanford Professor and Licensed Clinical Psychologist, and my career has been devoted to make emotional wellbeing an achievable part of everyday life. I developed Wave Life to ensure people can get expert, personalized, culturally humble care that empowers them to live every day fully. Check out our website to see if Wave is right for you. We are also thrilled to be in-Network with Aetna in CA, and you can also use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
If you are looking to feel better and live a life filled with meaning, we would love to help. I'm a Stanford Professor and Licensed Clinical Psychologist, and my career has been devoted to make emotional wellbeing an achievable part of everyday life. I developed Wave Life to ensure people can get expert, personalized, culturally humble care that empowers them to live every day fully. Check out our website to see if Wave is right for you. We are also thrilled to be in-Network with Aetna in CA, and you can also use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
![Photo of Jennifer Martin, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/23daa440-7391-421b-9c62-5db74baa4306/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer Martin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94306 (Online Only)
I graduated from California Institute of Integral Studies with a Masters in Counseling Psychology, and have done extensive training in Person-Centered Expressive Arts. My clinical background includes focus on community based mental health, family and child therapy, grief and loss, and complex trauma. I currently work in private practice and also as a supervisor at a community based mental health agency.
I graduated from California Institute of Integral Studies with a Masters in Counseling Psychology, and have done extensive training in Person-Centered Expressive Arts. My clinical background includes focus on community based mental health, family and child therapy, grief and loss, and complex trauma. I currently work in private practice and also as a supervisor at a community based mental health agency.
![Photo of Amanda Martino, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c4c43eef-65a1-411c-9a0e-40e0f40af16b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Amanda Martino
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94306 (Online Only)
Anxiety, depression, stress, loneliness, difficulties in school/work/family and relationships, feeling "not enough"....being a human is really hard. People aren’t weak, damaged, or broken for struggling with life and seeking therapy. You are brave, strong, courageous, curious, insightful, inspirational, proactive and worthy of support. Therapy gives you a chance to explore who you are and learn to identify what you feel really proud of. We can identify what things aren’t working well for you and what you can do about those to improve how you feel on a daily basis and about life overall.
Anxiety, depression, stress, loneliness, difficulties in school/work/family and relationships, feeling "not enough"....being a human is really hard. People aren’t weak, damaged, or broken for struggling with life and seeking therapy. You are brave, strong, courageous, curious, insightful, inspirational, proactive and worthy of support. Therapy gives you a chance to explore who you are and learn to identify what you feel really proud of. We can identify what things aren’t working well for you and what you can do about those to improve how you feel on a daily basis and about life overall.
See more therapy options for Palo Alto
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