Chronic Pain Therapists in San Carlos, CA

Photo of Michelle Mayes, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Michelle Mayes
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Carlos, CA 94070
I chose to be a therapist to help people heal from pain and life struggles.
Welcome to my page! I want to honor your courage in making it to this step in your therapy journey. At some point all of us will experience brokenness, and our past may leave its marks. I like to think of healing through therapy like Kintsugi—the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold. Instead of hiding the break, the gold honors its uniqueness and makes the pottery stronger than it was before. Like Kintsugi, our true beauty can be shown in the way we fill our cracks to help us heal. Our flaws and wounds make us who we are, and by honoring them through our restoration in therapy, we become stronger people.
I chose to be a therapist to help people heal from pain and life struggles.
Welcome to my page! I want to honor your courage in making it to this step in your therapy journey. At some point all of us will experience brokenness, and our past may leave its marks. I like to think of healing through therapy like Kintsugi—the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold. Instead of hiding the break, the gold honors its uniqueness and makes the pottery stronger than it was before. Like Kintsugi, our true beauty can be shown in the way we fill our cracks to help us heal. Our flaws and wounds make us who we are, and by honoring them through our restoration in therapy, we become stronger people.
(650) 435-4377 View (650) 435-4377
Photo of Zlatena Theodore, PsyD, Psychologist
Zlatena Theodore
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Carlos, CA 94070
The path to wellness can be challenging as your mental, emotional, and physical experiences all play a role in your overall welfare. I actively focus on the intersection between health and behavior to help optimize your well-being. I have specialized training in treating insomnia, chronic pain, weight management, adjustment to new diagnoses, and management of chronic health conditions. I also help individuals cope with psychological concerns, such as anxiety, depression, adjustment to life transitions, stress management, burnout, and relationship difficulties.
The path to wellness can be challenging as your mental, emotional, and physical experiences all play a role in your overall welfare. I actively focus on the intersection between health and behavior to help optimize your well-being. I have specialized training in treating insomnia, chronic pain, weight management, adjustment to new diagnoses, and management of chronic health conditions. I also help individuals cope with psychological concerns, such as anxiety, depression, adjustment to life transitions, stress management, burnout, and relationship difficulties.
(650) 337-3023 View (650) 337-3023
Photo of Monika - Grace, PhD, MDiv, ThM, MA, Psychologist
Monika - Grace
Psychologist, PhD, MDiv, ThM, MA
Verified Verified
San Carlos, CA 94071
I feel the greatest joy when I witness people's healing from emotional pain as they are making peace with the past and with the challenges of the present.
I am Rev. Dr. Monika Maria Grace and I welcome you to my page! In our first session together, I also welcome you to my real or virtual office and I invite you to make it your own safe space. I explain that therapy is a process, a relationship, and an adventure. It's also a gift of discovery and renewal that only you can give to yourself, especially in our challenging days. In this process, my role is to listen, to support, to challenge, to guide, and to celebrate you as you are becoming more courageous to face the parts of yourself you were avoiding, more accepting of yourself and of others, and fully present in your life.
I feel the greatest joy when I witness people's healing from emotional pain as they are making peace with the past and with the challenges of the present.
I am Rev. Dr. Monika Maria Grace and I welcome you to my page! In our first session together, I also welcome you to my real or virtual office and I invite you to make it your own safe space. I explain that therapy is a process, a relationship, and an adventure. It's also a gift of discovery and renewal that only you can give to yourself, especially in our challenging days. In this process, my role is to listen, to support, to challenge, to guide, and to celebrate you as you are becoming more courageous to face the parts of yourself you were avoiding, more accepting of yourself and of others, and fully present in your life.
(619) 430-4996 View (619) 430-4996
Photo of Randi L Wren, MA, BCC, CC
Randi L Wren
MA, BCC, CC
Verified Verified
San Carlos, CA 94070
Our loss and pain needs to be shared and eventually to find its way to meaning.
I am a seasoned spiritual health specialist, theologian, chaplain, and counselor. My passion is to discuss and reflect upon life's ultimate issues and guide one in deliberating existential questions. I use a hope-meaning-based spiritual model. This model blends reason and spirituality, science and faith, to form a unique psycho-spiritual practice to fight the darkness of suffering and loss and seek illumination. I specialize in helping clients make meaning and purpose in their own lives. We explore what it means to heal and how despair, sadness, and fear are a natural part of this process. We also face the fullness of death.
Our loss and pain needs to be shared and eventually to find its way to meaning.
I am a seasoned spiritual health specialist, theologian, chaplain, and counselor. My passion is to discuss and reflect upon life's ultimate issues and guide one in deliberating existential questions. I use a hope-meaning-based spiritual model. This model blends reason and spirituality, science and faith, to form a unique psycho-spiritual practice to fight the darkness of suffering and loss and seek illumination. I specialize in helping clients make meaning and purpose in their own lives. We explore what it means to heal and how despair, sadness, and fear are a natural part of this process. We also face the fullness of death.
(650) 405-1297 View (650) 405-1297
Photo of Maria Moran, PsyD, Psychologist
Maria Moran
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Carlos, CA 94070
Most people experience challenges at some point in their lives. Sometimes these challenges can be too overwhelming to tackle on our own. Whether it is facing difficult issues related to past or recent experiences, conflicted relationships, parenting, personal habits, health or employment, finding the courage and pathway to make positive changes through therapy and counseling can lead to a life full of health, wellness and growth.
Most people experience challenges at some point in their lives. Sometimes these challenges can be too overwhelming to tackle on our own. Whether it is facing difficult issues related to past or recent experiences, conflicted relationships, parenting, personal habits, health or employment, finding the courage and pathway to make positive changes through therapy and counseling can lead to a life full of health, wellness and growth.
(650) 741-4105 View (650) 741-4105
Photo of Sharon L Fu, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sharon L Fu
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Carlos, CA 94070
Who doesn't need therapy? Therapy is unique. It is a safe space where you can be completely who you are. Within the therapy relationship, you are able to say things that you have bottled up, you are given opportunity to identify your blind spots without judgment or shame, and you are able to attune to what you really want in life. I am a big believer in hearing your own voice, getting in touch with your values, and making decisions that align with what is important to you.
Who doesn't need therapy? Therapy is unique. It is a safe space where you can be completely who you are. Within the therapy relationship, you are able to say things that you have bottled up, you are given opportunity to identify your blind spots without judgment or shame, and you are able to attune to what you really want in life. I am a big believer in hearing your own voice, getting in touch with your values, and making decisions that align with what is important to you.
(650) 263-8428 View (650) 263-8428
Photo of Nathaniel Pyzik, MA, LPCC, BC-DMT
Nathaniel Pyzik
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC, BC-DMT
Verified Verified
San Carlos, CA 94070
Nathaniel is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and a Board-Certified Dance/Movement Therapist. Dance/movement therapy uses dance and movement to help explore and express thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Nathaniel also uses a person-centered approach and draws from a variety of techniques, including cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and existential therapy. Through the collaborative and creative process of therapy, clients can learn to express themselves authentically, improve self-awareness, and create meaningful relationships with themselves and others.
Nathaniel is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and a Board-Certified Dance/Movement Therapist. Dance/movement therapy uses dance and movement to help explore and express thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Nathaniel also uses a person-centered approach and draws from a variety of techniques, including cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and existential therapy. Through the collaborative and creative process of therapy, clients can learn to express themselves authentically, improve self-awareness, and create meaningful relationships with themselves and others.
(650) 275-6270 View (650) 275-6270
Photo of Cynthia Gallagher, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cynthia Gallagher
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Carlos, CA 94070
My psychotherapy services are tailored to meet the individual needs of my clients. I approach your problems with curiosity and kindness as I believe you are the expert on your own experience. I will work with you to help guide you, learn new tools, and make positive choices that fit for you, your family, and your life. I draw from a variety of techniques to help adults learn how to manage daily stresses and live a full and rewarding life.
My psychotherapy services are tailored to meet the individual needs of my clients. I approach your problems with curiosity and kindness as I believe you are the expert on your own experience. I will work with you to help guide you, learn new tools, and make positive choices that fit for you, your family, and your life. I draw from a variety of techniques to help adults learn how to manage daily stresses and live a full and rewarding life.
(650) 482-8090 View (650) 482-8090
Photo of Anna McQuinn, PhD, MFT, PSY, Psychologist
Anna McQuinn
Psychologist, PhD, MFT, PSY
Verified Verified
San Carlos, CA 94070
Dr. McQuinn is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and a licensed Marital and Family therapist. Dr. Anna McQuinn has been a Tenured Professor of Notre Dame de Namur University where she has been chair of the Clinical Psychology Graduate Department since 1987. She has also been an Adjunct Faculty member at the University of San Francisco graduate Psychology program. Currently she is a Professor Emeritus at the NDNU & has a private practice in San Carlos. She believes that Psychotherapy Healing takes place within the relational model. There is a profound unconscious connection between therapist and client & a mutuality of influence.
Dr. McQuinn is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and a licensed Marital and Family therapist. Dr. Anna McQuinn has been a Tenured Professor of Notre Dame de Namur University where she has been chair of the Clinical Psychology Graduate Department since 1987. She has also been an Adjunct Faculty member at the University of San Francisco graduate Psychology program. Currently she is a Professor Emeritus at the NDNU & has a private practice in San Carlos. She believes that Psychotherapy Healing takes place within the relational model. There is a profound unconscious connection between therapist and client & a mutuality of influence.
(650) 508-1942 View (650) 508-1942
Photo of Shayna Keller, MBA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Shayna Keller
Pre-Licensed Professional, MBA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Carlos, CA 94070
Many of us struggle each day under the weight of old wounds, challenging relationship dynamics, and internalized narratives that keep us from thriving. Your suffering and symptoms might feel like too much to hold alone. We all have the ability to navigate and adapt to adverse life events and circumstances, and therapy can help us cultivate the sense of agency and clarity we need to create inner and outer change. I will provide compassionate presence and a safe environment where you can begin to explore the parts of yourself that are hurting, be seen in all your complexity, and work collaboratively toward healing.
Many of us struggle each day under the weight of old wounds, challenging relationship dynamics, and internalized narratives that keep us from thriving. Your suffering and symptoms might feel like too much to hold alone. We all have the ability to navigate and adapt to adverse life events and circumstances, and therapy can help us cultivate the sense of agency and clarity we need to create inner and outer change. I will provide compassionate presence and a safe environment where you can begin to explore the parts of yourself that are hurting, be seen in all your complexity, and work collaboratively toward healing.
(628) 203-1611 View (628) 203-1611
Photo of Merrill Powers, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Merrill Powers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Carlos, CA 94070
Worried? Anxious? Blue? Feelings can be the result of your situation,or they can be triggered by deeper issues such as attachment, trauma, and unprocessed memories. EMDR "turbocharges" the processing of painful memories. Adults, teens, and children with a history of abuse, trauma, and loss can heal quickly. I also specialize in resolving relationship issues and helping families become stronger. Whether you need help to navigate life transitions or to realize your full potential for emotional growth, therapy is a highly interactive process. Together we develop a plan for treatment involving care and commitment. Feel better!
Worried? Anxious? Blue? Feelings can be the result of your situation,or they can be triggered by deeper issues such as attachment, trauma, and unprocessed memories. EMDR "turbocharges" the processing of painful memories. Adults, teens, and children with a history of abuse, trauma, and loss can heal quickly. I also specialize in resolving relationship issues and helping families become stronger. Whether you need help to navigate life transitions or to realize your full potential for emotional growth, therapy is a highly interactive process. Together we develop a plan for treatment involving care and commitment. Feel better!
(530) 616-8979 View (530) 616-8979
Photo of Nicole Barr, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Nicole Barr
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Carlos, CA 94070
If you are here, you are motivated to make some changes: I provide, practical, evidence based approaches to improving relationships (premarital, transitions such as parenting, co-parenting) or coping with life stressors, particularly when medical issues (cancer, grief, fertility issues) or one partner's mental health issues are involved. As an LMFT who is also a nurse practitioner, I bring a unique perspective to my counseling practice. My clients ideally experience peace of mind, greater closeness in your relationships, and discover new ways of coping and finding joy even in difficult circumstances.
If you are here, you are motivated to make some changes: I provide, practical, evidence based approaches to improving relationships (premarital, transitions such as parenting, co-parenting) or coping with life stressors, particularly when medical issues (cancer, grief, fertility issues) or one partner's mental health issues are involved. As an LMFT who is also a nurse practitioner, I bring a unique perspective to my counseling practice. My clients ideally experience peace of mind, greater closeness in your relationships, and discover new ways of coping and finding joy even in difficult circumstances.
(415) 843-7846 View (415) 843-7846
Photo of Helen Rodriguez, MSN, CNS
Helen Rodriguez
MSN, CNS
Verified Verified
San Carlos, CA 94070
Awaken to the Possibilities..Change Your life for the Better! For over 20 years I have been helping people overcome and grow beyond their painful emotions and relationships, gain access to their personal longings and inner resources, and discover their deepest wisdom. Clients tell me that I have not only helped them resolve their presenting symptoms but also helped them heal the underlying source of their problems. Most people feel significantly better and are more prepared to cultivate their lives in uniquely rich and meaningful ways.
Awaken to the Possibilities..Change Your life for the Better! For over 20 years I have been helping people overcome and grow beyond their painful emotions and relationships, gain access to their personal longings and inner resources, and discover their deepest wisdom. Clients tell me that I have not only helped them resolve their presenting symptoms but also helped them heal the underlying source of their problems. Most people feel significantly better and are more prepared to cultivate their lives in uniquely rich and meaningful ways.
(650) 918-4805 View (650) 918-4805
Photo of Carolee Stabno, PsyD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Carolee Stabno
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Carlos, CA 94070
As a solution-focused, culturally sensitive therapist, my treatment approach is to provide support and feedback to clients to help them resolve current problems, and work through life transitions and issues. Additionally, I have had extensive experience in the treatment of depression, panic disorder, anxiety, addiction, trauma, and loss & grief. With sensitivity and compassion, I help clients find solutions to a wide range of life challenges and psychological issues.
As a solution-focused, culturally sensitive therapist, my treatment approach is to provide support and feedback to clients to help them resolve current problems, and work through life transitions and issues. Additionally, I have had extensive experience in the treatment of depression, panic disorder, anxiety, addiction, trauma, and loss & grief. With sensitivity and compassion, I help clients find solutions to a wide range of life challenges and psychological issues.
(650) 209-7713 View (650) 209-7713
Photo of E. Ann Langley - Ann Langley, PhD, PhD, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ann Langley, PhD
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Carlos, CA 94070
Are you unhappy in your primary relationship? Have you suffered the loss of a love? Are addictions (yours or your partners) hurting you and the people you love? Would you like to have a more fulfilling sexual relationship with your partner? I have been helping couples increase emotional and physical intimacy for over 20 years. I take a directive approach to helping couples communicate more effectively. Often they find this results in more frequent supportive and loving interactions. Therapy can help you become more empowered in all your relationships. This often results in being more productive at work as well.
Are you unhappy in your primary relationship? Have you suffered the loss of a love? Are addictions (yours or your partners) hurting you and the people you love? Would you like to have a more fulfilling sexual relationship with your partner? I have been helping couples increase emotional and physical intimacy for over 20 years. I take a directive approach to helping couples communicate more effectively. Often they find this results in more frequent supportive and loving interactions. Therapy can help you become more empowered in all your relationships. This often results in being more productive at work as well.
(650) 209-7978 View (650) 209-7978
Photo of Holly L Pedersen - Holly Pedersen, PhD, MFT, PhD, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Holly Pedersen, PhD, MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
San Carlos, CA 94070
Waitlist for new clients
My goal is to provide you with compassionate understanding and a clear plan for moving forward, whatever this means for you. It may mean overcoming anxiety or depression, improving your relationship, helping a struggling teen, or finding your way after a life change or loss. It could also mean helping you enjoy life more, regardless of what is happening around you. I have been providing therapy to individual adults and adolescents, as well as couples and families for over 20 years. I work with a diverse range of emotional, behavioral and relationship issues, utilizing the most effective research-based treatment models.
My goal is to provide you with compassionate understanding and a clear plan for moving forward, whatever this means for you. It may mean overcoming anxiety or depression, improving your relationship, helping a struggling teen, or finding your way after a life change or loss. It could also mean helping you enjoy life more, regardless of what is happening around you. I have been providing therapy to individual adults and adolescents, as well as couples and families for over 20 years. I work with a diverse range of emotional, behavioral and relationship issues, utilizing the most effective research-based treatment models.
(650) 469-8652 View (650) 469-8652
Photo of Pedro Adrian Cortez-McLaughlin, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Pedro Adrian Cortez-McLaughlin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Carlos, CA 94070
Waitlist for new clients
My ideal client is someone who's interested in addressing and working on whatever their struggling with directly and openly. Perhaps you are no longer enjoying things you used to, or experiencing nervousness or tension in your work. Maybe you're worried all the time or you only have negative thoughts. My ideal client could be anyone, younger or older and ideally in California as I can only work in this state.
My ideal client is someone who's interested in addressing and working on whatever their struggling with directly and openly. Perhaps you are no longer enjoying things you used to, or experiencing nervousness or tension in your work. Maybe you're worried all the time or you only have negative thoughts. My ideal client could be anyone, younger or older and ideally in California as I can only work in this state.
(650) 405-3575 View (650) 405-3575
Photo of Cindy Lin, PsyD, Psychologist
Cindy Lin
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Carlos, CA 94070
My role is to guide and help you in developing insight, greater satisfaction, and symptom relief. I provide support by discussing your concerns and feelings, and by helping you resolve and move towards your goals, such as fulfillment, belonging, to cope with hardship or to feel 'unstuck'. I guide you in examining your situation, struggles and relationships, facilitating deeper understanding and strengths to make positive shifts. My style is warm, collaborative and engaging. I compassionately promote therapeutic healing, growth & change. For youth, I practice a combo of play, talk and behavioral therapy, parent coaching/support.
My role is to guide and help you in developing insight, greater satisfaction, and symptom relief. I provide support by discussing your concerns and feelings, and by helping you resolve and move towards your goals, such as fulfillment, belonging, to cope with hardship or to feel 'unstuck'. I guide you in examining your situation, struggles and relationships, facilitating deeper understanding and strengths to make positive shifts. My style is warm, collaborative and engaging. I compassionately promote therapeutic healing, growth & change. For youth, I practice a combo of play, talk and behavioral therapy, parent coaching/support.
(650) 753-5068 View (650) 753-5068

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Uta Maeda, PhD, Psychologist
Uta Maeda
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Redwood City, CA 94063
The impact of chronic pain often goes far beyond the body, and may leave you feeling depressed, anxious, angry, and isolated. As a pain psychologist, I can help you build effective coping tools to take back control over your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and physical symptoms so that you can live a meaningful life that is not defined by your pain. I emphasize a collaborative, solution-focused approach to therapy, and will work with you to create a treatment plan that takes into account the unique biological, psychological, and social factors that make you who you are.
The impact of chronic pain often goes far beyond the body, and may leave you feeling depressed, anxious, angry, and isolated. As a pain psychologist, I can help you build effective coping tools to take back control over your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and physical symptoms so that you can live a meaningful life that is not defined by your pain. I emphasize a collaborative, solution-focused approach to therapy, and will work with you to create a treatment plan that takes into account the unique biological, psychological, and social factors that make you who you are.
(650) 852-1304 View (650) 852-1304
Photo of Radhika Reddy, PhD, Psychologist
Radhika Reddy
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Redwood City, CA 94063  (Online Only)
, ACT), Brainspotting, Pain Reprocessing Therapy, etc.
Welcome! Thank you for checking out my page, and more importantly, for taking this step to invest in yourself! You likely are struggling significantly with something and looking for guidance. You may be wondering if I could be the therapist by your side on this journey. Here's a little about me to help you make an informed decision: My style of therapy is thoughtful, warm, compassionate, non-judgmental, highly collaborative, and results-driven. You are the expert on you (your child), and are likely coming to me for expertise in specific therapies to help you get to where you are heading. As a team we can get there quicker!
, ACT), Brainspotting, Pain Reprocessing Therapy, etc.
Welcome! Thank you for checking out my page, and more importantly, for taking this step to invest in yourself! You likely are struggling significantly with something and looking for guidance. You may be wondering if I could be the therapist by your side on this journey. Here's a little about me to help you make an informed decision: My style of therapy is thoughtful, warm, compassionate, non-judgmental, highly collaborative, and results-driven. You are the expert on you (your child), and are likely coming to me for expertise in specific therapies to help you get to where you are heading. As a team we can get there quicker!
(650) 727-1805 View (650) 727-1805
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.